genre

Are you intimidated by the thought of writing a short story mystery? Even though you've already whipped out a novel or two, maybe even a series? Relax, it's not that hard. There are a few basics that can help you understand the needs of the mystery short story: the pace and structure, the...

There is nothing more fun than writing short articles for kids and sending them off to potential publishers. It is fun and rewarding, and it doesn’t take a lot of time to achieve. During this workshop, I will try to instill this love of writing for kids that I have developed in each of you so...

Ever wanted to write a mystery? They can be fun, they can be frightening, they can be deadly. But writing a mystery can also be a mystery itself– whether it’s a stand alone or a series, or a romantic suspense or amateur sleuth, or hard boiled detective. Learn all the basics of writing a...

Are you interested in writing for the travel industry? Do you want to visit great places and pass on what you learned to others who are hoping to visit that very place in the near future? Do you want to learn how to write travel articles about places right in your own neighborhood? Do you want...

Love cozy mysteries and dying to write your own, but don’t know where to start? In this eight-week course, Lori Devoti (aka Rae Davies) USA Today Bestselling author of the Dusty Deals Mystery Series, will walk you through everything you need to know to plan and write and a successful cozy...

What is the hype with Holiday Romances? Have you ever wondered why so many people do Holiday Romances? Or why there are so many people that read them? Ever wondered what it takes to write a Holiday Romance? Or when to publish it? Or when Publishers even send out calls for them? Well now you can...

Everyone has that special picture book that we all remember. The one that instilled in us the love of books and reading. You can write a book that will touch a child's heart! Come along with Irene on a voyage of discovery and learn the secrets of writing every child's favorite book! In this...

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to construct a thriller from beginning to end. Some of the topics covered are: What is a thriller and why are they so popular? The many different categories of thrillers Secrets of creating commercial story ideas Developing a ‘hot’ plot How to start your story...

From Gregory McGuire’s beloved Wicked to Anne Rice’s Sleeping Beauty Quartet to countless reimaginings of Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella, retellings are a perennial hot subject for writers. In this class, editor JoSelle Vanderhooft (also an author of numerous fairy tale retellings in prose...

Love cozy mysteries and dying to write your own, but don’t know where to start? In this eight-week course, Lori Devoti (aka Rae Davies) USA Today Bestselling author of the Dusty Deals Mystery Series, will walk you through everything you need to know to plan and write and a successful cozy...

Do you want to write a funny novel or short story? Or perhaps you'd like to add humor to the book you've already written? If so, then this is the course for you. Some of the areas covered in this two week course, include-- The difference between funny and humorous. What makes something fun to...

When someone asks what I write, the simple answer is “Romance”. But I don’t actually write romance, even if the stories take place in the contemporary world. I write romantic-comedy, and that’s another whole bowl of fish. What’s the difference? Well, it’s a big one actually but the answer lies...

Don’t have time to write a novel? Well, fewer people have time to read one. That’s why flash fiction is hot, with over 300 paying markets looking for well-formed stories of 1000 words or less. Learn how to write, market and sell these tiny tales.

From werewolves and vampires to demons and angels, we will talk about what you know, and what you don't, about "things" that go bump in the night. Come sit by the fireside and listen to stories about creatures who have become famous in movies, TV and books - from Dracula to Edward, Frankenstein...

Are your readers satisfied with your stories? Are they reluctant to put your story aside? At the end of your story, the reader should sigh, with a sense of satisfaction, when finishing your story, one which they will remember for a long time coming. So how does one create a satisfied reader...

Sex scenes can make or break a romance, regardless of heat level. Unfortunately, they can fall victim to lazy descriptions, cliché, overreliance on mechanics, and a lack of characterization. This class is designed to teach authors of all skill levels and experience how to avoid these and other...

Ever thought of writing books for teens? Young Adult (YA) fiction is a hot market, and many authors alternate their novel writing work for adults with YA. As vibrant as the teen book market is, there are some skills you’ll need to pick up to be a successful YA fiction writer. This two-week...

Are men and women really that much different? Have you ever wondered what the other gender really thinks? Author Chris Cox has had real life experience as a woman and now as a man since he transitioned in the last few years. Being transgender and being an author, Chris has special insight into...

From Simon Legree to Hannibal Lector, stand-out villains have captured the imaginations of readers and made stories memorable. The best bad guys won’t hesitate to push against and use the greatest weaknesses or failures of character that a protagonist has. They escalate action, causing harsh...

Plotting and Planning: How to Write a Cozy Mystery Love cozy mysteries and dying to write your own, but don’t know where to start? In this eight-week course, Lori Devoti (aka Rae Davies) USA Today Bestselling author of the Dusty Deals Mystery Series, will walk you through everything you need to...