VFS In-Production Bootcamp: A Series of Literary Events with Daniel Handler

A 2-day In-Production Bootcamp for emerging and established writers to learn the craft of short story writing from author Daniel Handler. Craft a short story with guidance from the mind behind Lemony Snicket – Nov. 6-7. Author Daniel Handler is bringing his literary genius to VFS for our next In-Production Bootcamp! The event includes an AMA and an intensive day of writing lectures & exercises, culminating in a final project where all participants write their own version of a short story based on the same prompt – the perfect portfolio piece. VERY limited spots are available. Don’t miss this once-in-alife-time opportunity! DANIEL HANDLER Daniel Handler is the author of seven novels, including Why We Broke Up, All The Dirty Parts and Bottle Grove, and most recently a memoir, And Then? And Then? What Else? As Lemony Snicket, he is the author of far too many books for children, including Poison for Breakfast, the four-volume All The Wrong Questions and the thirteen-volume A Series of Unfortunate Events, which has been adapted for screen and television. He lives in San Francisco with the illustrator Lisa Brown, to whom he is married. AMA INDUSTRY TALK: INSIDE THE WRITER’S PROCESS Daniel Handler will pull back the curtain on his writing process, sharing lessons from his nearly 30-year career. Expect practical insight into developing ideas, finding the heart of a story, getting words on the page, and rewriting when the first attempt inevitably betrays you. Come ready with your questions for an open, candid conversation about the craft, process, frustrations, and peculiar pleasures of being a writer. WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE BOOTCAMP Explore how to read like a writer – learning to identify the “centre of gravity” in everything from a single sentence to an entire story, with illustrated examples drawn from Daniel’s own work and experiences. From there, you’ll put those techniques to work through individual writing exercises inspired by examples of exceptional writing. You’ll also venture into the art of rewriting, exploring how being “wrong” can be essential to making your work stronger. The day culminates in a final writing exercise where everyone tackles the same prompt, followed by paired rewriting, presentations, discussion, and Q&A. Event Details Date: Friday, November 6 – Saturday, November 7 Time: 5:30-7 p.m. (Friday); 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Saturday) Location: 151 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3 Cost: $200 (AMA + Bootcamp); $20 (AMA only)