The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy Vol 3: The Author's Grimoire by Valerie Griswold-Ford & Lai Zhao

Author:Valerie Griswold-Ford & Lai Zhao [Griswold-Ford, Valerie & Zhao, Lai]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Writing
ISBN: 9781896944357
Amazon: 1896944353
Barnesnoble: 1896944353
Goodreads: 20436545
Publisher: Dragon Moon Press
Published: 2007-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

And now a word from those of us who view eye charts with suspicion (or not at all). Use readable type. Not everyone can spot a fly on the wall at two hundred yards. Tiny type is not your friend, especially if the room you’re working is wide and deep. Folks all the way in the back won’t see a thing, which inevitably leads to fidgeting and grocery lists. Keep the finer details of the presentation on your notes, not on the slides. You are the teacher, after all, not PowerPoint.

And while we’re talking about electronic presentations, please verify your equipment is in working order. If you’re using your own computer, is there an electrical plug nearby and an extension cord available to bridge that gap if needed? If you are using a remote, does it need fresh batteries? Do you have all the correct computer cables, electrical adapters and software?

Besides rehearsing your workshop to work out the verbal bugs, run through the technical aspect of the class as well. Faulty equipment or technical ineptitude give the impression you’re disorganized and that impression will bleed over into your teaching, no matter how hard you’ve worked to polish the actual course content. And of course, always have a backup plan in case the technology croaks.

INDULGING YOUR INNER THESPIAN

Today an elf, tomorrow Robin Hood! You, too, can be a walking, talking prop simply by showing up in costume. If presenting a workshop on research, I might wear my 1880’s Victorian outfit. If my workshop is on how to write medieval Celtic fantasy, I’d break out my corset, my ‘fairy’ skirt and my hooded cloak. Wearing unusual garb indicates that this presentation will be different because you’re different.

Christopher Paolini, the teenage wunderkind who penned Eragon, wasn’t afraid to channel his inner thespian while he promoted his self-published book. Wearing medieval garb, he made over one-hundredthirty personal appearances. His age and his costume immediately resonated with his audience and helped the book find a home with Knopf/Random House, who paid him a handsome half-million-dollar advance for the rights.

On the personal side, some outfits are too uncomfortable to wear for any length of time. Be sure your costume allows you to move with ease. Can you sit, bend over and take a breath? All of those, especially the latter, are important so your presentation doesn’t suffer from the effects of your costume. Being different doesn’t mean being blue, unless you’re dressed as a Smurf.

And now for a wee note of caution. Alas, depending on who is hosting your course, costumes are not always welcome. There are some who find leather, chain mail and sharp pointy objects a bit over the top even if you are slated to teach about how to write fantasy. Often schools have rules about weapons and take violations very seriously. Play it by ear. If all the lights are green, go for it. Nothing captures attention quite like a costume married with a snappy presentation.

Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater.

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