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Welcome to our Spring 2010 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 on offer are highlighted in red.

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  • Five Week Novel-Writing Series: This is an intensive five-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 five weeks you will be past the point of no return, too excited about your story to abandon it.  Starts Wednesday, May 26 @ 7pm. Those who take, or who have taken, the Five-Week Novel Writing Workshop Series are now entitled to 50% off the Prepare to Publish half-day workshop.

  • NEW! The Level 2 Novel Workshop Weekend: 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; spaces left: 1). Saturday, May 15 @ 10:00-4:00.

  • 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!  Thursday, June 17, 7pm-9:30pm.

  • 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.  We'll also discuss the pitfalls and advantages of writring from life and there will be lots of tips.  Facilitated by Maura Hanrahan.  

  • 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 one-on-one tutorial or a workshop.

  • Prepare to Publish: how to approach a publisher to maximize your chances of getting a contract (with Paul Butler).
    • knowing when your manuscript is ready
    • identifying your manuscript's genre; searching for publishers that would give it a sympathetic reading
    • how to approach a publisher; submission guidelines
    • how to 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. Saturday, May 8, 10-1 pm.

  • 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. 

  • NEW: 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.