2010-2011

Program Planning in Progress

TOPICS / SPEAKERS FOR WORKSHOPS: 2010

• “All workshops are held at the Rancho Mirage Library.”

• Workshops are available & FREE to current members ONLY.

• Workshop fees of $40 are only for those who aren’t members – when someone pays the workshop fee, they automatically are qualified to be a member and receive Guild membership for rest of that year period.

• There may be limited seating, registration is completed online and is on a first come, first served basis.

Saturday, November 7, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
“How to Analyze and Write a Television Show”
Larry Barber, Writer/ Producer - - FINISHED

I begin teaching how to write a TV show by teaching you how to watch one.   Then I’ll cover the classic elements of character, plot and story, and structure.  I’ll talk about small (important) things like proper format on the page and large (important) things like keeping your production budget in mind as you write. 

I can’t teach you how to write a successful TV show – those gods do not speak to me (or anyone else in Hollywood). I can teach you how to write a one-hour TV script that works dramatically, that develops rich characters and a compelling story.  I’ll teach you how to break down an existing show so you can write a quality spec script; or to invent your own set-up and characters and develop your own series.

Saturday, January 16, 2010, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - - FINISHED
“Character Development”, Irena Praitis, Professor of literature and creative writing at California State University, Fullerton

A strong work of fiction requires the presentation of compelling characters. In the workshop on characterization, we will consider and explore several strategies for developing the psychological complexities and unique qualities of a literary character.  These strategies will lead writers toward complexity and clarity of characterization.

Saturday, February 20, 2010, 1:00-3:00 - - FINISHED “Extreme Makeover: Editing Edition”
Kelly Mortimer, Agent, Mortimer Literary Agency

Perils of Publishing - Extreme Makeover: Editing Edition

A self-editing workshop designed to teach writers how to fix the errors many writers make. Correcting those nasty grammar gaffs can give a writer an edge over the competition. But how does a writer know the difference between which mistakes are no big deal, and which are deal-breakers? Literary agent Kelly Mortimer will lead you down the path of success using her Grammar Guide to point out your problems, and show you how to fix them.

Saturday, March 20, 2010 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - - FINISHED
“How Write”, Rhonda J. Rockwell, Ph.D., Wordsmith

Do your readers sometimes give you quizzical looks, then try to find a polite way to tell you they don’t get what you’re trying to say? Dr. Rockwell will show you how to recognize an idea when you have one, articulate it, then make sure your meaning comes through. You will learn how to unpack your ideas, shake off the styrofoam peanuts and make yourself understood every time!

Private Tutor, Writing Coach, Freelance Editor, Ghost Writer

Saturday, April 17, 2010 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - - FINISHED
“Creating Your Writer’s Power Tools: How to Write “On Demand”,
Ann McIndoo

By using Ann’s Writer’s Power Tools™, there is no such thing as writers block; you can write successfully every time you sit down to write

During the process, you will learn:
• How to Prepare yourself to write - what to do BEFORE you pick up your pen!
• How to Organize your material - turn that pile of notes or speech into a real book!
• How to Produce content for your book - start writing! How to stay motivated and deal _with procrastination and writer's block._
• How to get your book out of your head and onto the paper
• How to get through the editing process
• How to get your book published!

For questions, please contact: Mishael Patton, Program Director, Palm Springs Writers Guild
Mishael.PSWG@hotmail.com