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Writer’s Workshops
Our Workshops
 
Writer’s Workshop
We have three outstanding workshops. 
Transforming Boys Into Lifelong Readers is a workshop preparing educators and parents to be more effective in transforming boys into lifelong readers.

The Hero’s Journey is a writer's workshop. 


Do-it-yourself Publishing: A crash course in print-on-demand publishing. Seeing your book in print is a richly rewarding experience for your family, your friends, and most importantly, YOU.

 
 
 
 
Transforming Boys Into Lifelong Readers

Course Description:
Prepare educators/parents to be more effective in transforming boys into lifelong readers. Focus on reluctant-readers, address the 4th grade reading slump, and narrow the gender reading gap between boys and girls.

Rave:

"The Books recommendations and alternate teaching methods were great. I'll be implementing them this week!"

"I really enjoyed talking and having time to share my ideas and to hear others.  Thank you!"

"I have been reinvigorated by the idea that literature and reading support our humanity. We need to read because it helps us live good lives, an idea that is no longer stressed in schools because of standardized tests. Thank you, John."

"I experience the world through a female lens, complete with all that comes with it. It was great to push outside my perspective and consider the life of the boys I teach."

You will learn:

  • How to better connect with your boy
  • How educators should consider gender as they design and implement lesson plans
  • Strategies to deliver boy-friendly teaching tips and techniques to engage boys in reading activities
  • Strategies to improve the primarily female teaching staff members’ skills when interacting with boys
  • Strategies for fully maximizing schools current resources

Course dates: September 14th, 2016
Course location: Fremont Public Library Seattle, WA
Hours: 1pm–5pm
Cost: Free

LIMITED SEATS
Reserve your seat

 
 
Writing Workshop

The Hero’s Journey
Based on the groundbreaking Mythological Studies of Joseph Campbell
Participants will leave this workshop with:

  • Knowledge of the techniques successful & influential writers have mastered
  • An understanding of the mechanics of Mythic Story Structure
  • An understanding of Archetypal Characters found in all great literature

Here’s what past participants of this workshop have to say about it:

"What was especially interesting to me was how the hero myth archetypes were metaphors for life.  Making that connection got me closer to understanding the structure not only in my writing, but also in my view of life."
     -- Obadinah Heavner, Society of Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) Washington-Idaho  

"John practices what he preaches.  He is a storyteller par excellence.  This makes the workshop experience engaging and memorable."
     -- Katherine Grace Bond, Secretary, PEN Washington

"Not all writers are eager to share the secrets of their success with others, John is the exception. John is generous with his knowledge of writing.  He encourages beginners and rekindles the fire in the belly of experienced writers.  He is not only a talented writer; he has a real gift for teaching."
     -- April Knight (aka Crying Wind) author of 11 novels

"John’s workshop was one of the highlights of our spring conference.  He packed a wealth of information into a lively program, with solid handouts to make things clear and memorable.  Participants especially enjoyed how he connected the mythical world of the story with the daily journey that writers face."
     -- Chris Eboch, Regional Advisor, Society of Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) NM

"An original voice on writing strategy and form.  John breaks it down and gets creative juices flowing.  This is totally new and interesting material to me, and I've been learning for several years in graduate classes and reading on writing."
     -- Nicole Tugeau, Agent & Artist Representatives, Albuquerque, NM

"John's workshops have become a staple on our calendar at Barnes & Noble in downtown Seattle.  The workshops have been very well received by our customers as attested by the many positive comments received by our staff and myself."
    -- Lolyd Adalist, Community Relations Manager, Barnes & Noble, Seattle, WA

"John's workshop revealed a story line that later became my life. John's approach to quickly putting one's imagination on paper following the archetype of the hero's journey was very useful. I would encourage anyone who is struggling with the direction of their writing, or is wanting some personal meaning out of their life to participate in John's workshop." 
    -- Mark Shimada, Speaker, Performer, Artist, and Founder of Pathscrossings.com.

 

For more information on The Hero's Journey Writing Workshop, please download our sample slides.
The slides are available in the following formats:

 
 

Seeing your book in print is a richly rewarding experience for your family, your friends, and most importantly, YOU.
According to self-publishing guru, Dan Poynter, self-publishing is for 95% of all writers.
You owe it to yourself, your characters, and your story to find out if POD publishing is right for you!

This workshop is for fiction and non-fiction writers who are:

  • Frustrated with traditional publishers.
  • Positioned to commit some financial resources, time, and energy into seeing their work in print.
  • Determined to see your manuscript published .

You will leave this workshop with an understanding of:

  • How to publish your book using print-on-demand (POD) technology.
  • How to get your book on Amazon and Powell’s.
  • How to keep your books in print.
  • How to promote your POD books.
  • How to avoid “Vanity-Press” scams.
  • How to have faith and confidence in your work as a self-published author.