How to Publish Your E-book
Saturday, May 11, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Join the e-Revolution. Publish your book yourself! E-books are hot and if you are a writer, you should consider this new path to being a published author. In this workshop you get all you need to know to e-publish your book: the 18 departments of your publishing house; 8 things you must have in your e-book; 8 things you must know about book cover design; the top 3 e-book retailers. You will also learn about: editing your e-book, designing your cover and preparing your manuscript for e-book distribution. You also get an invaluable e-publishing checklist. It’s time to take control of your writing career. Become an e-author now.

Marketing Your Books
Saturday, June 1, 2013, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Whether your books are traditionally published, independently published or e-published, to sell your books, you must market your books. This workshop will give you all the tools you’ll need to promote your books, including learning about marketing plans. We’ll give you the top 10 questions to answer when developing your brand. This workshop covers new media and traditional media. You will find out about news releases and where to find 5 free news release distribution services. You will learn about your author platform, how to optimize your Internet presence and the 4 essential social networks. We will discuss book signings for authors who have “tree books” to sell. You will receive an abundance of handouts and we’ll discuss specific tools for writers to use for marketing. It’s not enough to write a great book; to be a successful author, you must learn to market your book successfully.

Blogging Workshop 2/16/13

Blogging for Business and Pleasure
Saturday, June 8, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Do you have a passion and are eager to broadcast it to the world? Do you have a business that could use a boost from Internet marketing? Blogging may be your thing. A blog is a free, easy, “do-it-yourself” website where you may write about anything you please. In this workshop we will give you all the basics of blogging using WordPress.com online software: choosing your blog subject, finding the right website host for your blog, finding readers and adding an Amazon store to your blog to sell cool stuff. You’ll learn the 5 secrets to writing great posts; the 5 types of posts to use; the 6 essentials to maintaining a successful blog; 3 strategies to a higher search rank for your blog. We’ll also show you how to: put videos from YouTube and other sites on your blog, choose the right keywords to attract readers and maintain a vibrant schedule of posts to keep your blog interesting. Your blogging possibilities are endless. Note: Laptops are not required to participant in this workshop. Students will not build blogs during the workshop due to time constraints. A detailed workbook used during the class will guide students in creating their own blogs after the workshop.

YouTube for Business and Pleasure
Saturday, June 15, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Whether you want to learn how to set up your own YouTube channel to share your favorite videos with friends and the world, or create your own worldwide platform to broadcast videos or short films you’ve produced, this workshop is for you. Also YouTube is the perfect platform for your business’s videos featuring services and products. This workshop includes: 9 things you must know about channel names; 4 important things to include in your YouTube profile; 5 secrets to creating great videos. Learn how to enhance your Internet marketing push with YouTube, how to attract an audience and how to make money on YouTube. This workshop is for individuals and business owners or managers.

How to Sell Your Books and Scripts to Hollywood
Saturday, June 22, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Hollywood is looking for books and scripts to buy. Film deal trends in 2012 showed that 32% of all deals made in the first six months were for books to adapt into movies. Another 28% were deals to purchase spec scripts (screenplays written on speculation that they will sell). In this one-day workshop you will learn: how to get your books and scripts directly to producers without agency representation; how to choose production companies that are most likely to want to read your scripts; where to find information about contacting producers and who to talk with at the companies. You will find out about websites used by professional Hollywood writers to keep up with what’s selling in Hollywood and also learn what happens when a producer wants to option or buy your scripts. This workshop is a must for writers who want to see their stories on the big screen.

Crash Course in Screenwriting Students, April 2013

Crash Course in Screenwriting
Saturday, July 13, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
This is an action-packed day for beginning screenwriters. You will be introduced to the three-act structure, basics of creating movie characters, film stories and plot construction. You’ll also learn how to write a logline, synopsis and beat sheet. Get ready to kick-start your screenwriting career in this buckle-your-seatbelt introductory workshop. Your instructor is a professional screenwriter who is a member of the Writers Guild of America. She has sold pitches and scripts to studios and had films produced. Alice in Wonderland (2010), directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, will be used as a teaching example in the workshop and students are encouraged to view the film before the class, although it is not a requirement.

Intermediate Course in Screenwriting
Saturday, July 20, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Do you already know the basics of screenwriting but need more? This one-day workshop is for you. We explore six areas of the screenwriting craft essential to writing successful scripts. One: Alternative storytelling in screenplays and working outside of the common three-act structure. Two: Creating real characters through a powerful class writing exercise. Three: Getting emotion on the page so readers will care about your characters. Four: Writing authentic dialog. Five: Creating conflict and raising the stakes to increase dramatic tension in your stories. Six: Developing compelling scenes that move the story forward and build characters. This workshop is recommended for students who have either completed the Crash Course in Screenwriting Workshop or have completed two screenplays.

Writing Funny
Saturday, July 27, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Can you learn to write funny? Great comedy writing could be considered a natural gift, but you can certainly learn the craft of comedy writing. This one-day workshop is for beginning and seasoned authors and screenwriters. In this class you’ll get the basics of creating funny characters for and constructing a comic storyline. Also included will be: creating comedy from character opposites, the comedy rule of three, slapstick vs. satire, dark comedy, humorous story construction and more. Most material in this workshop refers to comedy writing for fiction books and films. Writing exercises will be used to demonstrate techniques. Join us to learn how to write funny. It’ll be a hoot!

How to Publish Your E-book
Saturday, August 3, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Join the e-Revolution. Publish your book yourself! E-books are hot and if you are a writer, you should consider this new path to being a published author. In this workshop you get all you need to know to e-publish your book: the 18 departments of your publishing house; 8 things you must have in your e-book; 8 things you must know about book cover design; the top 3 e-book retailers. You will also learn about: editing your e-book, designing your cover and preparing your manuscript for e-book distribution. You also get an invaluable e-publishing checklist. It’s time to take control of your writing career. Become an e-author now.

Marketing Your Books
Saturday, August 17, 2013, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Whether your books are traditionally published, independently published or e-published, to sell your books, you must market your books. This workshop will give you all the tools you’ll need to promote your books, including learning about marketing plans. We’ll give you the top 10 questions to answer when developing your brand. This workshop covers new media and traditional media. You will find out about news releases and where to find 5 free news release distribution services. You will learn about your author platform, how to optimize your Internet presence and the 4 essential social networks. We will discuss book signings for authors who have “tree books” to sell. You will receive an abundance of handouts and we’ll discuss specific tools for writers to use for marketing. It’s not enough to write a great book; to be a successful author, you must learn to market your book successfully.

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT UNF!!

Shelby Sporl and Moon Pie starring in Being Becca

BEING BECCA competed with over 750 films from 24 countries in the 24 Hour International Film Racing Competition, 2012. The short placed 3rd Runner-Up for Best Film, and the star Shelby Sporl won Best Leading Actress (in the whole world!). The film answers the question: What do you do when your imaginary friend wants to break up with you?

JANE is a dark dramedy about a young woman caught in limbo between life and death after her jealous ex-boyfriend commits murder/suicide. The short was made during the 2011 Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Festival and garnered the following awards: Runner up Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Best Actress. The film also was nominated in nine other categories.

The World Arts Film Fest will present over 100 short films, panels, workshops, awards and parties. For tickets: www.WorldArtsFilmFestival.org.

48 Go Green International Film Competition announced that Best Friends Films’ film The Other Half written by Sharon Y. Cobb, won Runner Up for Best Film in their 2012 short film competition. The contest happens simultanteously worldwide during three events over a 48 hour period which includes creating the concept, writing the script, casting, shooting the film and editing.

Best Friends won $1,000 in cash and prizes. The film will be screened with other winners on Friday, April 19 at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theatre. Yes, this is the home of the Oscar folks in Beverly Hills. This is the second year that Best Friends, led by producer/director Marc Boese, has competed in the Go Green competition. The group’s 2011 film, Way Off the Grid, was among the top-rated films competing worldwide.

Winners were chosen by online voting and the Top 45 movies were evaluated by the Judges’ Committee. Visit the 48 Go Green website to view the film: http://www.48gogreen.com/video2012final/46/the-other-half

The Other Half is a Best Friends film produced and directed by Marc Boese. The film was shot and edited by Mark Hubbard and written by Sharon Y. Cobb. Graphics by Brian Oakley and music by Richard Colado. Additional crew include: Marcus A. Taylor, line producer; Julie Watkins, associate producer; Sarah Olscamp, production assistant; Joanna C. Horton, second unit producer; Matt Simons, second unit director; and Scott Hussey, second unit line producer.

The short film stars Nathanial Thatcher, Rachael Wilcox, Jayson Carter, Shelby Sporl, Scott Hussey, Daniel Donaldson, Marc Boese, Katherine Bennett, Abigail Jane Platock, Kim Turton, Laura Bogen, Abhishek Mukherjee, Marcus Taylor, Matt Simons, Julie Watkins, and Daniel Donaldson.

The story is about Albert Smith who is looking for the young woman in a torn photo he found. Lark Green is trying to tell the world about how to save the environment. No one listens. She knows she must find the boy in a torn photo she’s found because he will help her save the earth. Will Albert and Lark find each other? In a world as messed as this one…maybe.

A big thank you to organizer, Vic DiGenti, for inviting me to serve on the panel.

(Left to right) Moderator: Victor DiGenti. Panel: Sharon Y. Cobb (novelist, screenwriter and adjunct professor, University of North Florida); Rik Feeney (author, publisher and book coach); Cheyenne Knopf (Marketing Manager with OnLine Binding); and Judith K. White (novelist).
Photo by: Jane Wood.

The panel discussion covered details about independent publishing, e-books, marketing and more. Sharon Y. Cobb will teach a all-day workshop called Marketing Your Books at University of North Florida, Saturday, February 2. For more information visit: www.LearnJacksonville.com.

I’ve been tagged by Parker Francis (aka Vic DiGenti), author of the Quint Mitchell Mystery series. Parker’s award-winning series continues with his newest release, Bring Down the Furies, which pits Quint against a serial arsonist. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry had this to say about Parker and his book, “He’s a powerhouse storyteller and a welcome addition to the thriller genre.  Hang on tight and remember to breathe.” You can learn more about Parker Francis on his website, www.parkerfrancis.com.

So now it’s my turn to answer the ten Blog Hop questions. You’ll find the five authors I’ve tagged at the end of my blog hop post.

1. What is the working title of your book?

False Confessions of a True Hollywood Screenwriter

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

The eight, long, tortorous years I spent in Hell-A as a professional screenwriter. I always say: In Hollywood, there are no rules and they’re strictly enforced. That’s what I learned living and working in the madness of the film business and that’s what my protagonist also learns by the end of the book.

3. What genre does your book come under?

Women’s Fiction. If this book were adapted into a film it would be considered Action Comedy.

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Anne Hathaway as Liz Bradbury, of course.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Action Comedy about a screenwriter who aspires to be on the A-List, but when she gets chronic insomnia, which she blames on her agents’ chronic lies, she decides to take them hostage. But then she has no idea what to do with them.

6. Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

Self published as an e-book and paperback. You can find it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I was writing in between screenwriting jobs, so about a year.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Almost anything written by Carl Hiaasen or Janet Evanovich.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Everyone in Hollywood who done me wrong.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

It’s about a woman who never gives up. Never. I think many of us can identify with that.

Below you will find authors who I admire and they will be joining the Blog Hop next Wednesday. Be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on WIPs and new releases! Happy writing and reading!

1. Laura Castoro, http://www.lauracastoro.com/
Laura Parker Castoro is a national best-selling author with thirty-nine books published in the U.S.  She has a new e-book release in December called: A Rose in Splendor which is her second book of the “Rose” trilogy.

2. Kristin Harmel, http://kristinharmel.com/
Kristin Harmel is a novelist whose books have been translated into numerous languages and are sold all over the world. I love her new book, The Sweetness of Forgetting, published by Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster.
“One of the “Best Books of Summer 2012.” — Marie Claire magazine

“An immersive and evocative tale of generations struggling to survive.”   –Publishers Weekly

3. Carolyn McDonald, http://carolynmcdonald.wordpress.com/
Carolyn is a multi-talented writer and a former screenwriting partner in Hollywood. Together we pitched and sold a feature to Fox 2000 called Return of the Sweet Birds to star Danny Glover, with music by BabyFace Edmonds. Carol’s new book, Influentia: 50 Years on Earth as It Is in Carolyn is a book of colorful essays that celebrates the 50 most influential people, places & things in her life, thus far. Carolyn was a producing partner with Danny Glover at Carrie Productions in Los Angeles for nine years. She executive produced the Emmy & Image Award-nominated TNT civil rights saga, Freedom Song. McDonald also co-produced the critically acclaimed Western Buffalo Soldiers starring Danny Glover.

Have you seen all the blockbuster author’s book trailers on YouTube? Book trailer? Huh? Like a movie trailer, only for books. It brings a book story to life in a video.

Here’s the book trailer that Chrissy Sellers of Studio 352 made for my book, False Confessions of a True Hollywood Screenwriter. Hope you like it. Please leave comments.

Book Authors Tour helps writers and authors sell more books with do-it-yourself book tours using social media and personal marketing strategies. You can find interviews with emerging and independent authors at BookAuthorsTour.com.

Click here to hear Sharon’s July 31 interview: Sharon Y. Cobb – 07-31-12 – Book Authors Tour.

The film is MANIFESTO, a cop comedy about the world’s dumbest criminals stealing a faberge egg. It’s a mission improbable. Come see the cool films and vote for Manifesto for Audience Award.

Sharon was featured on Action News this morning, along with two other members from other 48 HFP teams. Here’s the segment:

This is the second year that Team Best Friends, led by producer/director Marc Boese, has competed in the Go Green competition. The group’s 2011 film, Way Off the Grid, was among the top-rated films competing worldwide.

The voting process will be repeated for Groups B and C, and then the Top 45 movies will be evaluated by the Judges’ Committee. The Best Film of the 48 Go Green 2012 will win $10,000. First and second runner-up for Best Film will receive $1,000 prizes. The winning films will be screened in Hollywood.

The Other Half is a Best Friends film produced and directed by Marc Boese. The film was shot and edited by Mark Hubbard and written by Sharon Y. Cobb. Graphics by Brian Oakley and music by Richard Colado. Additional crew include: Marcus A. Taylor, line producer; Julie Watkins, associate producer; Sarah Olscamp, production assistant; Joanna C. Horton, second unit producer; Matt Simons, second unit director; and Scott Hussey, second unit line producer.

The short film stars Nathanial Thatcher, Rachael Wilcox, Jayson Carter, Shelby Sporl, Scott Hussey, Daniel Donaldson, Marc Boese, Katherine Bennett, Abigail Jane Platock, Kim Turton, Laura Bogen, Abhishek Mukherjee, Marcus Taylor, Matt Simons, Julie Watkins and Daniel Donaldson.

Nathanial Thatcher as Albert

The story is about Albert Smith who is looking for the young woman in a torn photo he found. Lark Green is trying to tell the world about how to save the environment. No one listens. She knows she must find the boy in a torn photo she’s found because he will help her save the earth. Will Albert and Lark find each other? In a world as messed up as this one…maybe.

Brain Storming the Story for The Other Half

This is the second year that Team Best Friends, led by producer/director Marc Boese, has competed in the Go Green competition. The group’s 2011 film, Way Off the Grid, was among the top-rated films competing worldwide.

Voting for Group A films of the 2012 Go Green competition is open March 14 through March 25. On March 26 the Top 15 films of Group A will be announced. This process will be repeated for Groups B and C, and then the Top 45 movies will be evaluated by the Judges’ Committee. The top winner of each group will be considered to be the People’s Choice Award.

Nathanial Thatcher, Mark Hubbard and Marc Boese

The Other Half is a Best Friends film produced and directed by Marc Boese. The film was shot and edited by Mark Hubbard and written by Sharon Y. Cobb. Graphics by Brian Oakley and music by Richard Colado. Additional crew include: Marcus A. Taylor, line producer; Julie Watkins, associate producer; Sarah Olscamp, production assistant; Joanna C. Horton, second unit producer; Matt Simons, second unit director; and Scott Hussey, second unit line producer.

The short film stars Nathanial Thatcher, Rachael Wilcox, Jayson Carter, Shelby Sporl, Scott Hussey, Daniel Donaldson, Marc Boese, Katherine Bennett, Abigail Jane Platock, Kim Turton, Laura Bogen, Abhishek Mukherjee, Marcus Taylor, Matt Simons, Julie Watkins, and Daniel Donaldson.

Nathanial Thatcher as Albert

The story is about Albert Smith who is looking for the young woman in a torn photo he found. Lark Green is trying to tell the world about how to save the environment. No one listens. She knows she must find the boy in a torn photo she’s found because he will help her save the earth. Will Albert and Lark find each other? In a world as messed as this one…maybe.

We appreciate your time to vote. Thanks!