Adding the Spice of Diversity class for authors

Some of you know that I give workshops and teach classes for authors and readers.  One of those classes is Adding The Spice of Diversity.  Originally given as a Workshop at the 2014 Chicago North RWA Spring Fling conference, the material will now be presented as an on-line course in August.

Comments from Spring Fling:

Thanks you so much for the great workshop at Spring Fling. In the car on the way home, I figured out how to solve a major problem with one of my short stories, thanks to some of the things you said. - Mary Driver-Thiel

My new online class, Adding the Spice Of Diversity to your writing is being offered in August, 2014 in association with the Low Country RWA chapter. Find out more about the class and register at LRWA Workshop site

Course description:

Many authors fear inserting diverse characters and settings into their work for fear of creating a stereotype of not getting it right. This course will explore both the reader’s need for something different, and ways to put those different characters on the page free of stereotype. This includes characters from different races, ethnic backgrounds, and with disabilities.

Course outline:

Week 1 What is diversity/multiculturalism? (It may not be what you think) Why is it important to writers/readers
Write what you know, and what you don't know, learn Week 2 Taking ourselves out of the story, putting the character in
Research
Introducing your characters and settings to your readers. Sometimes the hardest work happens at the start. Week 3 Backstory - Getting to the heart and soul of a character Avoiding cliches and stereotypes
Setting
Description
Dialog/Voice Week 4 Final touches & Resources Keeping it together, revision and editing and keeping things real

This is a four week class and will include homework assignments. The target Audience is beginner and intermediate writers and anyone interested in about adding diversity and multicultural elements to their writing.


Interested in taking the journey? Register at LRWA Workshop site