Medical Fiction Writing Seminar 2006

Medical Fiction Writing Seminar 2006

SEAK's 7th Annual
Medical Fiction Writing For Physicians
November 3-5, 2006 Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort Falmouth, Cape Cod, MA	Registration Information Registration Form Faculty Schedule PDF Version Past Attendee Reviews
Taught by NY Times best selling physician-authors:
Michael Palmer, MD author of Critical Judgment, Silent Treatment, Natural Causes, Extreme Measures, Flashback, Side Effects, The Sisterhood, Miracle Cure, The Patient, Fatal, and The Fifth Vial
Tess Gerritsen, MD
author of Body Double, Harvest, Life Support, Bloodstream, Gravity, The Surgeon, The Apprentice, The Sinner, and Vanish

And featuring TWELVE Literary Agents looking for new physician-authors

NEW! NEW! NEW!

Preconferences - November 2-3, 2006

The Secrets to Writing a Best-Seller

How to Write Riveting Dialogue

Writing Medical Fiction that Sells

Non-Fiction Writing for PHYSICIANS

Screenwriting for physicians

How physicians can get their first novel published

Executive Summary

Make your writing dream a reality at SEAK's 7th Annual Medical Fiction Writing for Physicians Workshop. Medical Fiction Writing For Physicians has been designed to give aspiring physician authors what they have never before had: hands-on and practical training on how to write medical fiction and get published.

The course is taught by two New York Times best-selling physician-authors, Michael Palmer, MD and Tess Gerritsen, MD. Like all SEAK training, Medical Fiction Writing For Physicians will be hands-on, lively, and interactive. Attendees will have the opportunity to get all their questions answered. Attendees will also have an opportunity to get their writing and query letters reviewed and evaluated.

The faculty also features numerous literary agents looking for new physician-authors. Space is limited for this special workshop. Early registration is highly recommended.

Topics Covered

Personal Success Stories: Michael Palmer and Tess Gerritsen

Mechanics of Writing: Premises vs. Plot, Ideas, Settings and Atmosphere, Showing vs. Telling, Points of View

Character: Naming and Describing, Back Story, History, Motivation, Relationships, Conflict, Dialogue, Minor Characters and Evolution of Characters

Plot: Building Scenes, Pacing, Developing, Suspense, Crisis and Resolution, Opening Hooks

Getting Published: Agents and Editors, Writing a Synopsis and Query Letter, Acquisition and Publication Process, Manuscript Appearance, Ancillary Markets, and Book Tours

Writing Exercises and Group Discussion

Seminar Benefits

� Learn to write from your peers who have made the transition from practicing physicians to international best- selling authors
� Gain practical writing experience
� Get written feedback from concise writing exercises dealing with conflict, premises, dialogue, and writing action scenes
� Have a portion of your manuscript (if you have one) reviewed and critiqued by a faculty member at no extra charge
� Soup to nuts fiction writing: from naming characters to getting an agent and getting published
� Have your query letter reviewed and critiqued (with suggested improvements) by a faculty member at no extra charge
� Have your query letter placed in the hands of numerous literary agents (if desired)
� Gorgeous location
� Motivation to write - Others have made the breakthrough and so can you!
� Enter the National Fiction Writing Competition for Physicians and help launch your writing career
� Have your books signed by two New York Times best-selling physician-authors
� Network with agents and colleagues at the seminar meals and during the private "book party" reception Saturday night
� Small group breakout sessions with agents Sunday morning
� Breakfast and lunch with Michael and Tess each day
� An unforgettable, inspiring experience
� Actually have fun at a conference for physicians!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to have a manuscript to attend or benefit from this course?

A. No. All you need is a desire or interest in writing.

Q. If I have never written fiction before, is this course for me?

A. Yes. This course will help both the new and experienced writer.

Q. Will this course help me get started?

A. Attendance is the first step to getting started. Don't put it off.

Q. Will this course be work or fun?

A. It will be lively, interactive, and fascinating. You will "work" as much as you want to.

Q. Will I get a chance to meet and talk to Michael Palmer and Tess Gerritsen?

A. Yes. They will both be at the course for three days and available to talk with you.

Q. Is CME credit offered in conjunction with this course?

A. No. This is a fun and inspirational weekend, not a CME conference.

Q. Can my spouse attend with me?

A. Your spouse is welcome to attend the Friday night reception, the Saturday night "book party" and the last session on Sunday dealing with writer's problems.

Q. Is this the same course featured in the New York Times?

A. Yes.

Q. What types of feedback will I receive on my writing?

A. A written critique of concise writing exercises, a written review of up to three chapters of your manuscript and a review and critique of your query letter.

Q. Will I get a chance to meet and talk with agents?

A. Yes. There are small group breakout sessions with the agents on Sunday morning specifically for this purpose. Additionally, there will be agents in attendance at the seminar lunches and at Saturday night's book party.

Q. Why should I enter the Fiction Writing Competition?

A. Three reasons. It's fun, it's free and a good showing can launch a new career in writing. Just ask past winner Clair Matturo, author of Skinny Dipping, who's win in a SEAK competition was the key to her getting published. Says Clair, "The SEAK prize proved to be my toe in the door with Carolyn Marino, my Editor and Vice-President of HarperCollins."

Q. Will I be able to ask questions?

A. Yes. There will be substantial time reserved for questions and answers.

Q. Are there things for my spouse to do while I'm in class?

A. Cape Cod is a great area for people of all interests to spend time. We recommend that you have a car available and your spouse will be able to enjoy many activities including: golf, museums, touring the islands of Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket, whale watching, kayaking, fine dining, shopping, historical sites, hiking, fishing, bicycling, etc.

Q. Will you have Michael and Tess's books available for sale?

A. Yes.

Q. If I submit a query letter to you, what will happen to it?

A. We'll give you feedback on how to improve it and will distribute it to all the agents on our panel if you so request.

Q. Can non-physicians attend?

A. The course is designed for physicians and the vast majority of those in attendance will be physicians, however it is open to anyone interested in writing.

Q. Will this course save me time?

A. Yes. Attendees avoid wasting valuable time by not going down blind alleys.

Past Attendee Reviews

"My name is Ilene Brenner, and I attended your fantastic conference last October. For the record, I can tell you, that your course is an invaluable resource, and I highly recommend it to any writer interested in improving their craft. I went to the non fiction section as my primary reason for attending the conference. But I stayed for the fiction part as well and am glad I did. Thank you for putting together such an amazing conference."
Sincerely,
Ilene R. Brenner, MD

"I attended the 5th annual Medical Fiction Writing for Physicians in 2004 and wanted you to know that I have now published my first novel. Your seminar on Cape Cod was the catalyst that I needed. Tess Gerritsen really inspired me. My novel is entitled Time to Testify and is published by Xlibris in Philadelphia. Thanks again for providing seminars for physicians who have had very interesting experiences and who want to tell them. My novel deals with very topical issues including vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), cesarean section rates, malpractice, and a deadly courtroom scene. Many thanks for your help.

"It's been hard to get back to work this week without constantly seeing the "What if" in everything around me. Not only was your seminar the most fun I've had at a medical meeting in years, I have decided to challenge myself and see if I can really get a manuscript together. This week I was able to get nearly 60 pages written by getting up at 4:30am, and writing for two hours before I left for work. My wife thinks you created a monster! I wonder when the fire will burn out? Hopefully not until the 350th page. Thanks again for a great time!"

"I thought you would like to hear a success story. I attended your Fiction Writing Class for Physicians. Since then I recently sent my manuscript-in-progress to some agents and it got picked up. I'll be finished soon then it's off to find a publisher. How about that?"

"Last year's SEAK Medical Fiction Writing Workshop was the first writing workshop or conference I have ever attended. I had written two novels prior to attending the conference and had been unable to acquire an agent. I finally recognized that I needed some help. At the conference, I met a senior agent from a very prestigious firm, who was kind enough to take an interest in my partially completed novel, with an eye to representation. Another agent has also contacted me. This is my big chance to succeed in being represented and published. I owe it all to your conference and the agent I met there."

"I wanted to share my recent good news with you. I was just awarded first place in a national short story competition, The Hackney Literary Awards. To accept this honor I will attend the Writing Today conference at Birmingham Southern College and will give a reading of my work, as well as receiving a cash award. I am very excited and wanted you to know that I credit your course for teaching me to write at a competitive level."

"I attended the SEAK Fiction conference on Cape Cod. I still even a few months later recall the time there and enjoyed it thoroughly. Your conference, including Michael and Tess were great! I also wanted to let you know that the SEAK conference was inspirational to me. I though of Michael's use of the prologue and came home invigorated to try it, and I think it has made a big difference for the start of my book. So, thanks. I am excited to send it off again to get an agent's attention."

"The medical fiction writing conference on Cape Cod was an inspiring, wonderful experience for me. Tess Gerritsen and Michael Palmer were exceptional instructors, and so accessible and down-to-earth. Very encouraging listening to them, especially where I am, just getting started. Thank you for the effort assembling all the agents- it was great to get a chance to talk with them, and gain a more practical perspective on going further. The conference was so well done, and I know that took a lot of dedication. Thanks again."

Literary Agents

Regina Brooks is the founder of Serendipity Literary Agency LLC., a boutique agency representing a diverse base of award-winning clients in the areas of adult fiction and non-fiction, young adult, and children's literature.

Meredith G. Bernstein has been a literary agent for over 25 years, and will celebrate her own agency's 25^th in April of '06. Prior to becoming a literary agent, she worked as a story editor for film producers on both the East and West Coasts, as well as a freelance reader. Her client list includes fiction (women's and men's): mysteries; romance, literary fiction and thrillers; in terms of the non-fiction, the agency seeks books on women's issues, personal memoirs, parenting, psychology, business, spirituality, science, travel, fashion, inspiration and humor. Her agency is always interested in new ideas, voices and other original projects.

Eve Bridburg is actively seeking new works of literary and commercial fiction, memoir, biography and creative nonfiction. She is also interested in nonfiction books of all stripes, but is particularly moved by history, politics, motherhood and travel.

Sheree Bykofsky is the co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published and is a New York Literary Agent who represents some 100 book authors in all areas of adult non-fiction, literary and commercial fiction.

Diana Finch started her own agency in early 2003, after 18 years with the Ellen Levine Literary Agency. Her clients include Novelist and nonfiction author Robert Marion, M.D., author of the classic INTERN BLUES.

Anne Garrett has been with the James Fitzgerald Agency since 2005. Prior to that she was an editor at both Cambridge University Press and Seven Stories Press. She is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and the Madeira School.

Jeff Herman founded the Stockbridge Massachusetts Literary Agency The Jeff Herman Agency is 1987. The agency has sold many hundreds of titles to publishers.

Christina Hogrebe joined the New York Jane Rotrosen Agency in 2003 attracted by its diverse list of bestselling authors, from Jennifer Cruise and Luanne Rice to Tami Hoag and Lisa Gardner. She is actively seeking commercial fiction-edgy suspense, legal and medical thrillers, and has a special place in her heart for memoir and narrative nonfiction.

Julia Lord Literary Management is a small full service agency handling 60-70 authors of adult fiction and nonfiction. Her mission is very hands on--to stay with writers throughout their careers and work with them from idea through publication and marketing.

Kate McKean is a literary agent at Dystel and Goderich Literary Management in New York. Her interests lie in literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, sports related books, some genre works including true crime and women's fiction.

Peter Miller is an agent at PMA Literary and Film Management, Inc. He is most interested in agenting action/suspense fiction, and thrillers.

Janet Reid of JetReid Literary Agency looks for fresh, original story telling in all types of fiction and non fiction. Her clients include thriller writers, chick lit writers, and people with compelling personal stories.

Rita Rosenkranz is a Literary Agent in New York City. She specializes in all areas of non-fiction.

Katharine Sands is a literary agent with the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency in New York City. She represents a wide range of authors in a broad range of categories including legal non-fiction, literary fiction, and dysfiction.

Rachel Vater currently represents fiction writers in the areas of fantasy, chick lit, women's fiction, true-to-life young adult novels, and mainstream commercial fiction. She is looking to build her non-fiction list in the areas of business / personal finance, women's career books, women's issues, social issues and spirituality by authors with strong credentials and a solid platform.

"Agent panel was excellent."

"Interaction with the agents was great."

"The agents and editors were very good and encouraging."

"I enjoyed the way we were able to interact with the authors, editors, and agents."

"I learned a lot about the agent's perspective."

Steven Babitsky, Esq.

Steven Babitsky, Esq. was a personal injury attorney for twenty years. He is the co-author of ten books and is the developer of SEAK's Medical Fiction Writing for Physicians seminar.

Beth Wechsler, MSW

Beth Wechsler, MSW brings a combination of writing and group facilitation skills to the workshop. Nationally known for her books for high-risk youth, her stories have been published in Yankee, eBay Magazine, the Boston Globe, Consumer Reports and regularly in Cape Cod newspapers.

*Schedule*

MAIN CONFERENCE Friday Evening, November 3, 2006

7:00 - 8:30 Reception (Spouses Invited, Hors D'Ouerves and Cocktails provided)
Personal Success Stories: Michael Palmer, MD and Tess Gerritsen, MD and Group Discussion

MAIN CONFERENCE Saturday, November 4, 2006

7:30 - 8:00 Continental Breakfast

8:00 - 10:00 Mechanics of Writing
Premises vs. Plot, Ideas and Where You Get Them, Setting and Atmosphere, Showing vs. Telling, Points of View, Writing Exercise, Group Discussion

10:00 - 10:15 Break and Networking Opportunity

10:15 - 12:15 Character
Naming and Describing Your Characters, Back Story, History of Characters, Motivation,
Relationships, Conflict, Dialogue, Minor Characters, Evolution of Characters Throughout
the Book

12:15 - 1:30 Lunch (Provided) with Faculty

1:30 - 2:30 Character (Continued)
Writing Exercise, Group Discussion

2:30 - 2:45 Break and Networking Opportunity

2:45 - 5:15 Plot
Building Scenes, Developing Suspense, Pacing, Crisis and Resolution, Opening Hooks, Writing Exercise, Group Discussion

5:15 - 6:30 Book Signing (Spouses Invited)
Tess Gerritsen, MD and Michael Palmer, MD - Bring your own books or purchase Tess and Michael's books at the seminar

8:00 - 11:00 pm "Book Party" Reception (Spouses Invited, Entertainment Provided)
Meet, mingle and mix with fellow attendees,
agents and faculty members at a private reception in the hotel's Surfside Lounge.

MAIN CONFERENCE Sunday, November 5, 2006

7:30 - 8:00 Continental Breakfast

8:00 - 10:00 Plot (Continued)
Subplots, Handling Transitions, Starting and Ending Chapters, Suspense and Surprise, Themes, Flashbacks, Writing Exercises, Group Discussion

10:00 - 10:15 Break and Networking Opportunity

10:15 - 11:15 Getting Published (Presented By SEAK's Panel of Agents)
Agents, How to Write a Synopsis and Query Letter, Publication Process, Manuscript Appearances and Mechanics, Ancillary Markets, Book Tours

11:15 - 12:15 Small Group Breakout Sessions with Agents
Each agent on faculty will run a question and answer/interaction session with a small group of attendees. Attendees should have their concise pitches ready.

12:15 - 1:30 Lunch (Provided) with Faculty

1:30 - 3:00 Research, Editing, and Revising
How to Research Cost Effectively, Editing Process, When is Enough Revising Enough

3:00 - 3:15 Break and Networking Opportunity

3:15 - 5:00 Writer's Problems and How to Overcome Them (Spouses invited)
Writer's Block, Distractions, Fears, Leaving the Nest

5:00 - 5:15 Concluding Remarks