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 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, thirteen 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.
Tuesday nights beginning April 16, 2024 – May 14, 2024
Schedule
Week 0 – Getting Started (pre-course video and assignment) – April 9th
Week 1 – Creating Emotionally Dynamic Characters – April 16th
Week 2 – Building a Plot That Won’t Crumble – April 23rd
Week 3 – Backstory and Point of View – April 30th
Week 4 – Dialogue: It’s Not Just Talk and Heart-Thumping Description – May 7th
Week 5 – Revision and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers – May 14th
What You’ll Learn
- How and when to use backstory
- Draft Writing Techniques
- Plotting – Who, Why and Why Not and other 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
- Viewpoint
- 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 high speed 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
Tuesday evenings – 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. EST – Classes are delivered online, in a LIVE and video recorded format. There will be a Thursday and/or Saturday – Q&A session which will be scheduled with the group.
Program Fee
$197 – Registration deadline April 9, 2024. Payment plan available. Reserve your seat with a $100 deposit. Final payment due April 14, 2024.
$217 – Late registration deadline April 15, 2024. No payment plan.
Add-ons available (for course registrants only)
- 2,000 word critique of your project – $60
- 50-minute coaching session $50 (full price $100)
- Both critique and coaching session $90
Note – Deadline to pay for Add-ons is May 15th. Service(s) must be used by September 30, 2024 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 invoice will be emailed. Please indicate if you prefer to pay by Cash App or Zelle.
Register HERE
Writing Resources
Rhonda’s Writing Boot Camp (visit HERE for details)
Other recommendations:
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
- Writing the Breakout Novel – Donald Maas
- Stein on Writing – Sol Stein
- Any and all of the Writer’s Digest series (I highly recommend Scene and Structure, Description, and Point of View)
Rhonda McKnight 