Algonkian Conferences and Novel Workshops Discover a Single Best Way to Turn Writers Into Published Commercial Authors

NEW YORK, May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Algonkian Conferences and Novel Workshops, originating in 2001 at the literary website, Web del Sol, have produced a unique write-for-publication program that turns hopeful authors into published commercial authors. But how did this program come about? According to Algonkian Conferences founder, Michael Neff:

"As we worked with agents and editors in the commercial book business, during the early days of Algonkian Conferences and Novel Workshops, we incorporated the best of what we all knew and organized it in way that created maximum benefit for aspiring fiction authors. And now, it's all paying off."

For starters, Algonkian Conference events emphasize the teaching of dramatic technique as it applies to plotting and complicating a story. Writers in Algonkian novel workshops utilize study guides and assignments that provide background and practice in the art of creating strong storylines and fully engaged characters.  As Michael Neff puts it:

"Without moral dilemma, or antagonistic force, without real stakes or a core source of dramatic tension to resolve, you have a flat and quiet tale, as well as non-sympathetic characters. An understanding and application of dramatic technique not only cajoles writers into facing these primary issues, it also provides them with a map for evolving tense plot lines. The Great Gatsby, for example, depends on a line of plot tension secured by an antagonist. For Gatsby to work, Buchanan has to be narcissistic jerk, or the whole thing unravels."

Secondly, Algonkian Conferences and Novel Workshops employ a pedagogical method they refer to as the model-and-context approach, for purposes of teaching the art of fiction and novel writing. Models of craft and style, voice and prose (gained from known authors) are presented to the writers, practiced and reviewed, thus enabling them to productively use this craft knowledge in the context of improving or editing their own work-in-progress.

Finally, Algonkian events stress market knowledge and high-concept premise. When it comes to genre novel writing, and even the creation of literary projects, writers are strongly encouraged to create a story premise that sounds sufficiently unique and commercially viable. In order to be competitive in the agent-seeking environment while creating a suitable marketing hook for publishers, writers need to have stories that stand out from the crowd.  

According to Neff: "Just know that if you're going to pitch a story to an agent or editor that sounds like a Dan Brown or Tolkien clone, you will lose them in twenty seconds. They've heard it a thousand times before."

About Algonkian Conference Events and Novel Workshops

Algonkian Conferences organizes several events per year, including the Write to Market Conference, the NYC Pitch and Shop Conference, Algonkian Novel Workshops, and the Fisherman's Wharf Writer's Conference.

Contact Phone:
1-800-250-8290

SOURCE Web del Sol