Writers: Workshop writing process in this class

Learn to Write Better, Easier and Faster in Portland, July 22-23

When I’m feeling whiny about how hard writing is, I turn to my file of quotes by famous writers:

“For 40-odd years in this noble profession, I’ve harbored a guilt and my conscience is smitten. So here is my slightly embarrassed confession — I don’t like to write, but I love to have written.”

— Michael Kanin, screenwriter of “Woman of the Year” and other movies

“Writing is the hardest way of earning a living, with the possible exception of wrestling alligators.”

— Olin Miller, aphorist

“Writing is easy. All you have to do is sit down at a typewriter and wait for drops of blood to form on your forehead.”

— Gene Fowler, American journalist, author and dramatist

Writing is hard because we weren’t taught how to write. Instead, we were taught how to edit: how to spell, punctuate and use the right grammar.

But there is a how to writing. In fact, following a few simple steps in the right order can help you come up with fresher, more creative ideas. It can also help you write better, easier and faster.

Writing process workshop agenda

In our How to Write Better, Easier & Faster Master Class on July 22-23, 2020 in Portland, you’ll learn how to:

1. Work with — not against — your brain. My six-step writing process will help you:

• Save writing time
• Come up with great ideas
• Avoid writer’s block, procrastination and same-old stuff

Of all of your writing skills, this is the one you’ll see pay off most consistently, day after day.

2. Go beyond Just the facts, Ma’am. Are you still making readers’ eyes glaze over by packing your story with all of the W’s and the H? Learn three types of research to use to triple your chances of finding the kinds of data and details that draw readers in and move them to act.

3. Practice what you learn. In our Master Classes, you’ll work in small groups and in “student” work sessions on your own on practice pieces and your own writing projects. In these “student” writing and feedback sessions, you’ll learn to beat national standards for structure, clarity and more.

4. Edit before you write. William Zinsser was wrong.

If you’re writing eight pages for every three you use, you’re just torching your time. Might as well run hundred-dollar bills through the shredder. Instead, learn a simple trick you can use to hit your word count — first time, every time.

5. Write. Really write. I’m not talking about that kind of writing where you hunt for the right word; peck it out; shuffle through your notes looking for some lost quote; then head to the vending machines for the third time in 15 minutes, hoping that when you come back you might — just might — think of something to say.

Instead, in this workshop, you’ll learn to experience the joy of what creativity experts call “flow” — when your fingers fly across the keyboard to keep up with all of the brilliant words pouring out of your head.

6. Spend less time obsessing over word choice; drafting, revising and editing; and otherwise fine tuning. Instead, you’ll learn to put your time where it will do you the most good: in developing your argument.

Master the writing process

Over the years, this writing process has helped me:

• Save thousands of hours writing
• Create a body of work I’m extremely proud of
• Travel the world, working with clients like Coca-Cola and Toyota
• Make millions of dollars — sadly, now all invested in bonbons and jujubes

Would you like to make more money with your writing and ideas? Knock out dazzling drafts in half the time? Find more joy in your work?

If so, please join me at our How to Write Better, Easier & Faster writing workshop on July 22-23, 2020 in Portland.

“I learned more about communications writing in two days than all of my previous trainings over the past seven years combined.”

– Christine Rochelle, content manager, iCIMS
Read more rave reviews.

Learn more

• Class overview
• About the trainer
• About our public workshops

Location & logistics

Class runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 22-23 at:
Ecotrust
721 NW 9th Avenue
Suite 200
Portland, OR 97209

Directions, Maps and parking information – coming soon!

Fees

Please learn about our discounts, cancellation policy and more in our FAQ.

“Absolutely the best money I’ve ever spent. I learned more about writing for my audience from Ann in one day than I have in any other seminar.”

— Carie Behounek, marketing communications coordinator, COPIC Companies

PRSA members: Earn 4 APR maintenance credits.

Save $200 when you book before Dec. 31.

Questions? Contact Ann.