Thought today I’d post an announcement for my April 25 workshop on top of beautiful Winslow Mountain in the Boston Mountains of the Ozarks. We always have a great time at these workshops, which I give twice a year, and have for the past four or five years. At noon we all troup down to Grandmas House to eat out back, a glorious view of the mountains as they unfold to the south and west and the best homecooked meals and pie in the state. 

I think I enjoy presenting these workshops as much as those who attend enjoy gathering there for the day. 

This past weekend I spent with my good friends at Ozark Romance Authors in Springfield, MO. I gave them a taste of the workshop and we worked on writing memoirs and family stories that catch the immediate interest of readers, even if you aren’t a famous person. It’s all in the handling of the stories, where we start, how we start and the sort of characters we introduce. These gals came up with some of the best stories. Truth is better than fiction and can be just as exciting. All we have to do is leave out the boring parts. But that’s only the beginning. First we must immerse ourselves in our characters’ lives (or our own) until they become someone everyone will sympathize with.

Maybe I’ll see some of you there.

                     

 WRITING THE MEMOIR

                                

 AND OTHER FAMILY STORIES

                                

   AN ALL DAY WRITER’S HANDS-ON WORKSHOP BY VELDA BROTHERTON

                                

  OZARKS FOLKWAYS, 4 MILES SOUTH OF WINSLOW, AR. ON HIGHWAY 71

                         April 25, 2009

              9 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. $25 PRE-REGISTER

SCHEDULE:

9 – 10 A.M.  An introduction to writing the memoir and other family stories that will include

creating characters readers will love or hate and techniques for crafting your story.

10 – 11 A.M. What comes first, the story idea, the characters or the setting? Writing the opening

hook and why it’s important.

11 – 12 A.M.  Drafting the story from the hook through the middle to the end.

12 – 1 P.M.  LUNCH at Grandma’s House or bring your own.

1 – 2 P.M.  We have our characters, setting and a draft of the story. Time to share that draft,

discuss where your work is going and brainstorm possibilities.

2 – 3:30  P.M. Begin filling in the blanks. Let your creativity take over. Forget the rules and let

the words flow. No editing at this point, no worry about spelling or grammar. Simply write.

3:30 – 4:30 P.M. Individual critiques will put you on the right track to finish your story. 

To register call Connie at 479-634-3791 or email vebrotherton@gmail.com

Velda is an award winning author, whose latest book, FLY WITH THE MOURNING DOVE,

was a WILLA Literary Award Finalist. Check out her website: http://www.veldabrotherton.com