by
Paula Gail Benson
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| SEMWA Board with Jeffrey Deaver (Photo by PGB) |
This
year, the Mystery Writers of America’s President Jeffrey Deaver has given a
great gift to the regional chapters. On his own dime, he is visiting each of
the chapters to provide a writing workshop for members and guests. The chapters
organize the event and may use it as a fundraiser and a means of bringing
awareness to the chapter’s activities. It’s a wonderful opportunity for writers
throughout the country to hear from a master of the craft without having to
travel to an expensive conference.
As
a board member for the South Eastern chapter (SEMWA), I was thrilled to hear
the news. I was even more delighted when the board decided the program should
take place in my home state. It’s been more than twenty years since SEMWA held
a “skills build,” the title usually applied to a craft workshop, in South
Carolina. I remember that long ago workshop because it was one of the first
writing seminars I attended, and I still use the concepts I learned there from
such distinguished folks as editor extraordinaire Chris Roerden and our own
blogging colleague Carla Damron.
Our
board’s first task to prepare for the visit was to explore various locations.
We finally determined to have it in Columbia. I was delighted that my church’s
assembly hall was available. We went through a process of evaluating caterers
and setting reasonable pricing to cover the costs. We felt fortunate to be able
to offer the event for $25 for members and $30 for non-members and to include
lunch and a reception as part of the package. We attracted participants from
South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, four of our six state
area. Over fifty registered to attend. To say “thank you” to Deaver for donating
his time, we provided each participant with one of his books.
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| Jeffrey Deaver Presenting Workshop (Photo by PGB) |
Deaver’s
presentation was generous and comprehensive. He addressed both craft and business
aspects of the profession. Some of the important information that he emphasized
included:
(1)
Understand
what you want from writing and what methods work best for you. He told us that
today’s writing world offers lots of options, including traditional, hybrid, and
independent. All are viable depending upon each writer’s goals. Be honest about
what you are seeking to achieve.
(2)
To
build confidence and an audience, produce a regular product and don’t miss
deadlines. He pointed out that both Shakespeare and Mozart worked on
commission. To build a reputation as a successful, readable author, you must
approach the work as a business.
(3)
A
writer’s mission is to produce an emotionally engaging story, or creating good
and bad characters who confront increasing levels of conflict that are resolved
in a largely positive manner. These principles are almost direct quotes.
(4)
Novels,
short stories, and plays all require different craft skills. Learning how to
write one won’t teach you how to write another. Write in the style that comes
most naturally for you and discover all you can about the marketplace for your
writing.
(5)
The
four basic elements of storytelling are plot, character, setting, and dialogue.
Propel your story by conflict and suspense. Always keep the readers on the
edge.
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| Panel Discussion (Photo by PGB) |
Following
Deaver’s presentation, our board members joined him in a panel discussion of
how we had applied his recommendations. Hearing about the individual techniques
and applications allowed us to explore the many options open to writers and
helped emphasize that success can come in many forms.
The
opportunity to meet Deaver and hear about his personal writing habits (he is a
confirmed planner who does not write a novel until he has outlined it, then
completes it only after revising through approximately fifty drafts) made the
day truly informative. I was particularly impressed with his humble, structured
approach and his continuing curiosity. If you have the chance to hear his
presentation when he comes to a MWA chapter near you, please take advantage of
the experience. You won’t regret it.
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| Group Attending Deaver Event (Photo by Lynda Sasscer Hill) |
Also,
if you haven’t had a chance to consider MWA membership (chapter membership is
included when you join MWA), check out this link to the website.
