Sold Out!!!!
Let's Nail It!
Punctuating Dialogue in Fiction
presented by:
Novelist and Grammar Wonk
Michael Craft
Need to strengthen your writing skills?
Weak writing (as it might be judged in manuscripts rejected by editors and agents) is quickly signaled by lack of punctuation skills, and because fictional dialogue involves such a thicket of punctuation issues, this is where deficiencies are most glaringly exposed.
Therefore, aspiring fiction writers can conquer one of the many hurdles to publication by hunkering down and nailing the punctuation of dialogue.
Relax! Very few writers can claim the status of Grammar Wonk.
Most writers struggle with the punctuation and assorted grammar gremlins that challenge fiction stories.
In a friendly and casual setting, attendees will first review a cursory history of punctuation, examining both its rhetorical and its grammatical roots.
The workshop will also explore a comprehensive set of practical guidelines designed to help any fiction writer master the punctuation of dialogue in conformity with the standards of contemporary American publishing.
This will be a craft-oriented, nuts-and-bolts session. Handouts will be provided, including a one-page “cheat sheet” that should help you nail 99 percent of the punctuation dilemmas that arise when writing fictional dialogue.
Don't be shy! This is a fantastic opportunity for any writer who is serious about improving the quality of his/her writing.
Seats are limited!
Payment registration is required.
About this presenter:
Michael Craft is the author of more than a dozen published novels and two produced plays. Three of his novels have been honored as national finalists for Lambda Literary Awards. After moving to California from the Midwest in 2005, he realized the long-held dream of returning to school and earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing.
During his corporate years, he served nearly two decades as vice-president for communications at a large manufacturer in Wisconsin. “During those years,” he recalls, “a significant portion of my duties involved editing and refining the work of other writers, an experience that proved enlightening when revising my own work. In short, I learned to become my own harshest critic.”
He traces his interest in the technical aspects of the craft of undefined grammar, punctuation, usage, and the underlying logic of composition undefined to his eight years of Catholic grade school. “The religion didn’t stick,” he notes, “but the discipline and the love of language did. Back then, those early years of schooling were known as 'grammar school,' and I am forever grateful to the good sisters who drilled those lessons into me.”
Michael became involved with the Palm Springs Writers Guild in 2010. He has since taken an active role in presenting the Guild’s two annual events: The Grammar Game and The Day of New Works.
Seats are limited!
Payment registration is required.
Workshop will be held at:
Mission Hills Country Club,
"Fifty-Fifth Room"
34-6000 Mission Hills Road,
Rancho Mirage, CA
Click here for map.
Payment & Registration Details
- Members: $30.00
- Non-Members: $45.00
- Coffee/Tea & Pastries Included.
- Pre-Payment w/ Registration is required to confirm your seat.
- Online payment is available and is immediate.
- Payment by check: PSWG, P.O. BOX 947, Rancho Mirage, CA 92247. Include contact information and Workshop Title on all checks. Checks may take 7-14 days to process.
- Member discount for workshops only. Members must login to enable discounted rate.
- PSWG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID #43-2093738.
- Cancellation Policy requires a 72 hour prior notice for full refund less credit card fees.
If you would like to become a member of the
Palm Springs Writers Guild
Please fill out our online membership application
