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 Martin 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 Martin'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:

• Adobe Acorbat PDF [download]
• Microsoft PowerPoint PPT [download]

Stand & Deliver
This is a workshop to help writers become more effective public speakers. Participants learn the skills the most successful and influential speakers have mastered. The workshop consists of four core communication modules.

Module 1: Preparation
Many writers panic the moment they realize they’ll be delivering a formal presentation in front of an audience. They are often completely baffled as to how to even start preparation.  This workshop provides them with a timeless tool they can utilize for a lifetime.  That tool is the NavigationChart™, which will assist writers with creating dynamic and compelling presentations. Download the Presentation NavigationChart™ PDF. Best printed as “11X17” color.

Module 2: Rehearsal
Once writers have created a polished presentation using their NavigationChart™, it’s time for rehearsal.   Most people would never enter into serious athletic competition without thoroughly practicing for the event.  Yet many people never take the time to practice a speech or  presentation beforehand.  There is an efficient and effective way to rehearse a presentation.  In module two, participants learn the rehearsal techniques that professional and influential speakers have mastered.

Module 3: Delivery Skills
In the delivery skills module, participants learn to use time-tested delivery tools. Also, in order to expertly master these delivery skills, all participants are coached and videotaped in a dynamic and safe learning environment.  Each person will receive a DVD so that they can watch themselves in action. Participants are always surprised at how quickly on-the-spot coaching accelerates their speaking performance.

Module 4: Presentation Day
By the end of the day, participants are well prepared and well rehearsed.  Now they have the skills to deliver outstanding presentations, but there’s still a lot to learn.  In this module participants learn how to maximize their speaking performance from the moment they walk into their presentation venue.