Bootcamp For Novelists

 

 

Connie Flynn's Bootcamp for Novelists was a great way to spend last Saturday.  It was informative, energizing, productive and reinforced the idea that writers benefit from the company of other writers when  perfecting  their craft.  It was time well spent. 

Using her 12 Essential Questions That Turn Ideas Into Finished Novels as a format for teaching plot and character development gave the class structure that enabled us to complete the exercises.  We got a lot done in that 6 time slot.     

The workshop kept a lively pace with a mixture of lecture and hands-on exercises.  The exercises built on one another so once you came up with your initial story idea you could work with it through to the end.  It is best if you don't come to the workshop with something you've already worked on so that you remain flexible with the story while going through the process.  Sometimes if you come with a story already started than you may be so attached to the story that you are reluctant to change it.

 While  the exercises gave us plenty of time to work alone on our ideas the break out sessions gave us time to mingle with the other writers. Throughout the session when we were in our groups Connie would visit each table to make sure we were on track and to answer any questions the attendees had.

I'm sure Connie will probably hold this workshop again so you may want to bookmark her website so that you don't miss it.  It is a fun way to spend a few hours with other writers and it is so worth it.