Adult Writing Workshops
I teach a variety of publishing related courses at UConn geared to undergraduates, and often get requests to do versions of those courses for non-students who are interested in pursuing their own writing. Since I miss working with adult learners as well - something I've loved doing since my days teaching in the Weekends at Bloomfield College program almost 20 years ago - I finally decided to give into the requests. My first book was The Adult Student's Guide (which is now out of print, but part of which you can read here), and teaching these adult workshops gives me a chance to enjoy the unique energy that comes from working with small groups of adult learners. --Leigh
TOPICS OFFERED
Why Some Books Sell... and Others Don't
A close look at how editors buy books and how the book publishing process works, including the basics of how to submit a manuscript, what editors look for in books (and what to avoid), what book proposals are, and how to avoid scams.
1 four-hour session - $50
Selling Your Book
Learn how to write and revise book proposals, how to find agents and potential publishers for your work, how to submit material to publishers in a way that maximizes your chances of a book sale, how to research markets, and how to avoid publishing scams.
6 two-hour sessions - $200
Finishing the Story
Are you stuck halfway through a book? An intensive workshop on plotting, outlining, and solving story problems.
4 two-hour sessions - $150
Advanced Writing Workshop
For writers who want to push their work to the next level, whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction. Write 150 pages in 15 weeks, working on a single novella-length piece or a section of a book that you're trying to finish. Learn to set and keep writing goals, edit and work with other editors, solve story problems, and write at a professional pace - all while keeping the rest of your life flowing smoothly.
introductory session, individual conference, plus 14 two-hour sessions or 7 four-hour sessions - $500
Publishing Contracts
A close look at the language in actual publishing contracts. How do you tell a good contract from a bad one? What can you negotiate over, and what are the "deal-breaking" clauses on each side. This one-day workshop takes the mystery out of publishing contracts and royalty statements and helps keep you in control of your writing career.
1 four-hour session - $100
Advanced Romance Writing Workshop
For writers who want to push their work to the next level, with an emphasis on the specific requirements and audience expectations of the romance genre (whether you're writing historical, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, contemporary, or another subgenre of the field). Write 150 pages in 15 weeks, working on a single romance novel, and finish the course with all the tools you need to complete the book. Learn to set and keep writing goals, edit and work with other editors, solve story problems, and write at a professional pace - all while keeping the rest of your life flowing smoothly.
introductory session, individual conference, plus 14 two-hour sessions or 7 four-hour sessions - $600
Advanced Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Workshop
For writers who want to push their work to the next level, with an emphasis on the specific requirements and audience expectations of the SF/F genre, and taught by a longtime genre editor and writer. Write 150 pages in 15 weeks, working on a single novella-length piece or a section of a book that you're trying to finish (and if it's a longer work, finish the course with all the tools you need to complete the book). Learn to set and keep writing goals, edit and work with other editors, solve story problems, and write at a professional pace - all while keeping the rest of your life flowing smoothly.
introductory session, individual conference, plus 14 two-hour sessions or 7 four-hour sessions - $600
CLASS SCHEDULE
Classes are offered in two-hour sessions on Monday and Wednesday nights or four-hour sessions meeting every other Saturday. You can look at the schedule of classes and sign up for classes.
LIMITED SEATING
Each workshop is limited to 12 attendees and includes all course materials and plenty of personal attention. All you need to bring is a laptop or a journal to take notes with. All classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with payment due when you reserve a seat in class. Classes are geared to adult learners and may contain mature content; students under the age of 18 may only enroll with special permission.
REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS
You can cancel for a full refund up to 48 hours before the first class or a 50% refund after the first class (except for one-day workshops). If you are forced to drop out of a class partway through because of emergency, you may sign up for the same class again at a 50% discount. Classes may be postponed or rescheduled in case of bad weather.
If a workshop is canceled for any reason, anyone who signed up will be given a full refund or credit for another workshop, at their option.
LOCATION
Most classes are offered at our Pomfret, Connecticut location, but some are offered elsewhere. After you reserve a seat in class, you will be sent an email confirmation that includes directions to the class. If you would like us to offer a class that isn't on the schedule, would like to sponsor a class at a different location, or have any questions, you can email me or call 860-208-4829 for more information.