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Writers Workshop
Author: bob09.08.2007
OK, finally got this figured out and a location locked down. The Hilton Head Writers Retreat is now the Novel Writers Workshop. The next one will be 15-18 November on Whidbey Island off of Seattle.
Here’s the blurb:
Looking for a writer’s workshop that will be focused on the novel you are working on?
The Novel Writer’s Workshop is the perfect solution. Held several times a year this workshop is designed with a limited numbers of participants to insure excellent one-on-one feedback.
An intense four days will be spent working on your material focusing on both story and style with emphasis on marketability.
Spots are limited to eight participants.
The basic flow is idea, story, writing. Then time on Saturday is spent on the business of writing and selling your manuscript.
Location: The beautiful Saratoga Inn in Langley on Whidbey Island. www.saratogainnwhidbeyisland.com
You do not have to stay at the Inn to attend the Retreat. There is a shuttle from the Seattle Airport to Whidbey Island.
www.seatacshuttle.com
Dates:
2007: 15-18 Nov.
2008: 27-30 March.
You can see more about this on this web site and also register.
Lightening the load for the move, I’m continuing the Lost Girls/Bodyguard of Lies hardcover special at $20 for both books:
Saw some very good movies lately. The Prestige is one of the most brilliantly written movies I’ve seen in a long time. Intriguing concept.
Idiocracy– which I’d never heard of because the studio pretty much buried it, is hilarious and chilling in its premise. Fits in with my We’re Doomed concept.
The Lives of Others is also very good and very chilling. It shows how easily people can turn on each other, but also what a good person can do.
It’s refreshing to see really good writing come to life. I think I’ve also figured out where Battlestar Galactica is going, but I won’t ruin it for those of you who watch it. That’s a story someone took and made so much better. It really raises some good questions.
Another week for Agnes. Now we’ll see what kind of gams the dame has. That’s me writing pulp fiction. I can hear the groans from Ohio.
September 8th, 2007 at 7:04 am
Good luck with the move, hope you like the Pacific Northwest. A good friend lives in Couer d’Alene, Idaho. Beautiful country up there. Even nicer where you’ll be though.
I’m ready for another retreat but doubt my check book is. I did learn so much that first time, it would be interesting to see how much I’ve progressed in understanding the craft of writing. The inn looks great. What a fabulous location and it’s a good price too. Hope it’s hugely successful.
I watched Fracture, with Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling on the plane going to Aust. it was a good psychological thriller. I think I’m going to rent it again. Might investigate Prestige, too.
September 8th, 2007 at 7:18 am
I agree with you that “Idiocracy” was hilarious. I stumbled across it having never heard of it before, but I’ve recommended it to many people since.
“The Prestige” was okay. I read the book first, and I definitely recommend the book over the movie. The ending is somewhat different, and I thought it was overall better. I think the idea is fascinating, but I thought the execution could have been better. Plus, I didn’t go into it knowing that it was really a science fiction story, so when it started to go that route, it really threw me.
Good luck getting ready for your move.
September 8th, 2007 at 9:40 am
When we were in Seattle for a vacation, we went whale watching. There were LOTS of people kayaking right along side these HUGE whale.
Bob, if you are thinking of such things, you need to file a flight plan with Deb and then post pictures and stories.
Maybe a whale could eat one of the Russian Mobsters. Just trying to be helpful as always.
And yes, groans were uttered in Ohio with that line.
September 8th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
You’re finally watching BSG? Yay! Told ya it was fabulous
September 8th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
I already have Lost Girls, but I’ve taken one more Bodyguard of Lies off your hands (pls sign). If you can’t get it out before you move, no worries. Just send it when you can.
Good luck with the move.
September 8th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
I was very surprised that Idiocrasy wasn’t well advertised and wasn’t really acknowledged - I only heard about it through word of mouth.
You never know - maybe it scared people *g*
September 9th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
I checked out the Saratoga Inn and it looks spectacular. Good choice. I could definitely do some writing there. But, um, Bob? Did you know their website says there are Teddy Bears in every room? I read that and flashed right back to the post Jenny wrote last year about the B&B that hated the two of you. I laughed so hard there were tears.
Now I have a mental image of you carrying a concealed Glock, in case one of the writers decides to bring a bear along to a class session. God help them if the internet connection goes out. The bears, not the writers.
I know, I have a weird sense of humour. But that’s the funniest damn thing I’ve seen in a long time.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:34 am
Bob,
You do know that Whidbey Island houses the NAVAL station? Right? You will be rubbing elbows with the swabbies? The Army base is a bit farther south.
September 10th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
My neighbor returned Lost Girls to me today and said she absolutely loved it. She was so impressed with the writing and the plot and kept saying, “You know him? You actually know this author?” Of course I exaggerated a bit, and I only said lovely things about you. He he.
She thinks I’m a wuss and that I should keep on reading. So, I’m starting again from Chapter 13 and reading in daylight. Will comment later, unless I have a panic attack and go missing …
September 10th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Yes, do read Lost Girls in daylight. I finished it late last night/this morning, and was too wound up to sleep. Worth it, though–it has a tantalizing ending.
September 10th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Robena, you twit, she said affectionately. I’m going to have to agree with your neighbor on this one. Geez. LOST GIRLS is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I do NOT understand how you could just stop reading it.
Hey Bob, I checked out the Saratoga Inn and it looks very impressive. Good choice. I could definitely do some writing there. But, um, I just have one question. Did you know their website says there are Teddy Bears in every room? I read that and flashed right back to the post Jenny wrote last year about the B&B that hated the two of you. I laughed so hard there were tears.
Now I have a mental image of you carrying a concealed Glock, in case one of the writers decides to bring a bear along to a class session. God help them if the internet connection goes out. The bears, not the writers.
I know, I have a weird sense of humour. But that’s the funniest damn thing I’ve seen in a long time.
September 10th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
I was just looking at the website for the inn as well. Bob certainly picked a nice place for the workshop. Wish I could go.
Do you think Bob realized it was near the “Giant Shoe Museum on Pike Place”?
September 10th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Ha ha, Egads. Maybe instead of Jenny’s paranormal theme park story, they can compromise and Bob gets to write his island, and Jenny does a paranormal giant shoe museum.
And who are you calling a twit, BCB? I’m going to have to come over there and teach you some manners, young lady.
And RfP I just got back from walking the lake with that same neighbor and she was raving about the ending of Lost Girls, but of course kept biting her tongue. No spoilers allowed. I’m planning on re-starting it tomorrow. Stuff got in the way today.
September 11th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
FYI-
Went to B&N to get my books. Should have checked the order before I brought it home. Somehow, I got a book called “How to Win Arguments” by Robert Mayer. Don’t remember ordering it, but I could imagine the idea of winning arguments via concealed weapons might have appealed to me, in certain moods.
Robert Mayer is some other guy entirely. Just thought you all would like to know.
September 11th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Oh, Robena, you poor thing. You’ve met me and still think I can be taught manners? *snort*
But hey, no furries, I CAN promise to be nice. I’ve been practicing and have just about got that one figured out. Really.
September 11th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Oh boy, I’m reading Lost Girls and just took a break to eat a quick salad, read necessary email, and walk the dog. I’ll probably be up until midnight but this is so darn good … thanks for encouraging me to read on, I would have been sorry to miss this. Excellent! You’re forgiven for calling me a twit, BCB.
September 12th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
All I can say is, absolutely brilliant! What an authentic ending. Would love to say more but can’t … spoilers. But anyway, I loved Lost Girls. Now I’m buying a copy to send home, the dingo’s will love it.
October 21st, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Hello from Whidbey Island. I’ve lived here for just over five years and it’s so beautiful. I just found out about this writer’s conference tonight and I will certainly be looking for more info on it because I’m definitely interested. I know the Saratoga Inn well and I have to say that you couldn’t have chosen a better place!