Cindy Vallar Author, Editor, & Pirate Chronicler P. O. Box 425, Keller, TX  76244-0425

I offer workshops to groups and individuals on a variety of topics pertaining to history, writing, and self-editing. These workshops are conducted in person or online or via Zoom, and I personalize them to fit the needs of the participants. The duration of a workshop depends on whether I conduct it online or in person. The length of in-person workshops vary depending on how much detail the host organization wishes me to provide. Online workshops are four weeks in length.

Workshops include lessons, handouts, bibliographies, and activities that are geared to help the participants with their manuscripts and to incorporate the material into their works in progress (WIP). Participants are encouraged to ask questions and feedback is provided for submitted activities. At the conclusion of a workshop, I offer a free sample edit to anyone wishing suggestions and comments on their WIPs.

Here's what some participants have shared about these workshops:

There is a reason I keep coming back to your classes. They are so valuable and I learn so much from you. ~ Suzie Linville

My life is always changed for the better after a Cindy Vallar workshop. It's not just the informational content (which is huge) but her enduring and passionate commitment to her subject. These inspire me for months and months. ~ Maureen Patrick

Seldom have I enjoyed a classroom-journey more or learned intriguing facts so easily. Thank you for your patience, the vastness of your notes and lessons and comments. Not only am I a better story teller because of your effort, but I'm a happier writer. ~ Alice

Thank you! I've paid so much more for workshops where I got so little in return. I am not exaggerating when I say that your workshop is every researching author's dream. ~ Maria Zannini

The activities were so helpful -- they forced me to think through certain aspects of my story that I hadn't yet, with the support of a knowledgeable teacher. Also, Cindy was amazingly helpful with providing more resources when specific questions came up. ~ Jennifer Bernard

This was the first workshop I have ever tried and it more than exceeded my expectations. Not only did it provide a top of factual information and resources, it really triggered a lot of plotting and character ideas. This was an A+ class in all respects. ~ Millie Bullock

When I see a class given by Cindy Vallar, I know I'm going to get the best class available online! ~ Katherine Bone

I am a retired librarian with twenty years of experience as an educator. In addition, I conducted professional workshops for teachers and school staff. I have been an instructor for various writing organizations and RWA chapters since 2002. If you would like to arrange for me to present a workshop, please contact me. Fees are negotiable.

Current Workshop Offerings            Schedule of Upcoming Workshops

If you or your organization are interested in having me present a workshop, please contact me. Presentations are done via Zoom, in-person, or by e-mail.

 

Current Workshop Offerings

Fantasy            Maritime            Piracy            Scotland            Writing


Fantasy

Here Be Dragons

Dragons are beautiful, magnificent, magical creatures. . . . They are also the most intelligent, the most powerful, and the most dangerous. ~ Margaret Weis Say the word "dragon" and an image immediately comes to mind -- an enormous reptilian or serpentine creature with huge wings and razor-sharp talons, that breathes fire and finds people delectable morsels. Myth or reality? This workshop explores the realms of dragonolgy. From the evolution of dragons to types of dragons, from their physiology to their lifespan, culture, and habitats to illuminate what a writer needs to know to create believable, three-dimensional characters.

Witches, Kelpies, & Fairies, Oh My!

Step into the unknown and explore the supernatural world of Scotland. Highlanders and Lowlanders, as well as Islanders, believed the creatures of the believed the creatures and forces of the Otherworld were real, and sometimes more menacing than one's neighbors. This workshop explores the differences between Highland and Lowland witches; second sight and seers, water creatures, portents of death, the world of fairies and elves, ghosts, and other supernatural beings of Scotland.

Participants' Comments

This was a great workshop. I learned a great deal. The activities provoked deep thinking and helped frame a new plot line. ~ Sandra Paugh

Your course was AWESOME! ~ Chad Strong

This workshop was an extraordinary, truly mindset-altering experience. I am enjoying and profiting from your course more than I can say. You are a fabulous teacher. And I love the excerpts from your novels that you post. I lose myself utterly in them. ~ Maureen Patrick.

Maritime

The Age of Sail Ships, Seaports, & Trade	The sight of tall masts with billowing sails paints a romantic image that brings to mind times when wooden ships scudded across the waves, traveling to distant ports. This workshop provides a basic knowledge of the Age of Sail from the Middle Ages through the nineteenth century when steam replaced wind as the principal power for moving a vessel from one port to the next. Specific topics covered include nautical terminology, types of ships, ship construction, ship parts, maritime documents, seaports, trading companies, travel, and trade. By workshop's end you will understand the maritime world, which can seem akin to entering a foreign country where English isn't the native language. View workshop's gallery of photographs
The Age of Sail People, Navigation, & Life at Sea	The sight of tall masts with billowing sails paints a romantic image, but dangers lurked just below the surface. This workshop examines the people connected to the maritime world during the Age of Sail, life and work at sea, and the potential hazards that crews and passengers faced during a voyage. Specific topics covered include a ship's crew, navigation, life at sea, hazards, smuggling, privateering, and women and the sea. By workshop's end you will understand who's who and what they did.

Participants' Comments

If only I had only taken these workshops a year before I wrote my novel! ~ Donna Hatch

The activities were immensely helpful and brought new insight and, in some cases, new ideas for my book. ~ Joan Maze.

Loved it all. The scope and volume of information is incredible. I want to thank Cindy for the personal attention she gave to my activities; her comments and suggestions were invaluable to me and will help me to deepen my POV and enrich my writing. Cindy takes a personal interest in her participants, going beyond just presenting. Through her information, both in materials and her comments to my activities, [she] corrected misconceptions I had. She added provocative questions, which led me to reevaluate some aspects of my sailing saga. I feel very fortunate to have taken this class. ~ Veronica K.

It opened up new scenarios for my characters I hadn't previously considered and helps give my scenes a more authentic touch. ~ Linda Gerber

The British Royal Navy 1770-1815

Once England crushed the Spanish Armada, her navy came to rule the seas. This workshop explores one period in British naval history -- a time that saw the nation at war with her American colonies, and later against France and Napoleon. It is a favorite time period for many romance novels and nautical fiction, but the maritime world can be a bit intimidating to writers unfamiliar with the Age of Sail. This workshop examines this mysterious world in a series of lessons that provide an overview of British naval history, and examine how the royal navy recruited men; the ratings and officers -- including the Royal Marines -- who served Britain; the Admiralty and naval bases, as well as a brief summary of enemy navies; Royal Navy ships, the men's lives aboard ship, and ships' armament, how the crew prepared for action, some tactics, and the condemning of prizes; and maritime medicine.

The information in the lessons is very thorough, the references are priceless, and your willingness to answer questions all made this one of the best workshops I've taken. ~ Ally Broadfield

Your workshop brought Jane Austen's Royal Navy to life. ~ Mageela Latroche

I've taken a lot of online classes, but this one had the most useful information I've seen in a long time. ~ Andrea K. Stein

Your store of knowledge and generosity in helping authors is stunning. Many thanks. ~ Mary Jo Putney

Piracy

Bringing Pirates to Life

Peter Blood in Captain Blood, Long John Silver in Treasure Island, and Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean conjure up images of pirates and the tropes associated with this sea rogues: buried treasure, black schooners, wooden legs, eye patches, vibrant parrots, walking the plank, and swashbuckling swordsmen. Are these accurate portrayals of pirates? This workshop examines the differences between the reality and mythology of Caribbean piracy from the mid-seventeenth century through the early eighteenth centuries, and how writers can create believable characters that fit within historical parameters. We look at why individuals became pirates, who's who on a pirate ship, the rules governing pirates, individuals who interacted with or encountered pirates, and other aspects of maritime life.

Sailing the Seven Seas with Pirates

Whether your stories are historical romance, science fiction, paranormal, fantasy, alternative fiction, or contemporary, they can include characters who are pirates. Maritime piracy is one of the world's oldest professions and remains a problem even today. But a dastardly rogue one day may be a swashbuckling hero the next. Like everything else, who is a pirate changes as time passes. This workshop introduces you to pirates through the ages from ancient times to present day, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and everywhere else in between. Each lesson introduces you to men and women who defied authority, hunted for treasure, and stepped beyond the bounds of decent society. Meet Sea Peoples, Vikings, Barbary Corsairs, Buccaneers, and Golden Age, Asian, and Modern-day pirates. Tactics, vessels, treasure, victims, and other tidbits provide the background for incorporating pirates into your stories, either as villains or as heroes.

Participants' Comments

Superlative . . . incorporates rich factual resources, visual content, bibliographies, and interactive learning. . . . Cindy's immense and targeted research was the foundation for a novel I might never have even considered writing otherwise. Cindy's course reduced the body of knowledge I would need to acquire to a manageable size. On all the rest, she gave me a solid start. ~ Maureen Patrick

Thank you so much for compiling all the information about pirates sailing the seven seas! Your knowledge and willingness to share it with the class is invaluable. You've been a great instructor. ~ Cynthia Anne Hurt

Scotland

The Rising of 1745

Woe is me! the white bodies That lie out on yonder hillsides, Uncoffined, unshrouded, Not even buried in holes; Those who survived the disaster Are carried to exile o'erseas by the winds, The Whigs have got their will of us, And 'rebels' the name that we're given. This verse from John Roy Stewart's poem, "Culloden Day," describes the aftermath of the last battle fought in Britain. It signaled the end to last Jacobite rising, a civil war fought between Scottish and English, Highlander and Lowlander, son and father, husband and wife, and brother against brother. It began with great promise against overwhelming odds. After it ended, the Highlanders who fought for Bonnie Prince Charles and his father paid a dear price. This workshop examines the issues and events from the raising of the standard at Glenfinnan to the fateful meeting on Drummossie Moor in 1746.

Participants' Comments

An amazing workshop! The material is rich in content and I appreciate your hands-on teaching style. ~ Tambra Nicole Kendall

The Highland Clans from Medieval Times through the Clearances

We often assume the Highland clans of Scotland have always been. In reality, they evolved. This workshop explores the origins of the clans in general, and then examines the history and development of clans from four perspectives: Western clans, Central and Easter clans, the Lords of the Isles, and clan wars. Other lessons cover Highland land and settlements, the Highlanders' year and the customs that influences their daily lives, clan structure, occupations, women and their role within the clan, and the devastating period after the Battle of Culloden when government reforms and the importance of sheep gave rise to mass emigration and drastic changes in Highland society.

Participants' Comments

A truly terrific workshop -- one of the best courses I've ever taken. ~ Vanessa Kelly

One of the BEST workshops I've ever taken. Tons of information that showed your superior knowledge of the land, its history/culture and its people. Your responses and encouragement were also very appreciated ~ Kelly Ann Scott

The activities allowed me to incorporate the knowledge gained into writing a story instead of just reading and putting away. This has been one of the better courses I've taken because you integrated the information into useful activities. ~ Chris D.

Norse Scotland

In this year dire portents appeared over Northumbria and sorely frightened the inhabitants. They consisted of immense whirlwinds and flashes of lightning, and fiery dragons were seen flying in the air. A great famine followed soon upon these signs, and a little after that in the same year on the ides of June the harrying heathen destroyed God's church on Lindisfarne by rapine and slaughter. ~ Anglo-saxon Chronicle, 793 As in England, Vikings invaded parts of the Western and Northern Isles of Scotland. They ravaged the monasteries and enslaved the people. But the images we conjure up of these raiders provide only a small glimpse into the world of the Norse people. Those who followed the pirates were settlers who established homes and integrated their way of life with that of the Gaels and Picts. This workshop examines these people through the lens of history, culture, ways of life, and where they lived.

The Scottish Highlands

The majesty and beauty of the Scottish Highlands provide many a backdrop for historical and romance novels. Out of the mists rise proud Highlanders who value honor and duty above all else. Their steadfastness and sorrow arouse deep emotions in us. Although the odds are against them, they fight for their believes, knowing they may not survive, but unwilling to be branded cowards. The Romans, English, and Lowland Scots brand them barbarians. The French seek their alliance and use them to advance their own agendas. This workshop provides a basic understanding of Highland history and culture during the 17th and 18th centuries. Lessons incorporate a historical overview, Highland clans, warrior life, folk life and folk ways, clothing, herbs and plants, and special events during a Highlander's lifetime. View the workshop's gallery of photographs

Witches, Kelpies, & Fairies, Oh My!

Step into the unknown and explore the supernatural world of Scotland. Highlanders and Lowlanders, as well as Islanders, believed the creatures of the believed the creatures and forces of the Otherworld were real, and sometimes more menacing than one's neighbors. This workshop explores the differences between Highland and Lowland witches; second sight and seers, water creatures, portents of death, the world of fairies and elves, ghosts, and other supernatural beings of Scotland.

Participants' Comments

This was a great workshop. I learned a great deal. The activities provoked deep thinking and helped frame a new plot line. ~ Sandra Paugh

Your course was AWESOME! ~ Chad Strong

This workshop was an extraordinary, truly mindset-altering experience. I am enjoying and profiting from your course more than I can say. You are a fabulous teacher. And I love the excerpts from your novels that you post. I lose myself utterly in them. ~ Maureen Patrick.

Writing

Researching and Writing Historical Fiction

Historical fiction and its subgenres can be a stepping stone for readers who want to experience the past without actually living there. The author's goal in writing such a novel is to recreate a time and place that no longer exists but that comes alive for readers, whether they stand in the midst of a battle or feel the roll of a ship's deck beneath their feet. Writing historical fiction is basically a two-stage process. First comes the research, then the writing. In order for authors to craft a world that no longer exists, we need to do research into numerous aspects of daily life and the historical events to be portrayed or that impact ourcharacters. A daunting task for some, unless we know how to find out what we need to know. This workshop shares some tricks librarians know and presents a variety of resources writers of historical fiction need to craft stories that accomplish this immersive experience for our readers. We examine what historical fiction is, as well as the pros and cons of various issues related to writing historical fiction and its subgenres (historical romance, historical mystery, and historical fantasy, for example). We explore fact versus fiction and how to incorporate real life into a fictional tale. We discuss what types of information a historical novelist needs to write a convincing snapshot of the past. We learn what destroys that sense of time and place.

The workshop far, far, far exceeded my expectations. The suggestions, tips, and links were incredible by themselves. But it wasn't just a course on how to do research in the abstract; you also provided customized plans of research for our particular WIPs AND provided feedback on our character profiles and settings in our WIPs AND provided detailed feedback and edits on any actual writing samples we cared to post. ~ Rachel Goldstein

I loved how willing you were to share what you have learned and part of your expertise. I learned so much about writing a historical novel. ~ B. A. Mealer

The lessons, and your input, have been invaluable. I believe I can truthfully credit you with directly improving my story. ~ Lisa Dworkin

My eyes have been opened thoroughly with all the information that you have shared. Especially about various internet sites and how to validate them. ~ Rose Gatto Ballina

Thank you so much for your feedback! You've given me so much to work with. . . . It has been a real learning experience. ~ Sera Taino

I'm really grateful for this class, because it really forced me to think hard about why I'm making certain decisions about my characters in particular, and to understand and articulate to myself WHY I'm making those decisions. ~ Courtney Novak Scalo

This has been the best class ever. I learned so much. ~ Dr. Dorajane Apuna-Grummer

To Be or Not to Be and Other Editing Quandaries

Authors are told to write the best book we can, but in today's competitive market that's not always enough. We could follow Mark Twain's advice: Substitute damn every time you're inclined to write very; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. In reality, the writer has to make the changes. While not all of us are adept at putting on an editor's hat, there are some simple steps to take to tighten the writing and polish the manuscript. This workshop provides tips on what we can look for to improve our chances of getting past the initial query or to polish the manuscript prior to self-publishing the story. We cover ways to tighten our writing, the use of words that are "red flags" of a novice, redundancy, weak vs. strong verbs, show vs. tell, cause and effect, dangling modifiers, clarity of pronouns, speaker attributes, head hopping, deep point of view, and more. Self-editing may seem daunting, but if you know what to look for, you can easily make corrections that may increase your chances of getting a request to see your manuscript.

You covered so much, Cindy! It was very useful! ~ Diane Stevens (of virtual workshop)

Thank you for the great job you did with this class. I learned a lot and enjoyed the process. The individual feedback you provided was unexpected and such a benefit to me. It is apparent you are very knowledgeable and talented when it comes to editing. ~ Michele Stokoski

Your class was informative and containing information I'll use on a regular basis. ~ Barbara Mealer

This workshop helped me enormously and still does to this day. ~ Shereen Vedam

Schedule of Upcoming Workshops

If you or your organization are interested in having me present a workshop, please contact me. Presentations are done via Zoom, in-person, or by e-mail.

Copyright © 2022 Cindy Vallar

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