Classes/Workshops/Conferences

January 1-March 28, UCLA Extension, Online

Novel Writing Five

For students who have completed Novel IV, this intensive workshop is specifically directed toward refining an advanced manuscript into a polished novel. The focus is on structural and thematic aspects and the maintenance of the author's unique voice. You work closely with your peers and the instructor to assess portions of individual manuscripts. Emphasis is given to developing and perfecting self-editing techniques. The overall goal of the course is for each novel to reach a professional level appropriate for eventual publication.

January 4-March 21, UCLA Extension, Online

Clear and Descriptive Writing (11 Weeks)

This class focuses on the basics of sentence and paragraph, providing tools to enable clear, focused, and descriptive essays and other writing objectives. Starting with focused sentence exercises, you move toward creating clear, thoughtful, and organized paragraphs that employ tone, voice, and diction. As well as completing exercises and writing assignments, you collect examples of writing—both effective and ineffective—to present to the class in order to share and examine writing strategies. Toward the end of the class, students develop one essay-length piece of writing. In workshop groups, you hone this piece and help classmates improve their work. You leave with skills you can apply in various settings and with different writing projects.

January 3-April 9, Southern New Hampshire University, Online MFA Program

Thesis 2

Continue writing a publication-ready novel following a detailed writing plan toward the completion of a full draft. Work to hone creative craft and critical abilities using constructive workshopping, engaging with peers in productive feedback processes. Develop practical strategies for improving work through revision.

Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference, March 8-11, Seattle

I will be signing books and talking story at AWP in Seattle, March 8-11. Please come see me at the Bookfair at the Flexible Press booth (T1401) the 9th from 11-12, at Sheila-Na-Gig's booth (T534) the 10th from 11-12, the UCLA Extension Writers' Program booth (742) the 10th from 12-12:30, and the Rainer Writers Workshop booth (710) on the 11th from 2-3 . Here's a searchable map.

April 12-June 20,  UCLA Extension, Online

Novel Writing Four

For those with a minimum of 50 pages of a novel-in-progress, this workshop guides you to generate at least 50 new pages, as well as learn essential self-editing techniques with the instructor and peers reviewing each participant's project in detail. Refinements of character, structure, emotional content, and the development of the writer's voice are also explored. The goal is to produce a substantial portion of your novel.

April 3-June 20, UCLA Extension, Online

Clear and Descriptive Writing (11 Weeks)

This class focuses on the basics of sentence and paragraph, providing tools to enable clear, focused, and descriptive essays and other writing objectives. Starting with focused sentence exercises, you move toward creating clear, thoughtful, and organized paragraphs that employ tone, voice, and diction. As well as completing exercises and writing assignments, you collect examples of writing—both effective and ineffective—to present to the class in order to share and examine writing strategies. Toward the end of the class, students develop one essay-length piece of writing. In workshop groups, you hone this piece and help classmates improve their work. You leave with skills you can apply in various settings and with different writing projects.

June 28-September 12, UCLA Extension, Online

Clear and Descriptive Writing (11 Weeks)

This class focuses on the basics of sentence and paragraph, providing tools to enable clear, focused, and descriptive essays and other writing objectives. Starting with focused sentence exercises, you move toward creating clear, thoughtful, and organized paragraphs that employ tone, voice, and diction. As well as completing exercises and writing assignments, you collect examples of writing—both effective and ineffective—to present to the class in order to share and examine writing strategies. Toward the end of the class, students develop one essay-length piece of writing. In workshop groups, you hone this piece and help classmates improve their work. You leave with skills you can apply in various settings and with different writing projects.