Bob Mayer

NOVEL WRITERS WORKSHOP 

Looking for a Writers Workshop focused on the novel you are working on?  I have worked with thousands of writers over the years and taught at numerous workshops and retreats, including 7 years at the Maui Writers Retreat and Conference.

I’ve taken the best of all I’ve learned and put it into an intensive three day workshop.  The workshop is limited to eight participants to insure adequate one-on-one feedback.  (Please note at the bottom information regarding the Advanced Writers Workshop, open to those who’ve attend the Writers Workshop or attended my one day writing presentation).

The Workshop is held at the beautiful Saratoga Inn on Whidbey Island, WA.  (www.saratogainnwhidbeyisland.com)

Please note traveling information below. 

Prior to the workshop, you submit your cover letter, one page synopsis and first 15 pages, which will be critiqued and given back to you on the first day.  The basic format is:

Day One:  The cover letter and your one sentence original idea.

Day Two:  The synopsis and your story.

Day Three:  Your manuscript and writing.

This is basically the flow that an agent or editor will look at your material.  Our goal is to improve your story, your writing and the marketability of your work.  I spend about nine hours with formal presentations and the rest of the time is spent working on you material in the group.

Over 150 people have already taken the Workshop.  Some testaments are below.

DATES:  27-30 March 2008.   6-9 November 2008.

Detailed Schedule: 

Day 1:  10:00-12:00:  Introductions; The Original Idea; Disseminate Critiques.

1:00-5:00:  Character; Plot; Conflict; Work on Ideas.

Day 2:  9:00-12:00:  Point of view; Work on Story.

1:00-5:00:  Pacing; Tone; Setting; Work on Story.

Day 3:  9:00-12:00:  Selling your work; work on manuscripts

1:00-5:00:  The Publishing Business; work on manuscripts.

Day 4:  A breakfast that is optional.  Last questions.

Attendance cost:  $550 (does not include lodging or transporation).  a $100 non-refundable deposit is required when registering.

Deposit:  $100

 

Balance:  $450

  Pay in full:  $550 

ADVANCED WRITERS WORKSHOP 

16-18 May 2008.  Open to those who have attended the Writers Workshop or my full day seminar which will be held 9 Feb 2008 in Atlanta for the Georgia Romance Writers and 15 March 2008 for the Pocono-Lehigh Romance Writers.

Held at the Saratoga Inn, Whidbey Island. 

Starting at 10:00 am on Friday, going to 5:00 pm.  Then 9:00-5:00 for Saturday and Sunday.  There will be optional evening workshopping in the Inn. 

There will be no formal presentations.  You will submit the same material requirements as the regular workshop and we will jump into it right away.  This material will be submitted by 1 May.  This is important because a copy will be sent to all participants to be read PRIOR to arrival so we’re all up to speed on each other in order help each other.

Participation is limited to 9 people.  Cost will be $450.  A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to insure a slot. 

Deposit Advanced Workshop:  $100

 

Balance Advanced Workshop:  $350

Pay in Full Advanced Workshop:  $450

Traveling Notes:

The Saratoga Inn is located in Langley, WA.  It’s a beautiful, eclectic town overlooking the water on Whidbey Island. There are plenty of restaurants and stores within walking distance of the Inn.  You do not have to stay at the Inn to attend the workshops.

Whidbey Island does have a bridge on the northern end, but used mainly if you would be coming down from Vancouver.  Most people take the Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry, about a 20 minute ride.  It does carry cars.  The closest large airport is Seattle.  There is a shuttle van that runs from Seattle Airport to Whidbey.

www.seatacshuttle.com

You would take the shuttle to the Clinton/Langley stop.  Coordinate with me beforehand I will pick you up there and drive you to the Inn.

The last shuttle departs Seattle Airport at 10:45 PM.  So if you don’t make that one, you have to wait until the next day, unless you’re renting a car.  The last ferry to Whidbey is at 1:05 am.  Going back to the airport, realistically, the earliest flight you can make at Seattle leaving Whidbey on the shuttle is after 8:00 am, as the first shuttle leaves at 5:10 am.  Once I get enough registrations for a Workshop, I put all participants in contact with each other so that people can share rides if they like.