If You Want to Be a Better Writer, Here’s Some Help

On the final day of Storyline in Chicago we will host the first-ever Storyline Writers Workshop. If you’ve ever wanted to write a book, this workshop is going to help. Dean Nelson, the Director of Pt. Loma’s Journalism Department, acclaimed memoirist Susan Isaacs, and I will be teaching the workshop.

Here’s a breakdown of what we will be talking about.

Session One: Dean Nelson, Why Your Voice Matters

The reason you should write is that you want to make a ton of money, you want a lot of recognition for your witty unique ideas and you want to get invited to all those cool parties that have gone on with you – until now.

But those aren’t the only reasons why you should write. The reason you should write is that your voice matters to the world – whether that world is your family, your friends, your community or, literally, the world. No one sees things quite the way you do. No one has had the same experiences and insights as you. And some part of the world would be missing something if your voice wasn’t in it.

Session Two: Donald Miller, The Story Formula

Whether you’re writing fiction, your memoir or even a self-help book, understanding a formula for story will serve you. In this session Don talks about the story formula he uses to organize his books, to outline chapters and even as a public speaker. Don will unpack the movie Moneyball and show you why the screenwriters made the choices they made and how you can use their formula to enhance your work.

Session Three: Susan Isaacs, How Honest Should You Be?

Susan is known for her candid, vulnerable writing style. But how careful should you be in telling your story? Is it okay to talk about that horrible breakup? Or your parents’ dysfunction? What are the ramifications of putting personal stories into print? In this session, Susan will talk about where she draws the line and why.

Session Four: Dean Nelson, Nuts and Bolts

Good stories have some things in common, and good storytellers know what they are. What makes some stories better than others? Hint: It’s more than inspiration. This session will give some practical advice for things you should and shouldn’t do if you want anyone to read your work. This will be the most practical session and yet will separate your writing from the amateurs.

Session Five: Donald Miller, The Writers Life

Every writer works differently, but the successful ones have a few important things in common. They get up early. They write in the morning. They set a fixed schedule and stick to it. They get away to edit their work. They are careful who they allow to make editorial comments. They put the work aside for a season then come back to it with fresh eyes. In this session Don will talk about how to treat your job as a writer with no more romanticism than a plumber or carpenter approaches their craft. In the end, art is a job.

Session Six: Group Panel

Each of our presenters will speak words of advice, followed by a final-round question and answer. You’ll love it.

If you want to come to the Writers Workshop, register for the Experience Pro tier of the conference. When you do, you’ll get a pass to the Film Festival, our two-day life planning conference and the Writers Workshop on the final day. The idea is we start with inspiration, then organize your life, then talk about not just living a better story but writing one, too.

Register today and be in Chicago. Your new life and new story start at the end of this month.

If You Want to Be a Better Writer, Here’s Some Help is a post from: Storyline Blog