LOSCON 40 WRITER'S WORKSHOP AGENDA

Day One

-Defining goals, defining yourself as a writer
-1st lines, 1st paragraph, 1st page
-What you must have in the First Ten pages
-Analyzing a perfect first paragraph from a popular author
-Analyzing the first thirteen minutes of a classic film
-What is high concept?
-Developing a 10-word, 15-word and 25-word elevator pitch and where to use them
-Developing a skeleton for your story's healthy growth
-Classwork: Participants will work on their first page
HW: Participants will bring in an elevator pitch to recite for day two

Day Two

-What is phsyiognomony and how to use it
-Using colors and symbolism
-Choosing settings/Character names
-Developing a character/story bible
-Visual storytelling
-Analyzing archetypes
-The Hero's Journey and the World According to Alexandra Sokoloff
-50 questions to ask your character
-Classwork: Describing a hero and villain using physiognomony

HW: Students will bring in parts of their character bible

Day Three:

-Mapping your hero's journey
-Developing chapter ending cliffhangers
-Using a three-act structure
-Classwork: Reading your first paragraph aloud
-In class rewriting
-Doing suspense passes
-Author branding and effectively using social networking
-What every author should know about contracts
-Giveaway for three-day participants