Nonfiction writers, learn the secret to writing book proposals that sell.
Developing Your Hook
You have an idea for a book. But will it sell? The key to success is in the “hook” — that certain something that makes your book a “must read.” This seminar will help you:


         • develop your idea into a compelling hook
        • learn the key ingredients every publisher looks for
        • carry your hook into every aspect of the proposal
        • use the competition to your advantage
        • create a multi-pronged marketing plan


 By the end of this seminar you’ll have all the information you need to write a winning book proposal.
Fiction writers, learn the most important key to writing success.
Mastering Point of View (online seminar)
What’s the secret every successful author knows and most new authors don’t? It’s point of view (POV). In this workshop, Diane will show how truly understanding and mastering point of view can fix an ailing manuscript and turn a decent but lackluster novel into a page-turner. You’ll learn:


         • the biggest mistakes authors make with POV — and how to avoid them
        • how to use POV to liven up description, dialogue, and action
        • the advantages — and drawbacks — of different POV choices
        • how to choose your POV characters
        • how to use POV to increase suspense and tension


 Once you really know how to use this technique, you’ll never write the same way again.
Diane has given speeches and workshops throughout the country to such organizations as:
Dear Diane,

Thanks for joining us for the Mystery, Mayhem & Murder conference. We were delighted to have you as one of our speakers! The folks who attended your session raved about it in the evaluations. In fact, your ratings were outstanding: More than 80% gave you a rating of 5 (excellent); the remainder gave you a 4 (very good). Comments included: “great lecture,” “lots of smart tips,” “engages audience,” “very helpful,” and “excellent handouts.”

With sincere thanks,

Wendy Bickel
2008 Conference Chairperson