You’ve always wanted to write a novel and have been nurturing a great idea. Maybe you’ve read books by writing experts, perhaps even taken a class or two. But as you sit down alone with the blank page, despite all the dreaming, planning and learning—nothing happens. Or if the writing does start to flow, it soon dries up.
Why is writing a novel so hard?
You’re not uncreative. And the learning and planning you’ve done isn’t suddenly useless!
Rather, you’re facing that overwhelming gap between the story you’re imagining and the book you want to write. It’s enough to stop most people from trying at all. But that doesn’t have to be you!
In The One Week Writing Workshop, author Karin Adams helps you to overcome the overwhelm. She breaks the writing process down into a series of bite-sized, actionable tasks within a proven seven-step method. It’s the method Karin herself uses, and the one she has taught to thousands of workshop participants since 2010. This is not another book to read before you start your draft—it’s the book you grab when you want to actually start writing your novel.
While The One Week Writing Workshop emphasizes taking action now, it also circles back to story essentials as you go. If you’ve read other writing books, it will complement, reinforce and add fresh perspectives to what you’ve learned. If you’ve never studied creative writing before, The One Week Writing Workshop is the perfect book for getting yourself grounded while you get busy writing!
Structured as a seven-day workshop, each chapter is a lively session guiding you through energizing tasks that get you working on and actively growing your story. Throughout the book, you have lots of choice so that you can further tailor the experience for you and your novel.
You’ll find:
· 70+ real-world writing activities and strategies you’ll start using within minutes of opening the book
· A tried-and-tested 7-step method for starting your novel and seeing it through to the finish
· Hands-on strategies for every step of the writing process, from generating ideas to revision
· Helpful mini lessons to get (or keep) you grounded with story writing essentials
· A blend of at-your-desk and out-of-the-box actions that help to inspire your entire creative self
· Activities you can come back to again and again to bust past blocks, develop new story concepts and reconnect with the joy that got you writing in the first place
The One Week Writing Workshop is the book you need when it’s time to take action, start writing your novel and finally see it through to completion.
This is a resource that writers will consistently reference and return to, whether it’s to conquer writer’s block, gain new perspectives on character and plot development, or learn the value of rest when completing a novel. “Method, momentum, and motivation are what I believe you need whether you’re starting from scratch, hopelessly stuck, or deciding to get back to it” Adams writes, and each of her workshop days is structured for noticeable results: the guidance starts with a warm up exercise before moving on to core activities, and Adams closes each lesson with a writing cool down (referring to them as “stretches”).
The possibilities Adams presents will intrigue as much as they excite; one stretch exercise involves curating synonym lists for overused words, while Adams employs more involved methods when it comes to core assignments, like her 500/500 challenge to generate 500 new words a day, or the creative idea of a mini storyboard to better conceptualize the beginning, middle, and end of a novel. Adam's upbeat, positive tone removes pressure while inspiring creativity, and aspiring writers will take away fresh ideas sure to help them put pen to paper and move one step closer to completing their manuscript.
Takeaway: Fun, interactive writing resource to spark creativity and conquer writer’s block.
Comparable Titles: Matthew Salesses’s Craft in the Real World, Mur Lafferty's I Should Be Writing.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
"One Week Writing Workshop by Karin Adams is a wonderfully pragmatic and engaging approach to writing, making it a standout resource for both novice and seasoned writers. Adams’ own writing style within the workshop is comfortably conversational, making it accessible in how she provides a clear seven-day plan that guides readers. I think her encouragement to embrace the act of writing and experiment freely is extremely helpful and brings writers back to the joy of storytelling. The workshop excels in practical advice, such as using sensory details to bring settings to life and creating dynamic characters through innovative exercises. I personally thought the “500/500 Method” for balancing new writing with revisions to be particularly effective. Overall, with Adams' implementation of interactive elements throughout and her thoughtful strategies that foster steps and prompt proactive writing, One Week Writing Workshop is a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their craft and stay inspired. Very highly recommended." ★★★★★
"The author’s decades-long experience leading writing groups and workshops is evident in her thoughtful planning. The activities are engaging and well-organized. Clearly, she has dedicated both time and love toward her craft. She enthusiastically shares her writing hacks with her readers and offers continual encouragement interspersed with her challenges. Her exercises provide meticulous guidance and examples if needed but are also customizable to each person’s unique writing style. They provide innovative techniques to help even the most established author shake up their routine. Writers at any stage, from newcomers crafting their first words to veteran authors struggling with writer’s block, will be motivated and inspired by this guide."
Karin Adams' New Books, The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel is now available for preorder wherever books are sold. It is available now in paperback and eBook formats for delivery on release day October 17, 2024. Please ask for it at your local bookshop!
