Please read the following information if you intend to participate in this workshop. We have changed a few things since the last time this workshop was held in 2023.

You’re working on your first (or next) novel and wonder if it’s any good. All those other writers seem to have it all together. Wouldn’t it be great to take a peek at the first 500 words of THEIR manuscript? And wouldn’t it be even better if others would give you feedback on YOUR first 500 words? 

That’s the idea behind the GRABBING THE READER WORKSHOP, a free, week-long event for members. You bravely open yourself up to a group of 5-7 other WFWA writing peers to read your work and give you feedback while agreeing to take time to read their work and give them feedback as well. 

If you want to sell a book, you need to GRAB THE READER within the first 500 words. Agents, editors, potential interviewers, and readers (who will become reviewers) all need to want to keep reading. 

Take the time in this safe environment to workshop your beginning pages so you’ll be ready when the time comes.

This is a FREE event for all WFWA Members.

 Again this year, we are also offering the "Coaching Your 1^st 500 Words Workshop" the week after Grabbing the Reader concludes. Please scroll to the bottom of this page for additional details on this workshop.

Need a better idea of the "schedule" or how this workshop can fit into your busy schedule?  Here is a "basic" view of how this week-long workshop will run:

• January 12 - Watch your email for the "Welcome to the Grabbing the Reader Workshop". This email will give you detailed instructions on how to access the Workshop on the Programs Community Platform. You can begin posting your first 500 words if you wish to do so or wait until the "official" start date for this workshop.
• January 14-15 - Grabbing the Reader Officially begins. Post your first 500 words to the "group" that has been assigned to you on this day, your group assignments will be listed on the “Welcome! START HERE”, which will be the main page you come to when first entering the workshop. We ask that when you "post" your 500 words, you put the text directly into the workshop platform, not an attachment that your fellow group members have to open/download. The WFWA Workshop Volunteer can assist you with this and you will also receive DETAILED instructions in the welcome email.
• Begin checking in daily in the workshop. Read your group members' first 500-word posts and comment and/or offer suggestions on ways they could improve their words.
• We encourage all participants to revise their initial 500 Words when possible. You can upload your revised first 500 words to the group as soon as your revisions are ready and also comment and make suggestions for improvements.
• Another fun aspect of Grabbing the Reader is that you can hop between groups as well. If you have the time, feel free to visit other groups, read the first 500-word postings, and comment there as well. Please note, that we do ask that you only post YOUR first 500 words in the group you have been assigned to. You DO NOT have to visit any other groups outside the one you are assigned to.
• January 16 – if you have not posted your first 500 words by 5 AM EST on this day, you will be removed from the workshop.

• If some participants that are not active are removed from the workshop and your group becomes smaller, we will adjust groups and move you into another active group.
• Continue checking in daily on the workshop throughout the week.

• January 21 - the last "official" day of the Grabbing the Reader workshop. Even though this is the last "official" day, you can still access the workshop afterward, and continue commenting and chatting with your peers if you want. This is one benefit of this workshop, you can continue to revise and "chat" with your fellow WFWA peers if you wish to. This is your workshop, take advantage of this time to continue to make improvements. One difference between this date and February 22 (the day we archive this workshop) is that your WFWA Volunteers may not be available to you as quickly as they are during the "official" workshop dates. Also, it is very possible there will be many participants who do not actively participate after January 21.
• February 22 - the Grabbing the Reader workshop will be archived. Please save any comments, suggestions, etc., prior to 5 AM EST on this day. Once the workshop is archived, all comments and posts will be gone forever.

 REGISTER HERE FOR GRABBING THE READER

OR

CONTINUE READING BELOW

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 How many participants are in each group?

• 5 total participants per group, with exceptions when needed.
• For example: Let’s say a total of 7 people sign up under the “Mystery/Thriller Elements Category” on our registration form, we would create one (1) group for these participants.

What can I do now to be prepared to start on January 14?

Join the Programs Community Platform NOW

1. Once you join the Programs Community Platform, you have access to the “Learning Library”  we have created. Within the “Learning Library,”  you will find the “Grabbing the Reader Toolbox.” Within this toolbox, you have access to several online articles that are valuable resources to use.  You also have access to several informative articles and documents that we have created for you to study while preparing for the Grabbing the Reader workshop.
2. Here is the information to join the Programs Community Platform:  Use this link to access the Community platform. Once you create your profile and password, check out the Welcome Guide and Community Tour video.  If you experience any challenges, email [email protected]
3. If you have already joined the Programs Community Platform: Simply visit the website, and follow step one above. (Locate the Learning Library, look for the Grabbing the Reader Toolbox, and read and use the resources available to you there.)
4. Once you are in the Programs Community Platform, look in the left-hand side menu, scroll down if you need to, and look for the words “Learning Library.” Click on the words: “Learning Library.” In the center of your screen, a short menu appears with 2 options that you can click on. Click on the word “Toolboxes”. Next, the center of your browser window will show an extensive list of all the toolboxes we have within the Learning Library. Click on the "Help Guide for this Extensive List" option (the very top and first option), and read the information.  Scroll down the screen and locate the "Grabbing the Reader Toolbox".

• Make sure you have your first 500 words prepared and ready to copy and paste into your group space by January 14.
• Possibly look at your schedule for the week of January 14-21, 2024, and mark off an hour or two a day that you can devote to this workshop every day. This will give you time to read your group members 500 Words, offer suggestions, etc. As we get further into the workshop, you may need more or less time.
• On January 12^th or prior to this date, you will be sent the "Welcome Email" and an invitation to join the workshop platform. Follow the instructions and enter the workshop.  

Are there any homework assignments or can I revise my words using the suggestions I receive and then post my words again for more suggestions?

• Currently, there are no “homework” assignments.  You can safely “assume” that you will receive feedback and suggestions on your 500 words, and we suggest you take everything into consideration. You can revise your words according to the feedback you receive or choose not to.

Are there any Live Events or Zoom Sessions?

• No

Are there any pre-recorded videos with this workshop?

• No

Can I read and view things that are posted in other groups within this workshop?

• Absolutely!  You can bounce between groups to read other member's First 500 Words and you can make comments and suggestions if you wish to.
• One requirement – PLEASE ONLY POST YOUR FIRST 500 WORDS in the group you are assigned to.

So, this workshop lasts for 7 days, but the workshop itself remains open and available until February 22, 2024, does that mean I can still post or work with other members?

• Yes, you as the participant can continue to perfect your 500 words and offer and receive comments and suggestions if your group members choose to do so.

Do I have to do everything in the workshop platform, or can I converse with group members via email or via the chat (private message) function in the workshop platform?

• We prefer all conversations and work be posted on the workshop platform. We ask that you post your 500 words as text in your group and NOT offer a PDF, Word Doc, Google Doc, link, etc. Many people do not want to download or open documents.  Most participants prefer to read the materials online and be able to comment and make suggestions directly into the workshop platform.
• The "chat" function on the workshop platform is simply a private messaging system similar to those you may use via social media. If you wish to hold conversations with other members that may include sensitive topics or things you wish to express in private, feel free to do so. You can also create group chats if you want.

How will I know when, where, and how to post my 500 words?

• You will receive a “Welcome Email” on or prior to January 12, 2024. This email will have all the information you need to participate, including a “Help” document on how to maneuver around in the workshop platform.

I work full-time; can I still participate in this workshop?

• Absolutely!  There are no scheduled virtual meetings, etc. You visit the workshop, post your words, read any comments within your group, and critique and offer suggestions on your group members' first 500 words. (We do encourage you to visit other groups as well!)

After this workshop is over, what do I do next?

• Continue to improve the first 500 words of your WIP and then move beyond those words and take what you have learned and improve your entire manuscript!
• Possibly, if you enjoy working with the members of your group or find that you have "clicked" with members in other groups, consider forming your own private "critique" or "writing" group to cheer each other on!
• Also, we do have a workshop called “Coaching Your First 500 Words” that begins the day after Grabbing the Reader ends. For this workshop, you will again work in groups, and you will have the added benefit of a coach. This workshop does have a minimal fee of $30. Find more information about this workshop: HERE.

I’m not computer savvy, will there be anyone to help me if I get stuck or need assistance?

• Yes!  There will be an assigned WFWA Workshop Volunteer who can help you!
• Please note: the volunteer assigned to this workshop lives within the EDT time zone and she will respond to questions and assist everyone between the hours of 6 AM and 9 PM. She will respond within 12 hours, but more than likely a lot quicker than that!

I have another question, who can I email? [email protected]

This is a FREE event for all WFWA Members.
This workshop will take place on our Programs/Workshop Platform.

REGISTRATION HERE

To read more about the:
Coaching Your First 500 Words Workshop: Click Here!