Workshops are a great way to share your knowledge and expertise with others, as well as hone it through the ideas of others. Additionally, they're a good way to promote yourself and your book, as well as do some networking.

Alrighty. First thing you want is the workshops themselves. Taylor and I usually present one apiece and one together for a total of three if we're just doing a one-day thing. If I were you, I'd plan on presenting 2-3 workshops, each going about an hour. We will *occasionally* pull a two-hour totemism or other class, but usually we find that three one hours work best for us. People may not want to to stay for an entire afternoon/evening, so three one-hour classes are better than one three-hour class.

As far as content, get some good variety in there. At least one class should deal directly with something you've writen about. However, you can pretty much present on anything you feel comfortable talking about for an hour and that you feel you can answer most questions on. Variety is nice, too. You may also consider having a workshop or three in your repertoire that includes a guided meditation or other hands-on sort of thing. I have an abbreviated one hour totemism class, but I include a guided meditation and follow-up in the two-hour version.

Next, you need a place. Find at least one pagan/occult shop in your area that hosts classes and that has a clientele that will be interested in your workshops. For instance, if you present on heavy ceremonialism, an angels-n-crystals-n-dolphins New Age shops probably isn't going to do it. Check for shops that already offer classes, especially if they have classes from a variety of people rather than just their own folks. I would go in there in person to talk to them, A) because it's easier to build a good rapport with the owner(s), and B) so you can get an idea of space and energy. Most shops ask for a 30% commission on classes you charge for...

...which brings us to charging. Taylor and I, in the market we deal with, generally charge $7.50 an hour per person for classes, plus a discount--if we're doing three one hour classes, we usually give a discount of $20 for the entire day. Check with the shop owner, though--they may have a better idea of what people usually are willing to pay. You may also choose to give free classes, which may attract more people, but won't cover your travel and food costs (and lodging if you're going out of town). We've found that $7.50 is pretty reasonable, though, and helps a lot if nobody buys books. However, we're not huge name authors, so we really don't expect people to drop $20/hour for us. Just keep it realistic to your audience and yourself.

Saturday and Sunday afternoons are good for classes, though you can also try weekday evenings. It depends on your local community. Try both and see what happens. You won't have as much time on a weekday evening, but it's worth a shot. Try and avoid scheduling your classes at the same time as big local events, such as PPD.

Promotion is also important. Make a flyer and ask the shop owners to stick it up in their window. Ask them if they advertise their classes through any online means, such as listserves and so forth, just to be sure that you don't end up crossing wires and duplicating ads. Then post your workshop info to any local listserves and other forums you find, as well as your own website, etc. We usually first announce the classes 4-5 weeks prior to the date, and then again about a week in advance, just to remind people.

One last thing--sometimes nobody shows up. It's nothing personal. You know as well as I do that the pagan and occult communities can be flighty and unpredictable. Time of year depends, too. Summer is usually an ebb time for us for clases held at shops. On the other hand, depending on where you are, classes in winter can be hazardous due to the weather--you really can't predict weather 5-6 weeks in advance.

If it's a wipeout, just shrug it off and keep going. It happens to everyone.

Also, look into holding workshops at local gatherings, Pagan Pride Days, etc. Best thing to do is to contact the organizers and find out what their presenter policy is. Mention your book(s) and give them an idea of what workshops you present--Taylor and I have lists of what we offer on our website, so we just send the URL to that page.

Some gatherings will pay for authors' travel expenses and lodging and such--but most can't afford to do so. Determine beforehand whether you'll be able to cover any costs that the organizers can't take care of. Also, find out what you'll need to bring and if there will be an author's booth or tent set up for you to sit and sign books at inbetween workshops.

Gatherings are an awesome way to meet people. Taylor and I love people watching and talking shop, and siting at an author's booth lets people come to us. Make yourself available; don't spend the entire time in your tent or hotel room. This is othersa' chance to come talk to you--make the best of it!

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