The 2011 Lone Star Writer’s Conference

***PERMISSION TO FORWARD APPRECIATED ***

The 2011 Lone Star Writer’s Conference
http://www.nwhrwa.com/conference.htm

Presenter: Screenwriter and Novelist Alexandra Sokoloff
Topic: Screenwriting Tricks for Authors: From High Concept to Big Twist

Agents: Natalie M. Fischer - Assistant Agent at the Bradford Literary Agency
Pam Hopkins - Hopkins Literary Associates
Taylor Martindale - Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency

Editor: Kelli Collins, Editor-in-Chief, Ellora’s Cave

Location: Houston Marriot North at Greenspoint
Date & Time: October 15, 2011; 9 am to 5 pm (registration and breakfast 8:30
- 9:00 a.m.)
Cost: $125.00 (includes lunch and coffee breaks)

Alexandra Sokoloff presents…
SCREENWRITING TRICKS FOR AUTHORS (and Screenwriters!)

Are you finally committed to writing that novel but have no idea how to get
started? Or are you a published author - but know you need some plotting
help to move your books and career up to that next level?

Screenwriting is a compressed and dynamic storytelling form and the
techniques of screenwriting are easily adaptable to novel writing. You can
jump-start your plot and bring your characters and scenes vibrantly alive on
the page - by watching your favorite movies and learning from the
storytelling tricks of great filmmakers.

In this workshop, based on award-winning author/screenwriter Alexandra
Sokoloff’s internationally acclaimed Screenwriting Tricks For Authors
blog and workbook, you'll learn how to use techniques of film writing such
as:
• the High Concept Premise
• the Three-Act, Eight-Sequence Structure
• the Storyboard Grid
• the Index Card Method of Plotting

PLUS: tricks of film pacing and suspense, character arc and drive, visual
storytelling, and building image systems - to structure and color your novel
for maximum emotional impact, unbearable suspense and riveting pacing, no
matter what genre you're writing in.

You'll start to create your own personalized workbook of genre tricks based
on your favorite books and movies and tailored to your own brand of
storytelling, and a collage book to build visual image systems. And the
emphasis on premise is invaluable for crafting that all-important query and
pitch.

In this rapidly changing world of publishing, more and more agents and
editors are looking for novels that have the pacing, emotional excitement,
and big, unique, "high concept" premises of Hollywood movies (and the
potential for that movie or TV sale!).

Whether you're just starting to develop a book or script, or rewriting for
maximum impact, this workshop will introduce you to an easy, effective and
fun process to help you make your book or script the best it can be.
---
Alexandra Sokoloff is a screenwriter who has sold original suspense and
thriller scripts and adapted novels for numerous Hollywood studios, for
producers such as Michael Bay, Laura Ziskin, David Heyman, and Neal Moritz.

Her adaptation of Sabine Deitmer's psychological thriller COLD KISSES was
filmed in Germany.

Alex is the author of the supernatural thrillers THE HARROWING, THE PRICE,
THE UNSEEN, and BOOK OF SHADOWS, and a new paranormal romance, THE SHIFTERS.
She is also the author of SCREENWRITING TRICKS FOR AUTHORS (AND
SCREENWRITERS!), a workbook based on her internationally acclaimed blog and
workshops. She is a Thriller Award winner and a Bram Stoker and Anthony
Award nominee.

Alex has served on the Board of Directors of the WGAw, the screenwriters'
union, and the board of Mystery Writers of America, and is the founder
of WriterAction.com, an online community and resource center of 2000+
professional screenwriters.

In her spare time (!)she performs with Heather Graham's Slush Pile Players,
and dances every chance she gets. Visit her website
at: http://alexandrasokoloff.com And her blog on Screenwriting Tricks for
Authors at http://screenwritingtricks.com

AGENTS:
1) Natalie M. Fischer is an Assistant Agent at the Bradford Literary Agency.
An honors graduate of the University of San Diego, California, Natalie holds
a B.A. in Literature/Writing. She started as an intern at the Sandra
Dijkstra Literary Agency in 2007, after which time she left to write author
profiles and book reviews for the San Diego Union Tribune. Finding that
journalism was just not for her, she returned to work full-time at the
Dijkstra Agency in April 2009, and started building her own client list in
September of that same year. She made her move to the Bradford Agency in
February of 2011.

Natalie's interests include talented, hard-working new authors with a fresh,
unique voice and hook. Her specialty is commercial fiction, with an emphasis
in children’s literature (from picture book-YA/Teen), romance (contemporary
and historical), historical fiction, multi-cultural fiction, paranormal,
sci-fi/fantasy in YA or romance only, fairy-tale/legend spin-offs, and
“beautiful dark” novels. She will also consider select nonfiction (has to
have a fantastic hook and an even more fantastic author platform) and that
amazing project she never even knew she was looking for! She is always drawn
to an open and positive attitude in an author, good grammar, and
fantastical, engaging and sexy plots.

The Bradford Literary Agency is a boutique agency located in sunny San
Diego, California. Founded in 2001, it is an editorial-focused agency that
prefers to work closely with its authors in helping to build strong,
sustainable careers.

Read more about the agency at www.bradfordlit.com, follow Natalie on Twitter
@Natalie_Fischer, or visit her blog, Adventures in Agentland.

2) Pam Hopkins - Hopkins Literary Associates. She represents Romance almost
exclusively. The areas she would be seeking projects in are Historical,
Contemporary, Mainstream, Romantic Suspense, Inspirational, Paranormal and
Series Romance. She does represent a bit in the area of Historical Novels
and Historical Mystery as well.

3) Taylor Martindale - Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
She is most interested in acquiring Young Adult fiction--specifically gritty
contemporary, unique paranormal / urban fantasy, and any story with a
captivating voice. She loves the way YA authors manage to bring today’s
teenage culture to vivid life, set fire to imagination, and make their
audience put aside cell phones for the crisp (or wrinkled) pages of a book.

Taylor is also interested in children’s picture books, commercial fiction,
women’s fiction, and multi-cultural fiction. She is looking for engaging and
unforgettable characters and stories that stay with you long after you turn
the final page. ** She will also take other pitches and pass them on to
other agents she works with.

Taylor is a proud graduate of The College of William and Mary and holds a BA
in English, with a minor in Hispanic Studies. She was the Copy Chief of her
college newspaper for three years and occasionally does freelance writing
for a local paper. Before joining SDLA in Summer 2009, Taylor was the
Submissions Coordinator at Bliss Literary Agency, Intl.

EDITOR:
Kelli Collins spent a dozen years as a newspaper journalist and editor
before finding her true passion in the erotic romance industry. After seven
years with EC, that love affair is still going strong. You can frequently
find her on Twitter andFacebook, or meet her in person at conferences large
and small.
Kelli Collins, Editor-in-Chief, www.ellorascave.com
Twitter ~ Facebook

REGISTER:
CONFERENCE FEE: $125.00
** 2011 Registration Form **
http://www.nwhrwa.com/2011_RegistrationForm_LoneStar.rtf

or make check payable: NWHRWA,
Northwest Houston RWA
Conference Registration
P.O. Box 11801
Spring, Texas 77379

**Please Note** Full Refunds will be given up to September 30th. No refund
after this date.
Accommodations
Houston Marriott North
255 N Sam Houston Pkwy East · Houston, Texas 77060 USA
* $69.00 - For Room Reservation Click Here *

The Houston Marriott North welcomes its' guests to come experience firsthand
our refreshed, refined and revitalized guestrooms. Our Great Room Lobby and DEN is the place where meeting space meets eating
space.

Our newly-expanded, modern decor, Key-access only lounge offers a cozy
atmosphere, wi-fi, flat screen, and complimentary beverages. This stylish,
full-service Houston Marriott is just minutes from Houston's IAH
(Bush)airport.

Enjoy free parking, complimentary airport shuttle, and legendary Texas
hospitality.