Writing seminars and The Future of Publishing plus hints, rules, and lies As a particle physicist and Silicon Valley consultant Ransom Stephens has been a firsthand witness to the development of the worldwide web, its technology, and e-commerce. As “...the first debut novelist to emerge from the new paradigm of online publishing” (SF Chronicle, January, 2010),  Ransom has the experience to understand how the pieces fit together when new technology changes the game.     His predictions for the future of publishing have been published in four different languages and cited in thousands of blogs and online magazines. By citing how other industries have changed under the challenge of disruptive technology he describes what the future holds for books and publishing. The predictions he made back in 2009 are now emerging. He can tell you what’s next. The complete seminar description is here  The IndieReader three part series: • Part 1: “Better than anyone but not as good as everyone,” September 2010. • Part 2: “Modernization puts an end to the Vanity Press and Rescues Booksellers,” November 2010. • Part 3: “The next big move in publishing is geographical,” February 2011. “Booking the Future,” openDemocracy, June 2009. The Writer’s Toolbox is a collection of modules: 1. Clarity is key 2. Putting description, metaphor and simile to work for you 3. How to make point of view work for you 4. How to use backstory and flashback to build tension 5. The irony of effective dialog 6. How and when to show or tell, or show and tell 7. How to build tension and suspense 8. How to recognize manuscript quagmires and bring it all together in the final edit Each module can be presented as an individual seminar - 50 minutes without exercises, two hours with - a series of seminars or a full day suckin’-on-the-fire-house marathon session. The complete descriptions are here “An earth shattering dive into fiction’s many vagaries.” – Andy Gloege You've just been invited to read at a literary event. Don't panic! Ransom has produced hundreds of readings and wants to prepare you. You'll learn how to choose the right piece for each venue and time allotted and you'll discover your strengths as a storyteller so that you can enjoy this opportunity to develop your audience. "Ransom makes all writers feel confident enough to give a fantastic reading." -Hyla Molander • The class is an interactive seminar that requires three hours for 15 people. The complete description is here The Future of Publishing The Writer’s Toolbox © Ransom Stephens, 2012. Like a dragonfly - darting from task to task and mastering every one. Made with Xara Skip to the hints, rules, and lies Seminars and classes: How To Give a Great Reading