The listing below is the official list of classes for the 2003 Surrey International Writers' Conference. Click on the hypertexted class title you are interested in to see notes from attendees.
Discover how to make characters powerful and memorable
Agents discuss the art of pitching your fiction or nonfiction book
An advanced class on pitching your screenplay idea
Work with the key pressure points of plot, character, conflict and atmosphere
How to Write the "You gotta' read this..." Scene
Participants learn about the red flags in their queries and writing that label them as beginners
Learn how to construct an article, essay, or book from the ground up
A discussion of the book-to-film process in Hollywood
Discover twelve ways to let yourself explore, dream and tell the story you really want to tell
Tips on revising and its importance
A practical course in building short and long outlines for submission
A discussion of what goes on in editors' offices and how writers can best use and survive the system
Rascally secrets exposed
Heat up the emotional climate of your novel with essential techniques
How to organize your research to avoid chaos and meandering in your writing
Hear the top ten DO NOTs when writing to touch people's souls
An in-depth discussion about the film industry that includes fascinating inside stories and advice from key players
Workshop to allow writers the opportunity to write the first draft of a picture book and revise it with guidance
Discussion includes tips for writing and submitting mystery and suspense novels
A workshop that defines literary fiction and how to identify what style of writing you are working in
See above
The panel focuses on variations within the romance genre as well as offering advice for getting work published
This workshops delveops techniques writers can use to create longer fictional forms of novella, novel, and screenplay treatment
Help in developing good ideas into saleable proposals
Learn the five rules for writing dialogue
Participants engage in writing exercises that help launch a poem onto a blank page
How to make money writing for magazines
This session teaches you a few secrets and gives you the tools to develop a good love scene
Discussion of courtroom dramas and how to create deadly fictional antagonists
How to create a hero(ine) even more lovable than that prince(ss) in the mirror
Donald Maass interviews best-selling authors
Learn the how, when, and why of building a synopsis
A how-to, from first manuscript draft to creation of a best seller
Learn how to maximize your writing time, organize big projects, write more efficiently and more
Learn to generate ideas, find a slant, write a query letter, what types of articles are in demand, and markets
Find out what Hollywood is looking for, learn the developmental process for scripts and books, and more
Learn the challenges and rewards of creating a believable hero in your fiction
A discussion on how to build and maintain suspense
A discussion on the craft and challenges of writing the successful romance novel
If you ever have any dreams of being a full-time writer, this workshop is a must
An overview of the many steps to successful self-publishing
Learn to revise to bring out your natural voice, strengthen the elements of style and make your prose sing
An overview of what it takes to craft a compelling short story
Apply specific techniques to come up with a personalized marketing plan to achieve your lifestyle and financial goals through writing
Learn how to show a level of professionalism and dedication by submitting your work within the most current formatting guidelines
A look at the spectrum of styles in contemporary novels published for teens and young adults, pacing the young adult novel, and a general discussion of subject matter
How to craft entertaining and well plotted novels of science fiction, fantasy, and other speculative genres
A discussion of the pros and cons of the fastest growing trend for authors
continuation
Learn through writing exercises to manipulate readers' emotions by reaching the power of the five senses
Learn how to make your descriptive passages intergral to your writing which will enrich your stories and engage your audience
A discussion on the basics of the craft
This workshop will give you tips on how to be a good travel writer and will particularly focus on the "deep travel" genre
A discussion of the elements your screenplay must have for it to be considered high-concept
More writing exercises to help launch a poem onto the blank page
Learn the ins and outs and quirks of writing for children's nonfiction magazine markets
Learn how to weave history into your fiction in order to strengthen your story's fabric
A discussion of the key elements of a spine-tingling thriller and how to feed action, suspense and intesity into your work
Learn the communication skills and promotional materials critical to successful marketing
Learn the relationsihps of character, motivation, conflict, action and reaction that result in a good, strong, tight plot
A workshop in effective methods of critiquing a writer's work
A discussion of the appeal of the romance and its resulting market share
Learn devices to make your muse tap dance, your prose sing, and to get you out of the writer's dismal swamp when you find yourself quagmired
A discussion on how to propose, write, edit and sell your nonfiction work
Set up your story for a quick start and leave writer's block behind with these handy screenwriting tricks that any writer can use
Learn the techniques used by professional novelists to brainstorm any premise into a powerful novel
Learn to harness the hidden power of Setting and make it work for you
Learn the draft process and the final polish checklist, including last draft questions successful writers ask themselves about character, plot, pacing, marketing, and perfectionism
Check your ego at the door as you explore the possibility that you may work better with others than by yourself
Learn what makes a good beginning and ending and how they relate in a well-crafted novel
This workshop provides all the facts and no-nonsense assitance you need to ensure your queries generate excitement
Explore the strengths and weaknesses of novels and screenplays and learn how to move your stories between the two
A discussion of the details involved with submitting your children's and young adult work for publication
A discussion of the elements of writing the successful mystery novel
The secrets of how to create interesting and dynamic supporting characters