. 
September and time for another class. In my years of teaching with Great Smokies Writing Program, I've had the pleasure of reading works in progress of all kinds -- speculative fiction, chick lit, cozies, westerns, military thrillers, mysteries of every ilk, Appalachian, historical, alternative, humor, and quite a few other types of fiction, some of which I'd be hard-pressed to put a name to. The writers have ranged from very experienced to rank beginners. But, and this is the amazing thing, all of them have something to teach me and the other class members. And we always have fun.
There are still a few places available this semester -- if this sounds like something for you, check out the GSWP site HERE. And you are welcome to message me here on FB if you have questions. (About the course, that is. The meaning of life, the existence of God, and the stock market are right out of my area of competence.)
Bring me your space-opera, your coming of age story, your quirky mystery, your sweet romance, your scary tale of horror -- whatever you're working on that's longing for the light of day will be welcome.
September 15 (First meeting) 6-8:30 pm at the Riverlink offices in Asheville.
Forty Pages -- a class through the Great Smokies Writing Program on UNC-Asheville
This ten session workshop is for those writers with a novel in progress, almost completed, or completed but in need of a final polish. Each student will submit up to forty pages (half at the beginning of the course, the rest during the sixth week) of his work in progress for discussion and critique by the class and close editing with written comments by the instructor. We will focus on the effective use of key techniques such as creating an intriguing opening line and compelling chapters, creating a likable and/or engaging protagonist, weaving in back story in small, manageable doses, writing realistic dialogue, setting up a dilemma that begs to be resolved, making the most of each scene and, in general, producing a page-turner. We will attempt to weed out the mistakes that mark the amateur writer and turn each student into a discerning editor of his own work. The suggested text is the highly acclaimed Don't Sabotage Your Submission by career manuscript editor Chris Roerden (Bella Rosa books --ISBN 978-1-933523-31-6.)
5 comments:
I wished I could take a class with you!
Have you ever thought of teaching an online class? I would immediately subscribe!
People keep asking. I'll give it some serious thought. What are you interested in writing? What kind of class would you like?
Vicki, I agree with Merisi!
The clouds in that photograph made me stop my scrolling and just pretend that I was actually there. Lucky you to have been there along with the trusty camera.
Having today off, and somehow resisting the urge for an afternoon nap, at last I began reading the library copy of To Kill A Mockingbird, checked out from the library's stacks a few weeks ago. I think that this is a book that I want to read in warm weather, perhaps always in the afternoon, but always at leisure. I don't want to turn those pages too quickly.
Vicki, I think that I am glad to now read this book for the first time. It was published when I was in my teens, and I truly don't think I would have appreciated it then. I am also wondering, page by page, if perhaps my family might have cast a disapproving shadow any notion of reading this book.
I will write you more when I've gotten to the final page. xo
I'm not a writer, but I always enjoy your posts and photos from the workshops!
I'm afraid I would only slow your class down. As you can tell from my scribbling on your blog my thoughts don't necessarily follow any order at all. However a photographic work shop I would enjoy.
Post a Comment