A lot of folks have been asking me about writing classes, so I want to answer everyone at once with a list of the programs I have coming up at the Writers Corner USA. And, for those asking about Online Classes…as soon as I find a decent chat utility I’ll be getting those up and running.
So…here’s what’s coming up. Registration info is at the bottom of the list. -J
WRITE AND SELL SHORT STORIES
DATE/TIME: Three Thursdays, March 13, 20 & 27, 6:30 to 8:30
FEE: $100 (Ask about our Friends and Family Discount)
DESCRIPTION: The short story market is on the rise. More and more markets are opening up for short stories in all genres. This three-week program will teach you the basics of crafting saleable short stories and also how to locate paying markets; how to format your work; submitting your work; legal rights for short-story writers; and more.
SHORT STORY BOOTCAMP –A Write, Revise, Submit in one Weekend
DATE/TIME: Saturday Feb 23 and Sunday Feb 24; 10am to 4pm
FEE: $100 (Ask about our Friends and Family Discount).
DESCRIPTION: If you like a faster pace or need to acquire some writing discipline then enroll in our Short Story Bootcamp. On Saturday, from 10-4 you get a crash-course in short story writing for today’s market and will then settle down here at the Corner and write an ENTIRE SHORT STORY. Overnight the instructor will read the stories to provide feedback; and on Sunday as you revise the story the instructor will search the best of today’s markets to find the best places for you to submit your work. By Monday your story will be in the mail!
ADVANCED NOVEL WRITING!
DATE/TIME: A monthly program; starts Saturday, February 16, Noon – 2pm
FEE: $300.00 for the complete six-month program. (Ask about our Friends and Family Discount).
DESCRIPTION: Most writing workshops are geared toward beginner writers, which can frustrate someone who already knows the basics but needs to take things to a new level. The Advanced Novel Writing workshop is designed for established writers (of all kinds) who now want to write a novel, see it through to completion, and get it to market with the best possible chance of sale. This program will cover all aspects of the novel craft (voice, tension, POV, character development, psychological subtext, imagery, dialogue, etc.) and will also provide an insiders view of the current status of the fiction market (who is buying and selling, what trends are hot and cold, etc.) and will help you prepare for the pitch, the sale, the deal, and the promotion. Program also includes a Peer Critique group, the first session of which is moderated by Jonathan who will go through the steps of how for a manuscript analysis. A dedicated Yahoo Group will also be set for this program.
THE ART OF THE BOOK PITCH –Sell Your Book NOW!
DATE/TIME: Two Thursdays: February 21 & 28; 6:30 to 8:30
FEE: $50 (Ask about our Friends and Family Discount).
DESCRIPTION: If you have a book you are ready to market (or have been marketing and haven’t had any luck selling), then come join us at the Writers Corner USA on Sunday September 24, from 6 to 9pm for a special workshop on selling your writing. There have been a lot of changes in the publishing industry and more than ever the Pitch has become a vital selling tool. You’ll not only learn how to pitch…you’ll practice your pitch and get feedback and suggestions on how to fine-tune it so that it closes the deal. Jonathan will be teaching this program along with director/actor/author Keith Strunk!
WRITE A MYSTERY OR THRILLER NOVEL
Date/Time: Begins Saturday, March 8, 3-5pm; Six 2-hour sessions meeting once per month, plus reserved monthly peer critique group;
FEE: $225.00 ($25 discount if you register before March 1).
DESCRIPTION: Want to write a crime novel, thriller, suspense story or mystery? This writing-intensive program takes that idea that’s been knocking around in your head all these years and gets it onto the page. This 6-month course covers every aspect of writing and developing the novel, including: Building your platform; Creating a flexible book outline; Building suspense; Laying down the Clues; Creating Real Characters; Developing the story idea; Developing various versions of the storyline synopsis; Writing and Finishing the First Draft; Identifying Your Market; Insider tips on the writing business; Learning how to find an agent and/or publisher Outline the Novel; Preparing for Revisions; Preparing for Revisions; Publicity; Searching for Agents and Publishers; Setting a Practical and Possible Daily Word Count; The writing contract step-by-step; Time management for writers Working the markets; and much more.
SELF-PROMOTION FOR AUTHORS
DATE/TIME: Sunday March 9; 10am – 3pm
FEE: $75 (Ask about our Friends and Family Discount).
DESCRIPTION: The truth is that authors have to do most of the work to publicize and promote their own books, and this is true whether you have a three-book deal with a major publisher or have self-published your own work. The job is left up to the writer to get the word out there, set up their own signings, arrange public appearances, create websites and social networking sites, create marketing tools and giveaway items, and keep their books flying off the shelves! Bestselling author Jonathan Maberry will show you what you need to know and share insider tips to make your book –and your writing career—really stand out.
WRITE & SELL THRILLERS AND MYSTERIES
DATE/TIME: Begins Sunday March 9; 4-6pm; Six 2-hour sessions meeting once per month, plus reserved monthly peer critique group
FEE: $225.00 (Ask about our Friends and Family Discount).
DESCRIPTION: The market for Thrillers and Mysteries is hotter than ever. Crime Novels, Thrillers and Suspense Stories dominate the bestseller list, and editors are always looking for the next new voice who will intrigue and entice the readers. If you want to learn the secrets of writing and selling for this market, then this is the program you’ve been looking forward. This 6-month course covers every aspect of writing and developing the novel, including: Plots and subplots; character creation; scene building; POV; action and pace; ratcheting up the tension; as well as draft and revisions; figurative language; identifying the right markets; finding and working with agents and editors; publicity for authors, and much more.
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Maberry is the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Ghost Road Blues (Pinnacle Books). He has been a professional writer for nearly thirty years and is the author of eighteen nonfiction books and six novels. He has also sold more than 1100 articles, numerous short stories, plays, poetry, greeting cards, workshop packets, training materials, instructional posters, and video scripts. Jonathan is a founding partner of the Writers Corner USA; the Executive Director of Career Doctor for Writers; a writing mentor for the Mystery Writers of America and the Horror Writers Association; a member of the International Thriller Writers; and a speaker for the National Writers Union. He is frequent workshop leader for writers’ conferences (Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Conference, Sisters in Crime, Bedford Springs Literary Series, BackSpace, PennWriters, etc.); and often lectures at colleges. In March he will be keynote speaker for the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Conference, and will be a featured speaker at many other writers’ events. Jonathan is also a founding partner of The Liars’ Club, a networking group of professional authors, screenwriters and journalists.
TO REGISTER FOR ANY PROGRAM Contact Jonathan via e-mail at jonathan_maberry@yahoo.com, or via phone at 215-808-0945 to reserve your spot today. If responding by e-mail include the name of the program in the subject line, and provide us with your contact information.
CHECK/MONEY ORDER: Payable to: Jonathan Maberry – PO Box 84 – Southampton, PA 18966
PAYPAL payments can be made to cryptopedia07@yahoo.com
CASH: During class only; please don’t send cash via mail.
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