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INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING:  How to Start Your Own Self-Publishing Business by Deana Riddle

STARTS EVERY FRIDAY:  This is a comprehensive self-study program that provides to-the-point information and instruction on how to independently publish your own books. The Independent Publishing Program is distributed on Friday of each week. To gain access to the program, you will need to sign-up and make payment before Friday of each week.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  If you are ready to self-publish your book, the Independent Publishing Program offers a step-by-step guide that will simplify the publishing process, make more profit, help you avoid frustrating and costly mistakes, and give you the knowledge and tools needed to succeed as an independent publisher. You will learn:

• How to maintain credibility by establishing your own publishing company instead of using a vanity press or self-publishing service
• How to achieve publishing excellence by adhering to important publishing standards and practices
• How to build a strong author/publisher platform to create fans and drive sales
• How to package (design) a quality book that can compete with the big trade books
• How to publish a book using new technologies that will lessen your risks, lower your costs, and increase your profits
• How to gain easy access to primary wholesale, distribution, and sales channels
• How to move forward as an independent publisher of your own work

Deana's hands-on assistance took us from knowing nothing about the book publishing world to having our new book complete and available to millions in every format imaginable. Her instruction was always very thorough and never left us feeling like we were still lost. We now have the knowledge necessary to make smart publishing decisions as well as the ability to put items into circulation with ease. ~ Jeremy Lovett, Scottsdale Book Publishing, LLC I think there is a great deal of value for the services provided by Deana, (i.e. consultation, technical help, design concepts, etc.). It was a lot easier for me to get my book up and running with Lightning Source and her help than it would have been doing it on my own. ~ Bob Ross, Author and Independent Publisher Deana Riddle has provided a number of our clients with superior service and professional assistance. She is highly knowledgeable of the publishing industry, dedicated to quality, and focused on her clients' goals and needs. ~ David Bowman, Precise Edit Deana Riddle is an excellent communicator and very passionate about her work and industry. She knows her business and industry as well or better than anyone else, and has very keen eye for detail. She is also very professional and efficient. I highly recommend her! ~ John Weaver, Page One Lit Deana and I have worked on several projects. She has hired me for Photoshop edits and typesetting, and I have sent a book publishing project to her. I highly recommend working with her. She is thorough and dedicated to producing high quality results. If you are looking to publish your own book, or thinking of referring someone to her, rest assured Deana will get the job done! ~ Taunya Tae Waxham, Artzy-One Studios Deana Riddle is very professional, knowledgeable and really knows her stuff! Other "perks" that one realizes right away are Deana's patience, level head, determination, business "smarts" - but most importantly - an unselfish willingness to offer viable help those that contact her, from total "newbies" just starting out, to seasoned professionals - or anywhere in between. In short.... if Deana can't help you - nobody can. ~ Ann Arader, Creative Director/Owner, Artistic Whims Deana Riddle's class on Independent publishing...teaches what every first time publisher needs to know about publishing. It's been a stepping stone for me to understand publishing standards and practices. ~ Earnest Cutler,Student and Future Independent Publisher I was truly in the dark, prior to enrolling in the BookStarter Independent Publishing Course. Over the past 5 weeks my confidence in my ability to become a self-publisher has grown by leaps and bounds. This course offers an easy-to-follow, how-to approach to self-publishing and I can't wait to get started on publishing my own material. Thanks! ~ Donnie Worrell,Student and Future Independent Publisher I wasn't sure about starting my own publishing company, but with Deana's help and advice, she has me well on my way. Every question I asked, she answered promptly and courteously. She noticed several things that I had overlooked, mentioned it to me, but let me make the final decision. I pretty much took her advice. She's smart, but compassionate, and seems to have a sixth sense when it comes to book publishing. I would highly recommend her to anyone who wants to start their own publishing company. I am looking forward to working with her on my next book. ~ Diane Brandow,Author and Independent Publisher I hired Deana to design both the cover and interior for my novel. Deana understood my concept immediately and was able to translate my ideas into a wonderful, creative, and professional cover. She went beyond my expectations with both the cover and interior design. Deana was a pleasure to work with - always professional and accessible. I highly recommend BookStarter and will use Deana for future projects. ~ Karen Pokras Toz,Author and Independent Publisher Deana is a giver who also happens to be expert at what she does. After checking references, I hired her to help me produce my first book. She was nothing short of fantastic. She offered confidence that I could do what needed to be done, and she offered expertise in the areas that I had hired her for. I am very pleased with the book cover and layout that she created for The Pregnant Entrepreneur. She talked me off a ledge more than once, and was willing to adjust timelines when I had illness impact the project. I will be honored to work with her in the future. ~ Darla DeMorrow,Author and Independent Publisher Deana recently provided our company with some initial advice on self-publishing...I found her professionalism, patience, and sheer depth of knowledge overwhelmingly helpful. She was also very straight and honest in her assessment of the options available to us, which was extremely refreshing. ~ Brian Casey,Head of Marketing and Partner - Changefirst

The Independent Publishing Program is divided into six modules:

Materials needed:  The entire course materials are supplied by the instructor and delivered all at once on Friday, via an email attachment. Self-study students should have Internet access and an active email account.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Deana Riddle, (Founder of Community Press, BookStarter, and Big Idea Publications), has over 25 years of experience in traditional publishing, independent publishing, offset printing, on-demand printing, sales, project management, site management, advertising, and design. As a trade publisher and independent publishing consultant, Deana has helped many authors and business professionals achieve publishing excellence and profitability.

Now Deana is sharing her industry knowledge and experience by offering courses and workshops that provide the guidance and tools needed for successful independent publishing.

COST:  $99 Self-Study Program, or $150 Self-Study Program + 1 Hour Phone Consultation*

*If outside of the U.S., special consult arrangements will be made.

BUY NOW:  INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING: How to Start Your Own Self-Publishing Business by Deana Riddle (Self-Study) To receive this Friday's Independent Publishing Program, please sign-up by Thursday, for Friday delivery.

Course Options:

Self-Study Program $99.00 USD Self-Study Program + 1 Hour Phone Consultation $150.00 USD

Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you via email and deliver your self-study program on Friday.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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LITERARY DEVICES WRITING WORKSHOP by Gila Green

START DATE:  Monday, January 16, 2012

DURATION:  8 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  In this course we will go beyond the simile and metaphor and learn how to layer our writing with literary devices. Through short readings and in-class assignments, you will learn how to create suspense, tension, change the pace, deepen and control your writing through the use of devices from repetition to personification. This class is suitable for anyone working on a novel, short story, memoir, essay or life story.

Course objectives:

1. To add layers to your writing and take your work beyond a flat two-dimensional offering. 
2. To encourage you to expand your writer’s toolbox beyond the simile and metaphor and become comfortable with repetition, juxtaposition, foreshadowing and more.
3. To increase your confidence and skills as a writer.
4. To understand the link between literary elements such as pace, tension and tone and literary devices.

Gila’s fiction writing class gave me more confidence as a writer. I’ve taken several online fiction classes with well-known online entities and with those that are lesser known. Gila’s class was the first that I took with WOW! I had never heard of the site before, nor had I heard of any of the writers, but I was willing to give it a chance because the price was very reasonable. Compared to more well-known or expensive online writing classes that require you to use more non-user friendly sites to post your work this is the one with which I was and still am most impressed. Gila’s teaching method is very concise and could only derive from years of experience. Her lectures and the accompanying exercises challenged me to write my story and the characters in a way that helped to add more layers and to make them more believable. Gila’s feedback was very in-depth. She was always available for questions and comments. She strongly encouraged that we take advantage of peer critiques. I’d done peer critiques in other classes, but I felt that with Gila I was given more tools to workshop others’ writings. I learned how to look for strategies that work better than others. For example, typically when writing less is more and it’s more effective. To me, Gila’s fiction writing class was more multifaceted than others and was more like a brick and mortar university course. With the tools that I learned from Gila I felt that I had better direction and I learned how to look at my writing more critically. In Gila’s class I was able to take my short story to the next level. ~ Conswalia Marie Green I have taken many courses in writers centers before and never got ANYTHING out of them. The main thing I got was formulaic responses that hindered my writing rather than deepening my approach. I loved Gila’s course so much I am reregistering. ~ Janet Lowenbach I am really satisfied with this course. I have already learned a veritable TON. In my opinion, you’re doing a wonderful job of addressing important areas, discussing/explaining the material, encouraging and acknowledging group/individual participation, and I bet this isn’t all you do is it (work wise)? You are actually attending and assisting in a birth of sorts...the rebirth of my passion for writing. The rebirth of believing I can do it. Hallelujah! ~ Elana Baxter I’ve learned more in your writing class than I have with any other instructor, and I’ve taken quite a few. ~ Kathryn Beer I am really enjoying your tips and advice. I really loved your idea about how to get into a story, with “What is a noun?” So simple, but so good. ~ Rachel Gurevich I really enjoyed the feedback and communication in this class. ~ Dana Shoemaker It was a really worthwhile class. I especially liked learning from the short stories. ~ Susan Remson I feel much more confident now about my writing. ~ Amanda Searcy When I was looking for excellent guidance on a new genre, I turned to Gila Green; it was a good decision, one that I recommend to a writer who is serious about her craft. ~ Leah Kotkes In Gila's workshops you learn three important things about writing: - how to look deeply into your heart - how to read many other works critically - how to apply newfound skills to your own work For all those reasons, Gila's writing workshops are a writer's path to creative exploration that you shouldn't miss. ~ Ilene Bloch Levy I am so SO Happy that I was able to come to your class, thank you for your teachings and your willingness to share your knowledge. I want to thank you for providing your wisdom to those in attendance. I am grateful. From a future writer. ~ Savannah Sav My personal thanks to you for bearing with me as I begin my writing journey. As an instructor, mentor, and writing ally you have far exceeded my expectations. WOW! is very lucky to have you on their instructor roster. Here’s what I loved about this class: I felt safe (of paramount importance as a writer and as me) I felt my questions and contributions were valued I received no-nonsense feedback and advice from you The assignments were well presented and well prepared The information within each assignment was incredibly useful and not overwhelming Here’s what I loved about you as the instructor: You always took the time to answer my questions, even the ones that were more personally oriented You are direct and have realistic expectations of students You are encouraging and supportive You know your stuff Gila, thanks ever so much for entering my life as an instructor. ~ Elana Baxter

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  All written materials in the form of lectures, ebooks, story links, etc. are provided by the instructor.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Gila Green grew up in Ottawa, Canada and moved to Israel in 1994. Her novel excerpt from King of the Class was short-listed for the Summer Literary Seminars Award (2011). Her stories have appeared in tens of literary magazines in the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Israel, and Hong Kong. Her short story collection, White Zion, is a finalist for the Doris Bakwin Award (Carolina Wren Press, 2008). Her stories have been short listed for WordSmitten's TenTen Fiction Contest (2008); The Walrus Literary Award (2006/7); the Eric Hoffer Best New Writing Award (2008) and the Ha'aretz Short Fiction Award (Tel Aviv, 2006). Gila has an MA in Creative Writing from Bar Ilan University (Israel) and a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada).

COST:  $175, which includes email support and feedback from your instructor, weekly assignments and critiques. Skype & Skype chat if you choose that option.

BUY NOW:  LITERARY DEVICES, by Gila Green (8 weeks, starting 1/16/2012) Limit: 8-10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. Just before class begins, she will e-mail you with instructions on how to get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR WRITERS: TWITTER, FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN AND MORE!   by Margo L. Dill

START DATE:  Wednesday, January 18, 2012

DURATION:  4 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This class will teach writers how to use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites such as Goodreads or Google Plus (students’ choice) to network; to build a following of fans; to start working on a brand/image; and to promote books, articles, magazines, and blogs. Instead of using Facebook and Twitter to write about your fabulous dinner or disastrous day at the grocery store, you will learn to sell yourself and your writing!

Margo is the Queen of Social Networking! As WOW! Women On Writing’s social networking manager, Margo implements and oversees our Twitter and Facebook accounts. She creates and organizes unique promotions and contests to build a following of loyal fans, and keeps them up to date with the latest developments from WOW!. Since she started promoting WOW! on social networks this past year, I’ve seen a tremendous rise in traffic to our site and a greater response to our promotions. She also created a multi-user system, so that our team members can post updates as well, which eliminates any confusion and harmonizes all of our sub-accounts. Most importantly, Margo has the finesse, knowledge, and creativity it takes to keep our fans interested and eager to participate. If you want to learn how to use social networks effectively, I highly recommend Margo as an instructor. ~ Angela Mackintosh, CEO WOW! Women On Writing I certainly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn about social networking. I thought the format where we could all ask questions and learn from each other was very good. ~June Sengpiehl

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  a computer with Internet service, e-mail address, and ability to sign-up for free Yahoo! account. You also must be willing to sign up for Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts if you haven’t already.

Notes:  **We often have questions about how the class operates. The Yahoo! group is a virtual classroom. Materials are loaded to the group each week. Students download materials and work on them at their own pace and time throughout the week with instructor support by e-mail and the Yahoo! group.

*Since WOW! is a writing site, this class usually attracts writers as students. However, if you have a business, blog, or work to promote, you will benefit from this class.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Margo L. Dill has been active in social networking since she came back from the SCBWI L.A. Conference in 2008. Her love of social networking landed her as the social media coordinator for WOW! Women On Writing where she runs the WOW! Facebook Fan group and WOW!’s Twitter account. She uses her own social networking accounts to connect with other writers, promote her blog and online articles, and learn as much as she can about the publishing world. When she’s not social networking, she works as a contributing editor and columnist for WOW! Women On Writing, book reviewer for The News-Gazette, and a memoir editor for High Hill Press. Her first book for middle-grade students, Finding My Place, will be published by White Mane Kids with the publication date still to be determined. She has also recently had two picture books accepted for publication by High Hill Press and Guardian Angel Publishing.

COST:  $100, which will include four weeks of instruction on how to use social networking as a writer and critiques for each student of social networking profile pages (if requested by the students). The Yahoo! group will stay open for classmates to network with each other even after the class ends.

BUY NOW:  SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR AUTHORS: TWITTER, FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN AND MORE!  by Margo Dill (4 weeks, starting 1/18/2012) Limit: 20 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you via email with detailed instructions and assignments.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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SPARK AND SIZZLE: CRAFTING FLASH FICTION: by Melanie Faith

START DATE:  Friday, January 20, 2012

DURATION: 5 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: “How short can a story be and still truly be a story?” asks flash fiction editor James Thomas. This question and more will provide a context for an exploration of this highly marketable, much-adored genre. Students will receive packets of short fiction, along with weekly reading assignments and exercises from the instructional text Flash Writing: How to Write, Revise and Publish Stories Less Than 1000 Words Long. Students will also read insightful short shorts from Flash Fiction: 72 Very Short Stories. A variety of writing prompts and tips, both in the text and at the class Grouply group, will spark students’ own flash fiction. Each Friday, students will submit a new flash fiction of 1,000 words or less (topic of the students’ own choosing) for supportive and constructive feedback from the instructor.  Topics covered will include: where to get ideas, crafting unforgettable characters and beginnings, drafting believable dialogue, increasing conflict, the art of brevity, revising flash fiction, and much more. Whether you call them flash fictions, sudden fictions, furious fictions, or short shorts, join this course for a rousing, pen-moving jaunt from first line through polished prose.

Melanie has always shown great insight into my work. Often times, she is able to pull out deeper meanings, that even I wasn't consciously aware of while writing. Her constructive criticism has moved my writing into new directions. I find that I feel more confident and prepared as a writer by having her constant editing eye. I respect that she critiques my poetry honestly, letting me know areas that are weak as well as strong points. I wouldn't be able to grow as a writer if she always told me my poems were great. It's from her perspective of my work that I grow. I enjoy learning through her and appreciate her sharing tricks of the trade that she learned in her masters program. I'm thankful to know Melanie and hope we remain friends and a poetry support system for the rest of our lives. She's the type of person and writer that anyone would feel lucky to know. She is a great mentor and holds a wealth of knowledge in the written language. Her achievements and constant pursuit as a writer inspire so many. Her determination and skill will go very far and I suspect she'll leave a lasting imprint in the written world. She already has. ~ Courtney Burger The course was great. I did not want it to end. I have taken several college level creative writing courses, as well as, attended many writer’s workshops, but I have enjoyed this course the most. I really appreciated that Melanie would also critique our re-writes which was very, very helpful. This course has really helped to motivate me creatively. ~ Barb Cramer Melanie demonstrates particular qualities in a writing teacher/coach that I would recommend for anyone looking for focused attention to help move their writing forward. I had not taken an on-line course previously, and didn't know what to expect, but Melanie melted the distance, was always accessible, and never missed a beat with out on-line communication. I always felt like I had Melanie right here around my writing table, or knocking on my door saying—“I had a few thoughts..." She provided a wealth of resources and provided us with course materials that were tuned to our course level. Her insight into my work, in terms of critique, were extremely thoughtful, thorough, and eye-opening. I feel that working with Melanie has allowed me to be braver with my writing and editing—as she was supportive of experimentation and taking chances with style, vocabulary, and theme. She provides serious critique in an atmosphere that, well, just makes me want to keep on writing!” ~ Mary Ellen Sanger

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: Students will need a copy of: Flash Writing: How to Write, Revise and Published Stories Less Than 1000 Words Long by Michael Wilson (VBW Publishing 2004) and Flash Fiction: 72 Very Short Stories edited by James Thomas, Denise Thomas, and Tom Hazuka (W.W. Norton & Co, 1992). These texts are currently in print and readily available at used bookstore sites as well as online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Melanie Faith is a poet, essayist, and photographer who holds an MFA from Queens University of Charlotte, NC. Her poetry was a semi-finalist for the 2011 James Applewhite Poetry Prize, and she recently had an essay about editing poetry published in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Writers' Journal. Her poetry was published in Referential Magazine (July and June 2011), Tapestry (Delta State U., Spring 2011) and her essay about Thoreau and the Internet appeared in Front Range Review (U. of Montana, Spring 2011). Her photos were published in Foliate Oak (May 2011) and forthcoming from Up The Staircase (November 2011). A travel essay was featured in Quicksilver (U. of Texas, March 2010), and another published essay (Shape of a Box, Oct. 2009) was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Her work won the 2009 Anne E. Sucher Poetry Prize for the Iguana Review. Her current poetry chapbook, Bright, Burning Fuse, was published by Etched Press (www.etchedpress.com) in Dec. 2008. She has been a small town journalist, an ESL classroom teacher for international students, and (currently) a literature and writing tutor at a private college prep high school. She has enjoyed teaching poetry and essay writing classes for WOW! for two years. In addition to writing two novels seeking representation, her instructional articles about creative writing techniques have appeared in RWR (Dec. ’08) and The Writer (Nov. ’09), among others.

COST:  $170, which includes e-mail critique and positive feedback on student flash fiction, flash fiction packets, and access to a private group on Grouply for student interactions.

BUY NOW:  SPARK AND SIZZLE: CRAFTING FLASH FICTION, by Melanie Faith (5 weeks, starting 1/20/2012) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you via email so you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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Digital Revolution: How to Publish Your Fiction or Nonfiction Book as an eBook by Annette Fix

START DATE: Monday, January 30, 2012

DURATION: 4 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Change isn’t coming to the publishing industry; it’s already here. There were 10 million eReaders in circulation in the U.S. at the end of 2010, and readers spent $1 billion on eBooks in 2010. That number is expected to triple by 2015.

If you’re tired of waiting for the traditional publishing gatekeepers to give you permission to publish your book, and you’re ready to join the digital revolution, this class will guide you through the process of how to publish your fiction or nonfiction book as an eBook.

You don’t have to be tech savvy or a business person. You just need to the desire to get your book into the hands of readers.

By the end of this course, you will know the formatting and conversion options for your eBook and also receive tips for creating an eye-catching cover design. You will create the proper metadata; understand pricing, royalties, lending, and digital rights management; select your BISAC categories and keywords, write your book description; discover where and how to market your eBook; and set up distribution*.

*If your manuscript (and cover image) is ready to go, you can pull the trigger and publish your eBook by the end of the workshop.

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: Instructor will provide all digital documents and link resources.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Most of you know Annette Fix as the former Senior Editor of WOW!. She is also the author of The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir, a finalist for ForeWord Magazine’s 2009 Book of the Year and was offered an option for development as a cable television series. Annette is excited about the opportunity writers have to take control of their careers by embracing digital publishing. She speaks at writer’s conferences about ePublishing as well as other topics, and also provides freelance services that include editing and comprehensive manuscript analysis.

COST:  $299, which includes access to a private online discussion forum, weekly assignments, support and feedback from your instructor.

BUY NOW:  DIGITAL REVOLUTION: HOW TO PUBLISH YOUR BOOK AS AN E-BOOK, by Annette Fix (4 weeks, starting 1/30/2012) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will invite you to her private discussion group where you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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WRITING CHARACTER-DRIVEN FICTION by Bonnie Hearn Hill

START DATE: Wednesday, February 1, 2012

DURATION: 6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: All great fiction is character driven. Think of your favorite story, and it is the character you remember. In this six-week workshop, you will learn to create memorable characters and put them into well crafted scenes. Character and plot are opposite sides of the same coin. Until you have one, you won’t be able to do much with the other. In addition to class work and critiques, the instructor will line-edit up to 50 pages for each class member. You’ll leave with a short story or novel chapters that are ready to go.

Bonnie Hearn Hill is simply the best writing instructor anywhere. Her mastery of craft is matched only by her ability to teach it. When I signed up for her class, I didn't know anything about fiction. Nothing about conflict, character or plotting. A year later, I received a national writing award for the second novel I wrote in her class, and she referred me to the publisher who bought my book. I can't speak of her highly enough. ~ Christopher Allan Poe, author of The Portal, Black Opal Books Bonnie Hearn Hill has been my teacher and editor for more than 14 years. During that time she has edited book proposals, nonfiction and fiction manuscripts, and numerous articles for me. Her editorial skills are superior, and she's one of the most sought-after writing instructors in the country. She is one of those rare individuals who gives 100 percent to each of her clients. ~ Hazel Dixon-Cooper, author of Born on a Rotten Day and Love on a Rotten Day, Simon & Schuster, Friends on a Rotten Day (Weiser Books) and the Cosmopolitan magazine Bedside Astrologer column WOW!!! You once said that I’m allowed only five exclamation points per lifetime. They are all given to you because of the tremendous work you’ve done. You’ve been an outstanding help and inspiration...and greatly exceeded my expectations...this effort is better because of you. ~ Mark Fesen, MD, FACP, from the acknowledgment page of Surviving the Cancer System, Amacom Books

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: Materials will be provided by the instructor. Students will need access to Yahoo groups. Class discussions will be provided through there and via e-mail.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Author, teacher and public speaker Bonnie Hill worked as a newspaper editor for 22 years, a job that, along with her natural nosiness, increased her interest in contemporary culture. Her novel, Intern wascalled “a page-turner” by Publishers Weekly. Killer Body, a thriller about our weight-obsessed culture, was a Cosmopolitan magazine “pick.” She also wrote three newspaper thrillers featuring hearing-impaired reporter Geri LaRue for MIRA Books, the young adult Star Crossed series, and most recently, Ghost Island, a paranormal love story. Her publication credits include short stories, nonfiction books and articles.

Bonnie leads a bonded and successful writing workshop in her hometown and is community correspondent for books for a national television affiliate. She is especially proud of the number of published writers she has mentored.

COST:  $180, which includes access to class group on Yahoo, critiques of student work, and line-editing of up to 50 pages for each class member.

BUY NOW:  WRITING CHARACTER-DRIVEN FICTION, by Bonnie Hearn Hill (6 weeks, starting 2/1/2012) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will invite you to her private discussion group where you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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HOW TO WRITE A TV PILOT:  An Introduction to the Craft of Creating a TV Show by Christina Hamlett

START DATE:  Monday, February 6, 2012

DURATION:  4 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This 4-week class provides an overview of the techniques and formatting requirements to develop an original TV series. The lectures and assignments cover character development, dialogue, genre, structure, pacing, budget, and marketability. All materials submitted are critiqued by a professional screenplay consultant and learners are free to ask as many questions as they’d like about how to turn a story idea into a commercial, pitch-ready script.

Christina is not only formidably talented and experienced, her passion for the written word is non pareil which makes working with her an experience that a writer lucky enough to do so will keep with them for a very long time to come. Christina is the Rolls Royce of script consultants. ~ Julie Gray, Founder, The Script Department and author of The Rouge Wave Christina's the best. Shortly after the first workshop production of my musical, "MadAvenue," I asked her to help fix some things I thought needed changing. Her advice and suggestions were amazing. What a difference she made! Thanks, thanks, thanks to a real pro." ~ Walt Bagot As an artist, I work with creative high school students as a mentor. Encouraging these fine young people to "keep at it" is a real challenge. Keeping their passion alive is the goal of the mentoring teams that I field. Christina Hamlett has accomplished something quite rare as an author/teacher in her "Screenwriting for Teens." First, she breaks her message down into (well organized) bite-sized pieces for easy mental digestion. Secondly, with the assistance of young Nick Morgan, she speaks directly to her audience in a most compelling way. Thirdly, she demystifies this important lesson about story telling. And, lastly, this book resonates with any person interested in learning how to be a more effective storyteller . . . the author's genuine warmth and intelligence imbue each and every page. ~ Dan Koffman, Artist-educator Christina Hamlett is one of our most valuable writers. She takes care to attune herself to each client’s individual vision, and dedicates herself to realizing the potential of every project. She also has a keen eye for the needs of the market, and never hesitates to provide the client with honest and invaluable advice. ~ Sara King, Project Manager, Penn Group, LLC Working with Christina Hamlett has been a wonderful experience. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and positive attitude has made it so easy to work with her. I appreciate her willingness to share her knowledge and I admire her passion and infectious enthusiasm.  ~ Maggie Worrix King

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: All materials are supplied by the instructor.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Former actress/director Christina Hamlett is a professional script consultant and ghostwriter whose credits to date include 26 books (3 of which are on the craft of screenwriting), 141 plays, 5 optioned features, and hundreds of articles/interviews that appear in trade publications throughout the world. She is also the screenwriting editor of Writers Journal, and has conducted workshops on scripts and the performing arts for over 30 years.

COST:  $150, which includes one-on-one support and critiques through email. All content and critiques are exchanged by email.

BUY NOW:  HOW TO WRITE A TV PILOT: An Introduction to the Craft of Creating a TV Show, by Christina Hamlett (4 weeks, starting 2/6/2012)
Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you via email so you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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THE HUNGRY WRITER’S GUIDE TO TRACKING & CAPTURING A LITERARY AGENT: How to Get the RIGHT Agent for Your Manuscript by Annette Fix

START DATE: Monday, February 6, 2012

DURATION: 4 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Are you looking for the perfect agent to represent your manuscript but you’re not sure where to start? Have you sent out queries and received rejection letters? If you haven’t had agents request a partial or full read of your manuscript, you need help targeting the right agent and honing your pitch and query letter.

This class is for writers who want to find an agent who will fall in love with their manuscript and be excited to present their work to major publishers. Querying is not a numbers game. Mass submissions = mass rejections. Without the proper approach, your manuscript will never have the opportunity to be read by an agent.

By the end of this course, you will know how to target the right agent for your material and leave with a list of agents who are signing and selling in your genre. You will develop your “elevator pitch” and learn valuable in-person pitching techniques. You will complete the course with a query letter that showcases your voice and the tone of your book, and lifts your query out of the slush pile.

After you helped me work through creating and practicing my pitch capsule, the YA agent I pitched asked for my manuscript partial! There’s no way I could have done it without your help. ~ Derral Annette’s course on acquiring an agent streamlined a process that may have taken me months, or even years, to figure out on my own. It was especially helpful for a novice like me, because she gave me the essential tools I need to query, pitch, and even assure my manuscript is up to par. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to jump in the deep end of the publishing world. ~ Lindsey Burton Annette’s “How to Get an Agent” Workshop is an investment well spent. Her openness and willingness to share tools and resources is unlimited, and her advice is on the mark. I’ve taught English and creative writing for eight years, and the resources she shared are ones I was not familiar with, nor would I have ever discovered them if not for taking her course. I recommend this workshop to all writers ready and hungry to get their work out there! ~ Jeannine Hogue

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: None. Instructor will provide all digital files and link resources.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Most of you know Annette Fix as the former Senior Editor of WOW!. She is also the author of The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir, a finalist for ForeWord Magazine’s 2009 Book of the Year and was offered an option for development as a cable television series. When doing the agent query shuffle, she discovered her specific technique and was signed by a top NY agent within one month of sending her e-query. Annette speaks at writer’s conferences about how to get the right agent, and provides freelance services that include editing and comprehensive manuscript analysis.

COST:  $299, which includes access to a private online discussion forum, weekly assignments, support and feedback from your instructor, an end-of-workshop pitch practice chat, and FREE valuable query samples from agents in the publishing industry.

BUY NOW:  HOW TO GET THE RIGHT AGENT FOR YOUR MANUSCRIPT, by Annette Fix (4 weeks, starting 2/6/2012). Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will invite you to her private discussion group where you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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BLOGGING 101 AND MORE: Start a Blog, Make it Unique, and Keep it Going  by Margo L. Dill

START DATE:  Friday, February 10, 2012

DURATION:  5 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Blogging is one of the best and cheapest ways to achieve an Internet presence. This class will help students start a blog. If you already have a blog, it will help you target the readers you want to reach. Students will also learn how to create a unique blog, build followers and/or drive traffic to their blogs, blog on a schedule, connect posts to social networking sites, and monetize their blogs. This course is for beginning and intermediate bloggers or for people who are looking to spice up their blogs! **Please note: you do not have to be technologically savvy to start a blog and keep up with it!

Before taking Margo’s class, my blog was unfocused, sporadic, and inconsistent. Through the class, I not only found my focus and got on a consistent blogging schedule, I also gained the confidence to make changes as needed to meet the needs of my readers. The coolest thing for me was learning all of the neat “tricks” like the “share this” button, the counter, how to add subscribers and find out their identities, and ways to get statistics about the blog. Learning to monetize, it was an unexpected bonus. The class was not only informative, it was fun.  Margo was a great teacher. She was accessible, approachable, and offered lots of good feedback. ~ Kay Elam Your course was one of the best online courses I have ever taken. The syllabus was well-organized, and your knowledge of the subject matter impressive. Your responses to questions were thorough and prompt. I would recommend your course to others without hesitation. Great job! ~ Mary Dunn I have two great new ideas for setting up new blogs. I attribute a lot of this to the fact that this class got my mind working again and made me more excited about the potential of blogging. ~ Leann, student from Margo’s February 2011 blogging course

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  Most materials will be provided by the instructor. You will need: a computer with Internet service, e-mail address, and ability to sign-up for a free Yahoo! group account and Blogger or Wordpress account.

Notes:  We often have questions about how the class operates. The Yahoo! group is a virtual classroom. Materials are loaded to the group each week. Students download materials and work on them at their own pace and time throughout the week with instructor support by e-mail and the Yahoo! group.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Margo L. Dill has had her own blog, Margo Dill’s Read These Books and Use Them, since August 2008. Her blog is monetized, unique, and has loyal followers. Her alexa rating is high for a children’s book blog and continues to improve weekly. Margo also blogs for WOW! Women On Writing as part of the WOW! team. She has been writing posts on everything from social networking to children’s writing to the writing craft for The Muffin since November 2007. Besides blogging, Margo is a contributing editor and columnist for WOW!, book reviewer for The News-Gazette, and memoir editor for High Hill Press. Her middle-grade historical fiction novel, Finding My Place, will be published by White Mane Kids, and she has two picture books recently accepted for publication at High Hill Press and Guardian Angel Publishing.  www.margodill.com

COST:  $125, which includes access to a private Yahoo! group and private e-mail discussions with instructor as needed.
**Students can remain in the Yahoo! group after the class ends to access materials and discuss problems/solutions/ideas with classmates.

BUY NOW:  BLOGGING 101 AND MORE by Margo Dill (5 weeks, starting 2/10/2012) Limit: 20 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you and invite you to a private Yahoo! group.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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GET PAID TO WRITE: BECOME A FREELANCE WRITER! YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO FREELANCE WRITING BASICS by Nicky LaMarco

START DATE: Friday, February 10, 2012

DURATION: 8 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is for beginning freelance writers or for those who are interested in becoming freelance writers. It includes all of the basics of freelance writing: overviews of the different fields in freelance writing, what is needed to begin, how to store ideas, where to get ideas, how much you should make, where to find clients, and how to get clients.

In this class, I am your writing mentor through every lesson, every assignment, and I stay your writing mentor for life. Make some extra money with your writing or create your own full-time freelance career! Learn from my personal stories, information, resources, goals, activities, lessons, and assignments. Everything in this writing class is done via e-mail. This class will provide you with the structure and guidance you need to get paid to write.

I have been writing for 25 years and even taught writing to college kids. I have edited for ten years—two at Wild Rose Publishing. Why would I spend $150 for this course? Should I? Am I really going to learn something? For the last year, I have been taking advantage of Guru but I could see that it wasn’t enough ... The course was a concise, practical guide to making money from freelancing. Step-by-step it was in front of me ... Anyone who is not making the money they need as a freelance writer and really wants to be one should take this course. Not only is the information there, Nicky is a positive coach who will help the student learn how to reach her goals. ~ Mary Ellen Belk Hi Nicole! I am a graduate of your Get Paid to Write: Become a Freelance Writer course that ended on October 4. This note is to say a huge “Thank You” for everything I learned in your 10-week class. For years, I’ve always wanted to get paid for writing, but was stuck in the mindset of “how can I get paying jobs if I have no clips.” Your writing course gave me the information, encouragement, and the polished resume that I needed to take the first steps to launching my freelance career. Today, I was accepted by Demand Studios! I am looking at Demand Studios as a means to build a portfolio and hone my skills while having some fun writing. It also gives me the confidence to pursue other writing jobs because now I’m a professional writer! I truly feel like a part of the freelance community. I’m bouncing off the walls. I’m so thrilled. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance and encouragement. Thanks again. ~ Rebecca Lynch Taking Nicole LaMarco’s Freelance Writing course was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Her knowledge and expertise was first class and the resources that she shared were amazing. Nicole was always readily available to answer questions from day one no matter how big or small. Her support and encouragement along the way enabled me to finally have the courage to pursue a dream I’ve held for a long time. With her guidance and instruction I was able to acquire a paying client half way through the course! Kudos and heartfelt thanks to her for all her help! ~ Brenda Wendt It is hard to believe that we are at the end of our Freelance Writing Course. During the last 10 weeks I retired from teaching (sort of), hit Medicare age, and bought a house.  We close on the 20th, and I will be moving in and changing career directions. What? At my age? You better believe it—I am no way done yet. Taking this course has brought me one step closer to my desire to become a writer.  I have been a teacher and career counselor for the past 30 years, and I am excited to explore other opportunities. Nicole, I think that you have presented us with the tools we need to go forward and actually get paid to do what we like. I appreciated your organized approach and timely responses to my assignments. One of the goals I had was to create an on-line portfolio and learn more about blogging and social networking. Your information was invaluable. I actually have created two portfolios, and I have organized my existing blog. I also appreciated all the websites you provided—I know that I will be using them more and more as I continue with my freelance writing career. Your encouragement has given me the confidence to reach for what I have wanted to do since college. Thank you. ~ Ann Nicky LaMarco’s freelance writing course taught me, more than any other writing class I’ve ever taken, to become a successful and confident freelance writer. Thank you so much! ~ Mona Lisa Safai

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  All written materials in the form of lectures, assignments, article links, etc. are provided by the instructor.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Nicky LaMarco has been a freelance writer since 2001. She specializes in ghostwriting and copywriting. She enjoys helping new writers find success with her website and blog, Writing Pays, as well as with this class.

COST:  $150, which includes one-on-one support and feedback from your instructor, weekly assignments, critiques, and access to a private Google Group for interaction with other students, current and past.

BUY NOW:  GET PAID TO WRITE: BECOME A FREELANCE WRITER, by Nicole LaMarco (8 weeks, starting 2/10/2012) Limit: 15 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. In week #2 of her class, she send you her free ebook, Paying Markets for Writers (valued at $19.95).

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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WRITING A MIDDLE-GRADE NOVEL
by Margo L. Dill

START DATE:  Wednesday, February 22, 2012

DURATION:  6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This class will get writers started on a middle-grade novel. They will learn what makes a novel middle-grade and brainstorm different ideas for this age group. The instructor will lead students through pre-writing exercises and help students write their first two chapters with plenty of feedback on ways to revise and edit their work. When the class is over, students will be well on their way to completing a middle-grade novel. Options for connecting with classmates for partner critique or working one-on-one with the instructor will be offered to students when the class ends. This class is appropriate for writers who have not published a middle-grade novel, want to write a middle-grade novel, or have already started and need some assistance—no matter how long they’ve been writing.

I would definitely recommend this course to others. It’s a cost effective way to get started on a project, and Margo is a great instructor. –Keri, student in Margo’s March 2011 middle-grade novel course I really liked the layout of the class. Each assignment built upon one another. Also, since I know it’s possible to finish a chapter a week, it’s definitely possible to finish a first draft in a year. I also liked how we ended with goals, which I look forward working towards.—Sonja, student in Margo’s March 2011 middle-grade novel course I think it gave me some valuable information about staying on target with my writing and gave tips on the middle-grade novel specifically.—Ann, a student from Margo’s May 2011 middle-grade novel course

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  a computer with Internet service, e-mail address, and ability to sign-up for free Yahoo! account.

Notes: **We often have questions about how the class operates. The Yahoo! group is a virtual classroom. Materials are loaded to the group, and students download materials and work on them at their own pace and time throughout the week with instructor support by e-mail and the Yahoo! group.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Margo L. Dill has a historical middle-grade novel, Finding My Place, under contract with White Mane Kids due out in 2012. She has two picture books under contract, one with High Hill press and one with Guardian Angel Publishing, and is anxiously awaiting the illustrations! She also works as a contributing editor and columnist for WOW! Women On Writing, a book reviewer for The News-Gazette, and the memoir editor at High Hill press.  She runs a blog about children’s books and how to use them for parents, teachers, and librarians at www.margodill.com/blog/. She has also had several pieces published in children’s magazines. Margo runs her own editing business, Editor 911, where she often edits middle grade novels for fellow children’s writers.

COST:  $150, which will include six weeks of instruction on writing a middle-grade novel as well as professional critiques for each student of the first two chapters of a middle-grade novel. The Yahoo! group will stay open for classmates to network with each other even after the class ends.

BUY NOW:  Writing a Middle-Grade Novel by Margo Dill (6 weeks, starting 2/22/2012) Limit: 20 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you and invite you to a private Google Group.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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WRITE FROM YOUR SOUL: MEMOIR WORKSHOP by Annette Fix

START DATE: Monday, February 27, 2012

DURATION: 6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Discover the story you want to tell and learn how to turn your personal experiences into a story that comes alive on the page.

Each week, the lessons cover specific techniques to build your storytelling skills, allowing you to tell your unique, personal story in a way that has universal appeal for readers. Through writing prompts, exercises, and handouts created by the instructor, you will begin writing your memoir using specific storytelling techniques: dialogue, characterization, setting, imagery, etc.

It was above and beyond what I expected.” ~ Akanke Very instructional and insightful. Annette strikes the balance between useful feedback, open exchange, and directed exercise. ~ Randi A great experience that motivated me to write. I feel like I learned things that will help my writing. The information and feedback are really useful, plus the techniques to improve your writing! ~ Deborah This was a very constructive and encouraging workshop. I loved it! Thank you. Each session I was inspired. Thank you for doing what you do! ~ Adriene

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: No special materials needed. Handouts provided by the instructor.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Most of you know Annette Fix as the former Senior Editor of WOW!. She is also the author of The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir, which was a finalist for Foreword Magazine’s 2009 Book of the Year Award and was offered an option for development as a cable TV series. Annette speaks about memoir writing at national writer’s conferences and teaches her Write From Your Soul program online and in-person.

COST:  $249, which includes access to a private online discussion forum, weekly assignments, comprehensive technique handouts and resources, and e-mail support and assignment feedback from the instructor.

BUY NOW:  WRITE FROM YOUR SOUL: MEMOIR WORKSHOP by Annette Fix (6 weeks, starting 2/27/2012) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will invite you to her private discussion group where you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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Digital Revolution: How to Publish Your Fiction or Nonfiction Book as an eBook by Annette Fix

START DATE: February 27, 2012

DURATION: 4 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Change isn’t coming to the publishing industry; it’s already here. There were 10 million eReaders in circulation in the U.S. at the end of 2010, and readers spent $1 billion on eBooks in 2010. That number is expected to triple by 2015.

If you’re tired of waiting for the traditional publishing gatekeepers to give you permission to publish your book, and you’re ready to join the digital revolution, this class will guide you through the process of how to publish your fiction or nonfiction book as an eBook.

You don’t have to be tech savvy or a business person. You just need to the desire to get your book into the hands of readers.

By the end of this course, you will know the formatting and conversion options for your eBook and also receive tips for creating an eye-catching cover design. You will create the proper metadata; understand pricing, royalties, lending, and digital rights management; select your BISAC categories and keywords, write your book description; discover where and how to market your eBook; and set up distribution*.

*If your manuscript (and cover image) is ready to go, you can pull the trigger and publish your eBook by the end of the workshop.

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: Instructor will provide all digital documents and link resources.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Most of you know Annette Fix as the former Senior Editor of WOW!. She is also the author of The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir, a finalist for ForeWord Magazine’s 2009 Book of the Year and was offered an option for development as a cable television series. Annette is excited about the opportunity writers have to take control of their careers by embracing digital publishing. She speaks at writer’s conferences about ePublishing as well as other topics, and also provides freelance services that include editing and comprehensive manuscript analysis.

COST:  $299, which includes access to a private online discussion forum, weekly assignments, support and feedback from your instructor.

BUY NOW:  DIGITAL REVOLUTION: HOW TO PUBLISH YOUR BOOK AS AN E-BOOK, by Annette Fix (4 weeks, starting 2/27/2012) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will invite you to her private discussion group where you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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WRITING FOR CHILDREN:  Everything You Need to Know About Short Stories, Articles, and Fillers by Margo L. Dill

START DATE:  Monday, March 5, 2012

DURATION:  7 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This class will teach the basics of writing for children’s magazines, crafting short stories, nonfiction articles, poetry, and fillers. The student will come away with a short story and cover letter, nonfiction query letter, and a filler or poem. She will also have a list of potential markets, fitting her manuscripts. The instructor will also share an organizational tool for submissions and information on finding other children’s writers and networking. A few writing prompts are provided for feedback and creativity.

Margo is helpful, wise and encouraging. If you’re struggling with your writing career or interesting in writing for children, I recommend this class. –Elizabeth Margo is an excellent instructor—providing students with information, skills, and attention. Her teaching gives practical, hands-on advice that I can use to achieve my goals as a children's writer. I feel much better equipped to meet the challenges this field offers. Thanks, Margo, and WOW! Women on Writing for a great course! –Jamie The best part of the class was Margo’s accessibility. No matter how trivial the question was, she got back to us with an answer quickly. When she critiqued our work she had great ideas and balanced it with praise when appropriate. I incorporated all of her critique suggestions into my work and learned from it. –Patty This class opened up a whole new range of possibilities for my writing. I have so many ideas my biggest problem is finding time to do them all. Fabulous, detailed feedback. Great personal assistance. Thanks a billion, Margo! ~ Bonnie

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  Most materials will be provided by the instructor. You will need: a computer with Internet service, e-mail address, and ability to sign-up for free Yahoo! account.

**Writer’s Market or Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market is helpful, but it is not necessary for the class. You can find similar information with a free Word Hustler account or with Internet search engines. Some libraries may have older editions of the two market books that you can use for a reference.

Notes:  We often have questions about how the class operates. The Yahoo! group is a virtual classroom. Materials are loaded to the group each week. Students download materials and work on them at their own pace and time throughout the week with instructor support by e-mail and the Yahoo! group.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Margo L. Dill has written for children since she completed a course from the Institute of Children’s Literature ten years ago. She has three books coming out: a middle-grade novel and two picture books. Her children’s writing has won awards, including honorable mention in the annual Writer’s Digest contest. She has had articles, short stories, poetry, activities, and recipes accepted and published in various publications such as Fun for Kidz, Pockets, Sprinkles, Characters, Highlights for Children, and Calliope: A Writer’s Workshop. She has taught children’s writing at the University YMCA in Champaign, IL. She has spoken to writing groups on subjects such as writing articles, networking, and short stories, and she was the children’s writing coordinator for Saturday Writers in St. Peters, MO for six years. Margo is also a contributing editor and columnist for WOW! Women On Writing. www.margodill.com

COST:  $175 (Winter sale! Regular price $200), which includes access to a Yahoo! group; ability to upload work to Yahoo! group for discussion with instructor and other class members; a free story and filler critique from the instructor ($50 value); a free query and cover letter critique from instructor ($25 value); and private e-mail discussions with instructor as needed. **Please note: Former students have the option of staying in the Yahoo!  group.

BUY NOW:  WRITING FOR CHILDREN by Margo L. Dill (7 weeks, starting 3/5/2012) Limit: 15 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you and invite you to a private Yahoo! Group.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES:  An Introduction to the Craft of Screenwriting by Christina Hamlett

START DATE:  Monday, March 5, 2012

DURATION:  6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This 6-week class provides an overview of the techniques and formatting requirements to develop an original screenplay. The lectures and assignments cover character development, dialogue, genre, structure, pacing, budget, and marketability. All materials submitted are critiqued by a professional screenplay consultant and learners are free to ask as many questions as they’d like about how to turn a story idea into a commercial, pitch-ready script.

Christina is not only formidably talented and experienced, her passion for the written word is non pareil which makes working with her an experience that a writer lucky enough to do so will keep with them for a very long time to come. Christina is the Rolls Royce of script consultants. ~ Julie Gray, Founder, The Script Department and author of The Rouge Wave Christina's the best. Shortly after the first workshop production of my musical, "MadAvenue," I asked her to help fix some things I thought needed changing. Her advice and suggestions were amazing. What a difference she made! Thanks, thanks, thanks to a real pro." ~ Walt Bagot As an artist, I work with creative high school students as a mentor. Encouraging these fine young people to "keep at it" is a real challenge. Keeping their passion alive is the goal of the mentoring teams that I field. Christina Hamlett has accomplished something quite rare as an author/teacher in her "Screenwriting for Teens." First, she breaks her message down into (well organized) bite-sized pieces for easy mental digestion. Secondly, with the assistance of young Nick Morgan, she speaks directly to her audience in a most compelling way. Thirdly, she demystifies this important lesson about story telling. And, lastly, this book resonates with any person interested in learning how to be a more effective storyteller . . . the author's genuine warmth and intelligence imbue each and every page. ~ Dan Koffman, Artist-educator Christina Hamlett is one of our most valuable writers. She takes care to attune herself to each client’s individual vision, and dedicates herself to realizing the potential of every project. She also has a keen eye for the needs of the market, and never hesitates to provide the client with honest and invaluable advice. ~ Sara King, Project Manager, Penn Group, LLC Working with Christina Hamlett has been a wonderful experience. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and positive attitude has made it so easy to work with her. I appreciate her willingness to share her knowledge and I admire her passion and infectious enthusiasm.  ~ Maggie Worrix King

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: All materials are supplied by the instructor.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Former actress/director Christina Hamlett is a professional script consultant and ghostwriter whose credits to date include 26 books (3 of which are on the craft of screenwriting), 135 plays, 5 optioned features, and hundreds of articles/interviews that appear in trade publications throughout the world. She is also the screenwriting editor of Writers Journal, and has conducted workshops on scripts and the performing arts for over 30 years.

COST:  $150, which includes one-on-one support and critiques through email. With the exception of two assignments that need to be sent via U.S. mail, all content and critiques are exchanged by email.

BUY NOW:  SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CRAFT OF SCREENWRITING, by Christina Hamlett (6 weeks, starting 3/5/2012)
Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you via email so you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE:  An Introduction to Playwriting by Christina Hamlett

START DATE:  Monday, March 5, 2012

DURATION:  6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Since the time of the Ancient Greeks, the live theater experience has satisfied an audience's need for entertainment that is immediate, intimate and accessible to all ages and levels of society. Whether performed in an outdoor courtyard, on a vintage stage, in a school auditorium, or above the din of an urban coffeehouse, a play is an ever-evolving and timeless art form that derives its energy from both sides of the footlights. Unlike a novel or a film which is financed and produced only once, a theater script undergoes a new transformation with each change of cast and each change of venue. Even the passage of time itself impacts how a theatrical story will resonate with successive generations, giving new definition and perspective to old ideas or providing a yardstick of how far we've come from social mores that were once held as truth.

In this class, you'll be learning what makes a play successful...and how to write one yourself! Each module consists of a lecture and writing assignment, as well as interviews, websites and anecdotes. Ideally, it should only take one week to complete each exercise. The final assignment will be the writing and submission of an original 15-minute one-act play, which will be professionally critiqued for its adherence to all of the principles addressed in class.

Christina is not only formidably talented and experienced, her passion for the written word is non pareil which makes working with her an experience that a writer lucky enough to do so will keep with them for a very long time to come. Christina is the Rolls Royce of script consultants. ~ Julie Gray, Founder, The Script Department and author of The Rouge Wave Christina's the best. Shortly after the first workshop production of my musical, "MadAvenue," I asked her to help fix some things I thought needed changing. Her advice and suggestions were amazing. What a difference she made! Thanks, thanks, thanks to a real pro." ~ Walt Bagot As an artist, I work with creative high school students as a mentor. Encouraging these fine young people to "keep at it" is a real challenge. Keeping their passion alive is the goal of the mentoring teams that I field. Christina Hamlett has accomplished something quite rare as an author/teacher in her "Screenwriting for Teens." First, she breaks her message down into (well organized) bite-sized pieces for easy mental digestion. Secondly, with the assistance of young Nick Morgan, she speaks directly to her audience in a most compelling way. Thirdly, she demystifies this important lesson about story telling. And, lastly, this book resonates with any person interested in learning how to be a more effective storyteller . . . the author's genuine warmth and intelligence imbue each and every page. ~ Dan Koffman, Artist-educator Christina Hamlett is one of our most valuable writers. She takes care to attune herself to each client’s individual vision, and dedicates herself to realizing the potential of every project. She also has a keen eye for the needs of the market, and never hesitates to provide the client with honest and invaluable advice. ~ Sara King, Project Manager, Penn Group, LLC Working with Christina Hamlett has been a wonderful experience. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and positive attitude has made it so easy to work with her. I appreciate her willingness to share her knowledge and I admire her passion and infectious enthusiasm.  ~ Maggie Worrix King

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

As part of the homework, students will also be asked to attend one play production during the course and write a short review demonstrating what they learned from it. This can be turned in at any time during the six weeks. Unlike a traditional classroom or an Internet chat room that requires group attendance at the same time and day every week, this course provides one-on-one instruction via email. In addition, the Adobe Acrobat workbook format is one that you can either print out a lesson at a time or simply save on your hard drive.

Materials needed: All materials are supplied by the instructor.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Former actress/director Christina Hamlett is a professional script consultant and ghostwriter whose credits to date include 26 books (3 of which are on the craft of screenwriting), 135 plays, 5 optioned features, and hundreds of articles/interviews that appear in trade publications throughout the world. She is also the screenwriting editor of Writers Journal, and has conducted workshops on scripts and the performing arts for over 30 years.

COST:  $175, which includes one-on-one support and critiques through email.

BUY NOW:  ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE: AN INTRODUCTION TO PLAYWRITING, by Christina Hamlett (6 weeks, starting 3/5/2012) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you via email so you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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THE HUNGRY WRITER’S GUIDE TO TRACKING & CAPTURING A LITERARY AGENT: How to Get the RIGHT Agent for Your Manuscript by Annette Fix

START DATE: Monday, March 5, 2012

DURATION: 4 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Are you looking for the perfect agent to represent your manuscript but you’re not sure where to start? Have you sent out queries and received rejection letters? If you haven’t had agents request a partial or full read of your manuscript, you need help targeting the right agent and honing your pitch and query letter.

This class is for writers who want to find an agent who will fall in love with their manuscript and be excited to present their work to major publishers. Querying is not a numbers game. Mass submissions = mass rejections. Without the proper approach, your manuscript will never have the opportunity to be read by an agent.

By the end of this course, you will know how to target the right agent for your material and leave with a list of agents who are signing and selling in your genre. You will develop your “elevator pitch” and learn valuable in-person pitching techniques. You will complete the course with a query letter that showcases your voice and the tone of your book, and lifts your query out of the slush pile.

After you helped me work through creating and practicing my pitch capsule, the YA agent I pitched asked for my manuscript partial! There’s no way I could have done it without your help. ~ Derral Annette’s course on acquiring an agent streamlined a process that may have taken me months, or even years, to figure out on my own. It was especially helpful for a novice like me, because she gave me the essential tools I need to query, pitch, and even assure my manuscript is up to par. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to jump in the deep end of the publishing world. ~ Lindsey Burton Annette’s “How to Get an Agent” Workshop is an investment well spent. Her openness and willingness to share tools and resources is unlimited, and her advice is on the mark. I’ve taught English and creative writing for eight years, and the resources she shared are ones I was not familiar with, nor would I have ever discovered them if not for taking her course. I recommend this workshop to all writers ready and hungry to get their work out there! ~ Jeannine Hogue

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: None. Instructor will provide all digital files and link resources.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Most of you know Annette Fix as the former Senior Editor of WOW!. She is also the author of The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir, a finalist for ForeWord Magazine’s 2009 Book of the Year and was offered an option for development as a cable television series. When doing the agent query shuffle, she discovered her specific technique and was signed by a top NY agent within one month of sending her e-query. Annette speaks at writer’s conferences about how to get the right agent, and provides freelance services that include editing and comprehensive manuscript analysis.

COST:  $299, which includes access to a private online discussion forum, weekly assignments, support and feedback from your instructor, an end-of-workshop pitch practice chat, and FREE valuable query samples from agents in the publishing industry.

BUY NOW:  HOW TO GET THE RIGHT AGENT FOR YOUR MANUSCRIPT, by Annette Fix (4 weeks, starting 3/5/2012). Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will invite you to her private discussion group where you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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GET PAID TO WRITE: BECOME A FREELANCE WRITER! YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO FREELANCE WRITING BASICS by Nicky LaMarco

START DATE: Friday, March 9, 2012

DURATION: 8 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class is for beginning freelance writers or for those who are interested in becoming freelance writers. It includes all of the basics of freelance writing: overviews of the different fields in freelance writing, what is needed to begin, how to store ideas, where to get ideas, how much you should make, where to find clients, and how to get clients.

In this class, I am your writing mentor through every lesson, every assignment, and I stay your writing mentor for life. Make some extra money with your writing or create your own full-time freelance career! Learn from my personal stories, information, resources, goals, activities, lessons, and assignments. Everything in this writing class is done via e-mail. This class will provide you with the structure and guidance you need to get paid to write.

I have been writing for 25 years and even taught writing to college kids. I have edited for ten years—two at Wild Rose Publishing. Why would I spend $150 for this course? Should I? Am I really going to learn something? For the last year, I have been taking advantage of Guru but I could see that it wasn’t enough ... The course was a concise, practical guide to making money from freelancing. Step-by-step it was in front of me ... Anyone who is not making the money they need as a freelance writer and really wants to be one should take this course. Not only is the information there, Nicky is a positive coach who will help the student learn how to reach her goals. ~ Mary Ellen Belk Hi Nicole! I am a graduate of your Get Paid to Write: Become a Freelance Writer course that ended on October 4. This note is to say a huge “Thank You” for everything I learned in your 10-week class. For years, I’ve always wanted to get paid for writing, but was stuck in the mindset of “how can I get paying jobs if I have no clips.” Your writing course gave me the information, encouragement, and the polished resume that I needed to take the first steps to launching my freelance career. Today, I was accepted by Demand Studios! I am looking at Demand Studios as a means to build a portfolio and hone my skills while having some fun writing. It also gives me the confidence to pursue other writing jobs because now I’m a professional writer! I truly feel like a part of the freelance community. I’m bouncing off the walls. I’m so thrilled. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance and encouragement. Thanks again. ~ Rebecca Lynch Taking Nicole LaMarco’s Freelance Writing course was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Her knowledge and expertise was first class and the resources that she shared were amazing. Nicole was always readily available to answer questions from day one no matter how big or small. Her support and encouragement along the way enabled me to finally have the courage to pursue a dream I’ve held for a long time. With her guidance and instruction I was able to acquire a paying client half way through the course! Kudos and heartfelt thanks to her for all her help! ~ Brenda Wendt It is hard to believe that we are at the end of our Freelance Writing Course. During the last 10 weeks I retired from teaching (sort of), hit Medicare age, and bought a house.  We close on the 20th, and I will be moving in and changing career directions. What? At my age? You better believe it—I am no way done yet. Taking this course has brought me one step closer to my desire to become a writer.  I have been a teacher and career counselor for the past 30 years, and I am excited to explore other opportunities. Nicole, I think that you have presented us with the tools we need to go forward and actually get paid to do what we like. I appreciated your organized approach and timely responses to my assignments. One of the goals I had was to create an on-line portfolio and learn more about blogging and social networking. Your information was invaluable. I actually have created two portfolios, and I have organized my existing blog. I also appreciated all the websites you provided—I know that I will be using them more and more as I continue with my freelance writing career. Your encouragement has given me the confidence to reach for what I have wanted to do since college. Thank you. ~ Ann Nicky LaMarco’s freelance writing course taught me, more than any other writing class I’ve ever taken, to become a successful and confident freelance writer. Thank you so much! ~ Mona Lisa Safai

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  All written materials in the form of lectures, assignments, article links, etc. are provided by the instructor.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Nicky LaMarco has been a freelance writer since 2001. She specializes in ghostwriting and copywriting. She enjoys helping new writers find success with her website and blog, Writing Pays, as well as with this class.

COST:  $150, which includes one-on-one support and feedback from your instructor, weekly assignments, critiques, and access to a private Google Group for interaction with other students, current and past.

BUY NOW:  GET PAID TO WRITE: BECOME A FREELANCE WRITER, by Nicole LaMarco (8 weeks, starting 3/9/2012) Limit: 15 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. In week #2 of her class, she send you her free ebook, Paying Markets for Writers (valued at $19.95).

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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BEGINNING SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR WRITERS: Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn! by Margo L. Dill

START DATE:  Friday, March 16, 2012

DURATION:  4 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This beginners’ class will teach writers how to set up a profile on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and connect with people they know; to build a following of fans; to start working on a brand/image; and to promote books, articles, magazines, and blogs. Instead of using Facebook and Twitter to write about your fabulous dinner or disastrous day at the grocery store, you will begin to learn to sell yourself and your writing! This class is for beginners—if you already use all three of these social networks on a daily basis and are interested in learning more about how to market yourself on them, then you’ll want to take Margo’s Advanced Social Networking class.

Margo is the Queen of Social Networking! As WOW! Women On Writing’s social networking manager, Margo implements and oversees our Twitter and Facebook accounts. She creates and organizes unique promotions and contests to build a following of loyal fans, and keeps them up to date with the latest developments from WOW!. Since she started promoting WOW! on social networks this past year, I’ve seen a tremendous rise in traffic to our site and a greater response to our promotions. She also created a multi-user system, so that our team members can post updates as well, which eliminates any confusion and harmonizes all of our sub-accounts. Most importantly, Margo has the finesse, knowledge, and creativity it takes to keep our fans interested and eager to participate. If you want to learn how to use social networks effectively, I highly recommend Margo as an instructor. ~ Angela Mackintosh, CEO WOW! Women On Writing I certainly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn about social networking. I thought the format where we could all ask questions and learn from each other was very good. ~June Sengpiehl Margo is a terrific instructor. The best thing about her is her non-intimidating style. It’s okay to not have all the answers when you start! ~ Fran Trelease

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  a computer with Internet service, e-mail address, and a Facebook account BEFORE class starts. (We use a Facebook group for our virtual classroom. Your profile DOES NOT have to be complete before class starts—you just have to have a free account that the instructor can access and add you to the group.) You also must be willing to sign up for Twitter and LinkedIn accounts if you haven’t already.

Notes:  **We often have questions about how the class operates. The Facebook group is a virtual classroom. Materials are e-mailed to class members each week. Students download materials and work on them at their own pace and time throughout the week with instructor support by e-mail and the Facebook group.

*Since WOW! is a writing site, this class usually attracts writers as students. However, if you have a business, blog, or work to promote, you will benefit from this class.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Margo L. Dill has been active in social networking since she came back from the SCBWI L.A. Conference in 2008. Her love of social networking landed her as the social media coordinator for WOW! Women On Writing where she runs the WOW! Facebook Fan group and WOW!’s Twitter account. She uses her own social networking accounts to connect with other writers, promote her blog and online articles, and learn as much as she can about the publishing world. When she’s not social networking, she works as a contributing editor and columnist for WOW! Women On Writing, book reviewer for The News-Gazette, and a memoir editor for High Hill Press. Her first book for middle-grade students, Finding My Place, will be published by White Mane Kids in 2012. She has also recently had two picture books accepted for publication by High Hill Press and Guardian Angel Publishing.

COST:  $100, which will include four weeks of instruction on how to use social networking as a writer and critiques for each student of social networking profile pages (if requested by the students). The Facebook group will stay open for classmates to network with each other even after the class ends.

BUY NOW:  BEGINNING SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR WRITERS: TWITTER, FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN AND MORE!  by Margo Dill (4 weeks, starting 3/16/2012) Limit: 20 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you and invite you to a private Yahoo! Group.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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LET ME TELL YOU A STORY: PERSONAL ESSAYS FOR BEGINNERS  by Jodi Webb

START DATE:  Tuesday, March 20, 2012

DURATION:  6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This class will introduce students to light-hearted personal essays in the style of the original Queen of Mom Writers, Erma Bombeck. The class will show students where to find inspiration in their own life, help them polish an essay and ready it for submission. Students will also receive lists of viable essay markets.

When I have been to writers’ events and had to choose a class to attend, I always consider Jodi Webb’s. I have found her informative, understandable and answers questions clearly. I come out of her classes with plenty of information and confidence enough to pursue the genre she spoke of. ~Anna Getz “Jodi Webb has been published in Pennsylvania Magazine for many years and is currently listed as one of its regular contributors. She's been with us for so long because she understands that what an editor cannot use is a list of subjects or topics. A query contains the following: Why the topic is of interest to readers, Why you are the one who can best cover the topic due to your access to the topic, knowledge of the topic or other info. Why NOW. Why this topic will interest a state-wide readership and why it will be something that our readers want to read. And finally, why YOU find the topic ENGAGING. If you don't care about the topic, how can anyone else. Your query must convey enthusiasm or interest, without going over the top with gushing.” ~ Matt Holliday, editor “Jodi Webb brings the same attributes she provides as a freelance writer to her classes and workshop—interactivity, hands-on examples and the essential guts of the topic in an easy-to-understand fashion. She is a professional writer who eloquently and openly shares her experiences and expertise to others pursuing the path to publication in a conversational, non-threatening style. Jodi speaks on topic but also accommodates questions that may sprout out of the presentation.” ~ Kathy Ruff, Freelance Writer, Coaldale, PA When I put out a call for New York stories by women who had traveled there solo, I didn’t need to read past the first paragraph to know I wanted to include Jodi’s. Her journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to Manhattan’s Grand Central Station, and more importantly, from the “restrictions others had assigned” her to conquering fears of living with a chronic illness, fit so authentically with the book’s theme. In these submissions, I was looking for a clear, direct and honest sharing of self that, in the telling, would inspire others to become intimate with the best part of themselves, and create a life from that awareness. A writer bringing fully to the page, her truest self (as she knows it in that moment) is the essence of Voice. And for me, Jodi’s leaped off the page. ~Gina Greenlee, Editor, Postcards and Pearls: Life Lessons from Solo Moments in New York Jodi Webb’s essay for This I Believe skillfully combines a loving tribute to her mother, a salute to her hometown, and an inspiring call to action for all readers to volunteer in their communities. Her brisk writing connects with both the heart and the head. ~John Gregory, Editor for This I Believe, NPR

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  One small pocket-sized notepad or electronic notepad device. All other materials will be provided. Students need Internet and email access.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Jodi Webb wrote her first article for a regional market, Pennsylvania Magazine, in 1993. Fifteen years later her first regional book, Pennsylvania Trivia, was released. In between she’s written essays for many markets including Christian Science Monitor, Birds and Blooms, Central Penn Parent and NPR. Jodi also organizes WOW Blog Tours. For tips on writing visit Jodi’s blog WordsbyWebb.

COST:  $125, which includes weekly assignments, one-on-one email support, private Yahoo group for students, and feedback that will lead to at least one editor-ready essay.

BUY NOW:  LET ME TELL YOU A STORY: PERSONAL ESSAYS FOR BEGINNERS, by Jodi Webb (6 weeks, starting 3/20/2012) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you via email with detailed instructions and assignments.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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VAMPIRES OPTIONAL: WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION by Bonnie Hearn Hill

START DATE: Wednesday, March 21, 2012

DURATION: 6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Young adult fiction is more than vampires, although they’re fine too. In a highly competitive market, you need more than even a good plot. The instructor is a successful writer of young adult as well as six international thrillers, and she has mentored numerous successful authors. In this workshop, she will help you deepen your characters, develop your plot, tighten your pace, and avoid the mistakes most young adult authors make. In addition to class work and critiques, the instructor will line-edit up to 50 pages for each class member. You’ll leave with a submission packet of sample chapters and synopsis.

Bonnie Hearn Hill is simply the best writing instructor anywhere. Her mastery of craft is matched only by her ability to teach it. When I signed up for her class, I didn't know anything about fiction. Nothing about conflict, character or plotting. A year later, I received a national writing award for the second novel I wrote in her class, and she referred me to the publisher who bought my book. I can't speak of her highly enough. ~ Christopher Allan Poe, author of The Portal, Black Opal Books Bonnie Hearn Hill has been my teacher and editor for more than 14 years. During that time she has edited book proposals, nonfiction and fiction manuscripts, and numerous articles for me. Her editorial skills are superior, and she's one of the most sought-after writing instructors in the country. She is one of those rare individuals who gives 100 percent to each of her clients. ~ Hazel Dixon-Cooper, author of Born on a Rotten Day and Love on a Rotten Day, Simon & Schuster, Friends on a Rotten Day (Weiser Books) and the Cosmopolitan magazine Bedside Astrologer column WOW!!! You once said that I’m allowed only five exclamation points per lifetime. They are all given to you because of the tremendous work you’ve done. You’ve been an outstanding help and inspiration...and greatly exceeded my expectations...this effort is better because of you. ~ Mark Fesen, MD, FACP, from the acknowledgment page of Surviving the Cancer System, Amacom Books

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed: Materials will be provided by the instructor. Students will need access to Yahoo groups. Class discussions will be provided through there and via e-mail.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Author, teacher and public speaker Bonnie Hill worked as a newspaper editor for 22 years, a job that, along with her natural nosiness, increased her interest in contemporary culture. Her novel, Intern wascalled “a page-turner” by Publishers Weekly. Killer Body, a thriller about our weight-obsessed culture, was a Cosmopolitan magazine “pick.” She also wrote three newspaper thrillers featuring hearing-impaired reporter Geri LaRue for MIRA Books, the young adult Star Crossed series, and most recently, Ghost Island, a paranormal love story. Her publication credits include short stories, nonfiction books and articles.

Bonnie leads a bonded and successful writing workshop in her hometown and is community correspondent for books for a national television affiliate. She is especially proud of the number of published writers she has mentored.

COST:  $180, which includes access to class group on Yahoo, critiques of student work, and line-editing of up to 50 pages for each class member.

BUY NOW:  VAMPIRES OPTIONAL: WRITING YOUNG ADULT FICTION, by Bonnie Hearn Hill (6 weeks, starting 3/21/2012) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will invite you to her private discussion group where you can get started.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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Advanced Class: Writing a Middle-Grade Novel Part 2 by Margo L. Dill

START DATE:  Wednesday, April 4, 2012

DURATION:  8 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  There is no prerequisite for this class—if you took Margo’s middle-grade writing course part 1, then great, you are all set. If not and you have a middle-grade novel already started or you have an entire rough draft that you want to revise, this class is for you. This is a course for people who have already completed the pre-writing exercises, have started their novels, and are ready to tackle and complete their manuscripts for submission. You should at least have the first three chapters of a middle-grade novel written to take this course.

In Writing a Middle-Grade Novel Part 2, we will focus on point of view, dialogue, overuse of descriptive words/repeated words, pacing, chapter endings, show vs. tell, and any other “writing problem” that seems to be bothering the class as a whole. At the beginning of this course, Margo will read a sample of your writing and create a list of common problems to tackle among classmates, besides the ones listed above. You will receive critiques on your writing from Margo and at least one other classmate, which means you will also be reading and critiquing other students. When you are finished with this class, you should be at least half-way through a middle-grade novel if not completely finished, depending on the length and how quickly you write. 

The last week of class will answer the question, “What do I do next (when I finish writing this novel)?”

I would definitely recommend this course to others. It’s a cost effective way to get started on a project, and Margo is a great instructor. –Keri, student in Margo’s March 2011 middle-grade novel course I really liked the layout of the class. Each assignment built upon one another. Also, since I know it’s possible to finish a chapter a week, it’s definitely possible to finish a first draft in a year. I also liked how we ended with goals, which I look forward working towards.—Sonja, student in Margo’s March 2011 middle-grade novel course I think it gave me some valuable information about staying on target with my writing and gave tips on the middle-grade novel specifically.—Ann, a student from Margo’s May 2011 middle-grade novel course

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  a computer with Internet service, e-mail address, and ability to sign-up for free Yahoo! account. You also need at least three chapters of a middle-grade novel completed. (You only have to have the three chapters completed by the time the class starts, not when you register.)

Notes: **We often have questions about how the class operates. The Yahoo! group is a virtual classroom. Materials are loaded to the group each week. Students download materials and work on them at their own pace and time throughout the week with instructor support by e-mail and the Yahoo! group.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Margo L. Dill has a historical middle-grade novel, Finding My Place, under contract with White Mane Kids due out in 2012. She has two picture books under contract, one with High Hill press and one with Guardian Angel Publishing, and is anxiously awaiting the illustrations! She also works as a contributing editor and columnist for WOW! Women On Writing, a book reviewer for The News-Gazette, and the memoir editor at High Hill press.  She runs a blog about children’s books and how to use them for parents, teachers, and librarians at www.margodill.com/blog/. She has also had several pieces published in children’s magazines. Margo runs her own editing business, Editor 911, where she often edits middle grade novels for fellow children’s writers.

COST:  $250, which will include eight weeks of instruction and discussion on middle-grade novels. This also includes six professional critiques of different sections of your novel by the instructor (approximately 18,000 words—the critiques alone are valued at over $250). The Yahoo! group will stay open for classmates to network with each other even after the class ends.

BUY NOW:  Advanced Class: Writing a Middle-Grade Novel Part 2 by Margo Dill (8 weeks, starting 4/4/2012) Limit: 10 students (Exceptions will be made for students who took Margo’s Writing a Middle-Grade Class, Part 1. E-mail classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com if the class becomes closed.) Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you and invite you to a private Yahoo! Group.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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ADVANCED SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR WRITERS: Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin by Margo L. Dill

START DATE:  Friday, April 13, 2012

DURATION:  6 weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This advanced social networking class will teach writers how to use tools on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to promote themselves and their work. It is a class for people who ALREADY have Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts and who use them on a regular basis. You should be familiar with concepts, such as the difference between a fan page and a personal profile page on Facebook, a hashtag on Twitter, and recommendations on LinkedIn. This class will show you how to use the strengths of each social network to build a following of fans, promote events, and make yourself accessible to readers. Marketing ideas will be provided as well as instruction on individual social networking tools on each site. If you are a beginner and want to learn about each social network, then please take Margo’s Beginning Social Networking Course.

Margo is the Queen of Social Networking! As WOW! Women On Writing’s social networking manager, Margo implements and oversees our Twitter and Facebook accounts. She creates and organizes unique promotions and contests to build a following of loyal fans, and keeps them up to date with the latest developments from WOW!. Since she started promoting WOW! on social networks this past year, I’ve seen a tremendous rise in traffic to our site and a greater response to our promotions. She also created a multi-user system, so that our team members can post updates as well, which eliminates any confusion and harmonizes all of our sub-accounts. Most importantly, Margo has the finesse, knowledge, and creativity it takes to keep our fans interested and eager to participate. If you want to learn how to use social networks effectively, I highly recommend Margo as an instructor. ~ Angela Mackintosh, CEO WOW! Women On Writing I certainly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn about social networking. I thought the format where we could all ask questions and learn from each other was very good. ~June Sengpiehl Margo is a terrific instructor. The best thing about her is her non-intimidating style. It’s okay to not have all the answers when you start! ~ Fran Trelease

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Materials needed:  a computer with Internet service, e-mail address, and a Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn account BEFORE class starts. (We use a Facebook group for our virtual classroom.)

Notes:  **We often have questions about how the class operates. The Facebook group is a virtual classroom. Materials are e-mailed to class members each week. Students download materials and work on them at their own pace and time throughout the week with instructor support by e-mail and the Facebook group.

*Since WOW! is a writing site, this class usually attracts writers as students. However, if you have a business, blog, or work to promote, you will benefit from this class.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:  Margo L. Dill has been active in social networking since she came back from the SCBWI L.A. Conference in 2008. Her love of social networking landed her as the social media coordinator for WOW! Women On Writing where she runs the WOW! Facebook Fan group and WOW!’s Twitter account. She uses her own social networking accounts to connect with other writers, promote her blog and online articles, and learn as much as she can about the publishing world. When she’s not social networking, she works as a contributing editor and columnist for WOW! Women On Writing, book reviewer for The News-Gazette, and a memoir editor for High Hill Press. Her first book for middle-grade students, Finding My Place, will be published by White Mane Kids in 2012. She has also recently had two picture books accepted for publication by High Hill Press and Guardian Angel Publishing.

COST:  $150, which will include six weeks of instruction on how to use social networking as a writer and critiques for each student of social networking profile pages (if requested by the students). The Facebook group will stay open for classmates to network with each other even after the class ends.

BUY NOW:  SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR WRITERS: TWITTER, FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN AND MORE! by Margo Dill (6 weeks, starting 4/13/2012) Limit: 15 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes:  Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you and invite you to a private Yahoo! Group.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

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Personal Attention
WOW! Women On Writing ensures that our instructors will work with you one-on-one. In most cases you will receive emailed course materials and assignments, or for those with groups, you will be able to download course materials. Your instructor will give you assignments and personal feedback, and guide you through a charted course of learning. Our instructors are wonderful ladies who go above and beyond to help you achieve your writing goals.

Enrollment
Upon successful completion of payment via PayPal, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor within a week of your enrollment. She will contact you before her class starts and provide you with the necessary information you need to start the class. If you have another e-mail address you’d like to use for the course, please send it to Marcia & Angela classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com and we will forward the information to your instructor.

Refunds
We understand that things may come up in your life where you are unable to attend the class. If you purchased a class and it hasn’t started yet, you may receive a full refund by contacting Marcia & Angela classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com. Please note that once the class starts we are unable to issue a refund through WOW!.

Join Our Faculty
If you are interested in participating as an instructor, please email Marcia & Angela at classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com. We will send you an application to fill out and return for review.