Free Writing Workshops on Mysteries, Flash Fiction, Marketing and More Offered for Adults and Teens

Have you always wanted to write a mystery novel? Interested in exploring flash fiction? Are you an author looking to market your book? These are just a sample of what you can learn during the free writing workshops offered by area professionals at the ninth annual Gaithersburg Book Festival. The 55-minute workshops will take place in the Festival’s Adult/Teen (ages 16+) Workshop Tent on Saturday, May 19, 2018, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Festival is held on the grounds of City Hall, 31 S. Summit Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Attendees are invited to participate in any or all of these workshops:

How to Write a Mystery – Alan Orloff
A sample class from The Writer’s Center, this workshop will discuss writing fundamentals as they apply to the mystery and examine characteristics of the many subgenres (thrillers, too!). Learn about mystery-specific conventions and pitfalls such as TSTL syndrome, macguffins, red herrings, killer twists, wacky sidekicks, and smooth clue-dropping, among others.

Where Your Story Begins – Hildie Block
Novel, memoir or short story – where should your tale begin? Through instruction and exercises, this workshop will help participants decide where the best place is to “rip the fabric” of the world and set their story in motion. Participants will leave with a great idea about where their story is going and most importantly, how to craft the tension and conflict that makes a great start.

Flash Fiction 101 – Tyrese L. Coleman
Flash fiction and creative non-fiction (narratives under a thousand words) are wildly popular, yet wildly misunderstood. This workshop will provide a snapshot of the basic elements of flash by reading flash fiction and non-fiction from multiple writers and paying close attention to craft techniques specific to flash. Participants will have an opportunity to craft their own short pieces using some of the techniques, and learn methods for revising their flash and where to submit completed work.

Story Writing – Con Lehane
In this sample class from The Writer’s Center, Lehane will talk about the basic structure of a story. Participants will then work on an exercise that calls for turning memory into fiction. After briefly discussing what they came up with in the exercise, there will be a focus on the difference between what happens in life and what happens in fiction. Participants will leave this workshop with a process for writing the first-draft of a story in one sitting.

Odes: This is Dedicated to the One I Love – Sarah Ann Winn
Are you currently over the moon for someone? Are you a fangirl or fanboy who loves Doctor Who from afar? Can you go on and on (and on) about your new chocolate lab, or a new pair of shoes? Whether it’s about a person you love or a favorite thing, learn how to write an ode. Participants will read a couple odes and write right away, letting their hearts spill over onto the page. Participants will leave with at least one ode under their belt, ready to read to the object of your affection.

It’s All About Us: Speculative Writing – Tara Campbell
What lies in your future? How will climate change, genetic manipulation or artificial intelligence affect you in the decades to come? Many people think science fiction is all about the science, but it’s also about our communities, our families and us. Participants will go through steps to transform scientific trends into storylines. Prompts will be available or they can utilize their own exciting ideas – or anxieties – about the future.

Marketing for Authors – Michele Chynoweth
Participants will learn all the basics of marketing and publicity, including everything from email list building and social media practices to how to land TV and radio interviews, book reviews and book signings. Authors must think like a small business entrepreneur, brand themselves, create their own website, write a blog, get media coverage and much more. Chynoweth will show participants how to light the match to set their world on fire and increase their exposure and book sales.

For a workshop schedule, more information about the topics and instructors, and information about workshops geared to younger writers, please visit the Workshops page of the GBF website.