Sherlock Holmes - Under the Magnifying Glass
Sherlock Holmes is a hugely popular fiction character whose exploits have delighted millions of readers   The Conan Doyle stories reign supreme in the annuals of detective fiction.  But are these stories mysteries? Are was Holmes the reason Van Dine wrote his rules? Compare the Holmes canon to the The Detection Club's rules and find out.

Sherlock Holmes - Studying "A Study in Scarlet"
Sherlock Holmes made his first appearance in "A Study in Scarlet."  The unique format of this tale was never repeated by Conan Doyle.  What led to his attack on this religious group?  What did Doyle do that was considered so egregious that unofficial rules were created to prevent other mystery writers from doing the same thing?  Curious?  Linda Mickey has the answers.

Spectrometers & Ridge Counters
CSI Miami is the most popular television program in the world.  People are fascinated by forensic science.  In this program, Mickey looks at six basic questions that the initial forensic examinations are designed to answer.  What forensic tests are routinely run on the evidence?  And is what we see on television real? How does this impact the way modern juries reach a verdict?  Learn the answers as Linda Mickey takes you inside the crime labs and the work they do. 

Introduction to Fiction Writing - Parts 1 and  II
Part I - Character, Point of view, and Dialogue
Part II – Setting and Plot

These are the basic elements of fiction.  Learn what role each plays in the development of a story and what components a writer should consider within each element.  Can fictional characters be based on real people?  What is point of view and why is it important?  Is dialogue the same as talking?  How much descriptive narrative is too much?  What is plausibility? 

These workshops give beginning writers an opportunity to explore fiction writing essentials with an eye to applying these fundamentals to their own efforts. 

The Business Side of Writing – Part I – Starting Out
When is writing a business instead of a hobby?  How does the publishing industry work?   What is a writer’s place in it?  What publishing options are available and what are the consequences of those choices?  What does the small print in those contracts really mean?  The answers to these questions are vital to every writer considering publication and sale of their work. 

The Business Side of Writing – Part II – Setting Up and Maintaining the Business
Must writers incorporate?  Is an attorney necessary?  Is an accountant needed?  What taxes have to be paid and when?  What role does marketing play in the business?  What is an annual business review and why must a writer do one?  Part II examines forming a business and keeping it healthy.

Facing the Five Fears of Writing
What gets in our way when we try to write?  What stops us from doing what we want to do?  A look at five problems all writers face and some tips for overcoming those obstacles.   



Web Design for Amateurs
A non-technical examination of the key elements of Web site design including what makes an attractive site and what to avoid.  Understand the basics of why a site works and get tips for creating a site that is so interesting, visitors don’t click out.  Intended for those who do it themselves or who plan to hire a designer.

DETECT: Interviewing Techniques
Are you responsible for hiring new employees for your department or your employer?  The hiring process is an investigation and the recruiter is a detective.  This workshop reminds employers of important clues to watch for when hiring.  It also helps the job seeker understand those clues and present them so the hiring manager discovers them.

Communication in Business – Getting Your Point Across
Do you get the answer you expect when you send out an email?  Do people return your telephone calls?  Do you cringe when you need to write a letter to a client or a vendor?  Communication in business is not the same as personal communication.  A poorly phrased text message or an untimely cell phone ring can be costly.  Learn simple rules that will help you avoid these common problems.  Gain a reputation as a good communicator…and a good business person.

So You Want to Start a Business
When is it time to talk to an accountant?  Do you need an attorney?  What taxes have to be paid and when?
This workshop examines the business side of independent ventures.  It may not be fun but it's absolutely necessary for those who plan to run their own businesses, whether selling books or consulting services.

Don't see the topic you want for your group? 
Linda Mickey can customize any of these workshops
or design a new one to suit the needs of your audience.