photo courtesy of Flickr

This workshop will take place the week before the Annual Ubud Writers Festival – not to be missed.

The publishing world, in case you have not yet heard, has changed.

The time has never been better, riper, more promising for story tellers to get their tales out of their heads and into the hands of readers fast. And to make money doing so. The old publishing paradigm dinosaur is gone. Poof. Like that.

I for one say, “Thank God”.

The old way: Months and months to find an agent. Followed by more months seeking a publisher. Followed by 2 years (If you are one of the 1% chosen for publication) of line edits, book design, back and forth between editor and writer – all before ever (if ever) seeing your book in print. Followed by years of having to hit the road on your own dime to sell your own books from the trunk of your car, for a few dollars per book.

The publishing bottleneck that has developed over the past 20 years is enough to intimidate many authors from even getting started.

No more.  There is a new way.

Join us in Ubud, Bali at the “Write and Sell That Book!” workshop October 1-6, 2010 – one week before the Annual Ubud Writers Festival – and together we will learn how to use the new tools available to write our books, to promote and sell them.

Details : http://www.oneworldretreats.com/ubud_bali_yoga_retreat_robin_Joanna.php

And just in case you’re worried that all that new technological know how will give you a headache, relax. You won’t have to do anything but sit back soaking up the infamous Balinese atmosphere while Joanna Penn www.thecreativepenn shows you everything you need to know to take your place in what is rapidly developing into a new era for authors.

We’ll stay at the luxurious Kumara Sakti Resort www.oneworldretreats.com

The peaceful Kumara Sakti Resort

We’re keeping the class size small at 20 students – 5  reserved for locales.

In case you’re not convinced about the changes unfolding in the world of publishing, here are predictions for authors for 2010-2020 in an article by Jane Friedman.

http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2010/01/11/WhatDoesFutureHoldForWritersPredictionsFor20102020.aspx

Or you can just read my excerpts from the article below:

“Predictions are common as a new year begins–especially a new decade. And the publishing industry invites more speculation than ever, given the tremendous transformation underway.

The rise of the independent, as I expect more individual authors and small presses will be able to take advantage of the digital format to sell direct to the consumer, make a healthy living doing so and take advantage of the platform to provide more (and more unfiltered) coverage of a broader range of content, including niche and emerging topics. Just as apps have liberated bedroom coders, so too will the preponderance of ways to connect directly with readers, build a healthy fan base and enjoy higher profit margins doing so compel legions of aspiring authors to finally put pen (or is that stylus?) to (digital) paper and permanently blur the lines between amateurs and professionals. While they’ll still have a place in the industry, I suspect by that point, most agents will be, shall we say, a good less relevant than they’ve become accustomed to in the past.

—Scott Steinberg, DigitalTrends.com

Long-form text-only narrative will continue to thrive as it has since cavemen gathered around the fire, just as painting has thrived since Lascaux. The advent of more and richer iterations of multimodal entertainment and edification will not kill off others (either multi or single mode) in the future, just as they did not in the past, though they certainly will kill businesses with an overdeveloped sense of entitlement based on past success in a given mode.

—Richard Nash, publisher

Digital First/Print Maybe Deals Will Give Authors Leverage: Not only will traditional publishers enter into more ebook-first deals, but more digital publishing houses will emerge, across all genres. Because the latter will naturally start from a position of higher royalties, traditional publishers will have to up the ante as well. Right now, the trend is to decrease digital royalties, but when publishers ask authors to take new kinds of risks, publishers have to be willing to make it worthwhile for the author. Especially in a world where playing field is increasingly level.

—Kassia Krozser, Booksquare blogger

Trend: [Publishers] will continue to focus more resources on fewer titles, using their strengths as large-scale marketers and distributors to publish brand-names. Title count at the largest houses could drop by as much as fifty percent over the next five years. Counter trend: At the same time, self-publishing (including partnerships like the one announced recently between Author Solutions and Harlequin) will grow exponentially.

Trend: Title reduction will be most significant for new talent, with the largest houses entrusting support of new authors to a handful of editorial imprints. The editors at those imprints-editors with proven ability to choose new material successfully-will increase in value. Counter trend: Editors whose job is to handle existing talent will find their roles diminished.

Trend: As the initial sale becomes less of the focus for authors, the agent of the future will become more of a business manager who handles every aspect of an author’s career, overseeing the author’s online presence, developing sources of revenue outside of book sales such as workshops and lecture tours, and acting as the author’s publicist in between publications. Counter trend: Publishers will create free-standing departments whose services can be purchased a la carte by authors, whether that author is self-published or published by a competitor who doesn’t offer such services.
—Bob Miller, HarperStudio

Thanks to digital, there is no minimum length for a book anymore. Ebooks that are too short to be print books will become a real factor in ebook sales, opening up new opportunities for publishers but even more for authors. Short fiction is already well established in the romance genre and some major publishers have broken out stories from anthologies as separate items to be sold on Kindle. In 2010, authors and agents will discover that shorter-than-a-book works can be the subject of useful experimentation and learning through electronic publishing and, by the end of the year, it will become a frequently-employed device. Periodical media (newspapers and magazines) will also see this paid delivery mechanism as an alternative worth experimentation for them as well. After all, if a big publisher can unbundle a short story anthology to sell the individual stories as Kindle editons, why couldn’t The New Yorker sell the short fiction it publishes that way as well? This concept has been tipped by the announcement in 2009 than the web site Daily Beast will be delivering shorter books in a timely manner through electronic distribution.

—Mike Shatzkin, publishing futurist”

So ready to write your book and get it out into the world? Join us in Ubud, Bali the week before the Annual Ubud Writers Festival for all the tools you’ll need to get your book written, published and in the hands of as many readers as possible, fast, and actually earn money doing it.

Snag one of the 20 spots available asap and we’ll see you in Bali in October!

http://www.oneworldretreats.com/ubud_bali_yoga_retreat_robin_Joanna.php

Robin

Beautiful Bali

The Kaptan Sevket, Magic Carpet Ride Along Turkey

Hello Writers!

We’re counting down to what promises to be another memorable writing workshop aboard the Kaptan Sevket on Turkey’s Turquoise coast September 19-26, 2009 with Larry Habegger, editor and co-founder of Travelers’ Tales Books. Aboard our classic Turkish wood sailing yacht, we’ll meet for instruction in the mornings after breakfast, partake in private consultations throughout each day (in and around writing and exploring), and meet for discussion, and sharing our work in the evenings before a sumptuous nightly feast. After that, of course, there’s more time to talk or write, sip wine or raki, or simply lie on the deck and gaze at the stars. We’ll move from secluded cove to cove up and down Turkey’s southern coastline, stopping to swim, kayak, snorkel, view ruins and visit villages. Full details here: http://www.larryhabegger.com/teaching/

Swimming off Cleopatra Island in 2008

If you haven’t reserved a space yet, I highly encourage you to do so as the class once again is limited to 8 students.

This workshop just gets better each year!

For a view of what you’re in for, take a peek at last year’s workshop:

In September 2008, ten writers boarded the Kaptan Sevket in Bodrum, Turkey to sail into the Aegean Sea and to write, guided by writing instructor extraordinaire, Larry Habegger. Our wildly varied group of personalities, ages, and skill levels bonded quickly. Each person in the group was a dedicated writer, emphatic about improving their skills. And each worked at it, showing up for every class each morning and evening and for personal consultations with the instructor throughout each day.

1st class of the day begins over breakfast

After a week that included idyllic sailing along Turkey’s curvaceous coastline, swimming and kayaking in aquamarine waters, visits to small villages, hiking among the ruins on Cleopatra Island, eating outrageously delicious, healthy food that just kept coming and coming, meeting and talking about writing, and producing heaps of newly informed and inspired pieces, we disembarked with indelible memories, new friends, and vastly enhanced writing skills.

Our magic carpet, The Kaptan Sevket, is a sleek, solid, 82 foot, hand-built Turkish gulet with majestic sails that tower high above as we head each day into the next bucolic harbor. Ensuite cabins are large, each with 2 single berths or one double bed. We did not see one other boat on the water last September that could compare to ours! And the crew, how we loved them. There was the capable, all-knowing, story teller extraordinaire Kaptan Mustafa. And sweet, efficient Levent, Batur and Tuncay.

The food. Well, if you know anything about Turkish food, you know you’re in for a treat. I cannot say enough about the fabulous food our crew prepared, and so I won’t. Check out photos here: http://ontheroad.destinationtbd.com/2008/10/04/the-food/

In September 2009, we’ll begin a bit further south in the village of Gocek. From there we’ll head south to Ulu Deniz – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We’ll snorkel over ancient cities in Kas, sail past Lycian ruins that date back to Jesus Christ, go ashore when the mood strikes, and yes, once again, we will write. And we will do it on the Kaptan Sevket with the same crew. They are family now.

Local girls at the market in Turkish village

The price for the workshop, boat, excursions, and food is $2800 usd. (airfare separate). You may reserve your spot by sending $1400 via Paypal.com to robin@robinsparks.com. Spots are filling fast so be sure to reserve yours soon. And please purchase travel insurance as deposits are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your spot.

To learn more about our instructor, Larry Habegger, co-editor and founder of Travelers Tales Books, have a look at the following links:
http://travelerstales.com
http://larryhabegger.com

Here is what some of our participants have to say about last year’s workshop:

When I signed up for the workshop, I couldn’t have imagined what I would leave with: deep friendships, a new understanding of myself and writing goals, an amazing collection of photos, and a great big notebook of souvenirs in the form of writing tips, techniques, and guidance I received from Larry, who has replaced my 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Klein, as my favorite instructor of all time. Sailing on a handsome gulet along the gem-colored shoreline of the Aegean Sea is the perfect place to get inspired, forget about all the distractions at home, and devote yourself to a week of writing. – Cheryn Flanagan, San Francisco, California

This workshop exceeded my expectations a million times. I had a vague idea I could write commentary but had no confidence in my ability to write description. I came away feeling like I can now do both. Larry helped me find continuity in my notes and pull them together into something that was actually writing instead of just ideas on a page. Listening to everyone else was valuable in pointing me in the right direction. Having optional and flexible individual consultations was perfect. Being on a boat in gorgeous surroundings crystallized everything into one great experience. – Nicola Prentis, Istanbul, Turkey

Carrie relaxing on the bow

Thank you for a wonderful experience aboard the Kaptan Sevket! The trip was well organized. It was a nice touch making decisions as a group about specific destinations on a day-to-day basis. As a lover of the wilderness, I enjoyed mooring in secluded bays absent of resorts and other development. I liked meeting in the morning and reconvening in the evenings for writing. The private meetings with Larry were a real plus. Our group was diverse in many ways, and I appreciated the different personalities. Thank you so much for an inspiring, relaxing and colorful experience! – Carrie Visintainer, Fort Collins, Colorado

So, reserve your spot soon and I will see you in Turkey in September 2009!

Robin Sparks in Istanbul, Turkey
OneWorld Ltd – Accommodations for the Global Traveler and Writing Workshops that Rock!
http://www.robinsparks.com

In the unlikely event that a minimum of 8 students is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the workshop and return all deposits.

Seven days with Larry Habegger (executive editor of Travelers’ Tales) on a classic Turkish gulet in the Aegean Sea

September 20-27, 2008

On this seven-day intensive workshop sailing on a traditional Turkish yacht you’ll learn the ins and outs of crafting a superb story and how to bring your work to print, whether it’s a short essay or a book-length memoir. Larry Habegger, co-editor of Travelers’ Tales books, helps you develop powerful stories with simple tools and plot the course to successful publication.

In this workshop you will learn how to:

• unearth kernels of inspiration
• find the right way in
• create the ideal structure to give a story maximum substance and meaning
• access memory to add depth and texture
• use techniques of fiction to add drama and suspense
• craft the perfect ending
• edit to make the story a page-turner
• develop the kind of book proposal publishers are eager to see
• create the perfect marketing plan so your book will sell
• write like a poet but think like a publicist

Instructor, Larry Habegger

In almost thirty years in the travel writing business, both as a freelance travel writer and an editor of books and hundreds of stories in the Travelers’ Tales series, Larry Habegger has developed a fine eye for what makes a story work. He shares his knowledge at numerous writers’ conferences, writing workshops, and individual coaching sessions, both online and off.

He has been covering the world since his international travels began in the 1970s. As a freelance writer or almost three decades and syndicated columnist since 1985, Larry’s work has appeared in numerous major newspapers and magazines, including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Travel & Leisure, and Outside. In 1993 Habegger founded the award-winning Travelers’ Tales publishing company with James and Tim O’Reilly, and as co-editor has helped edit all of the company’s books. Larry is an inspiring writing teacher and coach, and has been on the faculty of the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference annually since 1994. He lives with his family on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco.

Program

Daily writing exercises will help you find the focus of your story, and discussions will provide guidance for shaping and polishing. Participants will gain confidence about what makes a story work and how to make it shine in the marketplace.

The group workshop will be structured around our tour of the Turkish coast and will include:

• maximum of 12 participants
• emphasis on personal travel narrative and memoir, but open to other forms
• hour-long group workshops each morning
• daily one-on-one consultations with Larry
• writing assignments to prime your pump
• afternoons devoted to writing and exploring the Turkish coast
• evening group reading and discussion of participants’ work
• write about your Turkish experience, craft journal notes into compelling stories, develop material you’re already working on
• come ready to write, share, learn, and have fun

And Much More…

We’ll begin in the internationally renowned resort of Bodrum and work our way down the Aegean coast and into the Mediterranean. You’ll see turtles nesting, sail past and hike among ancient ruins, visit Turkish villages, natural hot springs and a mud bath, explore inner waterways and learn to write and get published. All while reveling in a classic Blue Voyage of legend. Turkey is a beautiful country, and Turks ooze with hospitality. Don’t miss this chance of a lifetime!

WHAT PREVIOUS WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY:

In the eye of the Aegean, with billowing sails as a backdrop, my writing found its new course – winged and unbridled. Robin Sparks’ writing seminar was heady and filled with heart. Aboard our gulet, our senses were heightened by the smells and tastes of great food and wine and through listening to the touching words penned by fellow travelers – a once-in-a-lifetime journey heightened by the vision of a seasoned teacher, Larry Habegger, who brought out the best in each of us. -Connie Collins, Journalist

When I first caught sight of our gulet, docked in a small bay protected by hills with the turquoise Mediterranean Sea gleaming in the background, it took my breath away. One minute I was sitting with a wonderful group of people, laughing, talking about our lives, about writing, and the next, diving off a classic Turkish gulet into the warm turquoise water below, and the next hiking past 9,000-year-old ruins. Larry, our writing writing teacher, was positively inspirational. And I learned so much from the other students. Sign me up! —Michelle Babcock

Price: $2500 USD

Includes:

• two hours instruction per day and private consultations with travel writer and co-editor of Travelers’ Tales Books, Larry Habegger
• three delicious meals per day and all drinks
• all land and water excursions
• use of all onboard water toys and equipment, including fishing rods
• full use of a luxurious classic Turkish yacht shared with a maximum of 12 students, your teacher and 3 Turkish crew members
• shared accommodation in a large air-conditioned double cabin with a private bath
• three Turkish crew members to make sure that the only work you do is write and play
• airport transfers
• and last but not least, laughter, exploration and camaraderie galore

The price does not include round trip airfare to Bodrum, Turkey from whence we will depart on our boat on Saturday, September 20, 2008. We have scheduled the workshop during the travel “shoulder season” so that students may benefit from lower airfares. If you would like assistance booking an airline ticket, please email workshop organizer, Robin Sparks at robin@robinsparks.com.

This is a small intimate class of no more than 12, so don’t delay. Reserve your spot by sending your first installment of $625 via PayPal.com to robin@robinsparks.com. Full payment is due by June 1, 2008. Please purchase travel insurance as we are unable to issue refunds unless we can fill your spot.

This workshop is brought to you by OneWorld Ltd, a Turkish company whose mission is to act as a conduit between the West and Middle East. Founder Robin Sparks says, “When we touch the soul of a place with our senses, when we live among its people, we cannot help but realize that although we are fantastically different, we are at our cores, very much the same.” OneWorld offers not only workshops, but travel accommodations in real homes in real neighborhoods in Istanbul, Turkey and around the world. For more information about this workshop or others contact Robin Sparks at Robin@Robinsparks.com. OneWorld reserves the right to cancel the workshop if less than 8 students enroll by June 1, 2008. In this case, all paricipants will be issued full refunds.

See the full documents at these links in PDF and Word formats (the Word doc is the easiest to read and highest resolution photos; the PDF Formatting and photos may be slightly altered).

• Word doc: Learn How to Craft A Travel Article, Write a Memoir and Publish Your Book (Word)
• PDF: Learn How to Craft A Travel Article, Write a Memoir and Publish Your Book (PDF)

India has beckoned me for years, especially Kerala. With more and more jobs being exported to India every day and with its new role as an emerging world power, India seems destined to be a next best place. I wanted to meet the Americans and Europeans who are moving to India, to get a glimpse of what their lives are like.

Bali – On this island I’d felt so at home during my five months there, that I left some money in a bank account and a box of personal effects with a friend. How is it that three years later, I’ve yet to return? There have been things like bombs that went off in the night. And the sticky web of time and commitments in the States. But maybe its just that at some level, I fear that I will discover that, Yes, Bali is home. Which means taking the final (or first?) step and going.

On January 30: A week before my planned departure, I received a call from EscapeArtist.com. They were hatching a new online travel magazine and wanted to know if I’d be interested in wearing an editor’s hat.

And so, one week before departure date, I aked my travel agent to re-route my trip to Argentina.

Two months later, March 26, 2006 – I began my stay in Argentina last month on a 75-acre farm in the wine and orchard region of Mendoza.

Today I am sitting in my lovely apartment in Buenos Aires, Argentina finishing what will be the first issue of EscapeArtist Travel Magazine.

There have been rabbit trails, oh yes. Like the emergency appendectomy I had in a rural hospital, followed by a move to Buenos Aires, and a trip to Uruguay for an international real estate conference. I’ll tell you all about it in EscapeArtist Travel Magazine, www.escapeartist.com.

See you in Turkey June 3 for the experience of a lifetime!!! Sign up now!

PDF: The Personal Travel Story (Turkey, June 3-10, 2006) ]]> http://www.robinsparks.com/blog/the-personal-travel-story/feed/ 0 http://www.robinsparks.com/blog/girls-just-wanna-have-fun/ http://www.robinsparks.com/blog/girls-just-wanna-have-fun/#comments Fri, 05 Aug 2005 03:07:49 +0000 Robin Sparks http://pass55.dizinc.com/~robinspa/?p=66 June 3-10, 2006

The Coast of Turkey by Yacht!

Calling all moms, daughters, grandmothers, and granddaughters – new and old girlfriends… Take the journey of your life with the ones you love the most…

Led by travel writer, Robin Sparks, our group of 8-10 will cruise the coast of Turkey aboard a classic 82-ft. Turkish gulet. Our expert Turkish crew of three will sail, prepare delicious meals and take care of our every need. The Odysseus  is constructed of the finest African teak and brass with air-conditioned staterooms and private baths. A cruiseship this is not!  Nor is it a it a Caribbean sailboat. This is luxury of the most sublime sort – quality, exotic, sophisticated. To sail the coastline of Turkey is an experience like none other.

You will return from this trip not only enchanted with Turkey and the Mediterranean, but with your life. There’s nothing like a week in the Mediterranean with friends and loved ones to recharge.


OUR MAGIC CARPET RIDE


After we pick you up from the airport We’ll anchor in peaceful coves and various ports. Each evening we’ll dine together under the stars. You’re room is made of beautiful African teakwood, with cushy beds and private baths. However, you may find yourself, as I did, sleeping many nights on deck with a sparkling sky as your blanket. This is luxury of the sublime, classic, yet simple sort – a world apart from your typical cruise ship scene.

With a maximum of 10, we’ll be able to choose how we spend each moment – from visiting centuries-old ruins and villages, resorts, a Greek island or two, perhaps a Turkish Bathhouse for a massage, kayaking, swimming, hiking, shopping, writing, or just kicking back and relaxing in the balmy spring Mediterranean climate.

To put together your very own gal-reunion for the week of June 3-10, email robin@robinsparks.com – as soon as possible. This boat fills fast! Don’t delay. June will be here before you know it!

Robin Sparks Telling the Stories of People Around the World

http://www.robinsparks.com

Email:robin@robinsparks.com

(415) 730-5281

Our hostess is Starr, who when she’s not in Turkey leading tours, is back home in New York or visiting her children in Florida.

You may opt to tack on a day or more to explore Istanbul or Cappadocia with its moon-like landscape.

Turkey is one of the most women friendly countries in the world. I guarantee that you’ll come back feeling GREAT after a week surrounded by folks who think all western women, no matter their size or age, are beautiful.

WHEN AND WHERE

On June 3, 2006, we will transport you from the airport to the port town of Gucek, Turkey where we will board our private 82-foot yacht, a classic Turkish gullet named the Odysseus. Once we’ve all arrived, we’ll set sail along the Turkish coast passing along the way several thousand-year old ruins, fishing villages, and jet set resorts. On some days we’ll moor in idyllic coves to swim and kayak, or simply lounge about on deck, and on others we’ll visit quaint fishing villages. We’ll drop anchor at an international resort or two, and we may even stop at the enchanting Greek island of Simi.

Those who like to shop, will discover the dollar stretches a looong way in this part of the world. You’ll be overwhelmed with the expert craftsmanship of hand-knotted carpets, hand-tooled jewelry, exquisite leather goods, and much more.

If you have a group but prefer another date, call Robin at (415) 730-5281 immediately to reserve your week. The summer schedule is already quite full.

TEN THINGS YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ON THIS TRIP:

1. Comraderie. Laughter – Lots of it. Heartfelt talks with new and old friends, naps whenever you feel like it, luxury. In other words, relaxing the way you do when you’re with your best friends.

2. A wonderful dose of exotic culture…discovery of the Turkish people, some of the most gorgeous and big hearted people in the world.

3. Middle Eastern music and dance. Dance under the stars if you want to hauntingly beautiful middle Eastern music.

4. Turkish food! Delightful. Fresh. Delicious. Eat delicious prepared meals three times a day, or four if you count tea at three. If you’ve ever eaten Mediterranean fare, you know that not only is it fresh and filling, it’s healthy. You’ll never, ever feel deprived or hungry on this trip, but don’t be surprised if you return home lighter.

5. Shop in one of the least expensive countries in the world. Discover how far the dollar stretches in this country full of handcrafted rugs, jewelry, leather goods and so much more.

6. Rub shoulders with an sophisticated travelers from around the world.

7. Experience one of the last remaining countries in the world. This won’t last long as Turkey is slated to join the European Union soon.

8. Read a book all the way through if you want. Or don’t read at all.

9. Discover the feeling of not having to do anything – for one whole week. Forget about politics, work, bills, the in-laws, school…and catch up with the ones you love, even if that is you!

10. Get a healthy dose of the sun,  healing Mediterranean waters, and return refreshed.

Spaces are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis. A deposit of $500 per person is due by Dec. 1, 2005. $1200 is due Feb 1, 2006, and the balance is due April 1.

Don’t miss out!

Call me immediately at (415) 730-5281 or email me at robin@robinsparks.com to reserve your spot.

Robin Sparks
Telling the Stories of People Around the World
http://www.robinsparks.com
robin@robinsparks.com
(415) 730-5281