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Fall Books, Fall Classes, Other News |
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It's hard to believe the season has spun already. But for so many I know, this summer has been one of transitions, not all eagerly anticipated or wanted. So the crisp fall air and change of season might do us all wonders. As a teacher, each fall semester, I seem to relive that time of hope I had each year as a student, that great feeling that I was about to embark on something new and wonderful. Every day, something amazing was just about to happen! About the time Christmas arrived, I realized that maybe things weren't all that different, and that I would probably have to work for my successes. But how wonderful September and October always felt. So much hope! And I hope that this fall brings us good change and happiness and good reading and writing, too.
And, as always, things just keep clipping along. I have a few classes to promote and a couple of books to talk about and just some writing in news in general. I am currently anticipating the release in February 2008 of Being With Him, the first in my second romance trilogy. Currently, I'm hammering out the beginnings in the third of that series, and I hope to be completed with that by the end of the year.
More is always available on my web site, www.jessicabarksdaleinclan.com.
Thanks for reading this email and for being supportive of my work and teaching. I appreciate you all so much.
Best,
Jessica
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Online UCLA Class
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
Contact: Corey Campbell, UCLA Extension, (310) 825-0107
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Plot and Tension in the Novel: Keeping the Reader Tied In--An Intensive, One Day Class, September 22
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.
Contact: Mae Respecio , UCLA Extension, (310) 206-0951
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UCLA Extension Writers' Program proudly presents Writers Faire 2007.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
11 am-3 pm
UCLA Campus: Young Hall Courtyard
Admission is free. Parking on campus in Lot 2 is $8.
Join us for our eighth annual Writers Faire. This whirlwind event includes 24 free mini-panels and lectures, where you can hear your favorite instructors/writers in lively discussions about the art, craft, business, and life of writing. Learn more about Los Angeles area MFA programs. Meet and mingle with 15 professional and community organizations. Whether you are interested in writing for film and television, fiction writing, creative nonfiction, poetry, writing for the youth market, playwriting, or publishing, come and hear more than 70 professional writers share their insights, tips, and know-how.
"[The Faire is] a great opportunity to learn about your craft for free while also seeing which instructors will help you most."-Leslie Lehr, Novel Writing Instructor
"It's like going to a pep rally before the start of a big game. You leave more determined than ever to write that idea that is burning inside of you no matter what. It's a great way to get your creative juices motivated."-Will Hasley, Screenwriting Instructor
Contact the Writers' Program office at (310) 825-9415 for more information.
Writers Faire 2007 Features:
- Hear from more than 70 writers in screenwriting and creative writing as they share their expertise and tips in 24 unique mini-classes
- Enroll in most fall courses at a ten percent discount (advanced courses not included)
- Get one-on-one advisement on courses and certificate programs
- Attend a special session on graduate programs in creative writing
- Visit with up to 20 professional and community organizations, graduate programs, and writing-allied businesses that share a common goal of promoting writing in Los Angeles
I am not going to be able to attend this year, but it's a wonderful event.
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When You Believe
My first romance is now available in mass market version.
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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