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Jessica's Newsletters
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April 2007
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Upcoming Classes at UCLA Extension |
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I know it hasn't been too long since my last email, but I want to fill you in on a few things. The first is the first section of my Romance Writing class at UCLA, a summer section of Introduction to Fiction, and the Instructor Reading for UCLA at the Skirball Center in June.
I also wanted to direct you to my appearance on a blog April 23rd. Mia King and I met at a writing workshop in 1997, and since then, we've been writing buddies, friends, support systems, and sounding boards for each other. She's interviewing me about my last romance Believe in Me, and I'm promising to give you the main character Felix's favorite recipe--Pina Coladas.
Finally, and I've let you know about this before, but When You Believe comes out in mass market in August.
Jessica Inclan |
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Romance Writing, Introduction to Fiction
Classes at UCLA Extension
This class is almost full, but if you are interested, please contact UCLA for information about this and future classes just like it.
It's All about Love: Writing and Selling Your Romance Novel (Online). April 18-June 20, 2007
Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde, Arthur and Guinevere--wait! We want a happy ending and about 51.1% of the American public agrees. Over half the fiction sold in this country is romance, and the good news is romance is fun to write. Who doesn't love love? This course begins by identifying current key sub-genres of romance and their particular requirements, including contemporary, paranormal, inspirational, comedic, mystery, erotic, and historical. We then focus on constructing a plot with tension and conflict, crafting strong central characters, and creating the core of romance: the believable relationship. We also explore the marketplace and work on writing query letters. By the course end, you should have a draft of your first chapter, a working outline, and knowledge on how to move forward in writing and preparing your book for the marketplace.
This class is a great way to start your writing practice.
Introduction to Fiction Writing (Online). July 11-September 12, 2007.
It has been said that all of us have locked inside at least one good story to tell. This online course is designed to tap into that story--and others. Through a combination of written exercises, extensive online group discussions, and instructor feedback, students learn the fundamentals of fiction writing, including plot, point-of-view, setting, description, dialogue, tension, rewriting, and submission strategies. The goal is to draft one short story or a chapter of a novel. This course is a prerequisite for students continuing in either the short- or long-fiction sequence.
UCLA Extension
UCLA Extension
10995 Le Conte Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024-2883
Registration and General Information
(310) 825-9971 or (818) 784-7006
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 Come find out all my secrets as I blog with Mia King! (http://miaking.wordpress.com). I don't really have any secrets, but there will be Felix's Pina Colada recipe to try. I will be live with Mia on April 23rd.
GOOD THINGS has hit the Barnes & Noble General Trade Fiction Bestseller List twice, which makes it a national bestseller. Booklist wrote:
"In one fell swoop, Seattle's answer to Martha Stewart, Deidre McIntosh, is sent into a tailspin. Her popular show is cancelled and she loses her gay roommate and confidante, William. To top off her bad luck, she has to move because her name isn't on the lease. Amid this chaos appears the hunk of her dreams, Kevin Johnson. After a one-night stand, he offers Deidre the use of his country retreat, which she reluctantly decides to use. As she stays in Kevin's rustic cabin far from her life in the city, Deidre tries to figure out what really matters to her, and how to recapture the experience of helping people that she'd achieved on her show. She would also like to capture Kevin. The bucolic setting and King's interesting characters create a fresh and thoroughly enjoyable story as enticing as the delectable recipes at the end of the book."
In my blurb, I said, "You'll enjoy every morsel of this book." And I believe me!
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Attend the 14th Annual
Writers' Program Publication Party
Wednesday, June 6, 7-9.30 pm
At the Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Boulevard (at Mulholland Drive)
Admission and parking are free; refreshments will be served.
Join us for spirited readings, book signings, refreshments, and the opportunity to meet fellow writers. Featured readers are Writers' Program instructors who have published works within the past year.
For a list of readers, consult the UCLA Extension 2007 summer catalog, available in May, or contact the Writers' Program at writers@uclaextension.edu; (310) 825-9415.
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When You Believe is the first in the "Believe" trilogy. In August, it comes out in its new mass market version--promised in this version, is a teaser for my next romance novel, out in February 2008. Here is the description of When You Believe from Kensington:
"Running from three thugs, Miranda Stead seeks safety, plunging through the first unlocked doorway she finds,into a place she should never have been able to enter. Surrounded by a room full of suspicious, robe-wearing people intent on remaining secret, Miranda recognizes a new danger - one she is only able to avoid when Sariel steps in to protect her. He must now use the power of his touch to erase her memory of all she has seen that evening, but first he'll use his magical powers in another way."
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Thank you for reading through this email. You don't know how much I appreciate all of the support I receive from my readers, friends, colleagues, and fans. If you would like to be taken off the list, please let me know!
Looking forward to hearing from or seeing you soon.
Jessica Barksdale
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