Workshops

Ann is available to teach workshops for conferences or writers groups.

The following topics are currently available: 

1.  NEW Every Writer Needs One! How to Choose a Freelance Editor 10 things you need to know about freelance editors. Find out from an experienced freelancer.
                                                             
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 2. The Write Word Makes All the difference The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.—Mark Twain. This workshop is a  study of words and phrases that are commonly misused.

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3.  Make a Clean Sweep: Clean Up Word Clutter – Tight writing is a sign of an accomplished writer. In this seminar, Ann will share some of the things writers tend to do that scream to a publisher, “This author doesn’t know what she’s doing yet.” Get rid of unnecessary words, duplicate words, redundancies, passive voice, most  --ing words, and more. Avoid excessive use of “ly” words (adverbs), and preachy words. 

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4.  Descriptions that Make Your Reader Fall in Love with Your Characters  Five ways a reader gets acquainted with your characters: physical description, mannerisms, dialogue, action/reaction, and introspection. (Use Character chart.)

                               
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5.  Fighting Alligators in Fiction--Learn how to avoid common problems fiction writers face: Floating Body Parts, Author Intrusion, Information Dump, Purple Prose, metaphors, mixed metaphors, similes, the five senses and beyond.

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6.  Writing as Therapy: When Life is Hard Parts 1 & 2– Mandy said, “After 27 years, I still think about Daddy every day and I miss him so much at Christmas. Don't take your loved ones for granted; enjoy every moment you have with them.” Discover how to journal, write poetry, and letters to, and in memory of, your loved one, (or a broken relationship, divorce, lost job.) Pouring out your pain and frustration on paper is cheap therapy and a tool for healing. In journaling, you may find your passion and discover you have material you can use in a book. 

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7.  Extend your Ministry through Writing Parts 1 & 2--Learn to write biblical radio dramas that will be translated into many languages and broadcast around the world. It’s your opportunity to be a missionary in many lands as you write from your home or office.

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8.  Building Your Publishing Credits – Discover writing opportunities such as church publications, blogs for other writers, articles, play scripts, short stories, devotionals, Sunday school curriculum, and book reviews to hone your skills and develop your writing resume.

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9.  Cash flow is important--15 Things You Can Do to Earn Money – While your novel is in the publishing process, you can keep a steady cash flow with other writing. Get new writing ideas in this workshop.                                             

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10. Yes! You Can Learn to Write – Writing is a skill that can be learned, but it is not easy. It requires time, training, hard work, and patience. In this workshop you will learn how to correct some of the most common problems I have encountered as I have edited manuscripts. A serious writer will take the time to study and learn how to be the best writer he can be. (II Tim. 2:15).

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11. The following workshop can be aimed at fiction writers or non-fiction, or it can work for all writers:Self-Editing--Put $$$ in your pocket – Why learn to self-edit? Types of editing, resources you’ll need, getting down to the nitty-gritty of editing fiction and non-fiction

12. Write Pathway Continuing Sessions  (4-5 sessions. Content can be broken down into shorter workshops/seminars with selected topics.) 
              (a) Polishing the PUGS
                 (b) Line editing/copyediting
                 (c)
                 (d) Proofreading

Conference Workshops taught:

2012 Kentucky Christian Writers Conference:

               (1) Fighting Alligators in Fiction

               (2) Extend Your Ministry through Writing (Part I & II)

2012 NC Baptist Literacy Missions Conference, Camp Caraway, Asheboro, NC

               (1) Storytelling in Literacy Missions 

               (2) Teaching Reading to Adult New Readers ESL/ARW

2012 MD/DE Literacy Conference, Laural, MD

               (1) Teacher’s Bag of Tricks (ESL)

               (2) ESL on a Shoestring

2014 Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference

               (1) Fighting Alligators in Fiction

               (2) Writing as Therapy—When Life is Hard

               (3) Send the Light: You can be a Missionary 

2014 NC Baptist Literacy Missions Conference, Camp Caraway, Asheboro, NC

               (1) Yes, You Can Write!

               (2) Tricks of the Trade—Teaching ESL

2016 Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference
              (1) Writing Articles Your Editor Will Love (Part I & II)
              (2) A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words

2016  NC  Baptist Literacy Missions Conference, Camp Caraway, Asheboro, NC 
             (1) Teaching children Using the Lipson Method (TCY & ESL)
             (2) Witnessing to People of Other Religions (Part I & II)