Diamonds in the Rough: Revise, Polish, Publish
with Elizabeth Lyon
with Elizabeth Lyon
Revise for Original Voice and Stand‐out Style -
Editors
and agents favor a voice or style that is "fresh, original." The
secret lies in learning how to access latent individuality, and in
“wordsmithing,” using techniques that highlight choices in syntax, diction,
word choice, word strength, power positions, and imagery. A writing exercise
will help you find the “diamonds” in your rough writing. Then, you’ll learn how
to revise it for strong style. You’ll take away techniques to turn dull,
lifeless prose into vibrant, fresh, original writing.
Revise for Strong Structure - One of your final revisions should be revising for structure to ensure suspense, movement, and a riveted reader. Complete your tool kit with full knowledge of scenes, sequels (reactions), segues, and big scenes. We’ll also cover the all‐but‐absent details of inner scene structure, which deepen characterization and boost tension.
Revise for Compelling Characterization - A successful character (or narrator in memoir) is so fully developed and memorable that he or she outlives the author in the minds and hearts of readers. Yet, most writers unknowingly leave their main characters, especially their protagonists, underdeveloped. This workshop will provide you with revision guidelines for adding multiple levels of motivation, selecting a thematic back story, using contrasting and complementary strengths and weaknesses, developing unique tags, and tapping the power of metaphoric language, all to arrive at believable and memorable characters.
Revise for Successful Marketing - To be in business in two years, publishers must acquire now. Competition for agent and editor attention is still ferocious, but always has been. How do you get a foot in the door? Write the clever or convincing query letter, wow them with a pitch and sweep them off their feet with your beginnings. Agents and editors are like miners searching for gold. How can you know if your book is ready? We’ll discuss the agent and editor checklist, and you’ll learn about Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D. Writers have more options than ever before.
Revise for Strong Structure - One of your final revisions should be revising for structure to ensure suspense, movement, and a riveted reader. Complete your tool kit with full knowledge of scenes, sequels (reactions), segues, and big scenes. We’ll also cover the all‐but‐absent details of inner scene structure, which deepen characterization and boost tension.
Revise for Compelling Characterization - A successful character (or narrator in memoir) is so fully developed and memorable that he or she outlives the author in the minds and hearts of readers. Yet, most writers unknowingly leave their main characters, especially their protagonists, underdeveloped. This workshop will provide you with revision guidelines for adding multiple levels of motivation, selecting a thematic back story, using contrasting and complementary strengths and weaknesses, developing unique tags, and tapping the power of metaphoric language, all to arrive at believable and memorable characters.
Revise for Successful Marketing - To be in business in two years, publishers must acquire now. Competition for agent and editor attention is still ferocious, but always has been. How do you get a foot in the door? Write the clever or convincing query letter, wow them with a pitch and sweep them off their feet with your beginnings. Agents and editors are like miners searching for gold. How can you know if your book is ready? We’ll discuss the agent and editor checklist, and you’ll learn about Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D. Writers have more options than ever before.
For additional information, please contact Sally K Lehman at [email protected]
