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WOW! Women On Writing
Classes & Workshops
Spotlight: Writing Your Novel from the Ground Up
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Writers,
Where are you right now on your novel writing journey? You might have a great idea for a novel but don't really know where to start. You may have the basic story in place and your main characters mapped out, so it's time to put together an early draft. Or, you may be in the final stages of putting all the pieces together and making your novel shine.
Whatever phase you're in, wouldn't it be nice to have both an editor and productivity coach at your side to help you? The dynamic duo of Diane O'Connell and Renate Reimann, PhD have created a brand new novel writing course that is offered as three separate classes, depending on your needs. Diane and Renate will challenge and support you as you create the novel of your dreams.
Writing Your Novel from the Ground Up--In Three Parts is designed for you to jump in wherever you are in the process. If you're just beginning your story, or have gotten stuck partway through, start with Part I, "Your Story Blueprint." If you have the story arc and characters firmly in place, then Part II, "The Early Draft" would be a perfect place to begin. And, if you already have a first draft and are looking to make it publishable, then join the class at Part III, "The Final Draft." Part I starts on Monday, October 1, 2012; Part II starts Monday, January 7, 2013; and Part III starts Monday, March 4, 2013. Each part runs for 8 weeks, and is limited to 20 students.
Sign up now for $195 per class or $485 for all three ($100 savings), which includes weekly lessons that come direct to your e-mail box, feedback on assignments, and 2 one-hour live group coaching sessions via telephone for each Part. With early enrollment you'll also receive BONUS Gifts, including free downloads of Renate's latest audio book, Move Beyond Procrastination and Get Things Done (which includes a PDF workbook), and Diane's e-book, 50 Ways to Avoid the Rejection Pile.
In the article below, co-instructor Diane O'Connell shares her tips on crafting a truly compelling hero. Find out why it's painful to be a protagonist!
Also, don't miss these other great classes starting in September: Creating and Building Your Author Online Presence: Website Creation to Beyond Book Sales (Sept 17; note: we just found out Karen is offering two bonus lessons for this session: 1. Creating a quality product and editing, and 2. Creating a virtual book tour and press release!), Beginning Social Networking for Writers (Sept 17), Character Power! Crafting Dynamic Characters within Fiction and Nonfiction (Sept 21), and Writing Contests: The Focused Way to Win (Sept 26). Check out our full list of classes below.
Write On!
Marcia & Angela
Marcia & Angela
Classroom Managers
WOW! Classes & Workshops
classroom@wow-womenonwriting.com |
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Uncovering the Dark Side of Your Protagonist
By Diane O'Connell
Learning how to craft a truly compelling hero means fully understanding why you need one in the first place. Whether or not you write your novel to inspire, frustrate, or enlighten your readers, one thing is key: the author of a phenomenal story not only completely knows her protagonist's weaknesses and fears; she makes them confront these terrors face to face. This is why a character's arc must be so tightly interwoven with the novel's plot; as the character spirals closer and closer to that inevitable doom, the plot hurtles forward, too. Without conflict, a story is flat. It's your job as author to make waves.
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
The best stories have characters whose journeys explore the inherent flaws of the human condition--and how those flaws either break or build them. Would Briony Tallis, from Ian McEwan's Atonement be so thought provoking for readers without her devious streak? Similarly, would Macbeth be the classic that it is if Macbeth hadn't gone through hell, reaching into the darkest depths of humanity? Like Macbeth, your character's arc should inevitably reach a pinnacle where the hero must face the one thing he dreads facing the most. And, he must change along the way. That is the crux of a stellar story. So, how do you do this? Get Dirty and Dig Building a character is much more than knowing her resume, or what she may post on her Facebook profile. As the carpenter of your story, you must construct your hero from the ground up, or he won't be able to weather a whole lot. It's important to know the details that only someone very close to your character will know. What are your hero's pet peeves? How does your hero view life after death, politics, or love? But, don't stop at the character blueprint; have conversations with your character so you can fully anticipate her every move. Think of yourself as a boxer, and your hero as your future opponent. You must study his traits, his past, and even his trainer to know which punches you throw would really bruise. Then, attack. How does he react? Put Your Character Through The Ringer The difference between a passable book and a bestseller comes down to the depth of the main character and the story that comes out of the journey your character undergoes. Now that you know your character better than you know yourself, test him. This is where the story sprouts. The plot has to be completely intertwined with your character's journey. Breaking Bad is not a novel, but the show's writing is so fantastic that I like to use it to demonstrate how storytelling not only entertains, but reveals the pitfalls of the human condition. In Breaking Bad, Walter White transforms dramatically from the challenges that cross his path. The writers always find ways to up the stakes, pushing the characters to their next breaking points. If the stakes are not high enough, your novel will be flat. It goes nowhere, and readers stop caring. No matter where you are in the novel writing process, remember that every book that was truly groundbreaking delves into dark territory, at least a little bit. Ask your hero what her hopes and fears are. Then, make her biggest fear stand in the way of her biggest hope. No matter what you choose to do to thrust your character forward, remember: It's painful to be a protagonist.
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Writing Your Novel from the Ground Up: How to Build Your Story While Building Yourself as a Writer for Long-Term Success
Instructors: Diane O'Connell and Renate Reimann, PhD
Workshop Length: 8 Weeks for each part, 24 weeks for the entire course
Price: $195 per class; $485 for all three ($100 savings), which includes weekly lessons, feedback on assignments, and 2 one-hour live group coaching sessions via telephone for each Part.
Start Dates: Part I: October 1, 2012
Part II: January 7, 2013
Part III: March 4, 2013
Limit 20 Students
Course Description: What prevents writers from completing their novels? Chances are they have not put in place the structures necessary for success, both in the process of constructing a story and in setting up their lives in support of their writing goals. Writing a novel is like building a house: you need to start with a vision and a clear blueprint, then construct it from the inside out. This class will help you learn techniques to write your novel effortlessly, as well as to overcome the personal obstacles that may block you from completing your manuscript.
Expert editor and book crafting coach Diane O'Connell will teach you how to create a solid foundation and reliable structures for your story. Productivity coach Renate Reimann, PhD, will guide you in restructuring your life in support of your writing, as well as overcoming fears and self-doubt that could stand in the way of your success as an author. This class is designed for you to jump in wherever you are in the process. If you are just beginning your story, or have gotten stuck partway through, start with Part I, "Your Story Blueprint." If you have the story arc and characters firmly in place, then Part II, "The Early Draft" would be a perfect place to begin. And, if you already have a first draft and are looking to make it publishable, then join the class at Part III, "The Final Draft." Visit the Classroom Page for a complete listing of what you'll be learning week-by-week and enrollment options. 
About the Instructors: Diane O'Connell has been a New York publishing professional for 25 years and has worked as an editor at some of the top publishing houses, including Random House. Since forming Write to Sell Your Book, LLC, she has helped dozens of writers become published authors-including a first-time novelist who got a $500,000 two-book contract from Bantam after working with her. Diane is also the author of five traditionally published books, including the groundbreaking, critically acclaimed Divorced Dads: Shattering the Myths, which was the subject of a 20/20 report by John Stossel. A passionate writing coach, teacher, as well as editor, Diane is also the instructor of WOW! Women on Writing's Mastering Point of View.
Renate Reimann, PhD, is the founder of FreshLife Coaching and a Certified Life Coach. She developed the Beyond Procrastination™ Coaching System to help her clients jump-start important projects and changes. This system is especially effective for artists and writers.
Teaching is one of Renate's passions. As a sociology professor, she has taught at Hamilton College as well as at Queens College and Brooklyn College in New York City. She is currently offering classes on improving productivity at the Center for Continuing Education at the Borough of Manhattan Community College.
A published author herself, Renate understands the rigors of the writing process. She is currently working on a book on overcoming procrastination and new educational audio and video resources for improving productivity while increasing work/life balance.
Renate holds a Certificate in Personal and Life Coaching from New York University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She lives in New York City and works with clients all over the world.
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 Instructors' Posts @ The Muffin
Have you checked out what's cookin' at The Muffin? Our instructors are stopping by and sharing their words of wisdom!
If you're too busy to stop by but don't want to miss out, you can always sign up to get blog posts via e-mail here.
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 Why You Should Create an eBook and 6 Basic Steps to Creating One
By Karen Cioffi
As an author/writer you no doubt have learned a thing or two along the way. And, if you're starting out, you're in the process of learning. This knowledge can be turned into income through e-books. One of the simplest ways to create and e-book is to write what you know. . . MORE
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Upcoming Classes & Workshops
All the classes operate online--whether through email, website, chat room, or group listserv, depending on the instructor's preferences--so you do not need to be present at any particular time (unless a phone chat is scheduled and arranged with your instructor). You can work at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. If you have any questions, please reply to this email or email us at: classroom@wow-womenonwriting.com Enjoy!
Starts Every Friday (Self-Study Course) by Deana Riddle:
Independent Publishing: How to Start Your Own Self-Publishing Business | $99 or $150 with 1 Hour Phone Consultation
Starts the First Tuesday of Every Month: (Next class: October 2)
Introduction to the Craft of Screenwriting | 6 Weeks | $150 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Christina Hamlett
Introduction to Playwriting | 6 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Christina Hamlett
How to Write a TV Pilot | 4 Weeks | $150 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Christina Hamlett
Starts the Third Friday of Every Month: (Next class: September 21)
Get Paid to Write! Become a Freelance Writer | 8 Weeks | $150 | Limit: 15 Students | Instructor: Nicky LaMarco
Published in 90 Days | 12 Weeks | $299 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Deana Riddle
September 7
Writing a Middle-Grade Novel | 6 Weeks | $150 | Limit: 20 Students | Instructor: Margo L. Dill
September 17
Beginning Social Networking for Writers | 4 Weeks | $100 | Limit: 20 Students | Instructor: Margo L. Dill
Creating and Building Your Author Online Presence: Website Creation to Beyond Book Sales NEW! | 6 Weeks | $150 for course, or $180 for course plus 30-minute consultation | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Karen Cioffi
September 21
Character Power! Crafting Dynamic Characters within Fiction and Nonfiction NEW! | 5 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Melanie Faith
September 26
Writing Contests: The Focused Way to Win | 5 Weeks | $180 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Bonnie Hearn Hill
Advanced Workshop: Writing Young Adult Fiction Part 2 NEW! | 6 Weeks | $200 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Bonnie Hearn Hill
October 1
Writing Your Novel from the Ground Up: How to Build Your Story While Building Yourself as a Writer for Long-Term Success--in Three Parts NEW! | 8 Weeks for each part or 24 Weeks for the entire class | $195 per class; $485 for all three ($100 savings) | Limit: 20 Students | Instructors: Diane O'Connell & Renate Reimann
October 3
Bring Out the Story-Teller In You | 6 Weeks | $140 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Karlyn Thayer
October 6
How to Write Children's Picture Books and Get Published | 6 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Lynne Garner
5 Picture Books in 5 Weeks (Advanced Course) | 5 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Lynne Garner
How to Write a Craft Book | 5 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Lynne Garner
October 8
No Matter How Busy You Are, You Can Still Find Time to Write! | 4 Weeks | $50 (Sale! $75 off! Regularly $125) | Limit: 20 Students | Instructor: Kelly L. Stone
October 10
Literary Devices Writing Workshop | 8 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 8-10 Students | Instructor: Gila Green
Literary Devices Writing Workshop II | 8 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 8-10 Students | Instructor: Gila Green
October 15
Advanced Social Networking for Writers | 6 Weeks | $150 | Limit: 15 Students | Instructor: Margo L. Dill
October 18
Blogging 101 | 5 Weeks | $125 | Limit: 20 Students | Instructor: Margo Dill
October 29
Food Writing for Blogs, Restaurant Reviews, Recipes, Fiction, Memoir, and More NEW! | 5 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Melanie Faith
Click here to see all of our upcoming workshops
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Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
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