The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Karin Adams.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel; Published on October 17, 2024.
What’s the book’s first line?
“YOU MAY BE STARTING your first novel, stuck in the middle of a draft or wanting to refresh a project that didn’t quite turn out as you’d hoped.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Crush the blank page and your writer’s angst with my fun and practical writing-workshop-in-a-book. I guide you step by step through 70+ bite-sized activities that I use as an author and that I’ve tested with thousands in my in-person writing workshops. I’ll help you to spark and shape your own ideas, whether you’re a new writer with lots of questions about the craft, or a seasoned writer looking for a burst of motivation or a fresh perspective. You’ll learn a complete novel-writing method start to finish—writing as you read—plus proven strategies and tips for busting past blocks and creative crises.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I’ve been offering in-person creative writing workshops for years to writers of all ages and stripes. My most effective workshop was a series of sessions delivered over the course of a week. At each session, we explored a different step of my writing process. It was always exciting to witness participants sparking new ideas or directions for their stories or to shaking themselves out of a slump.
At the end of my workshop sessions, I was often asked if I had a resource that laid out my activities for future reference. That question planted the seed, and eventually I decided it was time to gather all my workshop sessions into book form. My hope is that with The One Week Writing Workshop book I’ll be able to reach and inspire even more people to write, and to enjoy the process!
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
If you have a desire to write a novel but are looking for guidance, my book will give you practical encouragement and a method you can start using right away. I’ll help you to keep connected to your own ideas while learning how to shape them into the book you’ve always dreamed of writing.
When did you first decide to become an author?
As early as I can remember! My mom always read stories to me before bed. But it was when she read me my first chapter book—where my own imagination magically supplied the pictures—that I knew for certain. I knew that one day I would write stories using the kind of magic words that could put pictures in people’s heads.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
The One Week Writing Workshop is my first non-fiction book. I’m the author of five fiction novels published by James Lorimer and Company (Toronto, Canada). My first book was the middle grade novel Lights! Curtains! Cows!.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
Currently when I’m not writing fiction, I’ve been writing articles and blog posts about the writer’s craft and the art of teaching creative writing. I’m also working on an online video course version of my writing workshop sessions which will be coming out soon.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I work at writing and workshop-related tasks every day. I try to take weekends off, but depending on the project—how busy it is, or how much fun I’m having with it!— the work sometimes carries over into the off-hours. Having said that, one piece of advice that I give writers in The One Week Writing Workshop—and that I myself make sure to adhere to—is to build deliberate “rest” periods into the writing process. A writing project benefits from a rested mind and a refreshed creative vision.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I’ve always been drawn to write fiction, ever since I was a little girl. It’s amazing to be able to share stories with readers, but honestly the very best part of writing for me is when I get lost in my own story world and hours pass by. This certainly doesn’t happen to me every day, but those delicious moments are my main motivation for writing fiction.
In terms of writing The One Week Writing Workshop, I was motivated by my belief that anyone who wants to write a book can do it. Writing a novel takes time and effort, but I think that sometimes people are quick to disqualify themselves or (sadly) have been told somewhere along the way that they shouldn’t bother. My motivation in writing this book was to create an encouraging and practical guide that would help new writers (or “stuck” writers) to delight in their own ideas and keep after their dreams.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I would have to say Judy Blume, particularly her work for middle grade audiences. She has an incredible ability to create young characters who ring true and who perfectly capture the experience of growing up. I often revisit my early favorites by Blume, and I’ve been struck not only by how they transport me back to my own childhood, but also by the rich presence of the larger world of parents, family, and community in her work. This layer was always there but reading as an adult I can see it in a new light. Blume deftly keeps the adult world in its proper place in relation to her stories’ child-centered protagonists, but it is definitely there. I admire how she’s able to create such textured, real worlds without any trace of a heavy hand.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
I don’t think there’s an existing book that I wish I’d written. I wouldn’t want to miss out on the enjoyment of discovering it and reading it for myself! I have, however, always harbored a dream to write a series of books like the Chronicles of Narnia. My fiction books for young readers have thus far been rooted in the real world. There’s a part of me though that’s always been drawn to stories that step between the world we know and something wildly unknown. My writing adventures aren’t over, so perhaps that’s my next project.