Online Studies
Hi!
My instructor, Susan Meier, said it’s okay to promote her in the comment section of my last blog post. And no, she isn’t some evil taskmaster. She is kind and very willing to answer everyone’s zillion questions.
Susan Meier
It is only lately that I’ve discoveredRWA’s (Romance Writers of America) online courses. They are fabulous because they are affordable (usually in the $20-$30 range for the ones I’ve taken), the instructors are willing to answer questions and in some courses, even give you specific feedback on your work. As well, you never have to leave the comfort of your couch–everything comes in on email. Does it get any better than that? Of course it does! It improves your writing and puts more tools in your toolbox.
Right now, I am taking the Orange County RWA Chapter’s course called, “Can This Manuscript Be Saved?” And as many of us in the course have discovered, yes it can be saved! I can’t tell you how much that storyboard is clearing things up in my mind. It’s almost like I have a new, fresh brain when it comes to that story. I can look at it and see where my focus is off. I seriously cannot believe I procrastinated on making a storyboard for as long as I did. (And even though Meier didn’t specifically tell us to storyboard in her lesson, this was the method of displaying scenes that I chose. I totally give Meier credit for the Eureka moment in regards to storyboarding as the idea came directly from her suggestion to do the action/reaction/decision exercise mentioned in my last post.)
I’ve also popped over to Susan’s ‘How to Analyze the Books You Read’ workshop. (It’s free.) Although it is romance focused, the ideas can be applied to any genre if you are trying to determine what your book needs in order to fit a publishing line–or even why certain publishers keep rejecting your story.
What I like about Susan’s approaches is that everything is very simple yet effective. You don’t need a PhD in creative writing to make use of her tips.
What more could you ask for?
We are having a lot of fun learning how to make friends with our manuscripts!
I think the biggest stumbling block to revising a book is the fear of how big the job is!
A good storyboard brings it down to size!
It sure does. Even without storyboarding, I can see flaws in my other works in progress just from what I have learned through storyboarding. Incredible!
So, Jean, do you go to a lot of online classes?
I’m not a fanatic about them, but when I find one that focuses on something I’m curious about, I go!
The last one I attended that I LOVED was Angela Knight’s Dangerously Sexy. Wow. That’s oen talented lady. Not only does she write great books, but also she was a great teacher. I’d recommend that class to anyone who wants to write great love scenes.
And no, Angela Knight isn’t a friend of mine! LOL. She’s just a very talented lady!
susan
This is my second class. And from my limited experience with them, I would agree that it helps to find one that focusses on what you are curious about or relates to where you are in your writing. The first one I took, while interesting didn’t really add much to my writer toolbox. I think it was a case of wrong timing.
A critique partner recently took a synopsis class and a hooks class (through RWA) and she said they were incredible. I can attest to the fact that they have benefited me as well–her critiques are getting incredible!
What I like about RWA classes is that they are affordable and everyone is so enthusiastic!
Does Angela teach other classes as well?
Jean