1999 Workshop - The Marshall Plan

The Marshall Plan Novel Writing Workshop featuring Literary Agent and Novelist Evan Marshall, author of The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing.

Saturday, August 28, 1999 - 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., University Center Ballroom on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, corner of Normal and Henderson, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

The Heartland Writers Guild is proud to bring to the Heartland this highly acclaimed workshop featuring New York-based literary agent, novelist and former editor Evan Marshall.

Drawing on his extensive writing and publishing experience, Marshall has perfected a simple and methodical approach to creating a salable novel. His clear-cut, 16-step "Marshall Plan" (the basis of his new best-selling book The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing)  breaks down the complex novel writing process into a series of parts you put together one piece at a time.

In the first half of the day, you'll have your whole story planned and plotted before you actually begin writing. Writing comes in the second half of the day, as do tips for self-editing your manuscript and for submitting it to agents and editors in the most professional, attention-getting way.

Then, in the evening, you're invited to return for an informal Q&A session - an open forum to ask questions or obtain the agent's opinion on the salability of your project. Time permitting, Marshall may even conduct one-page manuscript critiques, so come prepared with the first page of your work in progress.

Advance registration on or before August 20 is only $50 for HWG members and $55 for non-members. Late registration is $65 regardless of Guild affiliation.

HWG is also pleased to announce that Continuing Education CEU credit of .8 is being offered by Southeast Missouri State University, Extended Learning.

Using the Marshall Plan, You Will:

Target a genre for your story idea and develop your narrative and characters around the unique conventions of your chosen genre.

Use basic guidelines and "section sheets" to determine an ideal story length and plot for your novel's events.

Master viewpoint writing and techniques for linking your novel's sections with seamless "connectors."

Create a compelling, readable pace using action, summary, dialogue, thoughts/feelings and background.

Bulletproof your story and perfect your language with the Novelist's Manual for Self-Editing.

Learn how to successfully market your novel following Evan Marshall's expert instruction for creating a powerful synopsis and targeting the right agents and editors.

Schedule:
8:00 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. Morning Session Begins
Noon ......Lunch on your own
1:30 p.m. Afternoon session begins
5:00 p.m. Afternoon session ends
7:30 p.m. Informal Q&A

Materials Provided:

The Marshall Plan Workbook (available only to workshop participants)

Example sheets for all stages of The Marshall Plan

Section sheets for planning and plotting the novel

Special binder, notebooks and other writing materials

Products available for optional purchase include The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing. Order your copy at the HWG workshop discounted price of $16 and save. (A limited number of copies will be available at the workshop at full cover price of $17.99, but in order to guarantee your copy, you must order now. Your copy will be waiting for you at the registration desk on the morning of the workshop.)