Popular Fiction Writers Group - 2019 Preview

Popular Fiction is going to be bigger and better this year with interesting workshop topics on the last Wednesday evening of every month. Reviewing the most important aspects of novel writing, I've planned eleven workshops that should be applicable to all novel genres and will help improve the quality of my fellow writers work. Take a look below for a preview of Popular Fiction this year, and I hope to see you there!

Novel Writing Essentials

30th January

While all novels are different, they all require the same key elements - a unique voice, clear point of view, consistency in tense, characters, and a well structured plot. This workshop is designed to review these essential tools for experienced writers and help new writers get started on their book.

Crafting the Romance Novel

27th February

Romance continues to remain the most popular selling genre fiction. Whether you write category, single title, or fiction with romantic elements, this workshop is designed to help writers identify their romantic conflict and establish sexual tension between their characters, a key reaction for any two people who are attracted to each other and something that shouldn't be overlooked.

First Page Workshop

27th March

The first page of your novel sells your book. There's no other way around it. If your first page isn't gripping and there isn't something to hook your reader, it will never capture a publisher, agent, or a reader. Come along to this workshop to learn what works and doesn't work on first pages and how you can score a publishing deal with good, gripping, and precise writing.

Genre Expectations

17th April

Books are sorted into genre for a reason - they hold expectations. When readers pick up a crime novel, there are certain key elements they're looking for within the 300 pages designed to entertain them. This is the same for romance, fiction, fantasy, etc. Publishers also have these expectations and if your manuscript doesn't contain what readers want, it's never going to sell. Come along to this workshop to ensure you know your genre, other genres, and how to meet your guidelines.

What's Your Story?

29th May

Every story has a premise - the story you're trying to tell. At this workshop, we'll discuss how to identify your premise and stay true to your story. Knowing your premise and sticking to it is a key tool to avoid moving away from your main plot. It helps you stay on track. We will also learn how to use your premise to tell others - from friends to publishers - about your book without rambling.

Breaking Cliches

26th June

Tropes are there for a reason - they're key tools for creating conflict. Tropes are common across all genres and helps identify the type of story you're telling, creating characters, and establishing your plot. At this workshop, we'll identify tropes across genre fiction and discuss how to mix them up to create unique stories.

Crafting the Novel

31st July

This workshop is designed to look at the plot and structure of your novel. Every story requires certain points in the plot. Does your novel start at the beginning of the story? Is there enough conflict and turning points to create tension? Does your story reach a satisfying conclusion for it's genre? This workshop is perfect for writers of all fiction.

Conquering the Publishing Industry

August 28th

The publishing industry isn't easy to conquer. The hardest part of being an author is securing that publishing contract for the manuscript you've poured your heart and soul into. At this workshop, we'll discuss what's selling, what's not selling, and what publishers are looking for, with all information direct from the RWA Conference publishing panel. We'll also discuss the key aspects of networking, submitting manuscripts, and how to bring your work to a publishable standard.

Writing Masterclass

25th September

At this workshop, we will review key aspects of writing and how to improve your prose. Most books are metaphors for something, whether you know it or not. And then we'll dive into the art of showing rather than telling the reader what we want them to know as they discover the story for themselves. This workshop is perfect for all writers.

Make Them Mean

30th October

Just in time for Halloween, let's discuss how to create those characters who stand in the way of your hero's goal. At this workshop, we'll identify different types of villains and antagonists (yes, there is a difference) and how to create credible reasons for bad decisions. Perfect for writers of crime or suspense!

Make Your Reader Feel

27th November

Some people call it emotional punch. How do you generate the deep emotions within your readers? How do you make them care? How do you make them cry and throw the book across the room? Come along to this workshop to find out!

I hope you can join me this year as we work through these novel writing workshops and work together to improve each other's writing skills. 

See you at the workshops!

Rachel

Author

Rachel is a romance writer of romantic suspense and rural romance. She has completed various manuscripts and received an Emerald Award for Best Unpublished Romance Manuscript in 2018. Rachel's committed to running workshops and helping fellow writers get their first (or another) manuscript written.