West Hollywood Book Fair

THE WRITING ROOM

The writing workshops at the West Hollywood Book Fair are presented by renowned authors and writing instructors. The workshops are popular and there is no advance registration unless otherwise noted, so please arrive early. There is a 20 person limit for each workshop (again unless otherwise noted). All workshops are held in The Writing Room.

Schedule Overview:

10:30-11:45am, Queer Writing Brunch Hosted by Writing Pad
12:00-1:30pm, Writing Your Memoir: A Mini-Workshop
1:30-3:00pm, If Your Onstage Reading Sucks, They Won’t Buy the Book
3:00-4:30pm, Creating a Believable Character from Inspiration to Development

QUEER WRITING BRUNCH HOSTED BY WRITING PAD
(10:30-11:45am)
Presented by Chris DeLorenzo

Put on your best smart boy glasses and extract your creative self from the closet! This class is for gay men who want to flex their literary muscles in a supportive writing space. Faerie Queenes to Butch Daddies, beginning and experienced writers welcome. Through fun in-class writing exercises, we’ll juggle gender roles and talk about sex. Includes a light brunch of scones, lemon curd, jams and tea so delicious they are guaranteed to inspire stellar writing. Honey, let that writer out to play! Class is limited to 12 students and requires prior sign up by contacting Marilyn Friedman of Writing Pad at 323-333-2954.

Chris DeLorenzo has an MFA in creative writing from University of San Francisco and is a certified Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA)facilitator. He teaches writing at the USF. He published the novel Certain Sacred Places, as well as poetry, prose and personal essays in various publications including The Rockhurst Review and Karamu. Chris is finishing his second novel, All That Remains, an unconventional story about AIDS, gal-pals, romance (or the lack thereof) and loss.

WRITING YOUR MEMOIR: A MINI-WORKSHOP
(Noon-1:30pm)
Presented by Diana Raab

Are you interested in writing your memoir, but have no idea where to begin?

In this mini-workshop we will work on memory-evoking exercises to jump start the process. We will also discuss some basic memoir structures and the key elements of crafting a compelling memoir. Make sure to bring writing materials, preferably a notebook or journal. Be ready to have fun and to explore.

IF YOUR ONSTAGE READING SUCKS, THEY WON’T BUY THE BOOK
Free-Range Performance Workshop for Writers with Beth Lapides & Greg Miller
(1:30-3:00pm)

There’s a lot more to doing a reading than just reading. Bring your book or essay to this hands-on out-loud workshop and learn to…
• overcome nervousness • introduce yourself and your material smoothly • turn an stilted recitation into an exciting performance • engage your audience and leave them wanting more • lead a dynamic Q & A

You are the best representative for your writing. You have to help motivate publishers, editors and audience to buy your work. Give your words the platform they deserve.

Beth Lapides is the author of “Did I Wake You?”, creator, featured performer and host of legendary alternative standup show “Un-Cabaret”, and of seminal LA spoken word show “Say the Word” at the Skirball Center.

Greg Miller is Beth’s longtime collaborator and a veteran multi-media producer. He has also been a radio, tv and print journalist, paid screenwriter and a professional reader covering books and scripts for major film studios.

More info: uncabaret.com

CREATING A BELIEVABLE CHARACTER FROM INSPIRATION TO DEVELOPMENT
(3:00-4:30pm)
Presented by Steven Barnes

This workshop gives you a glimpse into the pro writer’s creative process and shows you the steps on how to bring your character to life.

Acclaimed science fiction writer Steven Barnes has published 23 novels, including the New York Times bestseller “The Cestus Deception.” His latest is “In the Night of the Heat,” an Atria mystery written with his wife, supernatural novelist Tananarive Due, and movie star Blair Underwood.