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WRITER TO WRITERMy Writing PhilosophyI have a Master's degree in English and a Master of Fine Art's degree in Creative Writing. I've taught English composition at the college level. I've also led creative writing critique workshops and taught creative writing courses at both the introductory and advanced level. Just as important, I'm a successfully published children's book author. I know what it feels like to have a dream and I know how important it is to have others help guide you toward success. I believe that as writers we should take personal responsibility for improving at our craft and as members of a larger writing community we should not shy away from helping fellow writers reach their goals as well.
The Writer’s Life: A Recipe for “Dreams Come True”If you love to write and dream about seeing your work in print, below is my recipe for how to make your dreams come true.
Ingredients 7 days a week of writing at least one hour a day 7 days a week of reading at least one hour a day 1 writer’s critique group 100 cases of skin-thickening agent 1-2 subscriptions to writer’s magazines 1 or more courses a year on improving craft 50 bottles of word polishing ointment 3 Tablespoon of organization 1 pound determination A dash of luck Directions Mix ingredients thoroughly and cook until extremely hot. Invite agents and editors to taste. Enjoy! The Basics of How to Format a ManuscriptStandard formatting for a book manuscript is as follows: Document Times New Roman 12-point font One-inch margins, top, bottom, and sides Double spaced First Page Only Name, address, email & phone in upper left corner Word count in upper right corner Center title, halfway down the page, then begin text |
Creative Writing ClassesI often teach local writing courses through McNeese State University. The writing courses I am teaching this summer include: Introduction to Short Story Writing In this five-week course, writers will take a short story from idea to completion. Lessons will focus on the importance of theme, create compelling characters, and developing a plot arc. They will explore other elements of fiction while writing a short story with an eye toward publication. Course also includes a story critique and review of potential markets. Online Summer Novel Writer’s Program This eight-week course is designed to give writers the guidance and discipline they need to get their novels off the ground. Lessons focus on brainstorming the idea, character development, story arc, character arc, and more. Students participate in group exercises and receive both peer and instructor feedback on their work. Students complete an outline and two or more chapters of a novel by course end, as well as a personalized novel completion plan. |