David Farland’s WRITERS DEATH CAMP
November 1-6
Start National Novel Writing Month out right in this workshop exclusively for those who would rather be dead than unread!
The biggest problem that new writers typically face is that they don’t get the time that they need to focus on their work—either by brainstorming in the pre-writing phase or in the actual composing process. Let’s face it, you might be worrying about work, arguing with your spouse, dealing with phone calls from your friends, or facing any number of other distractions.
That’s why writers often try to “get away from it all” so that they can work. You see it in the movies all of the time. When Stephen King wants to write a book, he immediately looks for a cozy mountain cabin, one that is hopefully not haunted by his biggest fans. . . .
Faced with the inability to focus, the budding novelist often struggles to write the same scene over and over. He forgets entire scenes that he had planned, or loses track of where the story is going. The author may feel like he is moving along on in baby steps.
In time the distracted writer gets to feeling discouraged, and with discouragement comes the feeling that “maybe I’m just not cut out for this.”
Often the writer begins to believe that he or she has “writer’s block.” That’s silly, of course. Plumbers don’t get plumber’s block. Grocers don’t get grocer’s block. In reality, the writer just doesn’t quite know the next scene to write on his or her novel.
So in order to write profusely, a writer needs to understand what he or she is supposed to be doing, set goals, then relax, focus, play with story ideas, and put scenes on paper.
When you learn how to do it properly in a stress-free environment, it’s actually fun! (But don’t tell anyone. This is a “Writer’s Death Camp” after all!)
Now, we could talk about how to do this, but just talking about writing doesn’t get the novels on the editor’s desk.
If I just tell you how to do it, you probably won’t because you still don’t have the time set aside for it.
So in this workshop, I want to put you in an intellectually super-rich environment where the steps to creating your novel are fresh on your mind and you have instant access to the instructor—an award-winning, international best-selling author with fifty published novels under his belt and years of teaching experience.
In this environment, you are free to write as much as you want to. As you do, you’ll be surrounded by other people who share your dream, and who will give you encouragement and advice to help you along.
David Farland will teach writing classes each day for those who desire them, but these won’t be mandatory. If you’re on a roll, just keep writing. He’ll also be available at the hotel so that you can ask questions during two two-hour sessions each day, just in case you’re having difficulties. Or, if you get tired of writing, we can all just hang out together. But I’m willing to bet that once you feel excited enough about your novel, you’ll be running to your keyboard.
During lunch and dinners, authors will be able to set up appointments to dine with David in order to talk about specific concerns that they have with their writing, or to plan their careers.
Each afternoon, we’ll meet for a little debriefing. Prizes will be awarded to at least two participants each day. These might include books to read or study, food, professional critiques, writing supplies and attire, and so on.
In the evening, we will have brainstorming sessions, assignments to keep you focused on your work, readings on writing, movies (as part of our lessons on how to use plotting tools) and helpful critiques for those who would like them.
Note to Writers’ Death Camp Participants: You must bring a laptop computer with you. If you don’t own one, then borrow, rent, or buy one.
While the goal for this workshop is to allow the writer to have fun, to get inspired, to work in an intellectually rich and emotionally fulfilling environment, this really will be a lot of work. This will be David Farland’s most intensive class ever! It isn’t for people who are just serious about writing, you have to be deadly serious!
When and Where Will the Seminars Be?
November 1-6
Ramada Inn
1440 East Saint George Boulevard
Saint George, UT 84790
(435) 628-2828
NOTE: The November 15-20 workshop is full and registraion has been closed.
What Does it Cost and How Do I Register?
The seminar costs $500. Register early, as space is limited. You can Register Online, or send a check to
Dave Wolverton
335 Rocket Bar Road
Saint George, UT 84790