The annual Liars Club Writers Workshop is back and it’s still free.

In this day-long event, small, interactive group workshops will be offered, providing participants with information and personal attention. Attendees will be able to choose three workshops from the six offered. [See Below]

Remember: This is a workshop. Bring your laptop or pen and paper and be ready to do some writing exercises!

WORKSHOPS

A1: The Key to Outlining Your Novel or Story!

Using an outline can mean writing faster and creating more usable words. Not everyone has all day to write. Outlining a project will help you use your time more effectively while keeping your book on track. This workshop will show you how to create a basic outline based on your plot, story structure, and character development.

Pocono Liar Author and Presenter Kelly Jensen is the author of fifteen novels and over a dozen novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s about a guy losing his socks or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need. Connect with Kelly: Website: https://www.kellyjensenwrites.com

A2: Writing Villains You Love to Hate and Hate to Love

Antagonists in literature are often the most memorable characters. For example, Professor Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes), Napoleon (Animal Farm), and Count Dracula lend conflict and drama to the story while captivating readers with their intense and compelling nature. Despite their actions, a well-crafted villain can make a narrative thrilling and suspenseful. This workshop will unpack the writing elements that create a compelling villain.

Presenter and Pocono Liar Author Sahar Abdulaziz specializes in writing psychological thrillers, suspenseful narratives, thought-provoking social commentary, and clever satire. However, there’s nothing that Sahar enjoys more than exercising her demonic proclivity for crafting intricate, multifaceted protagonists confronting formidable challenges. The more dysfunctional, the better. https://www.saharraziz.com

B1: Hooking Your Reader

We’re not all Stephen King, who can slowly lead us into the plot since we know it’s going to get good. We’re unknown — we have to grab them early! The opening paragraphs are tremendously important in getting your reader to turn the page, and this workshop will allow you to learn and practice the elements needed to hook your reader.

Michael A. Ventrella writes witty adventures about reluctant heroes. He’s edited over a dozen anthologies featuring award-winning NY Times bestselling authors. His own short stories have appeared in various anthologies and magazines, and he’s also written nonfiction books about music and the U.S. Constitution. His web page is www.michaelaventrella.com

B2: Research: Half the Fun of Writing!

Yes, indeed, we make up stories when we write. But unless you’re writing fantasy, you want details about any topic to be accurate. Conducting research can assist writers in comprehending their characters’ motivations, desires, fears, and quirks, ultimately resulting in more genuine and captivating characters. This workshop will guide writers in finding those facts and making their stories even more interesting!

Susan Moore Jordan’s “music-centric” novels include works drawn from her life as a performer, teacher, and stage director; two books based on the impact on a family by sons who served in the Vietnam War; and more recently, a cozy mystery series. For more information: www.susanmoorejordan.com

C1: The Five Elements of a Short Story

In this workshop, participants will learn the five elements of a short story and how to use them with tight word counts. This workshop is an interactive presentation. Participants will brainstorm these five elements, and we will discuss how to fine-tune them in a story.

Pocono Liar Author Victoria Marie Lees has published a variety of literary works, including short stories, fiction, essays, memoirs, and poetry. For more information: https://www.victoriamarielees.com

C2: Get the “WAS” OUTTA HERE! 

When crafting your writing, it’s beneficial to steer clear of the word “was” to create more robust and engaging verbs. Powerful verbs can capture your audience’s attention, immersing them in your narrative and enhancing their level of involvement. By avoiding weaker verbs like “was,” you can elevate the impact of your writing and truly captivate your readers.

M.A. Moore retired from teaching physics and dove immediately into the joys of writing. Even nine books later, one of her greatest challenges remains minimizing passive (i.e., ho-hum) voice. Join her as she shares hands-on strategies that have worked for her to turn tell into show.

SCHEDULE

9:00: Registration

9:30: Meet Greet Introduction

10:00: Workshop: A1 (Key to Outlining) OR A2 (Writing Villians)

11:00: Break

11:15: Workshop B1 (Hooking Your Reader) OR B2 (Research)

12:15: Lunch [Please bring a bag lunch and drink; there is a grocery store next door, a coffee shop with snacks in the library, and other fast food places nearby]

1:15: Workshop C1 (5 Elements) OR C2 (Get the “was”)

2:15: Break

2:30: Question & Answer Panel

4:00 (or earlier depending on the Q&A panel): Closing remarks/cleanup

NOTE: When you sign up, be careful not to reserve two panels at the same time. Choose A1 or A2, B1 or B2, and C1 or C2.

Since we have limited space, PLEASE do not reserve a spot unless you are absolutely planning on attending.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION

The members of The Pocono Liars are committed to making this workshop one where every person in attendance feels supported and respected for their endeavors, and a place where all writers feel welcome and are treated with courtesy, patience and respect. While we as individuals might not share the same world views, we in The Pocono Liars believe it is imperative to develop a safe environment for creatives from all backgrounds and beliefs to gather in support of one another. It is our collective wish to provide such a venue in support of the intellectual integrity of all those who attend and wish to participate.

Additionally, as writers, we feel it is especially important that we respect the boundaries of each individual. Therefore, while proactive critiques are most certainly welcome and appreciated, we especially request that those in attendance refrain from putting fellow writers in a position of validating their choice of genre, lifestyle or story. Thank you.