Preparatory Workshops

The NaperWriMo region has delivered quite a few preparatory workshops since its inception in 2005. Here are pictures, presentations and notes from our workshops. Note that you can find event information for upcoming workshops.

2007 Articles

No workshops this year

• Using emotional response for plot points - Tim Yao - 2007-09-27

2008 Workshops

Our first year doing workshops

• Plot Preparation Workshop; also see notes from 2008-10-18 - Katherine Lato, 2008-10-18
• Novel Preparation Workshop - Tim Yao, 2008-10-26

2009 Workshops

• Character Definition and Development - Lloyd and Barb, 2009-10-24
• Plot Prep Session - Dave Dean, 2009-10-10

2010 Workshops

• Strategies for NaNo/writing - Katherine Lato, 2010-10-02
• All about POV's - Crystal Blount, 2010-10-09
• Character Development - J. Turpin, 2010-10-16

2011 Workshops

• Writing Good Dialogue - Crystal Blount, 2011-10-22
• What to Avoid - Heather Jones - 2011-10-15
• Plot Development - Tom Ostler, 2011-10-08

2012 Workshops

• Emotional Response: How to Connect With Your Readers - Tim Yao, 2012-10-06
• Prepare for NaNoWriMo - Tom Ostler, 2012-10-13
• Writer's Self Assessment - Roger Lubeck, 2012-10-20

2013 Workshops

Four workshops are planned for 2013

• Preparatory Workshop - Todd Hogan - 2013-09-28: Hit the Ground Writing!
• Preparatory Workshop - Katherine Lato - 2013-10-05: Character is Story
• Preparatory Workshop - Roger Lubeck - 2013-10-12: Writing Styles - Structure, Plot, and Mechanics
• Preparatory Workshop - Frank Dahlman - 2013-10-19: Keeping Your Readers Engaged

2014 Workshops

Four workshops are planned for 2014

• Preparatory Workshop - Tim Yao and Kaden Patrick - 2014-10-02: The Stone Soup Method for NaNoWriMo Success - will help you explore some of the essential ingredients of any successful novel: plot, narrative, setting, and a good ending.
• Preparatory Workshop - Frank Dahlman - 2014-10-04: Genres - Tropes and Cliches - will focus on genre and the creative process. Frank Dahlman will lead this workshop and talk about key characteristics and common tropes found in the most commonly read genres, discussing what works, and identifying common clichés to avoid. After this brief discussion, participants will brainstorm a possible plot line in the genre of their choosing. This workshop is designed to fill the well of creativity in preparation for NaNoWriMo.
• Preparatory Workshop - Todd Hogan - 2014-10-11: Fiction Improv - Todd will be leading a Fiction Improv, and discussing NaNoWriMo's goal of 50,000 words in 30 days, finding your story, overcoming challenges in telling your story, and miscellaneous ideas to succeed. Participants should bring paper, pen and/or other writing devices and a willingness to explore some personal ideas. There will be time for questions and discussion during the presentation.
• Preparatory Workshop - Jen Moore - 2014-10-18: Surviving NaNoWriMo With Your Sanity (Mostly) Intact - In this preparatory workshop for NaNoWriMo, Jen Moore will talk about ways to prepare yourself for this epic endeavor. You’ll determine your goals, establish your support strategies, and psych yourself up for the challenge ahead. Bring all your last-minute panic - and leave it behind when the session’s over.