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| Learn how to write your novel...AND get it published in the privacy of your
own home with the "Writing For Love and Money" home-study program designed for
beginners. |
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WRITING FOR LOVE AND MONEY |
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Advice from Cynthia Breeding (Writing for Love and Money participant):
Since I receive quite a few emails from potential students, I decided I
would answer the most commonly asked questions in this attachment. If you
have other questions, please feel free to email me (croepke@stx.rr.com) and ask.
What kinds of materials are sent?
You receive a binder that will hold all of your lessons (27 Chapters), as
well as four CD's that contain conversations of various authors on becoming
a successful romance writer. You will also receive a 365 day "diary" for
writing practice, in addition to Romance markets and individual publisher's
guidelines.
What do the lessons cover?
The lessons are a step-by-step process from themes and storylines that work,
to doing an outline, creating characters, building tension, hooking your
reader and completing the first draft. You are also taught how to do a
synopsis (which is the hardest part for me) and how to write a query letter.
Is there homework or a timeline?
The lessons are self-paced and you will receive a set about once a month.
There are practice writing samples and you will send in three lessons to be
reviewed by published authors who will give you direct feedback. The
lessons to be sent in are your outline, synopsis, and query.
Is there a real live person to talk to?
Yes. You can email or call. The response is very quick and positive.
Do I have a critique partner?
No. There are pros and cons as to what makes a good partner. However,
networking is important, just as it is with any job. I did become good
friends with one of the authors from this course and recently met one of the
founders of Romance Writers of America (not affiliated with American Writers & Artists Institute). AWAI
will give you tips on agents and how to market your book and increase your
sales.
What had been my overall experience with the class?
I have a whole shelf full of "how to write" books and many of them have
conflicting ideas. (IE: Some stress character as the most important aspect
while other stress plot and still others scene and structure.) What I liked
most about this course is that it addresses each of these issues separately
and is not partial to one or the other. Authors' preferences are as
individual as authors' voices and what makes a good sale for one person may
not for another. And, if you get confused, you can get answers and
guidance. And the other thing I liked was the direct feedback on the
lessons. (Be prepared, though, to get some honest critiques about your weak
areas and how to improve.)
Is the course worth the money?
Obviously, I think it is. I had completed three manuscripts before I took
the course. The lessons really pointed out the areas in those
manuscripts that were weak and needed revision. Consequently, after making
corrections, the first manuscript that I wrote was the one that sold!
The caveat here would be that it really depends on you. You need
self-discipline to write and it's very easy to procrastinate. If you assign
yourself time EACH DAY to work on a lesson, you will complete the course and
you will also have a complete manuscript that will be ready to send to an
agent or publisher.
The other caveat (and AWAI addresses this) is that you need to be prepared
for rejections and a lot of them will simply be form letters addressed to
"Dear Writer". I have a folder full and every author I've contacted has
assured me they have all had their share too.
To paraphrase a quote I read somewhere about why artists paint...
"I don't write because I can; I write because I must."
You'll experience this once you begin that first chapter.
Good luck and let me know if I can be of help.
Cynthia Breeding (croepke@stx.rr.com)
Go to Writing for Love and Money
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