It's time to crush the blank page, shed your writer's angst and write the novel you were meant to write! All the magic and enthusiasm of acclaimed author Karin Adams' in-person writing workshops-now in book form!
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.
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“This practical, detailed, yet compact book on writing helpfully serves those writers just starting out, as well as intermediate writers eager but unsure of how to start a novel…Despite its weeklong format, it also works as a general reference for writers to understand key concepts of story, setting, and character…Adams writes in a friendly voice, encouraging even anxious writers…Story structure is critical to the success of any book, yet few introductory-level books cover this topic. The author’s concept of basic story structure has an appealing simplicity sure to serve newbie writers along with more experienced readers attempting their first novel. Highly recommended for fans of Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey.“
“An encouraging writer’s workbook with a bevy of suggestions to get one’s creative juices flowing, The One Week Writing Workshop is a helpful, exercise-laden guide…The chapters are concise, and their advice is actionable and innovative…the book is appealing in its acknowledgement and validation of differing styles, as where [it] invites reflection on what is most effective for each writer…One Week Writing Workshop is an imagination-sparking fiction writer’s guide to beginning a new project or reinvigorating a work in progress.”, ★★★★
“A novelist herself, Karin Adams is no stranger to the frustrations and perplexities of novel-writing. Using a clear, digestible structure, Adams lays out a week-long “workshop” to inspire, direct, and build up the writerly muscles required to bring a project to completion...There are few surprises but plenty of gems in Karin Adams’s THE ONE WEEK WRITING WORKSHOP: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel, which leans on thoughtful, sensible writing advice.”, IR Approved, ★★★★½
“A simple and fun handbook that’s perfect for new and aspiring writers. Adams’ practical handbook guides readers through a seven-step writing method with a focus on concrete daily activities. The author has spent over a decade teaching her writing method to a variety of audiences, helping to prompt procrastinators or aspiring writers who don’t know how to get started…The strengths of the workbook are its clarity, simplicity, and flexibility; writers who just need a nudge can use a few of these exercises in the space of an hour, while others may devote a week or more to completing all of the tasks comprehensively…Adams is present as a guide and coach, reflecting on her own experiences and journey through the steps…but she is never intrusive. This primer is most appropriate for new and amateur fiction writers, but anyone may glean a few helpful tips.”
“Karin Adams stands out as a guiding light for aspiring authors in a world brimming with untold stories and unfulfilled dreams. Her latest work is not just a book; it is a heartfelt invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. As writers, we often face myriad challenges—self-doubt, fear of rejection, and the daunting path to publication. Karin’s insightful storytelling resonates deeply with these struggles, offering solace and inspiration. She provides a roadmap with each page, illuminating the way through the fog of uncertainty. Her words remind us that the writing journey is not a solitary endeavor.”
“An Effective Fiction Writing Boot Camp…I’ve been writing fiction for over thirty years, but I found Adams’ advice to be incredibly beneficial. She takes the time to explain the process and the tools you’ll need, and she breaks the steps down into an easy-to-follow format. As someone who has written dozens of pieces of fiction, following the path laid out in “The One Week Writing Workshop” gave me new insight into my writing process…a great tool for anyone who has been dreaming of writing their first novel (or even short story). It provides a simple, organic process that allows you to develop all the bits and pieces needed, and then shows you how they work together to become the story you envision in your imagination. Even seasoned writers will take away useful tips and tricks.”, ★★★★★
"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 One Week Writing Workshop is the perfect kickstart to any new writer’s career. Writer’s block will be a thing of the past for anyone who follows this guide. However, this book isn’t just for new writers; experienced writers will also gain valuable information from this resource…I found this book to be an excellent source for creativity, pacing, ideas, and unconventional methods that many authors may never have heard of…I recommend The One Week Writing Workshop to both new and veteran novelists of all ages.”, ★★★★★
“A DIY guide to bringing your long-imagined story to life, The One Week Writing Workshop is a straightforward and revelatory tool for aspiring novelists of any age or experience level…this step-by-step reintroduction to story-crafting is an essential and inspiring read…offering the confidence of a proven and polished process…For those who sincerely commit to this intensive seven-day experience, it would be hard to imagine not coming out as a better writer on the other side.”, ★★★★★
"The accessibility of the prose is also refreshing – striking a good balance between being welcoming and supportive…the book manages to be accessible enough for beginners and thorough enough for experienced authors. This evenness of tone makes it easier to trust Adams’ process and lean into the hard work required to actually bring the idea of a book into fruition, whether you are a teenager cracking on your first novel attempt or a veteran who needs to relight a spark…this book succeeds where so many self-motivators fail, providing actionable and encouraging exercises, rather than vague suggestions."
"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."
Crush the blank page and your writer’s angst. All the magic and enthusiasm of acclaimed author Karin Adams’ in-person writing workshops—now in book form.
WINNIPEG, MB, October 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Releasing in bookstores today, The One Week Writing Workshop brings acclaimed author and creative writing coach Karin Adams’ inspiring writing workshops to budding novelists everywhere. BlueInk Review calls it “Highly recommended for fans of Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey”.
The book’s conversational tone and immersive approach to writing a novel is already receiving a steady stream of accolades. Foreword Clarion lauds the book for its “bevy of suggestions to get one’s creative juices flowing”, calling it “an imagination-sparking fiction writer’s guide”. Meanwhile, San Francisco Book Review describes it as “the perfect kickstart to any new writer’s career”, awarding it five stars and recommending it “to both new and veteran novelists”.
Billed as 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel, Adams’ book brings over 70 hands-on strategies to benefit both novice and seasoned writers. The One Week Writing Workshop gathers her complete fiction writing method together all in one place—for the first time ever.
“We often picture a huge gap between our great idea and our finished book, and it’s that huge black hole that holds us back,” says Adams. “But transform that gap into a series of real, do-able steps, and soon you’re moving forward with purpose. Being able to inspire more writers—that’s what pushed me to finally make my workshop into a book.”
Adams’ inclusion of unconventional tactics for facing writer’s block, some borrowed from other artistic disciplines, has also garnered attention. US Review of Books highlights the book’s “innovative techniques to help even the most established author shake up their routine”. Additionally, Readers’ Favorite notes that Adams’ “encouragement to embrace the act of writing and experiment freely is extremely helpful and brings writers back to the joy of storytelling” and calls the book “Very highly recommended”.
“This is a resource that writers will consistently reference and return to,” according to Booklife by Publishers Weekly. Furthermore, SPR calls it a “revelatory tool for aspiring novelists of any age or experience level”, concluding “it would be hard to imagine not coming out as a better writer on the other side”.
The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel is available now in hardcover (978-1-896711-24-9), paperback (978-1-896711-23-2) and eBook (978-1-896711-22-5) formats. Full book details are available at the author’s website https://www.karinadams.com or via the publisher at https://www.authorinyourcorner.com.
About Karin Adams:
A former university instructor, Karin Adams holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg and pursued doctoral studies at Harvard University in the field of ancient languages and literature. She is the author of five traditionally published novels, including the acclaimed middle grade novel Frostbite Hotel. Adams has worked with thousands of participants in her in-person creative writing workshops since 2010.
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!
