FF&P Chapter of RWA Presents June Workshops

The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapter of RWA has some great workshops lined up for June! There's still time to register but don't delay. You don't want to miss it.

Joomla Class presented by Dr. L. Pepper Norris

Class Dates: June 3, 2013 to June 30, 2013

Cost: $20.00 for FFnP members and $30.00 for non-FFnP members

To Register: http://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=251

This class will focus on using the free web design software called Joomla, which is similar to WordPress but has some advanced features that can give you a more professional-looking website. It will include: understanding how to use Joomla, choosing templates, creating pages and blogs, using modules, creating menus, allowing users, creating links, managing images, and much more. By the time we finish, you’ll be able to use Joomla effectively to create a custom, professional-looking site.

Psychic Research presented by Mary O'Gara

Class Dates: June 3, 2013 to June 30, 2013

Cost: $20.00 for FFnP members and $30.00 for non-FFnP members

To Register: http://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=180

Psychic research isn't an oxymoron but it's so diverse and loosely defined that it's fertile territory for worldbuilding. In this fast-moving overview of psychic research, Mary will explore:

. Personal research anyone can do, with a discussion of standards from social psychology and other sources

. Astrological research, both from historical searches and from statistical studies

. Research organizations, including brain science and neurolinguistic programming studies

. Psychic research organizations (real and fictional) that document predictions

. Special research-in-action projects such as groups dowsing for water or searching for missing children

. Magical societies and their records or proof of effectiveness

The course provides references to real-world research (both internet and reference books cited) as well as examples from Mary's personal work. The workshop includes references to best-selling novels that include realistic research societies or methods as part of their world building. The material will be suitable for both paranormal writers and for writers of romantic suspense with psychic or paranormal elements.

Herbal Lore presented by Beth Trissel

Class Dates: June 3, 2013 to June 30, 2013

Cost: $20.00 for FFnP members and $30.00 for non-FFnP members

To Register: http://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=181

In this class on Herbal Lore and the Historic Medicinal Uses of Herbs, my intent is to inspire a deeper appreciation of these age-old plants and hope members will find ways to use this knowledge to enhance their writing. I do not assign homework, but invite members to share samples of their WIP's that contain references to herbs to gain useful feedback. Lurkers are also welcome.

 My fascination with herbs is largely prompted by my absorption with all things historic and the thrill of seeing, touching, sometimes tasting, and above all smelling the same plants known by the ancients. Herbs have changed little, if at all, over the centuries and offer us a connection with the past that precious little does in these modern days. It’s pure intoxication to rub fragrant leaves between my fingers and savor the scent while pondering the wealth of lore behind these plants. I hope my enthusiasm will enrich your lives with a deeper awareness of those people who dwelt on this earth long before us and to inspire you as writers to contrive new plot twists or add authentic touches to your stories.

  

Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author presented by Deborah Blake

Class Dates: June 3, 2013 to June 14, 2013

Cost: $15.00 for FFnP members and $20.00 for non-FFnP members

To Register: http://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=203

Have you ever wondered about the differences between historical witches and modern-day Wiccans?

Are you curious about familiars?

How do you create a witch character for fiction?

Deborah Blake can answer these questions and many more with her class about witchcraft and creating a character practicing the magical arts.

• You will learn how to create witch characters for different genres.

• You will learn how to create a witch with real strengths and weaknesses.

• You will learn the basics of Wicca and spell casting.

• You will learn some of the historical views on familiars.

• You will learn how to write scenes in which your character practices magic and how the character would create a spell.

You may not be allowed to turn an agent into a toad, but you are allowed to create a great character for your book!

Writing from the Male POV to Create Stronger Heroes presented by Sascha Illyvich

Class Dates: June 10, 2013 to June 16, 2013

Cost: $15.00 for FFnP members and $20.00 for non-FFnP members

To Register: http://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=192

In this workshop, learn the ins and outs of character creation from a side of romance we rarely hear from, the male romance reader/writer! Erotic Romance author Sascha Illyvich shares with us tips on how to create more memorable heroes, avoid some common pitfalls and have more fun with our writing!

What you’ll learn from this class

Male Archetypes and how they affect our characters
How (il)logical men think and why they act the way they do
How to take any male character from any movie/story and modify him to fit your story
How to get your man to express his true “self”
What men REALLY care about and how to work with that for your characters*
A man’s self view*
The GAY MALE Viewpoint*
The Male Cycle of Emotions and how it compares to the female cycle of emotions
A man’s journey in life
What men really think
A few extras

Using character creations sheets (don’t groan!) that have all the relevant information you’ll need, you’ll be able to craft male characters that are just as deep as your female characters.  Getting inside the heads of your male characters is the most important aspect of “how to write” them.

Cross gender writing can make or break an author’s career if they cannot portray the opposite gender clearly and accurately.  With the growing popularity of M/M romances, it’s becoming increasingly important for males to be portrayed in the proper light!  We’ll cover all that here and a lot more over the next week.

How to Develop a Persona from Your Pen Name presented by Ezra Barany

Class Dates: June 24, 2013 to July 15, 2013

Cost: $20.00 for FFnP members and $25.00 for non-FFnP members

To Register: http://www.rwa.org/e/in/eid=182

In this class you will learn:

-What is crucial for considering a pen name
-How to find free royalty-free images of a person to go with the name
-How to be active on your persona's Facebook and Twitter accounts without spending more than 15 minutes a day
-How to create a voice for the persona
-and more!ersona -and more!