Services

As well as writing my own stories I enjoy working with others on fiction and creative non-fiction. Please contact me if you want to talk about your ideas, or if you want to use any of the services below.

Writer - Many people can relate their stories in casual conversation. But when it comes down to actually writing they feel inadequate and clam up. What a shame! Thousands of stories, that could enrich our family and community life are never shared or explored because of this 'writer's block'. As a collaborative writer my job is to help you express the wonder and meaning of your own ideas in crisp, powerful prose.
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Editor - Character, setting, plot and structure. The elements of a good story are woven together into what becomes, for the reader and the creator, a stimulating and moving experience. But even seasoned writers often don't get it quite right on their first draft. And no matter how often they re-read their work, there are likely to be opportunities they will miss to improve their manuscripts. The job of an editor is to give writers fresh perspectives on their works and to insist that good be transformed into better, and then into best before a story is sent out into the world.
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Producer - Today's technology makes it possible for us to deliver our stories through a number of media. Print on demand book publishing, the Internet, and CDs or DVDs are three technologies that open up whole new self-publishing opportunities. Stories live in the hearts and minds of readers, so it's important to present them in ways that appeal to your audience - be it a close circle of family and friends, or a much broader market. The editing, production and distribution expertise of mainstream publishers is essential for some books, but there are many niches that can only be filled by self-publishing authors. I have the skills and partnerships that make it possible to achieve professional, specialized publications at a very reasonable cost. I can also assist with promotional ideas and materials.
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Workshops - If you or a group of people you know would like to share and develop story ideas, I will create a workshop proposal tailored to your goals. StoryBuilding workshops are collaborative venues for developing works of fiction and creative non-fiction. The group provides a supportive environment where ideas can be tested and techniques compared. The objective is to capture participants' stories in a format that can be shared with family, friends or a broader audience. See my StoryBuilder page for details.
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Readings - Even in the age of television and big screen movies the storyteller has his place. There's something quite special about having an author present his work in person, then engage in a dialogue with his audience. A good reading achieves a sense of shared experience. The storyteller becomes the focal point, but the story is recreated by everyone in the room. No other artistic medium requires the audience to participate in the imaginative activity as much as storytelling. That is the enduring magic of literature - the need for creative reading and listening as much as creative writing and storytelling.
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51-18883 65th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3S 8Y2 • 778-574-5435 • craig-spence@shaw.ca