zeisgeist.com :: October 2006 News

Laurie Stolarz (Blue is for Nightmares series, BLEED) and I will be rerunning our craft-based online writing course, THE NOVELIST'S TOOLBOX: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH, starting October 18. The class runs for six weeks, and this is the last time we'll be offering it this year. We've already filled a number of spaces, so anyone who's interested should e-mail us ASAP! (Details below ...)

"I learned more practical information that I can actually use in my YA writing in this six-week course than I did in my master’s in writing program. ... As successful, published authors, you know what editors are looking for. You also know the challenges and struggles aspiring writers face and, as a result I believe, provided feedback in a way that was both honest and forthright (being told it’s all good doesn’t help), yet sensitive and helpful. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. I’m looking forward to the revision class." - Jane Jeffries

The course – THE NOVELIST'S TOOLBOX: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

Who should take it? – The course is appropriate for writers of any level of experience. Beginners will be able to get a solid start on a project and intermediates will be able to hone their skills while getting valuable feedback on their manuscript.

What to expect – Each week will have a themed lesson plan and choice of exercises to be critiqued by the instructors. There will also be a weekly online chat – hosted by Lara and Laurie – for students to interact, ask questions, get feedback, and share ideas. The capstone of the course will be an in-depth critique of the first ten pages of your novel and working synopsis. (NOTE: you will not be asked to critique other students' work.)

Topics covered – Alternative approaches to the writing process (i.e., stuff you won’t get from a book or a web page), focusing specifically on the following: writing from the five senses, deepening your characters, raising the stakes of your plot, writing authentic dialogue, choosing point-of-view with purpose, nailing voice, and tackling the publishing game (i.e. submissions, query letters, and all that jazz).

When does it start? – The online course will begin Wednesday, October 18, 2006 (with the first online chat taking place on October 25th), and will run for six weeks.

How to sign up – Great! Tuition is $300 (payable by personal check or through PayPal. E-mail Lara at zeisgeist(at)aol(dot)com for a Student Enrollment Form.

Added incentive – Sign up for a second course, APPROACHES TO REVISION (which will begin in November, though the lessons will be spaced out to accommodate the holidays), and receive a $50 discount.

More testimonials are available by request!

In other news, I will be making a bunch of appearances this month, so be sure to check my calendar page!