In
addition to conducting private sessions, I am available to present writing and
publishing workshops ranging from 1 to 8 sessions. I can present them at your
facility or my office.
An example of my 6-week “Writing
& Publishing Workshop”:
2-hour, 6 week sessions
Ages of Participants: 13+ (or grades 4, 5, and 6)
Class size: Max. 10
Participants Supply: Pen, pencil,
paper, or laptop
Facilitator (me) Supplies: Handouts
and/or her book, “Lisa’s Guide for
Writers: How to Get Published & Self-Published”
Venue Supplies: Table, chairs, and
if possible, PowerPoint equipment (although workshop can be done without
PowerPoint).
Description of
Program: Writers of memoirs, fiction, non-fiction,
poetry, and essays are invited to bring short pieces (G-rated, please) for
presentation to the group where it will receive constructive criticism in an
atmosphere of support and respect. The instructor. published author and writing
consultant Lisa Saunders, will provide tips on getting published and writing
exercises to get the stories flowing. The workshop will culminate with a pubic
“Open Mic” reading.
Participant
Outcomes: Participants of all abilities will learn how to celebrate and improve
their craft, showcase their work, attract a publisher, build their portfolio,
write a query letter, and how to self-publish. Through connections made with
other writers, participants will be inspired to take their writing to the next
level.
Program
Outline:
Assuming
2-hour sessions for 6 weeks:
Week
1:
Writing exercise: Why do you like to write and what your
goal?
Participants either read a piece aloud or hand out copies of
prior work for reaction (group critique)
Lesson: Basic story outline and how to begin
Week
2: Group critique; Lesson: Building Your Portfolio & Copyrighting; Writing
exercise.
Week
3: Group critique; Lesson: Finding a Publisher/Agent;
Writing exercise.
Week
4: Group critique; Lesson: Writing a query letter and learning to summarize your book in one sentence; Writing
exercise.
Week
5: Group critique; Lesson: Writing a book proposal; Writing
exercise.
Week
6: Group critique; Lesson: How to self-publish an e-book and a
paperback using print-on-demand services; Writing exercise.
My
“Memoir Writing Workshop”
I
also provide memoir writing and publishing help. Ways to spur memories: photos,
recording data such as date, place of birth, names of parents and siblings,
current events that affected growing up years and by answering some of the
following questions:
·
List
your most vivid memories. Pick one and expand upon it.
·
Were
you ever in an accident?
·
What
major life lesson have you learned?
·
Query
letter to an editor: Why should he/she publish your work?
·
Did
someone ever save your life or you save theirs?
·
Were
you ever afraid of something? How did you deal with it?
·
Do
you know how to make something? Describe it.
·
What
is the bravest thing you’ve ever done (or wish you had done)?
·
Describe
one of the happiest times in your life.
·
Describe
one of the saddest times in your life.
·
What
is the best birthday present and/or surprise you ever received?
·
Your
favorite holiday is…because?
·
Your
favorite place is…?
·
Who
had the biggest influence on you?
·
Name
an extremely challenging experience you faced.
·
Name
a time of extreme danger.
Instructor Qualifications:
Lisa
Saunders is an award-winning writer and TV co-host living in Mystic,
Connecticut. She works as a part-time history interpreter at Mystic Seaport and
is a columnist for In Town magazine. A graduate of Cornell University,
Lisa is the author of several traditionally published and self-published books
and writes professionally for several clients including National Field Service
and the State University of New York at Rockland. Winner of the National
Council for Marketing & Public Relations Gold Medallion, Lisa has spoken on
a variety of topics at venues such as Cornell and Johns Hopkins Universities, The
Washington Independent Writers Association, West Point Museum, Lincoln Depot
Museum, The Writer’s Center , and
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
References:
Sample dates and venues for Lisa’s workshops:
1/30/13, “Youth Writing
Workshop,” Bill Library. "Lisa's
manner with children is natural and encouraging, immediately putting them at
ease. Her writing advice was advanced enough for adults, but simple enough for
children to implement. By the end of the workshop, even the shyest students
were sharing parts of their literary creations. This workshop was
wonderful!" Andrea McKenzie, Bill Library, Ledyard, CT.
03/05/10,
State University of New York at Rockland Community College (RCC). “Lisa organized a very successful series of
Writer’s Open Mic Nights where a wide diversity of writers had a chance to read
excerpts of their work. Lisa is very creative, hardworking, and a pleasure to
work with.” Rich Syrek, former Dean, Center for Personal &
Professional Development, RCC,
Suffern, NY.
07/20/13, “How to Get Published
& Self-Published," Emerging Writers Retreat. "Thank you,
Lisa, for sharing your story, experience and wonderful energy! Everyone enjoyed
what you brought to the program." Patricia Chaffee, Writer/Retreat
Facilitator, Mystic, CT.
06/22/13,”How to Publish on Amazon,” Groton Library,
CT. "Lisa, I just wanted to thank you for your “How to Publish on
Amazon” class yesterday and pointing me in the right direction. I really
appreciated your time and knowledge. Now to jump in...." Sue Palmer, RI.
07/11/13, “Ride a Horse Not an
Elevator Youth Writing Workshop,” Riverfront Children's Center, Inc. "Dear
Lisa, The children really enjoyed your presentation of your novel, Ride a Horse Not an Elevator, and
receiving an autographed copy. That aspect especially did a great deal to help
them feel connected on a personal level to the whole writing process." Susan
R. Bailey, Development Coordinator, Riverfront Children's Center, Inc., Groton,
CT.
11/08/09,
“How to Get Published,” Tappan Free Library, Tappan, NY. YouTube video
available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OjTb4sSaf8.
Jill Gross, Adult Services, Tappan Free Library, Tappan, NY.
