San Francisco Writers Conference: Suzette Standring
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The San Francisco Writers Conference is set for Feb. 13-16, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco. I will be giving two classes as follows:
Friday, February 14, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. to 4:30
“Use Self-Hypnosis as a Writing Tool” (Program also copied below).
Sunday, February 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
“Mastering the Art of Column Writing” (program also copied below).
“Using Self-Hypnosis as a Writing Tool”
Friday, February 14, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. to 4:30
Writers have the same goals: to move readers, to be vulnerable, and to share novel insights. If you feel it, you can convey it. But how is it possible when inner hobgoblins spew criticism even before the first sentence is tapped out? Defensive shrinkage from ridicule is common, and it shows in the writing. Do not be captured by fear. Instead, capture transformative moments to share with readers. How? By immersing yourself safely in those long ago moments through complete relaxation.
Such relaxation has many synonyms: meditation, self-hypnosis, trance, daydreaming. Using this skill to enliven my own writing is something I discovered in 1990 when I was certified in hypnotherapy, purely out of curiosity as to the mind-body connection.Through hypnosis, one accessed the subconscious for origins to issues.This was done by relaxing the person through a soothing guided imagery. At that time, I also was struck by the direct parallel to good writing, which immerses a reader into an experience by drawing on the imagination and five senses.
When I began my professional writing career in 1997, I incorporated self-hypnosis is an active part of my writing process. My career includes authorship of two writing books and national syndication. I’ve given this workshop to 150 attendees at the Erma Bombeck Writing Conference and at other venues, and the feedback is that this process accelerates writing insights.
I can’t wait to share this profound and creative experience with attendees in February.
Here’s to fresh ideas! — Suzette Martinez Standring
(Note: “Self-Hypnosis as a Writing Tool” is part of the general conference schedule for the San Francisco Writers Conference, Registration Form
Sunday, February 16, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Mastering The Art of Column Writing
$129.00 and includes the book, The Art of Column Writing.
Hyatt Regency Embarcadero
The San Francisco Writers Conference
(Note: It is not necessary to register for the entire conference to attend this separate workshop. Master class registration here).
Responsibility and bravery are required when you lead with the pronoun “I.” In journalism, only the column, or blog post, or serial essay features a personal viewpoint. Whether the commentary is about parenting, general life, humor, politics, or how-to, your reader must be engaged fully. Discover Pulitzer Prize winning elements of notable commentary that you can apply to your own work. Find out how to move readers to act on calls for action. Despite the changing media landscape, column writing is not dead. New media will always demand compelling opinions, entertaining viewpoints, new voices, and powerful stories.
This workshop will help you to:
- Discern the emotional heart of a story, and convey it to readers.
- Create a compelling message in 500 words or less.
- Become a go-to resource if you have a strong interest in a particular subject, but may not be an expert.
- Idea generation, overcoming writer’s block
- Become aware of how language and word usage are used to persuade.
- Address the common doubt, “I’m not like other writers” and discover ways to parlay your originality into marketable and unique columns, essays, or blog posts.
No matter what your subject interest is, there are special skills involved to create a powerful message in 500 words or less. This session is for:
- Aspiring or new writers to the column, blog post or serial essay format. They will find this class both informative and inspiring.
- Seasoned writers who are curious as to the writing strategies used by award winning columnists and how such approaches account for career longevity. Attendees will gain practical insights.
- Anyone who wants to benefit from concise writing skills will learn ways to make a shorter message more powerful.
Be brave with me. It’s scary to stand butt naked and unbathed (in print only!) but readers do applaud vulnerability and facts, and will long remember what you wrote. — Suzette Martinez Standring