Open Enrollment Closes In:

Do you have a story (or an idea for one) that you think will make for a great book, movie or TV show?

Have you heard that demand for quality books and film/TV content is surging?

It’s certainly an exciting time to be in the book and screenwriting business.

But, have you also heard how hard it is to find a publisher or an agent?

Or the near impossibility of getting your story into the hands of film & television decision makers?

And even if you do, how hard it is to ultimately sell a screenplay, or a book to readers?

It may surprise you why.

That’s right. I recommend you don’t write your book or script.

Unless you do this one thing first…

The thing that most storytellers don’t do when starting a book or script is… develop a great angle, and a plan for the market first!

Don’t get me wrong. Yes, you need to write what you’re passionate about.

Yes, you need to have a voice for your material.

But you ALSO need to know your market and audience, and what THEY want (not just what you want).

Agents, publishers, producers and book readers have a plethora of stories to choose from.

While, I’m positive you that you have a wonderful story on your hands…

I can all but guarantee that you haven’t thoroughly explored the market…

And that you haven’t completely developed your storytelling angle and hook.

And if I’m right… then you haven’t ensured that your story is its best version of itself, its most marketable, and that it has its ideal structure and point of view through which to tell it.

In short, you’ve got a good story, but it’s not the ‘right’ story yet.

As I said earlier, there’s never been a better time to be in the content business. 

Demand for books is at an all time high as people have more time than ever to read.

The audio drama & podcast market is the new gold rush for venture capital and authors.

And demand for original film and TV content is up 80% in the last year alone.

In the article “Entertainment Sector Poised For Explosive 2021 Growth”, Forbes Magazine refers to a new phenomenon called ‘Contingent Production Planning’ and that…

“Studios, production companies and new content engines are now ordering ‘back up content’ so that plenty of first-rate, scripted material is abundantly available—in motion picture and series formats—should another months-long work stoppage occur again.”

But all this good news doesn’t change the fact that you need to write a story that will cut through the clutter and grasp the attention of your target!

Which is why we are re-opening The Professional Writers Group.

Introducing:

"The Professional Writers Group"

An Exclusive and Producer-led Group Of Storytellers
Writing Books & Screenplays That Sell

We first created The Professional Writers Group so writers could get super high value training at a low cost during the Covid-19 pandemic and also socialize with peers.

And most importantly to help them create a storyline that stands out from the crowd, and that can hook film and TV execs, publishers and agents.

Space in the group sold out within a week, and the group was a huge success, with rave reviews from both the writers and also the producers who read their works.

So far, two film and television deals have been inked directly from the group!

"I have enjoyed the class a great deal.  It has taught me some very important ideas on character development, plot themes, subplotting, and how to create important details of a pitch document for a producer.  I am excited about the possibility of speaking with a producer due to the instruction provided by Bonnie and Voyage.  I look forward to taking other Voyage classes in the near future.  Thanks so much to Bonnie and Voyage for this opportunity!"

                                - Janea Speer

On the heels of the success of last year’s group, we’ve decided to reopen the group for a limited time.

The group will meet weekly over a 3-month period in twelve hour-long lectures and coaching sessions with author/screenwriter and one of Voyage’s most popular producers, Bonnie Solomon (more info on Bonnie below).

During the program, you will receive expert training, coaching, home-study exercises, and write a world class treatment, pitch document and ‘one-sheet’ that you can use as your roadmap to write or revise a book or screenplay, and also to send to execs, producers, agents, and publishers. 

In addition, you can socialize with other writers and get peer review of your work if you elect to participate in the private, members-only Facebook group.

Plus As A Member You’ll Receive Two Huge Bonuses:

Bonus #1: You will get a private, 1-hour session with the Voyage producer of your choice, during which you can pitch your story, get feedback and also marketplace strategy.

Bonus #2: You will also meet privately with our Director of Project Acquisitions to further explore your project and to see if it's a project Voyage wants to produce as a movie or show.

Bonnie Solomon has been an entertainment executive, author and screenwriter for over 20 years.

She came up in the industry through Bristol Bay Productions (RAY), and then landed at Walden Media (CHRONICALS OF NARNIA, CITY OF EMBER).

In addition to her producing work at Voyage, she is also the Lead Story Analyst at DreamWorks Animation, providing creative guidance to all projects in development.

Bonnie has tremendous experience with story in all markets and genres, and is passionate about helping storytellers find their ‘marketable angle’, and develop great, sellable stories.

Click the video link below to meet Bonnie and hear why she created The Professional Writers Group:

In addition to the six live coaching sessions to cover the at-home assignments, the curriculum includes these six live training sessions:

Session 1: Understanding the Market & Playing to Your Strengths

• How to create a marketable story to attract publishers, agents, and producers
• Identify your strengths to place yourself in the market

Session 2: Concept, Angle & Hook

• The 4 Components of a successful logline
• How to find comparable projects in the marketplace (and why this helps to focus/sell your story)

Session 3: Characters

• How to create compelling characters arcs that engage readers/viewers and make actors want to play those roles

Session 4: Structure (Part One)

• Step-by-step guide to outlining a dynamic plot, incorporating 3-act structure and story beats 
• Common pitfalls to avoid

Session 5: Structure (Part Two)

• How to make a good plot great with subplots, setups/payoffs, and theme

Session 6: Scene Writing 101

• 5 Key techniques for writing cinematic scenes (for novelists and screenwriters)
• Analysis/scene breakdown from classic novels/films 

The weekly sessions will be on Wednesdays at 5pm Pacific Standard Time, starting March 10th. They will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.

Based on feedback from last year’s group, we know that some of you will want to dive deeper and get consistent and direct one-on-one feedback on your home-study assignments.

So this year, you can elect to join a group of 3 other storytellers and get 3x private sessions with Bonnie or one of our other producers.

In Your Small Group:

• 3 monthly sessions in a small group of 3 other storytellers
• A Voyage producer will read your home-study assignments and provide
• Dedicated 1-on-1 feedback on your work
• Plus peer review and analysis

Or To Register Over The Phone, Call 310 392 4180 And Mention ‘The Professional Writers Group’.

*If lines are busy or you get our voicemail, keep trying

Registration Closes In:

"Bonnie Solomon's, The Professional Writers Group impacted my writing on many levels. The lectures on log lines, treatments and screenplays were in themselves invaluable. Many times as a writer I felt unsure how to approach these very important, but allusive components to pitching my stories. After this class I have the confidence and skills to continue my journey as a writer. Each and every lecture is extremely well prepared and packed full of information on storytelling, with links to fantastic resources. Bonnie shares her experiences in the screenwriting business with warmth, grace and humor. Don't miss this class!"

                                  - Tracey Ann Locke

Who can register?

This group is designed for storytellers of all shapes and sizes.  It’s for screenwriters, authors, or anyone with a story idea in their head.

You can use the curriculum on as many projects as you wish, and to start new projects or revise existing projects.

That answers my question click here to register now

When are the live sessions and how do I attend?

Sessions are live on Wednesdays at 5pm Pacific Time and the first session is on Wednesday, March 10th.

The sessions are hosted live via the Zoom video conferencing app. After you register, you will be sent instructions for how to access the sessions.

That answers my question click here to register now

What if I can’t attend the live sessions?

Each session will be recorded and posted to the private Facebook group within 24-48 hours so you can catch up quickly.

That answers my question click here to register now

What if I’m not comfortable sharing my work with others?

No problem. There is no requirement for you to join and socialize on the private Facebook group, and there’s no requirement to join a small group.

You will still get and be able to use all the great training and coaching sessions, plus use the bonus to connect privately with a Voyage producer of your choice.

That answers my question click here to register now