I know it's been a while since I posted. I've been mulling over how to reinvent both my writing self and make my blog more relevant or if it's even necessary these days. After all, I don't want to waste anyone's time. So...stay tuned. If/when I figure it out, I'll post whether I'm essentially closing up shop here or will be posting on a regular schedule.
I did want to mention Sue Grimshaw however. Head buyer for Romance at Borders. Our industry is changing. Some people are running scared, some are embracing new possibilities. Sue Grimshaw spoke yesterday here in Austin for our ARWA group and wowed us all. This is a woman with vision who is taking advantage of new possibilities. She is a strong advocate for romance novels and authors. She is truly one of the good guys in our industry as well as being a very likable person.
If you are an author and haven't yet checked out the Borders website--do so! Check out the opportunities to promote your book. I think you'll be as impressed as I was.
You can also follow Sue on Twitter. She mentioned that she often tweets coupons so if you're a reader you REALLY want to follow Sue!
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Sunday, September 05, 2010
About Book in a Week....
Thanks to Flo Fitzpatrick who posted on Facebook:
"I hope you get a ton of students, April! ONE OF THE BEST WORKSHOPS I EVER TOOK!!!! ( It enabled me to write Hot Stuff in a week - and that book received four and half stars - Gold on RT Reviews and is under option for film.) TAKE THIS CLASS, PEOPLE!!!! "
WTG Flo--fingers crossed for you on that movie deal!
"I hope you get a ton of students, April! ONE OF THE BEST WORKSHOPS I EVER TOOK!!!! ( It enabled me to write Hot Stuff in a week - and that book received four and half stars - Gold on RT Reviews and is under option for film.) TAKE THIS CLASS, PEOPLE!!!! "
WTG Flo--fingers crossed for you on that movie deal!
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
next Book in a Week class
Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey. Based on the response, I've scheduled my next BIAW class to start September 13, 2010 and I will be revising a number of the lessons. In particular, I will be revamping (and perhaps adding more) lessons on book structure and revisions. As always, I'll be open as we go along, to requests for more information on any aspect of the class lessons. Please feel free to forward this to anyone you think might be interested in the class.
Note: This is the intensive version of the class.
Book in a Week Online Writing Class
Cost: $80 ($40 if you have taken it before) (Note: I understand the economy is bad and if you have a hardship situation, please let me know! Odds are we can work something out.)
Dates: September 13, 2010 to October 15, 2010
Deadline to sign up: by September 11, 2010 (though I do sometimes take people at the last minute if there is still room in the class)
Lessons: Everything is handled via email so that you can do the work at your convenience.
Class size is limited!
Class Description:
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. You can participate as much or as little as you like in email discussions.
Weeks 1-3:
This is when you do the prep work with lessons that are designed to get you thinking in new ways about your project. Among other things, I'll cover characters and book structure, imagery and use of names, POV and how to make sentence and paragraph structure work for you. If you choose, you can post answers and get help brainstorming ideas for your book but NO ONE is required to do so!
Week 4: Intensive Writing Week (October 2, 2010 through October 10, 2010)
This is your chance to write better and faster than you ever have before, to discover what YOUR natural first draft will look like and ways to fit writing into your life that you may never have thought of before.
Week 5:
Here's your chance to look at the experience of week 4 and use it to create a writing method that works for YOU and is tailored to your most natural writing style. We'll also look at how to revise your work in the fastest, most effective way possible and I'll be sharing some of my thoughts on query letters, synopses, etc.
Does it work? Well, a number of people who have taken this class are now published or under contract with material they worked on during my classes!
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. Note: If you do not get a response back from me, please try emailing me at april.kihlstrom@gmail.com. Unfortunately email does sometimes simply disappear into cyberspace.
Note: This is the intensive version of the class.
Book in a Week Online Writing Class
Cost: $80 ($40 if you have taken it before) (Note: I understand the economy is bad and if you have a hardship situation, please let me know! Odds are we can work something out.)
Dates: September 13, 2010 to October 15, 2010
Deadline to sign up: by September 11, 2010 (though I do sometimes take people at the last minute if there is still room in the class)
Lessons: Everything is handled via email so that you can do the work at your convenience.
Class size is limited!
Class Description:
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. You can participate as much or as little as you like in email discussions.
Weeks 1-3:
This is when you do the prep work with lessons that are designed to get you thinking in new ways about your project. Among other things, I'll cover characters and book structure, imagery and use of names, POV and how to make sentence and paragraph structure work for you. If you choose, you can post answers and get help brainstorming ideas for your book but NO ONE is required to do so!
Week 4: Intensive Writing Week (October 2, 2010 through October 10, 2010)
This is your chance to write better and faster than you ever have before, to discover what YOUR natural first draft will look like and ways to fit writing into your life that you may never have thought of before.
Week 5:
Here's your chance to look at the experience of week 4 and use it to create a writing method that works for YOU and is tailored to your most natural writing style. We'll also look at how to revise your work in the fastest, most effective way possible and I'll be sharing some of my thoughts on query letters, synopses, etc.
Does it work? Well, a number of people who have taken this class are now published or under contract with material they worked on during my classes!
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. Note: If you do not get a response back from me, please try emailing me at april.kihlstrom@gmail.com. Unfortunately email does sometimes simply disappear into cyberspace.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A Short Survey
I know it's been a while. I've been pondering what to post here that would actually be of value to anyone and life has been a bit....hectic.
I've had a few requests for my Book in a Week online class and before I schedule the next one I wanted to make sure it would be what people want so I've created a short survey. It's at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KZPNV5K
I plan to keep the survey open until Friday August 20, 2010.
Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to fill it out!
I've had a few requests for my Book in a Week online class and before I schedule the next one I wanted to make sure it would be what people want so I've created a short survey. It's at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KZPNV5K
I plan to keep the survey open until Friday August 20, 2010.
Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to fill it out!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
class postponed
Well, my class for the Writers League of Texas has been postponed until April 26. I'm really looking forward to it because I love helping people discover their ideal writing process and how to do promotion in a way that feels like fun AND will be more effective than trying to do what everyone else is doing.
In writing--as with everything--when we do things we love, in a way that is ideal for us, what we do is far more likely to work and stand out because it's unique. Passion is infectious! As for the writing itself, there are as many ways to write as there are writers and each of us is different in what would be ideal. I remember years ago, people telling me I should get up every morning at 5 am and write for an hour or two before my kids got up. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! EVER! At that hour of the morning, my brain simply does not function. On the other hand, for the people saying it, that really was the ideal thing to do.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to this class--especially since it will come right before the WLT Editor and Agents Conference. I love that after taking my class, people will be able to clearly articulate what their book is about, why readers will love it and how they intend to promote it in a way that is unique and likely to get attention.
(If you're interested, the link to sign up is in the post before this one.)
Whether you are a writer or not, I hope you live on your own terms--doing what you love in a way that is absolutely right for YOU. For most of us, that includes taking into account how the people we love will be affected and still finding a way to be ourselves.
In writing--as with everything--when we do things we love, in a way that is ideal for us, what we do is far more likely to work and stand out because it's unique. Passion is infectious! As for the writing itself, there are as many ways to write as there are writers and each of us is different in what would be ideal. I remember years ago, people telling me I should get up every morning at 5 am and write for an hour or two before my kids got up. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! EVER! At that hour of the morning, my brain simply does not function. On the other hand, for the people saying it, that really was the ideal thing to do.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to this class--especially since it will come right before the WLT Editor and Agents Conference. I love that after taking my class, people will be able to clearly articulate what their book is about, why readers will love it and how they intend to promote it in a way that is unique and likely to get attention.
(If you're interested, the link to sign up is in the post before this one.)
Whether you are a writer or not, I hope you live on your own terms--doing what you love in a way that is absolutely right for YOU. For most of us, that includes taking into account how the people we love will be affected and still finding a way to be ourselves.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Brainstorming Beginning of a Book to End with Promotion
As writers, we're used to brainstorming our stories/books. How often, though, do we visualize the end of the process as we begin? By that, I don't just mean the completion of the book, I mean EVERYTHING--from the final book to the process of writing it to pitching it to promoting it.
Because I think there is such value in looking at the writing process this way, I'm going to be teaching an online course for the Writers League of Texas. I'll be taking the class through the process of brainstorming where right from the beginning, the writer has in mind the end game. Just as important, I'll be helping writers look at what fits THEM. What are the unique talents and interests and life situations they bring to the book and their careers.
This is something I often do when coaching writers and now I get to incorporate it into a class--an online class. I love online classes because everything is by email so people can read and respond to lessons any time of day or night--and can be anywhere in the world.
Anyway, if you're interested, here is the link. As I said, I'm doing this through the Writers League of Texas. Brainstorming Your Book and Your Career: Creating a Pathway to Success.
Please feel free, also, to pass the information on to anyone you think may be interested.
Because I think there is such value in looking at the writing process this way, I'm going to be teaching an online course for the Writers League of Texas. I'll be taking the class through the process of brainstorming where right from the beginning, the writer has in mind the end game. Just as important, I'll be helping writers look at what fits THEM. What are the unique talents and interests and life situations they bring to the book and their careers.
This is something I often do when coaching writers and now I get to incorporate it into a class--an online class. I love online classes because everything is by email so people can read and respond to lessons any time of day or night--and can be anywhere in the world.
Anyway, if you're interested, here is the link. As I said, I'm doing this through the Writers League of Texas. Brainstorming Your Book and Your Career: Creating a Pathway to Success.
Please feel free, also, to pass the information on to anyone you think may be interested.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Differences
I'm about to head off to New Jersey fairly soon. I'll see my son. I'll stay with friends--the ones about to move. And I've been talking with my daughter on the phone. It all has me thinking how different people can be. What is primary concern to one person may be secondary or negligible to another.
If we're writers, it's especially important that we keep in mind how differently people can react to a situation. As human beings, our lives will go more smoothly if we remember that not everyone shares our priorities and/or expectations.
What might drive me crazy might be an essential need for someone else--and vice versa. The best thing I can do in that kind of situation is to listen--not only because I care about others but because it helps me as a writer to understand how someone else might experience the world in a very different way than I do.
I must admit I love that there is so much variety in the world! It's probably part of why I love being a writer--because I get to experience through my characters what I might never choose to do in my own life.
Here's hoping there is wonderful variety in your lives as well and that it brings you joy!
PS I've come to realize that one of my strengths as a writers coach is that often I can help resolve someone's challenges in just one phone call. In other words, people don't have to have long term commitments with me for coaching--though some choose to do so. I'll probably post more about this in future blog posts because I think it's important to realize that when we find what works most naturally for us we can accomplish more than we thought possible....
If we're writers, it's especially important that we keep in mind how differently people can react to a situation. As human beings, our lives will go more smoothly if we remember that not everyone shares our priorities and/or expectations.
What might drive me crazy might be an essential need for someone else--and vice versa. The best thing I can do in that kind of situation is to listen--not only because I care about others but because it helps me as a writer to understand how someone else might experience the world in a very different way than I do.
I must admit I love that there is so much variety in the world! It's probably part of why I love being a writer--because I get to experience through my characters what I might never choose to do in my own life.
Here's hoping there is wonderful variety in your lives as well and that it brings you joy!
PS I've come to realize that one of my strengths as a writers coach is that often I can help resolve someone's challenges in just one phone call. In other words, people don't have to have long term commitments with me for coaching--though some choose to do so. I'll probably post more about this in future blog posts because I think it's important to realize that when we find what works most naturally for us we can accomplish more than we thought possible....
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Thanks to the Pflugerville Library
I'd like to say thank you to the Pflugerville Library for hosting such a wonderful Romance Readers event on February 13th! It was so successful that now they're planning one for mystery readers. I love when writers and libraries can support each other like this!
Meanwhile...Austin had SNOW yesterday! Yes, where I am we actually got a couple of inches. I grew up in a snowy part of the country so it wasn't really a new experience for me. Still, when something is so rare, one enjoys it much more. And it was fun watching my dog stare at these white flakes falling all around her, clearly baffled as to what it was.
Meanwhile...Austin had SNOW yesterday! Yes, where I am we actually got a couple of inches. I grew up in a snowy part of the country so it wasn't really a new experience for me. Still, when something is so rare, one enjoys it much more. And it was fun watching my dog stare at these white flakes falling all around her, clearly baffled as to what it was.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Pflugerville Library Event
For anyone in the Austin area who loves to read, please come to the Pflugerville Library Romance Readers event Saturday February 13 from 10 am to noon. There will be games, refreshments, several romance authors on hand and a chance to win autographed books. Whether you prefer Regency romance, contemporary, African American or Inspirational, we've got writers who will be there.
I love libraries. Before the internet that's where I did all my research. Even now, I love going to libraries and looking through the books, thrilled when I find something unexpected. I suspect a lot of writers feel that way. Maybe that's why it was so easy to round up several of my fellow Austin Romance Writers to donate books and/or show up.
Here's more information on the event (sent out by the library):
Come to the Pflugerville Community Library to meet published authors and fellow romance novel enthusiasts at the Romance Readers Social on Saturday, February 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet and mingle with other romance genre lovers and with published romance authors April Kihlstrom, Evelyn Palfrey, Jane Myers Perrine, Farrah Rochon, and Tracy Wolf. Bring along a gently used paperback book for our book swap and enjoy fun games like Romance Reader Five Square and Who Wrote It?, matching novel covers to authors. Refreshments will be served and a raffle will be held to win several autographed romance novels!
For directions and more information on the library itself: Pflugerville Library
I love libraries. Before the internet that's where I did all my research. Even now, I love going to libraries and looking through the books, thrilled when I find something unexpected. I suspect a lot of writers feel that way. Maybe that's why it was so easy to round up several of my fellow Austin Romance Writers to donate books and/or show up.
Here's more information on the event (sent out by the library):
Come to the Pflugerville Community Library to meet published authors and fellow romance novel enthusiasts at the Romance Readers Social on Saturday, February 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet and mingle with other romance genre lovers and with published romance authors April Kihlstrom, Evelyn Palfrey, Jane Myers Perrine, Farrah Rochon, and Tracy Wolf. Bring along a gently used paperback book for our book swap and enjoy fun games like Romance Reader Five Square and Who Wrote It?, matching novel covers to authors. Refreshments will be served and a raffle will be held to win several autographed romance novels!
For directions and more information on the library itself: Pflugerville Library
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Book in a Week Class for February
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 Online Writing Class
Cost: $80 ($40 if you have taken it before)
Dates: February 1, 2010 to March 5, 2010
Deadline to sign up: January 29, 2010
Lessons: Everything is handled via email so that you can do the work at your convenience.
Class size is limited!
Class Description:
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 dialogue
Creating 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 (February 20, 2010 through February 28, 2010) (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 itself
Making revisions
Sending out material
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!
Those who have taken my classes before know that I like to ask the questions no one else thinks to ask. A number of people who have taken this class are now under contract with material they worked on during one of my classes.
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. Note: If you do not get a response back from me, please try emailing me at april.kihlstrom@gmail.com. Unfortunately email does sometimes simply disappear into cyberspace.
Book in a Week Online Writing Class
Cost: $80 ($40 if you have taken it before)
Dates: February 1, 2010 to March 5, 2010
Deadline to sign up: January 29, 2010
Lessons: Everything is handled via email so that you can do the work at your convenience.
Class size is limited!
Class Description:
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 dialogue
Creating 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 (February 20, 2010 through February 28, 2010) (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 itself
Making revisions
Sending out material
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!
Those who have taken my classes before know that I like to ask the questions no one else thinks to ask. A number of people who have taken this class are now under contract with material they worked on during one of my classes.
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. Note: If you do not get a response back from me, please try emailing me at april.kihlstrom@gmail.com. Unfortunately email does sometimes simply disappear into cyberspace.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
2010 and a new class
New Year's are a funny thing. Just a date on a calendar. And yet we invest the date with such meaning. Maybe it's because it's so useful to have a reason to stop and rethink our priorities and our lives and the patterns with which we live them. The New Year is a chance to do just that.
If we're writers and we're writing about the new year, it can be really useful to consider how the people in what we're writing react. What they choose to look at and changes they choose to make or even the choice not to do these things highlights personalities in a very powerful way and create emotional points of connection for readers of the story or article.
I am offering an entirely new class this new year. It's for the Beau Monde and a real bargain. Here's the link to my class 7 Days of Motivation which is about jumpstarting your writing for 2010. Since it's being offered by the Beau Monde, you need to sign up through that link.
I hope that 2010 brings all of us joy, increasingly good health, love and much success in everything you do!
If we're writers and we're writing about the new year, it can be really useful to consider how the people in what we're writing react. What they choose to look at and changes they choose to make or even the choice not to do these things highlights personalities in a very powerful way and create emotional points of connection for readers of the story or article.
I am offering an entirely new class this new year. It's for the Beau Monde and a real bargain. Here's the link to my class 7 Days of Motivation which is about jumpstarting your writing for 2010. Since it's being offered by the Beau Monde, you need to sign up through that link.
I hope that 2010 brings all of us joy, increasingly good health, love and much success in everything you do!
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