Friday, September 16, 2011

What do you look for in a writing class?

Something I love about being a writer, is I’m always learning. This is true about all fields but after working in several industries, I find that it is very strong in the writing industry. And we make it easy for ourselves.


The writing community is very supportive and quick to help one another. Through networking, associations and lists among the writing community it is easy to learn about the many writing classes out there, including inexpensive and convenient online courses. I’m preparing to teach my first online workshop the Writing Mom: How to do it all without losing your mind. As I finalize my lesson plans I’ve been thinking back over some of my favorite classes that I’ve taken. Why did I love them? What made me take some of them again? What made me recommend them to other writers?


The first online writing class I took was Plot via Motivation by best selling author and renowned instructor Laurie Schnebly Campbell. I since then have taken several of her courses and I plan to retake this same course this year with new plot idea. I loved her teaching style, worksheets and feedback. The interaction within my class was also great and I made friends there as well. One of my fellow students from that first class is now my critique partner today.


I also have taken several online courses from best selling author Bob Mayer. He also offers detailed lectures with fantastic feedback. I’ve been known to ask him questions month after a class and he has responded to me, which shows you how dedicated he is to helping upcoming fiction authors. I’m currently taking one right now that he is teaching on the kernel idea, you know that original idea that inspires you to write the story. He’s discussing some really great stuff.


Kristen Lamb, author of the best selling books, ‘We Are Not Alone: The Writers Guide to Social Media’ and ‘Are You There Blog? It’s Me, Writer’ is offering a two month online course in October and November that will walk writers through building their brands. Now, I’ve never taken one of her courses but I have read both of her books and they are great. This is a MUST take!


Who Dares Wins Publishing offers great writing workshops. Coming up in November, we have author Jennifer Talty discussing the different publishing options, which is a very hot topic right now.


Tell me about some of you favorite writing workshops. What do you like in a writing class? Is it a great lecture? A useful worksheet? A great discussion among the class?


Announcements:


I am giving away a FREE "seat" to my class to someone who leaves a comment AND tweets about my class to their Twitter following. You must 1. Leave a comment below and 2. Include me @NatalieCMarkey in your Tweet so that I will know that you sent the Tweet. I will enter you name in a drawing to win a free entry to the class. GOOD LUCK!


I will be hosting a live webinar on September 26 6:30-8 PDT with Farm Dogs USA titled ‘Caring for Special Needs Dogs.’ My lecture will be based off my book, ‘Caring for Your Special Needs Dog’ along with new research. Click here for more information.


I’m teaching a Write It Forward Workshop titled, ‘Writing Moms: How to do it all without losing your mind’ online in October. Click here for more information and to sign-up.


If you are a writing mom I encourage you to visit the #WriteMom community of Twitter. Share your joys, successes and stress with others writing moms. Learn more here.

2 comments:

  1. Natalie, I'd forgotten that way-back-when PVM was your first class...it's so cool, seeing how far you've come since then!

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  2. I took the Building Brand class with Kristen Lamb, and I highly recommend it. I'm reading Bob Mayer's book right now, but I didn't know that he did online courses. I will be looking into the ones you suggested. Thanks, Natalie!

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