Learning to Write in Huntington

Yesterday, members of Dunes & Dreams RWA hosted the first of a four-part workshop, “From Once Upon a Time to Happily Ever After: Turning Your Dreams Into a Book” at the Huntington Public Library. Imagine our surprise when we arrived to discover our room taken by the Defensive Driving class!

But the staff of the library quickly regrouped to set us up in the auditorium. Good thing, too. The auditorium was packed with people–all ages, both genders, all experience levels; all with one thing in common. They wanted insight into the writing process; how to start, how to keep going, how to finish, and how to achieve their own dreams.

In Session I, we began with the ideas of Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, segued into Characterization, Dialogue & Narrative, and ended with Plotting. We even came up with a new name for Debora Dennis’s unique plotting materials: The White Board of Destiny. (Thanks, Trisha!) The enthusiasm in the room was contagious. Questions popped up from every corner. And our ladies provided informed answers that left the crowd intrigued, amused, and delighted.

At the end of the day’s lecture, we were bombarded by attendees who wanted additional information or wanted to tell us how much they enjoyed the talk and their plans to return for all three remaining sessions. (One lady from Washington, D.C. who’d attended on a lark with her friend told Candace Gold she intends to make a return trip just to attend the second session on February 27th!)

Even if you missed the first session, feel free to contact the Huntington Library to register for Session II, which will cover The Sagging Middle, Pacing, Finding a Critique Partner or Group, and other helpful necessities of writing. The event will take place on Saturday, February 27 from 10 am-12 pm. 

Join us! We’d love to see you there. (And if my gentleman of Irish descent is coming back, the coffee’s on me this time! You’re a regular, right?)

Tags: Library Talk