A number of writers have queried Jack about when he will be conducting another writers’ workshop. As his next workshop will be limited to fifteen writers, here is an early heads-up:
Jack will be conducting a half year workshop course in science fiction and fantasy writing that will consist of five Saturday sessions (25 February, 31 March, 28 April, 19 May, 30 June) at the Victorian Writers’ Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne. Each intensive session will last six hours. The aim of the workshop is for participants to develop their idea to draft by the course’s end and, in addition to the craft of writing, learn about marketing as a writer. The contact number for the VWC is 03 9094 7855.
Workshop description:
Believe it or not, there is a secret to writing professional fiction; and it involves learning a bit of ancient cartography. (cartis = map and graph = write.)
This intensive workshop Nebula and World Fantasy Award recipient Jack Dann, offers participants a hands-on writing experience and a unique opportunity to develop a working understanding of the craft of speculative fiction (and fiction in general) with a writer of international renown. This workshop will cover the technical and thematic aspects of fantastic fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and magical realism. Participants will learn about writing in the various genres (and the history of the genres); the essentials of writing cutting edge fiction; the nature of creativity; how to treat writing as a business; and how to market their work in a paradigm changing environment. But most importantly, they will learn how to approach the craft of writing as professionals. Participants will workshop each other’s short stories and through Jack’s tutelage and constructive criticism, through all the give and take and guided criticism from the participants, a close group will form of writers who are growing and learning how to become professional writers.