online Book in a Week class

Reminder: Deadline to sign up for Revisions class is September 11.

Book in a Week Class
Cost: $75 ($40 if you have taken it before)
Dates: September 21, 2009 to October 23, 2009
Deadline to sign up: September 19, 2009
Class size is limited!

Note: All lessons and class discussion are by email so they can be read and responded to at whatever time of day is most convenient for YOU.

Class Description:
Have you started a manuscript and not finished it? Does life or self-doubt seem to get in the way? Do you ever feel as if you're banging your head against the wall trying to write a book someone will want to buy? Would you like help brainstorming elements of your story? Explore the possibilities of who you can be as a writer? Would you like to write better, faster and more easily than you ever have before?

Book in a Week is a process that will help you get organized, learn techniques that make YOUR writing easier, faster, better and more FUN! Learn who YOU are as a writer and what works best for YOU. Discover the elements that make a compelling story. Write that book you've been wanting to write—and do it faster than you ever thought possible!

This class will take you through every step of the writing process—from beginning to brainstorm all the way through sending material out to be published. And it will help you discover who YOU are as a writer.

Weeks 1-3:
Preparing to write the first draft of a book in one week
Creating compelling characters or how to write about real people in nonfiction
Planning plot elements or structure in a nonfiction book
Significance of names
Effective paragraph and sentence structure
Using imagery and sensory detail to add impact
Writing effective dialogueCreating a productive writing environment
Enlisting the support of those around you
Mentally gearing yourself up to write faster (and better) than you thought you could

Week 4: Intensive Writing Week (October 10, 2009 through October 18, 2009)
This is about discovering how writing fits into YOUR life. You can't do it wrong. You won't fail. No matter what happens you will discover more about yourself as a writer than you thought possible during that ONE WEEK of writing!

Week 5:
Evaluating the writing experience itselfMaking revisionsSending out material

Bio: April Kihlstrom is an award winning author of 31 published romance novels. She offers coaching to fellow writers as well as classes and workshops on writing and has spoken at many conferences including: the Romance Writers of America national conference (romance) and the East of Eden conference (non-romance).

Testimonials from students who have taken the Book in a Week class:

“I have taken several online classes, none of them writing related. Still, none of them have been as well planned, documented and executed as BIAW.”

“Wow...Let me begin by saying Thank you Thank you Thank you! What an amazing process and generous amount of information given in a relatively short amount of time!”

“This course was certainly value for the money. A price can't be placed on the invaluable information and experience you imparted during this course.”

“I'm a better writer. I'm a faster writer. I'm a more confident writer.”

Payment for the class may be made by check or by Paypal. To sign up send an email to aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Also, please let me know if you have taken the class before.

Note: If cost is an issue, please let me know and on a case by case basis we may be able to work something out.

Revisions online writing class

I was going to start this class next week but then someone reminded me that September 7 is labor day so....

Class: Revisions From the Top Down
Dates: Monday September 14, 2009 to September 25, 2009
(Note: It is strongly recommended that students reread their manuscripts the weekend prior to class.)
Cost: $30 ($20 if you have taken an online Revisions class with me before)
Deadline to sign up: September 11, 2009
Format: all lessons and responses by email on a private class email loop

Have you been to a conference? Had a manuscript requested by an agent or editor? Are you just stuck on what to do next to make your novel work? Revisions From the Top Down is the fastest and most effective way I know to revise a manuscript. It's a process that will save you time and give you a new way to look at what you've written.

This revamped/revised two week online class will take you through the process of honing your manuscript to grab an agent or editor's attention and never let go! A critique (if you choose) of your first page is included.

To sign up send an email to aprilkihlstrom@yahoo.com with the title of the class you wish to take in the header and in the body of the email please put: your name and whether you prefer to pay by check or Paypal. Also, please let me know if you have taken the class before.