NSU Alvin Sherman Library Writing Workshops, Jan 11

Do you have an exciting idea for a story? Come prepared to learn and create in workshops led by published authors from local writing organizations. Writers of all genres welcome. Writing workshops take place on Saturdays from 2pm to 3:30pm in Room 4009 on the fourth floor of the Alvin Sherman Library.

RSVP at lib.nova.edu/writers or call 954-262-5477

Saturday, January 11 | Understanding Point of View with Victoria Landis

This interactive workshop will help you determine those answers, as well as help you understand how to use POV to enhance your characters (and make your reader love them) and avoid mistakes. Victoria Landis is a professional writer, editor, and artist. A 16-yr member, and former board member, of Mystery Writers of America, she Co-Chaired the SleuthFest Writers Conference from 2015-2018.

Saturday, January 25 | The A to Z-z-z-z-s of Writing Children’s Books with Gloria Rothstein

Whether you’re writing a bedtime book, a friendship story, or simply imagining your first manuscript, have fun discussing the children’s market, the magic of picture books, and those treasured titles that kids reach for night after night. GLORIA ROTHSTEIN is the author of Sheep Asleep (HarperCollins)—a picture book PBS Parents calls “hysterical;” Real-Life Writing Activities, Read Across America, (Scholastic); “Curious George” cartoons (Fremantle); and more.

Saturday, February 15 | Using Structure and Beats to Inspire Your Mystery Novel with Neil S. Plakcy

Learn about the different genres of mystery (cozy, thriller, suspense, police procedural, etc.) and how to approach writing one of them. NEIL S. PLAKCY is the author of nearly thirty full-length novels and many stories and story collections. He is a journalist, book reviewer and college professor. He is a past president of the Florida chapter of Mystery Writers of America. A four-time finalist for the Lambda Literary award, he teaches at writers’ conferences and can often be found walking his two golden retrievers.

Saturday, February 29 | Populating Your Plot with Dorian Cirrone

Learn how to build a cast of characters who will interact with your protagonist and drive your story forward. DORIAN CIRRONE is the author of five books and several short stories and poems. Her most recent novel, The First Last Day, won the Florida Book Award’s Gold Medal, was on Bank Street College’s Best Books List, and has been translated into Azerbaijani, Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian. She is the Co-Regional Advisor of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Florida Region and has taught writing on the university level and at many workshops throughout the state.

Saturday, March 14 | Self-Publishing Made Simple with Nancy J. Cohen

Learn to set up your own imprint, buy and assign ISBNs, prepare your manuscript, create front and back material, choose options for ebook and print formats, author branding and marketing tips. Nancy J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail. Her instructional guide, Writing the Cozy Mystery, was an Agatha Award finalist, won a gold medal in the President’s Book Awards and earned first place in the Royal Palm Literary Awards.

Saturday, April 18, 2019 | The Business of Agents and Publishing Houses with Rochelle Weinstein

The who, what, where, why, and how of securing the right agent and securing your path to publishing. Learn from an agented author the best tips for finding the right fit for you and your work and the benefits to hiring a seasoned professional. We will discuss sample query letters and the best resources for agent-hunting. ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN, author, speaker, and former entertainment industry executive, will share her personal experiences as a published and self-published author, as well as tips and tricks she learned while working in the marketing and promotional sectors.

Saturday, May 2, 2019 | Building Author Visibility with Rochelle Weinstein

Learn from a USA Today Bestselling author how to promote your work in an over-crowded market. Discover tips and strategies to build your audience and connect with readers and bloggers. ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN, author, speaker, and former entertainment industry executive, will share her personal experiences as a published and self-published author, as well as tips and tricks she learned while working in the marketing and promotional sectors.