Workshops

WORKSHOPS

 

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing Workshop

Duration: 9 weeks

Price: $299

1 lesson every week for 9 weeks

Includes one-to-one feedback for each assignment

Questions? Contact Mayra Calvani at mayra.calvani@gmail.com

Description:

Is your nose always stuck in a book? Do you enjoy sharing your ideas about books with readers? Become a book reviewer!

Learn the secrets of book reviewing from Mayra Calvani, co-author of the ForeWord Best Book of the Year award-winning title, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing. From the key elements of a good reviewer, to what makes a good review, to how to write a thoughtful, intelligent review, to the different types of reviews and reviewers, to how to deal with the most common reviewing problems, to how to build an online platform, this workshop will teach you, in a nutshell, all you need to know to get started as a professional book reviewer.

Sample the workshop! 

Join my mailing list (top right on the side bar) and receive the first lesson free.

Endorsements

“When you take Mayra Calvani’s ‘The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing’ you’ll gain confidence in how you cull the book’s purpose, themes, and story for your readers. She breaks down a writing form–the review–that is intimidating for many writers, but can become an art form and a vehicle for greater access into the larger literary world. I also enjoyed learning many practical tips such as posting your book review guidelines on your website and how to tactfully tell someone you won’t be able to review their book. As a book reviewer for over five years, I very much appreciate Mayra’s guidance since I have found few resources on how to effectively write book reviews.”
— Alice Osborn, M.A., reviewer for Pedestal Magazine

“The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing is a great course for any novice or seasoned veteran. Calvani offers valid tips on writing reviews and addressing issues in this business. A breath of fresh air Calvani delivers this course with diversity and experience.” -Mirta Espinola, PR/Editor, www.espinolaeditor.blogspot.com 

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Walking on a Rainbow, a Fiction Picture Book Workshop

Duration: 10 weeks

Price: $299

1 lesson every week for 10 weeks

Includes one-to-one feedback for each assignment 

Questions? Contact Mayra Calvani at mayra.calvani@gmail.com

Description:

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a children’s picture book author? Perhaps you have lots of ideas sure to delight young readers, yet aren’t quite sure how to get started? Or maybe you’ve already tried your hand at it, but don’t feel confident enough to submit yet? If you’ve answered ‘Yes’ to these questions, then this is the workshop for you!

During this course, you’ll have the chance to write the complete first draft of a fiction picture book manuscript under 700 words. Why under 700 words? Because you want your story to be as marketable as possible, and that is the word count agents and publishers are after the most. You’ll be able to draft your story while learning the key elements that make a fiction picture book a success. Feedback will be provided by the instructor during each step of the workshop.

Topics covered include:

* What you need to know before you start writing

* Amateurish mistakes beginners must avoid like the plague

* How to grab the reader on the first page (setting, character and conflict)

* Point of view

* How to plot and develop an effective story arc (conflict, rising action and resolution)

* Understanding the “Rule of Three”

* How to add sensory detail

* How to develop a character arc

* How to think in pictures

* How to replace adverbs and adjectives with strong, precise verbs

* The surprising ending or twist

* Associations, clubs and newsletters beginners should know about

* Where to submit your picture book manuscript

* And much more

Note: This workshop will focus on stories written in prose, NOT in rhyme.

Requirements: Participants must either purchase or borrow from the library a copy of A Visitor for Bear, by Bonny Becker. The book will be used for the duration of the course.

Sample the workshop! 

Join my mailing list at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase and receive the first 2 lessons free: http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com/contact.html

Endorsements:

“The workshop ‘Walking on a Rainbow’ was a blast!! I had so much fun, and I learned a wealth of information about writing picture books! The absolute best part was the invaluable feedback Mayra provided after every writing assignment. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone remotely considering writing picture books. In fact, I’d love to take this workshop again.” -Arsoleen Woolcock

“Walking On a Rainbow, the picture book workshop led by Mayra Calvani, was the perfect catalyst I needed to get published.  Mayra broke down the dynamics of a picture book using clear, succinct language.  Her examples and analysis of published books helped further explain each lesson, and her knowledge of the picture book market was evident throughout the course.   I have taken other classes in the past and read other craft books on writing for children but Mayra’s method pulled it all together for me.  Her personal critiques of each participant’s work throughout the lessons were extremely beneficial.   I personally, printed out Mayra’s lessons, and keep my “Walking on a Rainbow textbook” handy.  I would highly recommend Walking on a Rainbow for anyone wanting to write in the picture book genre.” –Suzanne Purvis