Events
If you are interested in having Diane do a reading or workshop, please use the contact form.
NaNoWriMo Writing Workshop
I’m happy to share that I’ll be running a three-part series at the Morse Institute Library in Natick, MA in the fall, so save the date and stay tuned for more details!
Plan, Write, Revise: A Three-Part Workshop Series for NaNoWriMo Success
Are you ready to take on the challenge of writing a novel or memoir in just 30 days? This three-part workshop series is designed to equip writers with the tools and strategies they need to tackle National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) with confidence. Led by novelist Diane V. Mulligan, whose award-winning second novel, The Latecomers Fan Club, began as a NaNoWriMo novel way back in 2009, this series will guide participants through the process of preparing and writing their novels and will culminate in a plan for post-NaNoWriMo revisions. While the three workshop sessions are designed to build upon one another, each workshop does stand alone so that writers can join us for one, two, or all three. Whether you're a seasoned writer or embarking on your first novel-writing adventure, this workshop series will provide you with the support and guidance you need to succeed in NaNoWriMo and beyond.
Workshop 1: Preparation and Planning
October 3, 2024
In the first workshop, participants will learn essential strategies for preparing to write a novel during NaNoWriMo. Topics covered will include:
- Generating and refining novel ideas
- Developing compelling characters and settings
- Outlining and plotting your novel
- Setting realistic writing goals and creating a writing schedule
- By the end of this workshop, participants will have a solid plan in place for starting their NaNoWriMo journey.
Workshop 2: “Writing Sprint: NaNoWriMo Kickoff”
November 7, 2024
In the second workshop, participants will dive into the challenge of NaNoWriMo. Through a series of writing sprints, participants will have the opportunity to make significant progress on their novels in a supportive and motivating environment. Workshop activities will include:
- Timed writing sprints to boost word count
- Tips and tricks for overcoming writer's block and staying motivated
- Peer feedback and encouragement
- By the end of this workshop, participants will be well on their way to reaching their NaNoWriMo goals.
Workshop 3: “Revision Strategies and Beyond”
December 3, 2024
In the final workshop, participants will shift their focus from drafting to revising as they prepare to transition from NaNoWriMo to the next phase of their writing journey. Topics covered will include:
- Strategies for revising and polishing a first draft
- Seeking feedback from beta readers and critique partners
- Developing a revision plan and timeline
- Exploring options for publication and next steps
By the end of this workshop, participants will have a clear roadmap for revising their NaNoWriMo novels and taking their writing to the next level.
Past Events
Monadnock Pastoral Poetry Retreat
April 19-21, 2024
Join us for a weekend writing retreat in beautiful Southern New Hampshire.
Participants meet in small workshop groups to develop their craft. There are readings throughout the weekend and time to relax and enjoy the lovely setting.
Poetry Workshop at the Morse Institute Library
Kick off National Poetry Month with a workshop designed to help you develop a daily poetry practice.
Morse Institute Library
Natick, MA
April 4, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Developing a Daily Poetry Practice
Are you looking for a way to become more observant and present in your life? Writing poetry can help you capture the moments as they pass and create an artful record of your days. In this workshop, we will discuss strategies to silence inner critics so we can get words on the page, and you'll learn five exercises for generating poems. These exercises are infinitely repeatable and will help you through the days when inspiration feels hard to find. Armed with some concrete strategies, you'll be ready to launch your own daily poetry practice.
Writing Workshop at Morse Institute Library, Natick, MA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 7:00 - 8:30
Morse Institute Library
Natick, MA
Join me on February 29 for a generative writing workshop!
In the words of novelist Rebecca Makkai, “You are not owed a reader. You earn every reader over and over.” Whether you write short stories, novels, or narrative nonfiction, this workshop will help you unlock three elements of storytelling that keep readers coming back for more. Through a series of exercises, we will practice using the sorts of questions readers pose to strengthen our plot and consider the organization of story elements for maximum reader engagement. This workshop is suitable for all writers, from those just beginning to write stories to those with complete manuscripts.
Writing Workshop at Morse Library in Natick, MA
Thursday, November 9, 7:00
Morse Library
Natick, MA
Join me on November 9 for a generative writing workshop!
Writing Page-Turning Dialogue
Dialogue is an essential tool for writers of fiction and creative nonfiction. It reveals character, keeps the plot moving, and brings the world of the story to life. But great dialogue is hard to write. How do you find a balance between conveying conversations that sounds natural but also create intrigue and engage the reader? In this workshop, we'll look at some models to unlock the secrets to snappy dialogue that entertains and excites and then we'll work through some exercises to put those secrets to use in scenes of our own.
Monadnock Pastoral Poetry Retreat
April 21-23, 2023
Join us for a weekend writing retreat in beautiful Southern New Hampshire.
Participants meet in small workshop groups to develop their craft. There are readings throughout the weekend and time to relax and enjoy the lovely setting.
Monadnock Pastoral Poetry Retreat
May 6-8, 2022
Join us for a weekend writing retreat in beautiful Southern New Hampshire.
Participants meet in small workshop groups to develop their craft. There are readings throughout the weekend and time to relax and enjoy the lovely setting.
(Note, the sign up page still lists the dates from 2020. The 2022 dates are May 6-8. Scroll to the bottom of the sign-up page for pricing, etc.)
Self-Publishing Workshop at the Worcester Public Library
February 19, 2022
11:00 - 12:00 EST - Online
Worcester Public Library
Are you thinking of self-publishing your novel, memoir, or story collection, but don't know where to start? This workshop will provide an overview of the process from manuscript preparation to marketing. Topics will include ebook distribution, print-on-demand options, hiring editors and/or artists vs. doing it all yourself, and creating a marketing platform.
Self-Publishing Workshop for the Ipswich Public Library
February 17, 2022
6:30 - 8:00 PM EST - Online
Are you thinking of self-publishing your novel, memoir, or story collection, but don't know where to start? This workshop will provide an overview of the process from manuscript preparation to marketing. Topics will include ebook distribution, print-on-demand options, hiring editors and/or artists vs. doing it all yourself, and creating a marketing platform.
Writing Workshop at the Worcester Public Library
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2:30—3:30 PM
Computer Lab 3 Salem Square, Worcester, MA, 01608
Virtual Event Worcester, MA, 01608
Join me on October 16 for a generative writing workshop! You can attend in person or remotely. See registration link.
In the words of novelist Rebecca Makkai, “You are not owed a reader. You earn every reader over and over.” Whether you write short stories, novels, or narrative nonfiction, this workshop will help you unlock three elements of storytelling that keep readers coming back for more. Through a series of exercises, we will practice using the sorts of questions readers pose to strengthen our plot and consider the organization of story elements for maximum reader engagement. This workshop is suitable for all writers, from those just beginning to write stories to those with complete manuscripts. Register here.