Welcome to our Winter 2011 workshop schedule (please note all workshops are tax-deductible.)  All workshops are 1/2 days except where specified. All are welcome & registration is now open.  Workshops currently on offer are highlighted in colour.   Receive a 10% discount if you register for two 1/2-day workshops. Writing Stories for Children: with acclaimed children’s author Susan Chalker Browne. Ever thought of writing a children’s book but don’t know where to start?  Maybe you have an idea, but aren’t sure it’ll work.  Join Susan Chalker Browne for writing tips, publishing advice, and energetic discussion.  Bring your story ideas, your favourite pen, and be prepared to write!  NEW! The Story: an informal, yet dynamic exploration of principles of plot, character, and story shape in which participants can test their ideas against the requirements for reader interest, and brainstorm variations/additions/changes. This is a perfect primer for those thinking of registering for the Four-Week Workshop Series on the Short Story, or the Eight Week Novel Writing Workshop Series.  DIALOGUE AND DESCRIPTION: keep your scenes moving fast with swift but nuanced dialogue.  Learn tricks to make your characters speak naturaly while avoiding clunky exposition. Introduction to Journaling: Practiced by Samuel Pepys, Virginia Woolf, Anne Frank, and countless 'ordinary' people, journaling is an exciting and satisfying art form.  In this workshop, Maura Hanrahan will show you how -- and why -- to create a meaningful journal. ~~~ Eight Week Novel-Writing Series: This is an intensive eight-week course which will help you create a synopsis, and identify key scenes, drafts of which you will write through the course. You may have some of the novel written already, or you may wish to start from scratch with an idea. Our aim is that by the end of the eight weeks you will be past the point of no return, too excited about your story to abandon it.  Those who take, or who have taken, the Eight-Week Novel Writing Workshop Series are now entitled to 50% off the Prepare to Publish half-day workshop.  Class One: January 19 – March 9, Wednesday evenings, 7-9:30 pm FULL. Class Two: January 18, Tuesday evenings – March 8 FULL. Proposed Class Three: January 31st – March 28 Places Available.  Level 2 Novel Writing: This ultra small class, intense workshop requires the sharing of two chapters and a synopsis 10 days before the workshop date and exploration of all structural, character and stylistic issues. Incorporated is a free tutorial to be set at a later date to talk over revision plans. (Maximum in workshop: maximum 3). NEW Short Story Workshop: This workshop requires participants to send (electronically) one short story (max word count: 4,500 words) seven days prior to the workshop date.  With Paul Butler, Saturday 29th January, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.    Online Writing Workshops & Tutorials: based on existing workshops or on your needs, we design and offer online writing workshops for those who cannot take part in on-site workshops.  Clients include deaf people choosing online options, people in rural areas or other locations in Canada and beyond, and local people whose schedules do not permit them to participate in our on-site workshops.  Email info@writingworkshops.ca or call us for more information.   Creative Writing for Beginners: A hands-on, yet relaxed exploration of the principles of creative writing. If you find yourself wanting to write but that voice in the back of your head calls out, "I'm not really a writer. . ." this fun and practical workshop is for you.  Come along, learn some techniques to help you go forward, and enjoy yourself!   Research and Writing: Dos and Don’ts: What to do and what not to do, with an emphasis on doing writing-related (social, cultural and historical) research in Newfoundland and Labrador; with lots of practical tips that will help you produce work that benefits from research that is useful but not intrusive or obvious in your narrative.  This popular workshop is facilitated by Maura Hanrahan.   Writing from Life/Writing from Your Experience: Turn anecdotes into and experience into appealing narratives in this hands-on workshop.  Through various exercises we will learn useful techniques for writing from your own experience and that of others.  In a relaxed environment, we'll  discuss the pitfalls and advantages of writing from life and there will be lots of tips.  No previous writing experience necessary.  Facilitated by Maura Hanrahan, Sunday, Jan. 30, 1-4pm.  There are still spaces left for this workshop. The Business of Writing: It's not the most fun part of writing but if you write to publish, you know that you require some entrepreneurial and accounting skills.  This practical workshop explains the basics of invoicing, HST, small trader status, business deductions, Access Copyright, PLR, etc. and reviews some useful tax-time information. Available upon request as a small group or one-on-one tutorial. Prepare to Publish: Make marketing part of your creative plan and get to know your reader in advance.  Create a wish list of publishers and agents and practice your synopsis and biography.  You'll learn how to: know when your manuscript is ready identify your manuscript's genre; searching for publishers that would give it a sympathetic reading approach a publisher; submission guidelines create a synopsis and biography that impress Participants will get a chance to discuss their individual cases during the workshop. NB: This workshop is not limited to people with completed manuscripts. The Screenplay and the Novel: Find out how screenwriting techniques can enhance and streamline your novel project. Examine the uses of the "pitch," the one-page synopsis, and scene sampling in an informal, small-group workshop.  Putting the Creative in Creative Non-fiction: We'll cut through the confusion about this popular but widely misunderstood genre.  We'll also explore how to use creative techniques to tell a story that is based on true events.  With Maura Hanrahan.

Practical Details: Location: Suite 201, 223-233 Duckworth Street (Haymarket Square), St. John's, A1C 1G8. Biscuits, perked coffee and a variety of teas will be provided.  Regarding access, there is a small step to the building and there is an elevator that can take you to our office. Contact us for more details. Cost: The cost of a half-day workshop is $49.00 plus HST = $55.37.  The cost of five week courses are $149.00 + HST = $168.37.  Cheques should be made payable to HB Creativity.  Workshops are tax-deductible.  Registration: Register via email (info@writingworkshops.ca) or phone: 709-753-7740. Winter Semester: Most workshops will be led by Maura Hanrahan or Paul Butler. Occasionally other established authors will facilitate HB Creativity workshops.  Win a Workshop! All HB Creativity Writing Workshop participants will be entered in an annual draw for a free workshop.