2009 talks and classes

 
So you want to write a book
 

Free talk at Seattle's Santoro's Bookstore in Greenwood, Monday, November 2nd, 2009 from 7-9 p.m.

 
So you want to write a book will focus on the process of writing novels, memoir and nonfiction. A one-hour lecture will be followed by an hour question and answer period.
 
As a writing coach and teacher, and as a novelist who has just landed a New York agent, I have extensive personal and professional writing experience. We'll discuss the stages of writing a book, including setting a writing discipline, writing the rough draft, revising your book, and the path toward publication. I will also explain how the one-on-one coaching process has helped dozens of tentative storytellers become full-time, fully committed writers.
 
Bring any questions you have about your own writing.
 
What: So you want to write a book
Where: Santoro's Bookstore, 7405 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103, (206) 784-2113
When: Monday, November 2nd, 7-9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
 

Writing and Shamanism

 
One-day writing workshop in Seattle November 1st in the Greenwood area. I will be teaching the techniques of shamanism as a writing tool. For those who think that shamanism is too alternative, I want to assure you that I used the techniques to write my first novel, and recently signed with a New York literary agent.
 
Shamanic journeys are similar to creative visualizations, or visual meditations and can have a profound effect on your artistic life in the 'real world'. The practice is a great way to unearth and excavate your deepest creative self. We'll use the techniques to deepen our connection to our writer archetypes, and increase the flow and profundity of our work. We'll use journeys also to plumb the depths of existing characters in novels and short stories and/or explore more universal/spiritual themes. You can take the techniques home with you and use them in your writing on your own time, as well.
 
All writing levels welcome, but please note that we will be using the healing techniques of shamanism strictly for writing purposes. This is not a 'therapeutic' workshop. Please bring a piece of writing that you'd like to work on.
 
What: Writing with Shamanism
When: Sunday, November 1, 2009. 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: BodySong Healing and Arts Center
943 N. 89th Street, Seattle, WA 98103
Cost: $200 if paid by October 15th, $225 if paid on the day. Credit cards accepted via PayPal. Payment plans available.
Contact: Caroline Allen, carolineallen@aol.com, 978.228.6617
Coaching site: www.artofstorytellingonline.com
Writing/Art site: www.carolineallen.com

* Please note that no refunds can be given for class cancellation after October 15, 2009
 
  
 

coaching services

I offer various coaching packages. Whether you want to tell the story of your life to leave as a legacy for your family, write a novel, learn to write short stories, or you are an executive who wants to write a business book, I can help. Each package can last three, six, nine or twelve months. Price depends on length and complexity of the project. Please contact me for a free initial consultation: carolineallen@aol.com 

memoir

For people who want to write about their life, I offer intensive support, including vast experience as an interviewer to get to the core of your life story. I will interview you, provide an outline, develop a structure, give weekly feedback, and help you revise the finished product.  

new writers 

For relatively new writers who have always wanted to write, but didn't know where to begin. I will help you come up with a writing idea, develop a structure, and provide ongoing support throughout the writing process. The client can expect at the end of the project to have a finished short story, personal essay, or a book-length manuscript.

novels

I assist writers in putting together their first novel. We begin the often daunting process by focusing on one chapter at a time, exploring setting, characterization, dialogue, theme and plot. I provide intensive ongoing support to get you over the hurdles. A fabulous process that has had wonderful results for the writers I've worked with.

single article or essay

For individuals who would like to learn how to write an article on their business, or for students looking for guidance on a personal essay to use for graduate school applications, I use finely honed interview questions to get to the essence of the work, provide an outline you can work from, give written feedback via email, and edit the final piece.

business

For businesspeople who want to shape the story of what they do, to publish an article on their company, or for executives who want to write a book, I will interview you, provide an outline, develop a structure, give weekly feedback, and help you edit the finished product.