Mix of Writing Workshops in July

June 26, 2012 - PRLog -- (Cape Cod, MA)  If you’re looking for unique workshops to improve writing techniques, Cape-based author Devon Ellington teaches a variety of online and in-person workshops in July.  Ellington, a full-time writer who publishes under a half a dozen names in fiction and non-fiction is teaching for both Fearless Ink Workshops and Three Fish and a Ram Community Art Center in July.
   From July 9-13, online, she’ll be teaching the “Scene Meat” workshop.  Participants learn what constitutes a “scene” and a “sequence” and how to focus action, motivation, and language within the scene for maximum impact.  “So often, writers have their characters wander aimlessly for pages of sequences, most of which have no relevance to the story,” Ellington says.  “It dilutes plot, character, and impact.  By understanding the purpose of each individual scene, and then layering in active, interesting transitions, the entire story benefits.”  The workshop will be a mix of lectures and daily assignments, and costs $40.  More information and registration at:  www.devonellingtonwork.com/scenemeat.html.
   On Saturday, July 14, Ellington teaches another online seminar, this one called The Series Bible.  Attendees learn how to create and maintain a series bible to keep details of character, plot, and story arc development logical and consistent throughout several books.  “Whether it’s a novel and a sequel, a trilogy, or an ongoing series with or without an endpoint, readers will notice if a character’s eye color changes, or if a character starts taking his coffee a different way.  If there’s not a logical reason for the change, you’ll frustrate, and often lose, a reader.”  This workshop costs $25, with registration and information available at www.devonellingtonwork.com/seriesbible.html. There’s a special deal available -- take both online workshops for $50, thereby saving $15.  Either of the above registration pages has the combo deal.  The online workshops and seminars allow participants from all over the globe, allowing for interaction and the formation of critique partnerships and writing groups.
   If you prefer taking class in person, Ellington partnered with Three Fish and a Ram Community Art Center on Sunday, July 15 from 1-4 PM for a live workshop on Character or Situation.  “Sometimes it’s easier to start from character to build your story; sometimes from situation,” says Ellington.  “Either choice gives you different opportunities for story and character.  This workshop will help you build techniques for both, so you don’t feel trapped by one way or the other.”  The workshop is $50, and interested participants can email Three Fish and a Ram at info@threefishandaram.com or call 508-477-2788 to reserve a space.  The Center is located in Mashpee Commons.
   Negotiations are underway to add one more online seminar in July, probably on Saturday the 28th, called “Femme Fatales and Rakish Rogues”.  Again, part lecture and part opportunity for individual critique on sections of a work-in-progress, the seminar will explore the traditional uses of the femme fatale and the rogue in fiction, and ways to turn the archetypes inside-out to keep them fresh.  For updates on final dates and registration, watch the workshop page, www.devonellingtonwork.com/workshops.html.