joysann
Hello, joysann here.
A couple weeks ago the Northeast Ohio Chapter of RWA held their annual springtime workshop for their members, and I was very grateful to have the opportunity to attend. As a dedicated reader, one would think there wouldn’t be much to hold my attention, but au contraire. I’m always intrigued by the characters and worlds authors create, and I admire the people who are so willing to invest so much of themselves to put entertainment into words for me. I also wonder at the nuts and bolts of the craft, and am interested in the writing process, though I’ve no inclination to indulge or experiment.
Alexandra Sokoloff
This year’s workshop presentation was given by Alexandra Sokoloff, successful screenwriter and horror/thriller author. The title Screenwriting Tricks for Authors is pretty self explanatory, but it was a revelation to me to see the parallel between a good movie and that terrific novel I so enjoyed. Alexandra’s in-depth dissection of plotting and timing was fascinating, with the history and purpose of Acts and Scenes, and an explanation of why they work. Using examples of well-known and favorite movies, she was able to show how the same techniques that made them successful can apply to an author’s work.
I found it fascinating, and Alexandra also made it entertaining. It happened that the hotel was the venue for a local high school prom, so when the booming rhythm of music exploded into our quiet and sedate little conference room (fortunately near the end of the Friday evening segment of the workshop), Alexandra laughingly restrained herself from stepping into her dancer/performer persona. Actually, I would have liked to have seen what she could do, impromptu.
Between the fine luncheon, the book signing, and the huge raffle drawings during Saturday’s program, Alexandra gave more in-depth detail and examples of her subject, giving all the authors there material with which to work. I got to see a perfect demonstration of my favorite part of any successful writer’s workshop as Alexandra enthralled her audience… and that is practically watching the imaginary lights come on and the scenes roll above the individual writers as they integrate what they are learning into the stories in their heads.
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The workshop concluded with an unusual and fun educational entertainment. Everyone should get to watch the incomparable Romancing the Stone with Alexandra’s enthusiastic commentary highlighting the individual elements that made the movie so exceptional.
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NEORWA includes several successful published authors, and it’s by continuing to provide inspiring workshops for its members that Cleveland Rocks Romance.
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Bottom Line: One of these days my camera will learn to cooperate with me so I can provide decent pictures of my own.
Giveaways
From Jeannie Lin: The Harlequin Historical authors are teaming up to giveaway free books and other summer themed prizes. Grand prize is a Kindle Fire (or equivalent e-reader depending on the winner’s region). Open to international applicants as well. Official rules and eligibility here.
From GET LOST IN A STORY: Join us and win free books. Mon: Jennifer Bernard, 2 The Fireman Who Loved Me; Tues: Jill Limber, A Heart that Dares (e); Wed: Clover Autrey, 3 ARCs (e) The Vampire and The Highland Empath; Thurs: Julie Kenner, When Passion Lies & Carpe Demon; Fri: Jillian Stone, An Affair With Mr. Kennedy.
