
It’s Time To Write The Novel You Were Meant To Write!
Do you want to write a book but can’t seem to get on a roll (or get started at all)? Let The One Week Writing Workshop help get your ideas out of your head and onto the page—where they belong! You’ll find:
- Real-world writing activities you’ll start using within minutes of opening the book
- A tried-and-tested 7-step method for starting your novel and seeing it through to the finish.
- Hands-on strategies for every step of the writing process, from generating ideas to revision
- Activities you can come back to again and again to bust past blocks, develop new story concepts and reconnect with the joy that got you writing in the first place
Indigo Rose / Author In Your Corner, Publishers
Release Date: October 17, 2024
ISBN (hardcover): 978-1-896711-24-9
ISBN (paperback): 978-1-896711-23-2
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-896711-22-5
Page Count: 212
Interest ages: 16+
Write Your Novel. Step By Step.
Let’s get over writer’s block and get going…together!
You’re creative and you have a great idea for a book.
You’ve read books by writing experts, watched videos—maybe even taken classes. All that’s left to do now is write. So…why is it still so hard?
Many writers know what it feels like to be unable to start or move forward writing their novel. It’s not about being uncreative. Mostly it’s that the gap between you and the finished product seems overwhelmingly vast.
But what if that gap was transformed into a series of steps? Suddenly, instead of feeling you need to take one giant, impossible leap, all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other taking one step at a time.
Why The One Week Writing Workshop Works!
The One Week Writing Workshop breaks down the writing process into a proven 7-step method. Not only that, it whittles it down even further into a series of bite-sized, actionable tasks that you can take immediately.
Helpful mini lessons will reinforce and complement what you already know about writing—and if you’ve never studied creative writing before, this is a great foundation! But mostly, this is a book that gets you writing now.
Crush the blank page and your writer’s angst. All the magic and enthusiasm of acclaimed author Karin Adams’ in-person writing workshops—now in book form!

Karin Adams
Early Critical Acclaim for The One Week Writing Workshop Book by Karin Adams
Kirkus Reviews
“A simple and fun handbook that’s perfect for new and aspiring writers. Adams’ practical handbook guides readers through a seven-step writing method with a focus on concrete daily activities. The author has spent over a decade teaching her writing method to a variety of audiences, helping to prompt procrastinators or aspiring writers who don’t know how to get started. The steps cover topics including generating ideas; developing characters, settings, and plots; and drafting and revision…The strengths of the workbook are its clarity, simplicity, and flexibility; writers who just need a nudge can use a few of these exercises in the space of an hour, while others may devote a week or more to completing all of the tasks comprehensively…Adams is present as a guide and coach, reflecting on her own experiences and journey through the steps…but she is never intrusive. This primer is most appropriate for new and amateur fiction writers, but anyone may glean a few helpful tips.”
BookTrib
“Adams takes her readers through all the key steps of the book-writing process: ideas, characters and creating detailed character “webs,” setting, plotting and planning, drafting and revisions…Each chapter, each page and each exercise provides an enlightening and fun way for writers to think about their craft. The segments are easy to understand, and the fluid, supportive and enthusiastic tone in the author’s own writing comes through such that the eager student can’t wait to turn the page.”
BlueInk Review
“This practical, detailed, yet compact book on writing helpfully serves those writers just starting out, as well as intermediate writers eager but unsure of how to start a novel…Despite its weeklong format, it also works as a general reference for writers to understand key concepts of story, setting, and character…Adams writes in a friendly voice, encouraging even anxious writers…Story structure is critical to the success of any book, yet few introductory-level books cover this topic. The author’s concept of basic story structure has an appealing simplicity sure to serve newbie writers along with more experienced readers attempting their first novel. Highly recommended for fans of Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Christopher Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey.“
Midwest Book Review
“Karin Adams stands out as a guiding light for aspiring authors in a world brimming with untold stories and unfulfilled dreams. Her latest work is not just a book; it is a heartfelt invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. As writers, we often face myriad challenges—self-doubt, fear of rejection, and the daunting path to publication. Karin’s insightful storytelling resonates deeply with these struggles, offering solace and inspiration. She provides a roadmap with each page, illuminating the way through the fog of uncertainty. Her words remind us that the writing journey is not a solitary endeavor.”
SPR
“A DIY guide to bringing your long-imagined story to life, The One Week Writing Workshop is a straightforward and revelatory tool for aspiring novelists of any age or experience level…this step-by-step reintroduction to story-crafting is an essential and inspiring read…offering the confidence of a proven and polished process…For those who sincerely commit to this intensive seven-day experience, it would be hard to imagine not coming out as a better writer on the other side.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Readers’ Favorite
“One Week Writing Workshop by Karin Adams is a wonderfully pragmatic and engaging approach to writing, making it a standout resource for both novice and seasoned writers. Adams’ own writing style within the workshop is comfortably conversational, making it accessible in how she provides a clear seven-day plan that guides readers. I think her encouragement to embrace the act of writing and experiment freely is extremely helpful and brings writers back to the joy of storytelling. The workshop excels in practical advice, such as using sensory details to bring settings to life and creating dynamic characters through innovative exercises…One Week Writing Workshop is a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their craft and stay inspired. Very highly recommended.“
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
IndieReader
“A novelist herself, Karin Adams is no stranger to the frustrations and perplexities of novel-writing. Using a clear, digestible structure, Adams lays out a week-long “workshop” to inspire, direct, and build up the writerly muscles required to bring a project to completion. This reviewer knows as well as anyone that there is no silver bullet to novel-writing: it takes straightforward work. To its credit, THE ONE WEEK WRITING WORKSHOP doesn’t claim otherwise—laying out a sensible system based on writing fundamentals instead…Adams’s ONE WEEK WRITING WORKSHOP creates a valuable structure for doing so, helping even experienced writers grasp hold of a project and get it on track. There are few surprises but plenty of gems in Karin Adams’s THE ONE WEEK WRITING WORKSHOP: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel, which leans on thoughtful, sensible writing advice.”, IR Approved
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
BookLife Prize 2024 by Publishers Weekly
“The One Week Writing Workshop is a self-help book based on Adams’s seven-step method to crafting expressive stories. Geared toward helping writers erase blocks and focus on the process of writing—as opposed to just the end result—Adams breaks down the writing workshop she teaches into manageable, easy to understand techniques and exercises. Adams’s prose is crisp and clear; she carefully addresses writers’ concerns and empathizes with the gap between imagination and tangible writing output, offering readers accessible, on-point advice. There are many books on writing, but Adams’s guide stands out for several reasons: it’s applicable to writers of every level, and Adams has replicated her success with this method across multiple platforms. Her approach is unique, intensive, and achievable, highlighting the sheer pleasure of creativity throughout.”
Foreword Clarion Reviews
“An encouraging writer’s workbook with a bevy of suggestions to get one’s creative juices flowing, The One Week Writing Workshop is a helpful, exercise-laden guide…Herein, writing is treated as a process that can be approached in a “practical, activity-centered” manner. The book accounts for a variety of writing experiences and styles: “Some writers prefer to dive right into their first draft and see where the writing takes them,” the book notes, while “others like to plan their entire story in great detail before drafting a story’s first word.”. The chapters are concise, and their advice is actionable and innovative…the book is appealing in its acknowledgement and validation of differing styles, as where [it] invites reflection on what is most effective for each writer…One Week Writing Workshop is an imagination-sparking fiction writer’s guide to beginning a new project or reinvigorating a work in progress.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
San Francisco Book Review
“The One Week Writing Workshop is the perfect kickstart to any new writer’s career. Writer’s block will be a thing of the past for anyone who follows this guide. However, this book isn’t just for new writers; experienced writers will also gain valuable information from this resource. Author Karin Adams is a seasoned writer who shares her personal novel-writing method in this book. The book is designed like a seven-day workshop you would attend in person, however it gives the writer flexibility to complete the activities at their own pace…As someone who is more of a visual learner, I had a lot of fun learning the technique to create the storyboard…I found this book to be an excellent source for creativity, pacing, ideas, and unconventional methods that many authors may never have heard of…I recommend The One Week Writing Workshop to both new and veteran novelists of all ages.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
US Review of Books
“The author’s decades-long experience leading writing groups and workshops is evident in her thoughtful planning. The activities are engaging and well-organized. Clearly, she has dedicated both time and love toward her craft. She enthusiastically shares her writing hacks with her readers and offers continual encouragement interspersed with her challenges. Her exercises provide meticulous guidance and examples if needed but are also customizable to each person’s unique writing style. They provide innovative techniques to help even the most established author shake up their routine. Writers at any stage, from newcomers crafting their first words to veteran authors struggling with writer’s block, will be motivated and inspired by this guide.“
BookLife by Publishers Weekly
“Adams makes her nonfiction debut with a comprehensive resource guide for authors, brimming with fun exercises and actionable advice…This is a resource that writers will consistently reference and return to, whether it’s to conquer writer’s block, gain new perspectives on character and plot development, or learn the value of rest when completing a novel….The possibilities Adams presents will intrigue as much as they excite…Adam’s upbeat, positive tone removes pressure while inspiring creativity, and aspiring writers will take away fresh ideas sure to help them put pen to paper and move one step closer to completing their manuscript.”
Reader Views
“An Effective Fiction Writing Boot Camp…I’ve been writing fiction for over thirty years, but I found Adams’ advice to be incredibly beneficial. She takes the time to explain the process and the tools you’ll need, and she breaks the steps down into an easy-to-follow format. As someone who has written dozens of pieces of fiction, following the path laid out in “The One Week Writing Workshop” gave me new insight into my writing process…a great tool for anyone who has been dreaming of writing their first novel (or even short story). It provides a simple, organic process that allows you to develop all the bits and pieces needed, and then shows you how they work together to become the story you envision in your imagination. Even seasoned writers will take away useful tips and tricks.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Independent Review of Books
“The accessibility of the prose is also refreshing – striking a good balance between being welcoming and supportive…the book manages to be accessible enough for beginners and thorough enough for experienced authors. This evenness of tone makes it easier to trust Adams’ process and lean into the hard work required to actually bring the idea of a book into fruition, whether you are a teenager cracking on your first novel attempt or a veteran who needs to relight a spark…this book succeeds where so many self-motivators fail, providing actionable and encouraging exercises, rather than vague suggestions.“
Free eBooklet Gift!
“The 500/500 Method”
by Karin Adams
Sign up for my FREE Author In Your Corner newsletter and also get a FREE download of my eBooklet “The 500/500 Method: Find Your Writing Rhythm“. It could be the key you’ve been looking for to unlock your own daily writing routine! There’s no cost or obligation. Just some great writing tips for you.

The 500/500 Method: Find Your Writing Rhythm by Karin Adams
What Will I Learn in The One Week Writing Workshop?
Adjust Your Writer’s Mindset
- Reset your thoughts, self-talk and your environment to fuel your writing
- Take concrete action to silence the forces contributing to your writer’s block
- Personalize your approach: do the workshop in one week, or go at your own pace
Get Motivated
- Plunge immediately into bite-sized, warmup writing activities and delight yourself as you create
- The blank page is addressed immediately; you’re writing soon after reading page 1
- Get practical strategies, including some outside-the-box suggestions you’ve not seen anywhere else
Gain Momentum
- Activities build on each other, helping to grow your ideas into story elements you can use and develop further
- Short, helpful instructions launch you quickly into highly practical creative tasks
- Develop ideas and push the envelope further every time your pen touches the paper
Master a Method
- Each chapter’s Core Activity is the essential task in the 7-step novel writing method
- Warmup Activities prepare you for the Core, and Stretch Activities enrich your experience
- You’ll gain hands-on experience with a solid method for writing your book and future novel projects
Expand Your Toolkit
- Get lessons to further stretch and level up your writing
- Learn how to tailor the writing steps to suit different projects
- Get tips for tweaking the workshop content for your writing personality
Halt Creative Crises
- Learn fast-acting strategies to push past common creative blocks
- Includes outside-the-box, away-from-the-desk ideas to prime your imagination
- Use the book whenever you write as an emergency kit to treat creative challenges
A 7-step method including 70+ author-tested strategies and activities. Jump-start your novel and get it done!
Author’s Notes
How to Use this Book
PART I: ICEBREAKERS
Hi! My name is ________, Writer.
Process Over Product
You Have a Gift (But It’s Not What You Think)
Reconnect With Your Writer’s Soul
Claim Your Writing Space
PART II: THE WORKSHOP
DAY ONE: IDEAS
The Art of Reading Like a Writer
Write With Your Eyes
Write With Your Ears
Big Box of Ideas
* The Inside/Outside World *
The Writer’s Walk
Step Away and Get Active
Write the Back of the Book
Draft an Email to a Friend or Your Editor
Dwell Amongst the Books
DAY TWO: CHARACTER
Listing Potential Story Characters
Character From a Photo
Listing Character Traits
* The Character Web *
What Would ‘You’ Do?
Character Biography and Autobiography
The Journal Entry
Character Portrait and Action Shot
Assemble a Character Scrapbook Page
Allies, Rivals and Other Characters
DAY THREE: SETTING
Get Sense-Sational
The Picture Worth a Thousand Words
One Space, Two Ways
Scape, Scope and Scale of a Setting
* The 5 Senses Web *
Activate Your Story’s World
Make a Map
Write a Brief History of Your World
Build Your Story’s World
Visit Your Character’s Bedroom
Enlarge Your Story’s World
DAY FOUR: PLOT AND PLANNING
Storyboard Prep
Step 1: Set Up Your Board
Step 2: Goals/Problems
Step 3: Anchor Your Plot at Both Ends
Step 4: MIDDLE 1–Searching, Trying, and Obstacles
Step 5: MIDDLE 2–Game Changers and Best Efforts
Step 6: Curtains Open
Step 7: Curtains Close
Step 8: Does Your Character ‘Level Up’?
DAY FIVE: DRAFTING
How to Begin?
Beginnings Can Be Choosy
Start on Page 1, Page 10 or Page 95
* The 500/500 Method *
More Show, Less Tell
Animal Action Words
Take it to the Mirror
Drop and Give Me 20 (Synonyms)
Practice Point of View
Get Tense
DAY SIX: REST
* A Workshop Recess *
DAY SEVEN: REVISION
Sit On Your Hands
Find the Keepers
* BIG to small *
Take a Story Inventory
‘Reverse’ Webs
Get Loud
Write Your Own “Reader’s Report”
Write the Back of Your Book
How to Get Feedback – Part 1
How to Act On Feedback – Part 2
PART III: FROM WRITING WORKSHOP TO WRITING YOUR NOVEL
Expanding on Ideas
Expanding on Character
Expanding on Setting
Expanding on Plot and Planning
Expanding on Drafting
Expanding on Rest
Expanding on Revision
Some Last Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Zig Zag
A Brief Workshop Reflection
The Best Remedies For __________
Karin Adams Author & Creative Writing Coach
Karin Adams holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg and pursued doctoral studies at Harvard University, focusing on ancient languages and literature. After seven years as a university instructor, she returned to her first love—creative writing—and has authored five traditionally published works of fiction.
Since 2010, Karin has been delivering inspiring writing workshops and classes based on her own practices to help fiction writers of all stripes succeed in their projects. She has been a guest speaker at numerous conferences and professional development events.
Karin Adams is the creator and author of The One Week Writing Workshop, a practical guide helping aspiring novelists to grow their ideas and complete their projects.
Her books for younger audiences include Lights! Curtains! Cows!, No TV? No Fair!, My Best Friend is a Viral Dancing Zombie, and Mermaid Warrior Squad. Her middle grade novel Frostbite Hotel was shortlisted for the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award and SYRCA’s Diamond Willow Award.