I’m offering new workshops, one for PR professionals, and an entire series of workshops for writers. If you are interested in attending any of the workshops listed below, please email me at barbarella@divabarbarella.com.

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS

Workshop 1 - SELF-EDITING
Writing is all about rewriting. In this workshop, you will learn the crucial skill of self-editing. I will share valuable insider information about what editors REALLY mean when they say “show, don’t tell,” why it’s necessary to avoid cliches and unnecessary adverbs, and how best to employ analogies.

Workshop 2 - CREATIVE PUNCTUATION
“In writing, punctuation plays the role of body language. It helps readers hear you the way you want to be heard.” - Russel Baker
In this workshop, I will break it down to the sentence level. Punctuation shapes style. Creative writers forget about old-school rules in order to wield those little marks like magic. From the powerful period to the elegant semicolon, I will demonstrate how punctuation can make or break your story. You’ll never look at a dash or colon the same way again.

Workshop 3 - STRUCTURE AND STYLE
In this more advanced workshop, I will share the details of my own writing process, from inception of an idea to words on the page. Many helpful tips and tricks will be divulged, such as nailing the ideal structure of any story, how to texture a narrative using details, why vulnerability is imperative, the music of words, and much more.

Workshop 4 - HOW TO PITCH YOUR STORY
You have a polished piece - now what? If you’re looking to pitch a story to a publication or news outlet, this is the workshop for you. I will clarify what it is about any pitch that makes or breaks it. Bring your idea and workshop the pitch until it’s ready for editors and producers alike.

Each of these workshops is self-contained, however they do compliment each other if you choose to take more than one. They are $89 each or $299 for all four. Each workshop is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on a Saturday. If you are interested, please send me your email address.

PR WORKSHOP

An effective, well-written press release is the key to getting publicity for your book, event, project, or client. Understanding the difference between a good press release and a bad one will keep yours from being tossed in the trash.

For nearly a decade, I have worked as a writer, editor and producer, with experience in print and web newspapers and magazines, radio, and television.

As a writer, I have successfully pitched ideas to newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television networks.

As an editor choosing the events of the week for the San Diego Reader, and an NBC correspondent with a regular segment, I have read thousands of press releases, some good, most bad. Really bad.

From terrible trends to shining examples, in this workshop you will see the best and worst from my very own inbox. I will give you tips on how to rise to the top of every producer and editor’s flood of emails. The press release is just one part – we will also cover email content (how to get someone to scroll down or click for more information), tone, and of course, pitching. You’ll bring a topic you’re hoping to promote.

This is one workshop, and will take place on a Saturday. Date and time to be announced, it will likely be the first Saturday of April. The price for this workshop is $189. If you are interested in attending, please send me your email address.