“How Not to Write Like an Amateur” Workshop Session 1

Back by popular demand! The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is pleased to present two new writing workshops instructed by award-winning author and writing coach, Nikki Hanna. Hanna taught “The Path to Authorship” last September. Her workshop was so well received that she will return to the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow on Saturday, April 23, and Sunday, April 24, with two new “How Not to Write Like an Amateur” workshops. Novice writers, seasoned writers, and anyone aspiring to win contests, attract readers, write like a pro, find a path topublication, or simply write better will benefit. Participants must be vaccinated for COVID, WCDH COVID protocols are in place, and the number of participants is limited to ten for both workshops.

“Writing with Voice, Style and Humor”—“Strategies for Winning Writing Contests and Book Awards”—“Improving the Odds of Publication” will be held on Saturday, April 23, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and will include a continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by WCDH chef Jana Jones. Participants will learn how to layer voice, style, and humor onto compositions, increase the odds of winning contests, and improve their chances of getting published. Voice is the most vital component of good writing. Some say it is innate—a writer either has it or does not. Not true. Voice, style, and humor can be developed. This workshop introduces techniques that do that. Craft requirements crucial to publication, winning contests, and impressing readers will be revealed. Rich with essential information on writing professionally, this workshop moves writers quickly along the continuum from novice to authorship. Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring six-minutes or less of their original work to read to the group. The workshop fee is $100 or $125 if coupled with the class on Sunday. All proceeds benefit the WCDH scholarship fund.

This session is jam-packed with valuable information, and will have participants writing like pros. Each attendee willreceive generous handouts and a copy of Hanna’s book, Listen Up Writer—How not to write like an Amateur.

As an author and writing coach, Nikki Hanna is dedicated to championing both novice and seasoned writers. She introduces fresh perspectives in her workshops that encourage writers to find a sense of purpose through what they create, whether they sell what they write or just write for the joy of it. Her novel approach is designed to thrust writers forward quickly along the continuum to authorship. This includes knowledge of writing craft, the realities of the publishing environment, and alternative paths to finding joy and purpose in writing. One writer who took Nikki’s workshop in September 2021 said, “Nikki’s class was wonderful. She packed so much into the time she spent with us. And lunch was delish. I will definitely study with her again.”

In addition to numerous contests and awards for poetry, essays, and short stories, Nikki Hanna has received the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation’s Crème de la Crème Award and Rose State College’s Outstanding Writer Award. As a self-published author, her book awards include the National Indie Excellence Award, the USA Best Book Finalist Award, two international Book Excellence Awards, four Independent Book Awards, and two Oklahoma Writers’ Federation First Place Book Awards. Hannahas published three books on writing, including her new one, Listen Up, Writer—How Not to Write Like an Amateur. They are available on Amazon and Kindle. Learn more about Nikki at www.nikkihanna.com.

The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to nurture writers of all genres, backgrounds, and levels of experience in a supportive environment that builds community, energizes creative expression, stimulates new thinking, and optimizes productivity. Since opening its doors to writers in 2000, the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow has made a lasting impact on the arts and literary communities hosting over 1,900 writers from 48 states and 13 countries. For more information, please visit www.writerscolony.orgor call Michelle Hannon or Jeanne Glass at (479)253-7444.