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Summer and Fall Classes
UCLA Extension |
This class still has space. Go to UCLA Extension for further details on all classes. 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.
This is a great one day class for writers working on a novel or longer non-fiction work.
Plot and Tension in the Novel: Keeping the Reader Tied In
One Day Class, September 22
UCLA Campus You may have wonderful ideas for your novel, fascinating characters, and beautiful writing, but those attributes alone won't tie a novel together. Plot and the ensuing tension that a carefully constructed story engenders are what keeps your readers tied to your words. In this workshop, we take your material and create a storyline, working on creating successful beginnings, middles, and ends. We also see how your characters and your writing style work in conjunction with your plot. Working from a complete draft of a novel, a partial draft, or an outline of an idea, we explore your stories. Through lecture, discussion, in-class writing, and workshopping, we follow the arc of your story, discussing how all the components work together. Among the topics considered are structuring an effective "hook," watching for the middle "sag," and tying up loose plot ends. We also work on creating effective, round characters and focus on the theme of your work.
Perfect for those wanting to write a romance:
It's All about Love: Writing and Selling Your Romance Novel (Online)
September 26-November 28 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. |
My first novel for my second romance trilogy fromKensington is currently in production! Below you will find the cover at this point (things sometimes do change) and I've also included the back cover copy. As you know, authors seldom write the back copy, but I think you will get the idea of the story. I called my Believe novels When You Believe, Reason to Believe, and Believe in Me: "Harry Potter for adults with sex." I'm thinking that this next series should be "Star Wars with sex." But I think there might have been some sex in Star Wars, so I'm still working on that one.
They are here among us.
Far from home, gifted with special abilities, hunted for their powers. And they are desperate to find their other, the one who completes them before it's too late.
SOMETIMES, TIME REALLY DOES STAND STILL
Mila Adams has always known she was different. It's not just that she's a Mission District bohemian artist in rarefied San Francisco society. No, it's that for as long as she can remember, she has had the ability to shift time, and who would believe that? Certainly not the obnoxious blind dates her mother keeps foisting off on her. Mila can't help feeling there's someone out there for her, a soul mate who might understand her unique ability. And when she looks into the dark eyes of financial whiz Garrick McClellan, time feels as if it has opened up on its own-and this time, Mila has nothing to do with it.
Any man would lust after a beauty like Mila, but the moment Garrick touches her-feels her shifting time just as he can-he recognizes her as his partner in power. Their connection is immediate, passionate, raw, and beyond anything either has ever experienced. But who are they? What is this gift that joins them so intensely? Are there others like them? And why do they feel that time is running out?
At this point, pre-orders are not possible, but I will announce it on my web site when they are. |
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This is a big picture because I have nothing else to say about this novel!!
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