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Writer's Welcome

Spend a fun week in sunny Mexico, learning about plot and character

Adventures in Fiction — Mexico Style!

January 24-28, 2011 - Zihuatanejo, Mexico


With John Reed and Elizabeth Engstrom



Who Should Come?
Every fiction writer who wants to hone their craft and increase their skills. Attendance is limited

What Will We Do?
We’ll write, hard and fast. We’ll learn the intricacies of plot, and delve into the innermost hearts of our fictional characters. We’ll spend time together talking about the very important task of expressing yourself via the fictional form and adding your voice to the chorus of published literature. There will be some time to enjoy the local sights and we will make available an optional excursion for attendees and their spouses.

What Should I Bring?
Comfortable resort wear, your laptop, an open mind and good-times attitude. We will work hard, but we will also have fun. There is wi fi service. You will not need 110/220 plug adaptors.

Where will this take place? At Hotel Casa Celesté in Zihuatenejo, Mexico. Alaska flies direct into Zihuatanejo from Los Angeles, and the hotel is about a $20 taxi ride from the airport.

How much will it cost? $950 per person, which includes lodging (semi-private room) from Sunday night through Friday night, Sunday evening welcoming reception, Friday evening celebration, all handouts, classes, workshops and instruction. $350 for spouses, which includes reception, celebration and lodging, but no instruction. You should plan to arrive Sunday, January 23, and check out Saturday morning. If you wish to stay elsewhere, workshop is $500.

John Reed is the author of two novels as well as numerous shorter non-fiction works. He has conducted writing workshops, classes and seminars around the country for the past 20 years; his classes on the novel, short stories, essays and magazine writing have given many students a stepping stone to publication. John has taught at San Miguel, Maui, and San Diego writing conferences.

Elizabeth Engstrom is the author of eleven books and has had over 250 short stories, articles and essays published. She is a sought after speaker at writers conferences and conventions around the world. She has been a freelance writer since 1984 and has been teaching fiction and giving specialized writing seminars and holding retreats since 1989. Liz has taught at Willamette, Surrey, Maui, and Whidbey Island writing conferences.

To register, complete the Registration Form and send with a $200 non-refundable deposit (check or PayPal) to:

John R. Reed
1320 Evergreen Dr.
Eugene, OR 97404

(You may use your credit card on the PayPal link at www.writerswelcome.com/payment.html)


Workshop Schedule

Sunday
Evening Welcome reception and orientation
Monday
Morning Liz presentation on Building a Novel: Focus on Structure
Afternoon Work on first short story
Tuesday
Morning John presentation on "Character Development"
Afternoon Complete first short story—due Tuesday Night
Wednesday
Morning John and Liz "Design a Character" workshop
Afternoon
Begin second short story—turn in Thursday evening
Thursday
Morning John and Liz on "Marketing" (synopsis, query, agents, editors)
Afternoon Finish second short story
Friday
All day John and Liz workshop short stories with whole group
Evening Farewell dinner


For more information,
call John at 541-461-0789 or email jreed@writerswelcome.com