Business of Writing: Zen and the Art of Author Street Team Maintenance
Summary:
In this workshop, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of having your very own author street team, as well as how to use your team effectively in a way that is tailored to your personality style.
Description:
Does the concept of a street team fill you with questions and dread? Do you like the idea of having minions to do your bidding, but have no idea how to keep them under your control? Do you like the idea of a street team but aren’t sure how it wil work for you in a virtual way? Have no fear! After attending this workshop, you’ll know all the benefits and challenges of having your very own author street team, and you’ll be able to use your team effectively in a way that is tailored to your personality style, no matter if you are an introvert or a social butterfly.
A mishandled character can ruin even the best story. Learn how to define your character's background & purpose, attract the reader's attention by making him relatable & sympathetic, and more.
Character Craft: Build Them Up After Tearing Them Down
Summary:
Destroying characters and smashing their puny lives is easy (and kind of fun), but in this panel we'll teach you how to pick up the pieces and build the character back up afterwards.
You don't want your character to be just another Conan or Kirk. Learn how to give him a unique voice & feel through dialogue, body language, tags, & more.
Explore ways to tell stories where common people are caught up in events of epic proportions. Learn to make these characters relevant, even if they're not saving the world.
Pairs of heroes are common in genre fiction, but present certain writing challenges. Learn what those challenges are & how to overcome them from authors known for writing paired characters.
Discover convincing ways to motivate your character. Explore the difference between obstacles that help characters grow & barriers that bring your story to a screeching halt.
Character Craft: Supporting Cast—Real People VS Plot Devices
Summary:
Your supporting cast isn't setting decor. Learn how to make minor characters who are living, breathing individuals that add dimension and depth to your story but don't get in the way of the plot.
Not every character is likeable -- but sometimes it's the right bastards that draw our attention the most. Learn how to create characters that readers love to hate.
A protagonist isn't necessarily a heroic individual, & villains rarely think of themselves as such. Learn how to portray the qualities that make your character a hero -- or a really cool bad guy.