Writing Workshop with Johnnie Bernhard

Writing Workshop with Johnnie Bernhard

I’ve been fortunate to do what I love most of my life. Reading, teaching, and writing have served as a trinity of friendship and connection for me since I was a young girl. My love of literature and writing steered me into a career as a journalist, as well as a public high school English teacher. Listening to people’s stories and discussing the human journey with students have given me the best days! When I became a full-time author in my early fifties, I wanted to give back to the writing community by providing non intimidating, interactive lessons in the writing process. Once a teacher, always a teacher! During the 2020 Pandemic lockdown, it was my pleasure to work with nonprofits and writing groups in providing these virtual workshops. The International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys Book Club was no exception. Here are a few highlights from the PowerPoint presentation on the differences between copy editing and developmental editing.

Examples of Development Editing

The Plot Outline

• Does the plotline fizzle and sag or leave huge holes that are never bridged? • Is there a point to the story? • Does the pacing fit the storyline? • Does one chapter flow into another, building to a climax?

Character Development Checklist

Readers must feel something for a character. Writers can create an emotional attachment through the following techniques:

• Communication/internal and external dialogue • Appearance • Back story • Ambition/Goal of characters • Character Flaws • The Everyman – how relatable is the character? • Physical or mental weakness/strengths

Examples of Copy Editing

Johnnie Bernhard is a traditionally published author of Upmarket Fiction. Her novels, A Good Girl, How We Came to Be, and Sisters of the Undertow explore the dynamics of family, the immigrant story, and the beauty of self-discovery. Her fourth novel, Hannah & Ariela is set for publication in 2022.