Romantic comedies have always been popular in the movie theater, but in recent years they seem to be everywhere in bookstores, too. This trend in Romance publishing doesn’t seem to be fading anytime soon. In this workshop, Farah will delve deep into what makes a great rom-com, and help you craft them from the ground up. With tips on how to develop high-concept storylines that lend themselves to comedy, to writing biting and witty banter, and finally layering in even more laugh-out-loud one-liners. And most importantly, retaining that emotional romance arc that will keep your readers swooning between the belly laughs.

BIO:

After a childhood diet of Jane Austen, Monty Python and Bollywood, Farah Heron writes romantic comedies full of huge, loving South Asian families, loyal friends, delectable food, and most importantly, brown people falling stupidly in love.The Chai Factor, released in June by HarperCollins Canada, has been named one of the summer’s best books by The Globe and Mail, and has been praised in Book Riot, Smart Bitches Trashy Books, Bustle and more. Farah has two more rom-coms contracted with Forever/Grand Central books: The Right Spice, out early 2021, and another unnamed rom-com after that.

Musicians make frequent appearances in romance novels as main characters—what tips and tricks can you pick up from a fellow creative who uses music to tell his stories instead of novels? In this workshop, you’ll learn a few basic formats to help you write your own lyrics for use in your books. You’ll also pick up strategies to condense a feeling or mood into a single line—perfect for chapter openings, revealing a plot twist, or the last sentence in a chapter to keep your readers turning pages. We’ll talk about some ways to get beyond creative blocks and find new sources of inspiration, and have plenty of time for questions. Throughout the journey we will acquire a new understanding of how fit a grand picture into a snapshot. Be prepared to take a trip into wonderland… Well, the warped mind of an always aspiring to evolve musician.

BIO:

Paul Pitman is a self-described generalist with a personality that can most simply be described as eclectic. The pursuit of self-evolution and the desire to entertain has given him a diverse background in athletics, music, film, restaurants, marketing, and promotions. Paul first discovered his desire to perform and entertain at a young age by soaking in the drama, flair and athleticism of professional wrestling in addition to the bombastic sound, attitude, style and larger than life personalities of early MTV. Initially attracted to being a lyricist/ front person by the likes of Scott Weiland, Axl Rose, Steven Tyler, and Jim Morrision, he’s also inspired by the fashion and theatrics of David Bowie as well as the principles of songwriting by artists such as Tom Petty. Paul has used this combination of influences to collaborate with various local and national artists. Presently Paul is chasing his dreams and goals with more vigor than ever while balancing a sixty plus hour work week with family and friends. He’s using his creative and life experiences coupled with meeting and seeing the best and worst of people on a daily basis as fuel towards his next step in storytelling and entertaining through the medium of music.