Writer’s Workshop
Please read all of the information below before registering. The registration link is at the bottom. I hope to see you in class.
“Write it Right” featuring author, Rhonda McKnight, is an intensive workshop designed around the three essential building blocks of fiction (who, why, and why not of conflict), character development, dialogue, story structure, rewriting and self-editing. Students learn how to use the combination of critical story elements, structure and editing to create strong plots and compelling characters and great pacing. The other critical elements of fiction (setting, structure, theme, etc.) will also be introduced. And you build a section of your story as the class goes along. That’s right. You will really use your writing muscles.
What qualifies me to teach you writing? Several things, but the number one is that I love writing, and I love teaching. I’m a bit of a dream chaser, so I get it…you are gifted and you want to see your dream of holding your novel in your hands come true. I used to be you; or you are a published author and you know you need to improve your craft. Continuing education is critical to the success of a writer’s longevity in this business. Readers expect and deserve the best. I applaud you for caring about your career. I know I can help you to become a better writer. See the About Rhonda page for my experience publishing other authors.
I have several award winning novels under my belt, most notably my 2015 Emma Award for Unbreak My Heart, ten years of free-lance editing experience, a master’s degree in adult education, and 20 years of career experience training and providing coaching services for state government. I told you I enjoyed teaching.
Join me. You won’t regret it. Click HERE for testimonials from previous students.
The next workshop begins March 27, 2023!
Monday nights beginning March 27, 2023 – April 29, 2023
Schedule
Week 0 – Getting Started (Pre-course session) – Video March 20th
Week 1 – Backstory and Point of View – March 27th
Week 2 – Creating Emotionally Dynamic Characters – April 3rd
Week 3 – Building A Plot That Won’t Crumble – April 10th
Week 4 – Dialogue: It’s Not Just Talk and Heart-Thumping Description – April 17th
Week 5 – Revision and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers – April 24th
Free Recording – Scene and Structure
What You’ll Learn
- How and when to use backstory without slowing down the story
- Draft Writing Techniques
- Plotting – Who, Why and Why Not and several plotting methods are shared
- Character development and characterization techniques
- How to enhance your writing through description and sensory details
- How to write attention grabbing openings, stake-raising middles, and a solid endings
- Techniques to improve your dialogue-writing skills and the mechanics of structure and punctuation in dialogue
- Revision – The best books are rewritten. Solid plan for revising your manuscript
- Self-editing – Specific strategies and a plan for polishing your work
What You’ll Need
- A computer or tablet with Internet access (ability to login to Zoom)
- A few hours outside of class to work on exercises
- A great attitude and a desire to learn
Details
Monday evenings – 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. EST – Classes are delivered online, in a LIVE and video recorded format. There will be Thursday and/or Saturday – Q&A sessions which will be scheduled with the group.
Program Fee
$175 – registration deadline March 16, 2023. Payment plan available. Reserve your seat with a $100 deposit. Final payment due March 22, 2023.
$200 – Late registration deadline March 22, 2023. No payment plan.
Add-ons available (for course registrants only)
- 3,000 word critique of your project – $65 (discounted 60%)
- 50-minute coaching session $25 (full price $90)
- Both critique and coaching session $85
Note – Deadline to pay for Add-ons is April 15th. Services must be used by October 30, 2023 unless other arrangements are made to extend the time.
Due to limited class size and first come/first serve nature of the class space, payments are non-refundable.
Questions? Contact Rhonda McKnight at rhondamcknight@gmail.com with all questions. Include “Writing Workshop” in the subject of the email to ensure you receive a prompt response.
PayPal or Square invoice will be emailed. Please indicate if you prefer to pay by Cash App or Zelle.
Register for class by clicking HERE (This session is closed.)
If you’re interested in being placed on a waiting list for a future class, click HERE
Writing Resources
Here are some things I’ve learned and some books I’d recommend:
Join a writer and/or critique group. Whether online or in person, this has been one of the most important things in developing me as a writer.
Join national writing organizations, go to writing conferences, and join online groups for writers. There are many on Facebook. Network and learn.
Read Read Read!!!!! Nothing more telling than a writer who doesn’t read. Read things in your genre and outside of your genre. It’s important to be a well rounded writer.
Study the Craft of Writing. These are a few among many craft books on my shelves:
- The First Five Pages – Noah Lukeman (one of the first writing books you should read)
- Self-Editing for Fiction Writers – Rennie Browne and Dave King (another “first” book)
- Telling the Tale – Angela Benson
- Goal, Motivation and Conflict – Deb Dixon (Must be purchased from the author at http://www.debradixon.com/gmc.html )
- Writing the Breakout Novel – Donald Maas (a must read)
- Stein on Writing – Sol Stein
- Save the Cat Writes a Novel – Jessica Brody
- Any and all of the Writer’s Digest series (I highly recommend Scene and Structure, Description, and Point of View)
Rhonda McKnight 