Our Chapter offers online workshops and classes that vary in length and are conducted via e-mail loops. With convenient member and non-member pricing, our classes are open to anyone who wants to participate. The deadline to register for all classes is the 28th of the preceding month, unless otherwise noted. (All $$ fees below are in USD.)
POLICY: All payments, whether snail mail or Paypal, must be received by the registration deadline. No refunds will be offered. However, if you wish to cancel your workshop registration and you notify us at least 45 days prior to the start date of the workshop, your payment may be applied to a future Elements workshop of your choice. To inquire, please contact our Workshop Coordinator atworkshops@elementsofrwa.com.
NOTE: Please turn off your spam filter. Otherwise, it may delay or prevent receiving an invitation to join the online workshop. If you have any questions or have not received an e-mail invitation to join the online workshop within a week prior to the start date of your class, please contact the Workshop Coordinator atworkshops@elementsofrwa.com.
2009
January February March April May June
July August September October November December
NO WORKSHOPS FOR THIS MONTH.
NO WORKSHOPS FOR THIS MONTH.
Preparing Your Manuscript for the Editor or Agent of Your Dreams 
by Lois Winston
Description: Even though there are people who will tell you there are no "rules" to writing romance, the truth is, there are rules. Not the kind of rules that say a hero and heroine must meet by a certain page but rules to good writing. In this workshop award-winning author Lois Winston will cover these rules, touching on all the basics. The workshop gives a broad overview ofeverything from how to format a manuscript to self-editing tips. From understanding passive voice vs. passive verbs to showing vs. telling. Fromhooks to synopsis. From point of view to common grammar and punctuation errors. Knowing, understanding, and using these rules can work to a writer's advantage.
Bio:
Award-winning author and agency associate Lois Winston writes humorous, cross-genre, contemporary novels and romantic suspense. She often draws upon her extensive experience as an artist and crafts designer for her source material. Her first book, TALK GERTIE TO ME, was the recipient of the Readers and Book Buyers Best Award, took second place in both the Beacon Awards and Laurel Wreath Awards, and was nominated for a Reviewers' Choice Award and a Golden Leaf Award. Her second novel, LOVE, LIES & A DOUBLE SHOT OF DECEPTION, was the winner of the Winter Rose Award for Excellence in Romantic Fiction, the More Than Magic Award, and the Laurie Award. The book also garnered Golden Leaf, Golden Quill, and Beacon nominations. Lois also contributed to several anthologies: DREAMS & DESIRES, VOL. 1, 2, and 3 and HOUSE UNAUTHORIZED. When not writing or designing, you can find Lois trudging through stacks of manuscripts as she hunts for diamonds in the slush piles for the Ashley
Grayson Literary Agency.
REGISTRATION CLOSED.
***Please note there are two classes available in April.***
The 5 P's of Self-Promotions: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance
by John Foxjohn
Description: This workshop encompasses easy and inexpensive ways to market the author and book, how to make media guides and press releases, and how to set up TV and radio interviews. It also covers the do's and don't's of book signings and what to expect.
Bio:
Best-selling author John Foxjohn epitomizes the phrase “been there–done that.” Born and raised in the rural East Texas town of Nacogdoches, he quit high school and joined the Army at seventeen. Viet Nam veteran, army Airborne Ranger, policeman and homicide detective, retired teacher and coach, and now, a multi-published author. His first novel, Code of Deceit, a murder mystery, became a best-seller three months after its release. John is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, Elements of Romance, Sisters-in Crime, and League of Texas Writers. He is a full-time writer and speaker and lives in Lufkin, Texas. Visit him at www.johnfoxjohnhome.com.
REGISTRATION CLOSED.
Eight Steps to Murdering a Manuscript Without a Conviction
by John Foxjohn
Dates: April 20-27
Description: This class covers eight major problems that can and will get the writer's manuscript rejected.
Bio:
Best-selling author John Foxjohn epitomizes the phrase “been there–done that.” Born and raised in the rural East Texas town of Nacogdoches, he quit high school and joined the Army at seventeen. Viet Nam veteran, army Airborne Ranger, policeman and homicide detective, retired teacher and coach, and now, a multi-published author. His first novel, Code of Deceit, a murder mystery, became a best-seller three months after its release. John is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, Elements of Romance, Sisters-in Crime, and League of Texas Writers. He is a full-time writer and speaker and lives in Lufkin, Texas. Visit him at www.johnfoxjohnhome.com.
REGISTRATION CLOSED.
NO WORKSHOPS FOR THIS MONTH.
Archetypes versus Stereotypes
by Sue Viders and Becky Martinez
Figuring out a character and making him/her come across as real can be a real challenge. This class presents the basic archetypes and how you know which your character is. It can also keep you from turning that character into a humdrum stereotype. Any level of writer is welcome.
Based on the popular writing book The Complete Writers Guide to Heroes and Heroines, Sixteen Master Archetypes, this
class will discuss each of the 16 archetypes and show participants how to use them to their best advantage.
Each lecture also includes exercises for the writer and between lectures, Sue, the Spunky Kid with a touch of The Nurturer thrown in will critique exercises and answer questions while Becky, the Comedian with a touch of Librarian, will provide critiques. Both will provide suggestions and ideas on how participants can improve and strengthen their plot and characters.
Lectures include the following:
1 - The Chief and The Bad Boy
July
2 - The Best Friend and The Charmer
3 - The Lost Soul and The Professor
4 - The Swashbuckler and The Warrior
5 - The Boss and The Seductress
6 - The Spunky Kid and The Free Spirit
7 - The Waif and The Librarian
8 - The Crusader and The Nurturer
NO WORKSHOPS FOR THIS MONTH.