Classes
An agent’s tips on story structures that sell (For novels and memoir)
Teaching a webinar on plot and structure for Writer’s Digest Sept. 8th
http://www.writersdigestshop.com/product/the-plot-thickens-webinar/
Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 1 year.
Description:
If you are serious about getting published, or wondering why your manuscript is not getting the attention you desire, let instructor and literary agent Andrea Hurst show you how to structure a plot that will keep an agent turning the page.
In this 90 minute webinar, writers will have the opportunity to learn what agents and editors look for in a marketable novel or memoir. Once an agent determines an author has mastered the craft of writing, the next thing they look for is an intriguing plot. At the agency we often find that even the best writers may not be able to sustain a memorable plot. Andrea presents techniques that will help build your story, solve plot issues, and create a strong beginning, middle, and end. Get noticed, get read, and up your chances of getting sold.
Length and price: 90 minutes; $89
You’ll learn:
- The essential elements of story building
- Structuring beginnings that hook the reader
- Common reasons manuscripts are rejected
- Insight into the three act method of plotting & more
- How to raise the stakes and create a climatic ending
Who should attend?
- Writers who are in the process of crafting a novel or memoir
- Writers who are ready for an agent to see their work.
- Writers who are interested in learning more about how an agent reviews submissions.
- Writers who are actively submitting their novel or memoir and want some tips to strengthen their plot.
How does the critique work?
After the session, all registrants are invited to submit a query letter or short synopsis (400 words maximum) of their novel or memoir. Andrea will personally read each submission and respond with a short paragraph critiquing the effectiveness of your work. At the completion of the webinar, you will have the tools to create a memorable plot.
How does the webinar work?
The live audio is delivered over your telephone or computer speakers. The Power Point presentations and desktop or document sharing are presented over the Internet. This is like a talk-radio program with visuals on the Web. You’ll be able to have a live Q&A chat with the speakers.
What equipment do I need?
All you need is a computer. You will be able to view the slides and listen to the audio over the computer speakers. However, if you are on wireless we recommend you listen to the audio over a phone line as VOIP technology is not as stable on a wireless connection.
Recommended equipment
- Pentium III 733mhz+ or equivalent
- Operating system: Windows 2000, XP, Vista
- Browser: For optimal viewing experience, we recommend using Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. For Netscape, only versions 4.x are supported at this time.
- Mac users are encouraged to use Firefox 2.0 (or later) with Flash to view the webcast. You can also test your system using the system test button in menu on the left hand side.
Questions
If you have questions about the program, or have any technical difficulties, please contact writingwebinars@fwmedia.com.
Writer’s Digest Webinar
I have participated in several of these as a newbie writer, and without slathering too much butter
Save the Date – Writing Retreat
All Day Writing Retreat with Agent Andrea Hurst
I will be hosting a retreat on Saturday, January 15, 10am-4pm, on beautiful Whidbey Island in Washington. Coupeville’s Madrona Massage Retreat Center, located on scenic Penn Cove, is a picture perfect place to get away from the distractions that impede the writing process. Join published author, writing coach and literary agent, Andrea Hurst, for a focused day or writing, professional feedback, and support.
We will be focusing on your areas of interest, where you passion is with your writing and just how marketable are your ideas. There will writing prompts, creative exercises, quiet writing time, sharing of your work, and a short private consult to discuss your work with me. The center is on 5 acres overlooking the water with a one acre lily pond and lots of wildlife.
The Cost is $75.00 for the day.
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Register at info@andreahurst.com
Thank you and hope to see you there.
Andrea Hurst
Sponsored by Just Write
Our Just Write division offers courses, workshops, tele-seminars and webinars to help both first-time writers and veteran authors polish their skills and develop a cutting edge in today’s competitive and ever-changing publishing climate. JUST WRITE!
Come to Whidbey Island, The Closest Distance to Far Away
JOIN us at Just Write at the Pier in Coupeville, WA
Local Grown Coffee 3-5pm – free drop in writer’s group. Here is our summer guest speaker schedule:
July 21st – Amberly Finarelli – Senior Literary Agent with Andrea Hurst Lit Management – Topic TBA
July 28th- Janna Cawrse Esarey- author, “The Motion of the Ocean”-Topic Writing and Selling a memoir. She sold hers on the book proposal. She has a fantastic website and also teaches classes on pitch craft.
August 18th- Tom Masters- Blogging for Authors and Blog to Book and Beyond
August 25th – Gordon Warnock – Senior Literary Agent with Andrea Hurst – How to interest a Literary Agent
September 8th- Corbin Lewars- author “Creating a Life”, blogger, teacher, coach. Topic tentatively: persistence and the long road to publishing. It took her 5 years to see her book published.
Just Write On The Island!
Saturday, FEBRUARY 27th - All Day Writing Retreat
Join Literary Agent and published author, Andrea Hurst for an all day writing retreat in a beautiful and quiet setting. Get motivated, have uninterrupted, focused time to write, share your work, and obtain professional feedback. Walking trails and galleries nearby.
Location: Greenbank Farm – Jim Davis House
10 AM to 4 PM Lunch Available at Whidbey Pie Café
Cost: $50.00 – Limited Capacity – MUST pre-register at info@andreahurst.com
Optional: Private consultations available on Sunday
Winter Classes offered through WIWA – Whidbey Island Writers Association
CRAFTING FICTION that Sells in Today’s Marketplace
All Day Beginners Workshop taught by Literary Agents Andrea Hurst & Gordon Warnock
SATURDAY, January 30 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Freeland, WA
Fee: WIWA members: $90. Non-members: $100
Pre-register – Call 360-331-6714 or e-mail wiwa@whidbey.com www.writeonwhidbey.org
Fiction authors often overlook or underestimate the importance of knowing the business and commercial elements necessary to succeed in writing and selling their novels. In this workshop, taught from a publishing professional’s point of view, we will discuss how to polish and present your fiction manuscript so as to standout from the competition. Areas to be covered include: Is your book title compelling? Does your first line and first chapter hook the reader? Have you researched your plot to be sure it fits in a clear genre and appeals to the appropriate audience? Does your writing style and voice keep the reader invested in finding out what happens next? You will write back cover copy and learn how to professionally pitch your book so as to get noticed, get read, and up your chances of getting sold. A short pitch session with three agents will be included.
The instructors: *Andrea Hurst is the President of Andrea Hurst Literary Management. Her client list includes emerging new voices and NY Times best-selling authors. Andrea represents high profile adult nonfiction and well-crafted fiction. Her clients and their books have appeared on the Oprah Show, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, National Geographic network and in the NY Times. In addition to working in the publishing field for over 20 years, Andrea is a published author, skilled development editor, keynote speaker, and educator.
Gordon Warnock-Literary Agent: With a zest for fresh, new writing and a deep love of the classics, Gordon always has his eye out for works which will not only thrive in the current market but will also withstand the test of time, bringing joy to readers for years to come. In that spirit, he seeks to establish involved, long term working relationships with talented and willing authors of many genres. Gordon@andreahurst.com
Assistant agent, Rob Daniel, will join us for the pitch session.
“Happy Thanksgiving! It’s an appropriate day to send you my personal thanks for hosting an impressive workshop. The experience offered me insights and encouragement in my work. You possess the attributes of my Dream Agent: honesty, kindness, generosity, intelligence and humor. I was impressed that you treated each writer with equal respect and offered all of us invaluable suggestions. What a great group! I look forward to the next workshop.
Thanks again”Mary Moeller, author
* * * *
CRAFTING FICTION that Sells in Today’s Marketplace – ADVANCED
8 weeks beginning Wednesday, February 3rd 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Coupeville, WA
Instructor: Andrea Hurst*
Fee: WIWA members: $90. Non-members: $100
Pre-register – Call 360-331-6714 or e-mail wiwa@whidbey.com www.writeonwhidbey.org
This class is for serious novelists who are interested in polishing their manuscripts and preparing them to pitch for publication. We will workshop manuscripts to create a polished, commercially saleable novel, with an emphasis on crafting the first 100 pages, including plot and character development. How to catch and keep an agent or editors attention through your pitching materials will also be addressed. This class will help you to get your manuscript requested, read, and sold.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION & COACHING
Andrea is available for private instruction and coaching for writers of both nonfiction and writing. She is available to speak at your group or class as well. Please email for more information at info@andreahurst.com.
“Thank you for a concise, lucid and very knowledgeable presentation! You told the writers in your audience precisely how to submit material for possible publication and, most important, how to avoid the mistakes many writers make when doing so.”
Sheri Short, Former Vice President, Pacific Northwest Writers Association
ONLINE CLASSES COMING SOON!
SPRING SCHEDULE TO FOLLOW
