Have a book idea? Unsure of how to put your vision in print with integrity?
Aspiring writers, authors, memoirists and self-publishers may be interested in Saturday's workshop titled "Dammit Jim, I'm a Writer Not a Promoter!"
The full-day workshop promises to teach how to share your work with the world and make money without "selling out."
Victoria's Matthew Ashdown, who has been an "author coach" for five years, leads the workshop.
"I love working with authors and coaching them through some of the obstacles to getting their message out there," said Ashdown, who typically works one-on-one with authors, helping them define their goals and build confidence.
Workshop curriculum includes defining your vision of success, choosing a publishing action plan, examining common reasons why authors don't make sales, dealing with blocks and rejection, as well as tips and techniques for keeping on track.
Ashdown will also interview two special guests about their experience getting published. Grant McKenzie is a suspense novelist and editor of Monday magazine. Rebecca Kennel is the self-published author of Victoria Bench by Bench.
Ashdown, who holds a master's degree in aerospace engineering, has also coached clients through personal fitness goals, teens struggling to fit into society and others looking to enhance their self-worth.
His publishing experience has included a position as book promotions specialist with self-publishing outfit Friesen Press, as well as going through a failed publishing process himself.
"I learned a lot of lessons from that," he said.
In that case, he pitched a workbook for teens - in the same self-help vein as The Secret and Laws of Attraction - that was picked up by a traditional publisher. It went through several stages of editing, but was axed when some of the authors he wished to quote refused permission, since they were planning to write similar books themselves.
"To me, it was a painful blessing in disguise," he said. He says the lessons he learned from the unsuccessful publishing experience is something he shares with others. He's also working on his first novel.
Ashdown also says he applies his experience as a public speaker. He and Brad Morris appeared on Good Morning America in 2009 as the GratiDudes, experts in gratitude who coached teens to "manifest awesomeness."
He says that as an introvert, he had to learn how to become comfortable building his public persona to perform on television and radio.
"There were a lot of things that I had to do within myself to be able to be confident in that," he said. "And that's what I love taking authors through, because there are authors who have great messages."
Ashdown has also done a study of successful authors and will share some of their strategies at the workshop.
The workshop will be held at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre and tuition is $97. Registration and information is available at 3pennypublishing. com/events.htm. Participants will also be accepted at the door.
