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LIVE Meta Ads Q&A session with Matt Holmes Sunday, October 6 · 2 – 4pm
Get answers to your burning questions about all things Meta Ads. Join Matt Holmes for a LIVE Meta Ads Q&A session. Get answers to your burning questions about all things Meta Ads. Need some feedback on an Ad? Not sure of the most effective campaign structure? Confused about all the targeting options? What are the…
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The Foundations of a Sovereign Author with ; Michael Evans; Sunday, June 2 · 2 – 4pm EDT
The Foundations of a Sovereign Author with Michael Evans; Sunday, June 2 · 2 – 4pm EDT Learn tips and insights on how to build a strong foundation for your business with subscriptions, direct sales, and more Subscriptions, Direct Sales, and more are helping authors build business outside of the publishers and take control of…
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Ins and Out of Email Marketing with Holly Darling; Sunday, May 5 · 2 – 4pm EDT
Ins and Out of Email Marketing with Holly Darling; Sunday, May 5 · 2 – 4pm EDT 2024 has once again flipped the rules of email marketing upside down. Inside this workshop you’ll learn what those new rules are, why they’re a good thing and how to build a thriving email system that sells more…
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Level Up The Business of Writing from Can-Con
Level Up The Business of Writing Authors, if you’re looking to level up, now is your chance! Can-Con: Conference on Canadian Content in Speculative Arts & Literature is hosting SIX virtual workshops in May on the business of writing (recorded if you miss one). Workshops include: The Focus Blueprint (w. business coach Jessica Barna) Project Management…
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Worldbuilding through Culture with J.M. Frey Sunday, April 7 2024 · 2 – 4pm EDT
Worldbuilding through Culture with J.M. Frey Sunday, April 7 2024 · 2 – 4pm EDT Every memorable speculative fiction story has a world we wish we could live in – from Westeros to Middle Earth, from the USS Enterprise to Panem. The geography of your secondary world is key, but the culture and the way…
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Feeling Extra Crispy? with Liz Lincoln Sun, Feb 4, 2024 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
Feeling Extra Crispy? with Liz Lincoln Sun, Feb 4, 2024 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST “Feeling Extra Crispy?” will help authors navigate the challenges of creative burnout. Discover practical strategies for renewing inspiration, from mindfulness techniques to playful writing exercises. Engage in a supportive environment where you can share experiences and learn from…
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Creating Social Media Content for Wizards Sun, Jan 7th, 2024 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
Creating Social Media Content for Wizards Sun, Jan 7th, 2024 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST This workshop will cover the ins and outs of what Mona Storm has personally found to be effective. Does the word hashtag strike terror in your bones? If so, come along, young wizard, and I will guide you through…
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Universal Fantasy is why some authors get gobs of gushing reviews and some authors who write “way better” get crickets. Sun, Nov 5, 2023 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
Universal Fantasy is why some authors get gobs of gushing reviews and some authors who write “way better” get crickets. Sun, Nov 5, 2023 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST Universal Fantasy is why my sales tripled when I “accidentally” wrote three books that landed in the Amazon Top 100. Universal Fantasy is why some…
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Book Brush: Upgrade Your Author Marketing with Kathleen Sweeney Sun, Oct 1, 2023 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Book Brush: Upgrade Your Author Marketing with Kathleen Sweeney Sun, Oct 1, 2023 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT Upgrade your author marketing: Maximize profits with Book Brush at your fingertips! This one-hour workshop is designed for authors who want to take their book marketing to the next level. Participants will learn how to leverage…
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Diversity and Inclusion in Literature with Finn Burnett, Sun, Sep 10, 2023 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
Diversity and Inclusion in Literature with Finn Burnett, Sun, Sep 10, 2023 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT This presentation is an important exploration of the need for representation in literature. I’ve presented this at conferences and as one of the keynote speakers at the Library of Michigan’s Conference, the Wine Country Writer’s Festival, and…
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Character Development Q&A, June 4th 2023
Character Development Q&A, June 4th 2023 Learn how to make your characters come to life with Sharon Short (aka Jess Montgomery) Creating believable characters is the engine that drives stories, novels, essays and memoirs. It’s also one of the most challenging writing craft tools to master. In this session, award-winning author Sharon Short (a.k.a. Jess…
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Even Superman Has A Day Job with Maggie Wells, may 7th 2023 14:00EST
Even Superman Has A Day Job with Maggie Wells, may 7th 2023 14:00EST Explore various methods of dealing with uncertainty, defining success, writing practices, motivational tools, and practical tips. I just want to spend my days writing. Who among us hasn’t said something along those lines? But, for many of us, this dream may never…
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Q&A with KT Literary agent Sara Megibow, April 2nd 2023
Q&A with KT Literary agent Sara Megibow, April 2nd 2023 KT Literary agent Sara Megibow will chat about profit strategy, trends, successes, and pitfalls specific to romance publishing in this new year. The conversation will include a Q&A and lots of data analysis sprinkled with jokes and hope. Our romance readers are voracious for your…
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Creating Realistic Companion Animals in Fiction with Mona Storm Sun, Feb 5, 2023 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
Creating Realistic Companion Animals in Fiction with Mona Storm Sun, Feb 5, 2023 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST Creating realistic companion animals in fiction. Toothless, Ghost, Drogon and Hedwig. From the innocent Wilbur to the Rats of Nimh, animals have captivated our interest and let us explore topics from a unique perspective. Some of…
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A Zoe York Double Feature: Writing A Genre Fiction Series & Marketing Sunday, June 5, 2022 · 2 – 5:30pm EDT
A Zoe York Double Feature: Writing A Genre Fiction Series & Marketing Sunday, June 5, 2022 · 2 – 5:30pm EDT A double workshop from 13 time USA Today bestselling author Zoe York Writing a genre fiction series: turning a writing dream into a writing career Start planning your next series to build on your…
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Goal, Motivation, Conflict: creating stories that keep the pages turningSun, April 3, 2022; 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Goal, Motivation, Conflict: creating stories that keep the pages turningSun, April 3, 2022; 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT Maureen Fisher shares the secrets of creating a compelling story through each character’s goals, motivation, and conflict. About this event The key to an engaging story has always been the characters and how they interact. A writer…
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Love Languages with Jennifer Carole Lewis Feb 6th 2022:
Love Languages with Jennifer Carole Lewis Feb 6th 2022: 70 to 93 percent of all communication is non-verbal, which means that body language is the ultimate love language! Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Jennifer Carole Lewis will go in-depth about how body language can show how a character is feeling. Join ORW to learn…
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WIP into Shape – 2020 Edition
New year, new WIP? Join us for tips and tricks to get your WIP into shape! ORW authors will be on-hand to help you out with the following topics: Brainstorming (Christine Gallimore and Lucy Farago) Stuck on your WIP? Unsure of where to take the plot? Have your characters worked themselves into a corner and…
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WIP into Shape – 2020 Edition
EVENT CANCELLATION: GIVEN THE ISSUES THAT HAVE ARISEN CONCERNING RWA, WE ARE CANCELLING OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED JANUARY WORKSHOP AND HOSTING A TOWN HALL FOR MEMBERS ONLY.PLEASE ACCEPT OUR APOLOGIES.
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December 2019: Writing with others: Co-writing and collaboration
Want to know how to work with other authors to create new and exciting stories? There are many exciting opportunities out there, whether you want to co-write a book, write in a shared world or shared branding, or participate in an anthology or multi-author box set. In this panel workshop our authors will share their…
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November 2019: Writing the Happy into your Happily Ever After
One of the most common challenges of writing romance novels is ensuring the relationship feels authentic while mixing in enough drama to keep the reader intrigued. But how can an author ensure the relationship doesn’t cross any lines, and that conflict is resolved satisfactorily? Dr. Brenda Saxe will share her experience as a couple’s counsellor…
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May 2019: Selling Books with Kobo Writing Life: Global Distribution & Exclusive Promo
Want to distribute your books globally, from your local library to big box retailers like Walmart? With Kobo Writing Life, you can sell your book in over 190 countries, and access promotional opportunities puts them in front of millions of Kobo users. This free distribution tool lets you keep the rights to your books and…
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Recap Nov 2018: Private Investigator and Security Guard
Before our workshop, we asked ORWA members who their favorite fictional detectives were, and if they write detectives in any of their stories! Workshop Recap Contributed by Jennifer Carole Lewis ORWA’s November workshop on the reality of private investigating and security was hugely informative. Our special guest, a private investigator with over 20 years of…
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Recap: September 2018 Writing Workshop with Tanya Huff
We might have taken the summer off, but with the start of the fall, it’s time for ORWA to gather once again. We were delighted to break our long summer fast with Tanya Huff, a talented author who has written in multiple genres for the last thirty years. Tanya spoke to us about the challenges…
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February 2017: Bloody Believable With Sgt. Ugo Garneau
Workshop Description Bloody Believable: Using forensic science to add depth to villain motivation, create realistic scenes and ensure that readers experience the terrifying details that go into crafting bloody believable book. About the presenter Sgt. Garneau is a Forensic Identification Officer specializing in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. He is actively involved in crime scene examinations/reconstructions and…
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December 2016: Holiday Social and Six Secrets to Create a Successful Bestselling Franchise
Our yearly annual social will be a potluck, beginning at noon, followed by a workshop. Six Secrets to Create a Successful Bestselling Franchise What do Star Wars, J. D. Robb’s Eve Dallas books, and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series have in common? They are all highly successful franchises. Join NYT bestselling author Sharon Page to learn…
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November 2016: Building Your Readership
USA Today and New York Times Bestseller Eve Langlais answers all your questions about how to engage your readership to create a dedicated fan base to drive your books to the bestsellers list! Eve Langlais is a stay at home mom who writes full time in between juggling her three kids, hubby, and housework, creating…
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October 2016: From Idea to Execution: Plotting Your Next Bestseller
Today’s publishing marketplace is more competitive than ever, demanding consistent—and accelerated—output from authors. Award-winning author Vanessa Kelly shows you how to plot and write your next book, novella, or short story with a minimum of angst and a maximum of efficiency. Bio: Vanessa Kelly is an award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of…
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May 2016: Facebook: A Self-Help Workshop for Writers
“It’s got ‘book’ in the title, so it must be for me!” Facebook: A Self-Help Workshop for Writers Did you know that five new people join Facebook every second? Worldwide, there are over 1.35 billion monthly active users on Facebook. With staggering numbers like these, there’s no doubt your potential readers are on Facebook.So,…
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April 2016: Edit Like a Pro with Laura Byrne Paquet
Edit Like a Pro with Laura Byrne Paquet In addition to writing eight Regency romances for Zebra and four non-fiction books, Laura Byrne Paquet worked as a freelance copy editor for Harlequin for several years. A member of the Editors’ Association of Canada, she also writes freelance articles and runs a local travel website called…
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March 2016: Slay Your Writing Dragons to Make your Personal Goals Happen!
Cynthia Boyko is a Co-Active Life Coach based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada who works with clients across North America. Coaching is something that comes very naturally to Cynthia. Her calm presence easily invites people into a process of clarity, balance and fulfillment. Cynthia is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She completed her…
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February 2016: Legal Issues for Writers
Can you quote song lyrics in your book? What should you do if someone plagarizes you? Can you name a character after someone you don’t like? In today’s face-paced digital world, writers face a variety of legal issues, and it’s not always easy to get them right. This workshop can help. Please…
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January 2016: Beyond the Furrowed Brow with Jennifer Carole Lewis
Tired of reusing the same expressions over and over for anger, love and surprise? There is a wide range of postures and subtle expressions which can convey your character’s emotions and reactions. How they stand, how they hold their hands, even the crinkling of an eyelid can show what they are thinking. Learn the subtle…
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December 2015: Bah Humbug! Character Arc, the Scrooge Way with Teresa Morgan
In December 1843, Charles Dickens published a little story that became a sensation. In it, a misanthropist misery turns into a philanthropic optimist… overnight. This beloved story has the widest and craziest character arc in all of Western literature (and the most flawless three-act structure). This workshop examines how Dickens pulled off making a character…
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March 2013: Story Structure with Marie Lilly
The seed for any story can grow from: * an image * a scene * a central conflict * a feeling * a character * a theme * a sound * a snippet of dialogue * a world. So, you have an amazing seed for a story. How do you discover if it will…
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May 2012: Homicide with Steve Roberts
Steve Roberts is very well known in the criminal investigation community and often consults and instructs concerning police procedures with agencies in the U.S. He has also worked on movies as the police expert and is acknowledged in several fictional mysteries for helping authors with correct police procedure. He will be talking about homicides, but from the…
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March 2012: Maggie Jagger’s Pitching Workshop
Pitching to agents and editors is part of writing life, no need to hyperventilate over it. We will first hone a synopsis, then we take turns pitching and hearing pitches. If you don’t want to pitch, then bring the first three pages of your ms. We will first split into small groups to gently critique…
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September 2011: Toning Up a Sagging Middle & The Movie Eye: Choosing the Right Scenes
ORWA presents a special day of workshops with New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries. Starting at 10 am, two workshops will be given: Toning Up a Sagging Middle The Movie Eye: Choosing the Right Scenes About Sabrina Jeffries New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries is a New Orleans-born, Thailand-reared novelist with a doctorate in…
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August 2011: If the Self-pub Shoe Fits… with Teresa Morgan
Digital self-publishing exploded in 2011 with news of the success of authors like J.A. Konrath, Amanda Hocking, and E.V. Mitchell (Julianne Maclean). Self-publishing for the Kindle, Nook, Sony eReader, iPad and other digital devices, is easy… and complicated. It has big advantages and deep pitfalls. In this workshop, you’ll learn more about this intriguing new…
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May 2011: Cut Through the Noise! with Jill Murray
Jill Murray will help you Cut Through the Noise and build your “online platform” without losing your mind. Blogs, websites, Facebook, Twitter, forums, message boards, online tours, podcasts — authors, illustrators and performers are being urged more than ever to build online platforms and personal brands, not just for marketing, but as the base of…
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April 2011: Practice Makes Perfect Pitching Workshop with Maggie Jagger
Maggie Jagger will lead a practice makes perfect pitching workshop. Pitching to agents and editors is part of writing life, no need to hyperventilate over it. We will take turns pitching and hearing pitches. If you are so afraid that you don’t want to come to this meeting, you can pretend to be an editor…
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February 2011: Rob Fleck: Canada’s First “Top Gun” CF-18 Pilot
In this fascinating workshop, Rob will tell us about his experiences in the Canadian Air Force where he was one of the first to fly and instruct on the CF-18 Hornet and was Canada’s First Top Gun. After a stellar career in the Air Force, Rob returned to civilian life and flew private and coprorate…
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May 2010: Plotting and Scene & Sequel with Sherry Lewis
Sherry Lewis will give a full morning of Plotting – teaching authors to start from nothing and end up with a fully plotted book. In the afternoon she will cover Scene and Sequel – GMC, conflict and disaster, and how to use scenes to pace your novel. Both workshops are interactive with brainstorming exercises. An award-winning…
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April 2010: The Business of Writing with Claire Delacroix
Writers write, but we are also in business. Join bestselling author Deborah Cooke (aka Claire Delacroix) for a workshop on how publishing works. Learn how the money works, how to recognize and make the most of opportunity, how to chart your way free of stormy waters, and how to plan for success when you’re not…
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January 2010: Kickstart Your Characters with Mary Jane Maffini
In this economy the best investment you can make is in your characters. Learn how to make them deeper, richer, and more fun to be around for you and your readers. After all, that’s a lot of words to spend together. Background enrichment, dialogue, and other potent tools will form the basis of this snappy…
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November 2009: Delivering the Goods: Creating a Believable Happily Ever After by Joanne Roc
Want to provide fiction that has your reader sighing with satisfaction? Want to avoid an ending that seems rushed? Or are you simply having trouble wrapping up all those threads? If so, then Joanne Rock’s workshop, Delivering The Goods: Creating a Believeable Happily-Ever-After, will help you write an ending to remember. Three-time RITA nominee, Joanne…
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September 2009: A Perfect Marriage: Plot & Pace by Eve Silver
Too fast? Too slow? Too cliche? Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, the end goal is the same: create a plot with depth and drama that flows at a perfect pace. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore techniques for both plotters and pantsers, key points of plotting, methods for adding layers and depth, and…