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Writing

Basic Requirements:
Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
See individual classes for additional requirements.

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Beginner's Guide to Getting Published
Your success in the writing game will be determined by the amount of credibility publishers attach to you and your work. This course, taught by a published author, will help you gain that credibility. You'll discover powerful shortcuts most other writers still haven't learned after many years of trying to get published. If you really want to be a writer, this step-by-step course will give you all the tools you need to get published--again and again and again. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: LeeAnne Krusemark;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL101W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL201W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL301W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL401W.308; Register Online
 

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Beginning Writer's Workshop
If you've dreamed of writing creatively, this course is a great place to start. Get a taste of the writing life, improve your writing skills, and discover new ways to stretch your creative muscles. This isn't school, as you know it. It’s an in-depth writing experience filled with challenging hands-on exercises, expert advice, and plenty of direct support and encouragement. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Ann Linquist;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL102W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL202W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL302W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL402W.308; Register Online
 

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Breaking into Sitcom Writing
Learn from a veteran TV comedy writer how to write professional sitcom scripts and how to break into show business. In this six-week online course, you'll discover the artistic and technical considerations that go into making a great sitcom script. You'll master the art of creating concise, sparkling dialogue and telling your story completely through jokes. You'll get easy-to-follow instructions for using sitcom characters to their fullest, creating powerful storylines, and selling your ideas to existing shows. You'll pick up tricks of the trade and learn to avoid mistakes that mark you as an amateur. And you'll come to understand what happens to your script once you sell it, what happens in a sitcom writers' room, and what happens during the rewrite and punch-up process. Discover from an insider what it takes to get a job in this expanding and lucrative field! REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Mindy Glazer;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL126W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL226W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL326W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL426W.308; Register Online
 

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Business & Marketing Writing
This fun course will teach you to write or identify copy that achieves business and marketing goals. Improve your work, your knowledge, your company's image, and your chances of getting hired, promoted or applauded! Designed for writers, marketers and anyone interested in these exciting fields. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Lisa Adams;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL103W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL203W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL303W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL403W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
 

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Fiction Writing, Advanced
Do you have a story idea but aren't sure how to begin? Do your friends say you write well, but you're not sure how to get started on that first book? Do you have a manuscript, or parts of a manuscript, and need to know how to polish it for publication? Are you a published author who wants to learn techniques to write more effectively and efficiently? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Advanced Fiction Writing is for you! In this course, you'll explore all the topics a writer needs to create a successful manuscript, including story structure, plot, character, dialogue, setting, suspense, conflict, action, viewpoint, tense, and even how to get published. Each lesson includes an assignment that will help you develop or polish your manuscript. And in the Discussion Area, you'll have an opportunity to share your work with classmates to obtain their feedback. In Advanced Fiction Writing, you'll explore the essential techniques that are often overlooked by other writing classes and textbooks. And you'll explore them in a clear, step-by-step fashion that will make it easy for you to turn your story idea into a published book. Join us for the next six weeks, and you'll never look at fiction writing the same way again! REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser.

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Forensic Science for Writers
Ready to add a new level of intrigue, characters, depth, zest, and marketability to your fiction? This course will provide you with a quick education in forensic science, revealing all the secrets you'll need to know in order to write about crimes and crime-solving with knowledge and confidence. You'll get to know the key players in a criminal investigation--the first responder, the lead investigator, and the crime scene experts--just the sort of people who make great characters. You'll explore how investigators analyze physical evidence, including blood, DNA, fingerprints, hair, documents, ammunition, and corpses. And you'll discover historical highlights and common misconceptions about forensic analysis that will help you avoid introducing errors that have sabotaged other films and novels. REQUIREMENTS: A basic knowledge of high school science, Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Phillip Jones, Ph.D., J.D.;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL107W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL207W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL307W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL407W.308; Register Online
 

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Internet Writing Markets, Intro
The Internet has created a whole new world of opportunity for writers. If you're already a professional writer or just dream of becoming one, this course will help you discover a wide variety of new markets for your work. You'll explore every corner of the Internet, learning how to supplement your income writing web page content, developing articles for ezines, supplying content for online databases, writing for information sites, crafting fiction for the Internet, building online training materials, and writing electronic books and manuals for e-publishers. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Linda Aksomitis;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL108W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL208W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL308W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL408W.308; Register Online
 

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Journaling, Intro
This insightful course will help you discover an exciting new way to express yourself and enhance your creativity. You'll learn to use powerful journaling techniques to develop a deeper and more spiritual understanding of yourself and explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and values. You'll also discover how to use journaling to ease the stress of unwanted change, improve your physical and emotional health, and achieve a greater level of professional success.  REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Cheryl Simpson;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL109W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL209W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL309W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL409W.308; Register Online
 

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Keys to Effective Editing
Ask any published writer and you will hear that a good editor is not just helpful, but essential. If you aspire to be an editor, this course will teach you the fundamentals of top-notch editing for both fiction and nonfiction. If you're already working as an editor, you'll not only brush up on your skills, but will also learn about recent advances in your chosen profession. If you're a writer, you will learn essential self-editing tools to give your manuscripts the professional look that publishers like to see. From the language of editing to grammar, punctuation, and syntax to the all-important relationships between editor, author, and publisher, every facet of editing will be explored. Online editing is gaining popularity; its complexities will be unraveled and its advantages and pitfalls explored. Can you make a living as an editor? Tips and resources for finding work will be addressed at length. When you finish with this course, you will feel confident enough to tackle even the most complex of manuscripts. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser. Although this course will teach English grammar, punctuation, and style, you must be fluent in English and have a better-than-average spelling ability.

Instructor: Jacquelyn Landis;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL110W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL210W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL310W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL410W.308; Register Online
 

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Magazine Writing Craft
Have you ever thought about writing for magazines? Turn your dreams into bylines and help yourself to a bright future as a magazine writer. It's fun, it's easy, and a great source of extra income. If you're a determined new writer, or if you haven't written for magazines in years, this class will jump start your career. You'll learn plenty of powerful brainstorming techniques designed to practically write every article for you. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Eva Shaw;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL111W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL211W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL311W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL411W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
 

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Mystery Writing
From Dan Brown to Dennis Lehane, mysteries are hot items on today's bestseller lists. Using vivid examples from bestselling mystery novels, this course will teach you the techniques you need to become a successful author. Topics include three-act structure, the difference between plot and story, theme, premise, characters and viewpoint, plus much more. Develop your original story idea and then brainstorm with the instructor and your fellow students in each lesson's discussion area. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Steve Alcorn;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL112W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL212W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL312W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL412W.308; Register Online
 

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Pleasures of Poetry
If you want to write poetry, this course will help you create your best possible work, whether you're looking to be published or simply wish to craft a beautiful poem as a gift for a friend. In this course, you will discover formal elements of craft, explore poetry topics, learn how to prepare a manuscript for publication, and receive guidance in a constructive and nurturing environment. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Melody Gough;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL113W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL213W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL313W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL413W.308; Register Online
 

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Publish it Yourself: How to Start and Operate Your Own Publishing Business
Convert manuscripts into extra income by starting your own publishing company. Avoid common pitfalls that can slow the growth of your publishing enterprise. Learn how to format your works in a way that will save you hundreds of dollars. Find out everything you need to know to profit from your own publishing company: how to plan and design a cover, select paper, register your works, choose a printer, price your products, acquire barcodes, market your books, establish distribution channels, fulfill orders, and more.  REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Steve Payseur;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL114W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL214W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL314W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL414W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
 

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Research Methods for Writers
Attention all writers! Learn how to efficiently and effectively conduct research for any writing project: fiction, nonfiction, business . . . even term papers and dissertations. Research has progressed far beyond a visit to the library. Today, myriad sources provide almost anything a writer might need to know on any subject. Learn how to identify and access every information source imaginable. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Jacquelyn Landis;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL115W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL215W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL315W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL415W.308; Register Online

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Resume Writing Workshop
Create an effective resume, or improve the one you already have. Transform your resume into a powerful tool that will get you interviews. This workshop will lead you through a self-assessment series so you will have extensive knowledge about the product you are marketing YOU! Learn different resume formats, how to write an employment objective, and tricks to writing persuasive cover letters. Make the most of your work experience. Know what to reveal in a resume, and what to keep to yourself. This course also covers the use of on-line resumes and Internet Resume Secrets. REQUIREMENTS: Experience with any version of Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or any other word processor; Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Stephanie Donaldson;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL116W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL216W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL316W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL416W.308; Call 546-3132 to Register

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Romance Writing Secrets
Learn the secrets of writing romance novels that get publishers excited. Facilitated by a bestselling, multi-published romance author, this course will guide you on your road to writing your first romance and getting it published. Romance writing is the hottest fiction genre going. From Nora Roberts to Jayne Ann Krentz to Linda Howard, readers gobble up romance novels to the tune of $1.2 billion a year. This course starts with the fundamentals of organizing your book, beginning with the overarching theme, and moves on to the basic elements of good storytelling—character development, structuring your plot, internal and external conflict, and point of view. The class then proceeds to the specifics of romance—the importance of writing emotions, love scenes, witty banter, and romantic imagery. The course concludes with hints and tips on getting published within the romance market. Students will be exposed to real-life examples from popular romance novels and from the instructor’s 12 years of experience as a published author of 39 romance novels. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Lori Wilde;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL117W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL217W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL317W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL417W.308; Register Online

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Technical Writing Fundamentals
Learn the skills you need to succeed in the well-paying field of technical writing. You'll discover the secrets of successful technical writers, including technical writing conventions, interviewing skills, documentation management, publishing and formatting techniques, and how to get your first job as a technical writer. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser, and Microsoft Word XP or Microsoft Word 2000 or Microsoft Word 97.

Instructor: Janet Underwood;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL118W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL218W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL318W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL418W.308; Register Online

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Write Fiction Like a Pro
Writing a successful novel, screenplay, business report, or non-fiction book is far easier when you work from a well thought-out story outline. Under the guidance of a professional Hollywood writer and author, you will learn how professional writers use story outlines to 'blueprint' a structure for any story. Once you have mastered the special story structure techniques taught in this course, you will be prepared to…write like a pro. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Steve Alcorn;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL119W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL219W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL319W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL419W.308; Register Online

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Write Your Life Story
Have you thought about writing your story, sharing life-altering events? Does your family really know about their heritage? If you've ever thought about writing your life story, now is the time. You will have the satisfaction of telling history your way. You may even find a lucrative market for your story, just like the authors of the bestselling Rocket Boys and Angela's Ashes. This course walks you step-by-step through the process of writing your life story. It's fun. It's exciting. It's a story only you can tell. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Eva Shaw;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL120W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL220W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL320W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL420W.308; Register Online

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Writeriffic: Creativity Training for Writers
Who doesn't know the fear of the blank page? How can we transform our visions into the written word? Is it really possible to become a terrific writer? You'll find the answer to these and more of your questions in Writeriffic. In this high-energy class you'll learn lots of tricks from the published writer's toolbox. Whether you're at work now or hoping to write a novel, a nonfiction book, a memoir, short stories or articles, Writerific liberates the imaginative, inventive bolts of genius that are inside everyone. If you've ever dreamed of hearing your writer's voice and writing what's in your heart and head, this class will make it happen. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Eva Shaw;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL121W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL221W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL321W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL421W.308; Register Online

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Writeriffic 2: Advanced Creativity Training for Writers
Increase writing confidence, beat writer’s block, manage time, negotiate writing fees, write, and live your dreams. Learn advanced methods to create and write like the professionals--whether you’re launching a career or seeking personal satisfaction through writing. In Writeriffic 2, you’ll learn to be the writer you've always wanted to be and have fun, too. REQUIREMENTS: Completion of Eva Shaw's Writeriffic: Creativity Training for Writers or The Craft of Magazine Writing. Internet access, e-mail, and the Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Eva Shaw;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL122W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL222W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL322W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL422W.308; Register Online

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Writer's Guide to Descriptive Settings
It is said that the best writing comes when you write what you know. And what better place to begin than your own backyard? This practical course is filled with hands-on exercises that will help you create fascinating and truly unique works of fiction or nonfiction. You'll begin by learning how to improve your powers of observation and description. Then, you'll become skilled at gathering and organizing important facts about the people, places, foods, customs, and events in your community. Next, you'll find out how to incorporate the physical, historical, spiritual, and other characteristics of your present location into your writing to give it a realistic sense of place. By the time you finish this course, you'll be well prepared to convert your everyday observations and experiences into believable characters, memorable settings, and vivid descriptions. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Lori Wilde;

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL104W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL204W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL304W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL404W.308; Register Online
 

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Writing for Children
Join a published children's author and discover how you can touch the hearts of children by creating books for them. In this highly interactive, hands-on course, you'll take pen to paper and begin work on your first fiction or nonfiction manuscript. In the process, you'll explore the changing world of children's literature and understand the various formats--from baby's first books to novels for young adults. You'll get insights from guest authors and editors to gain a better understanding of the needs of today's market. By researching the genre and recognizing niche players, you'll open doors of opportunity, many of which you may not have previously considered. By the time you finish this course, you'll have all the tools and resources you'll need to continue to grow as a writer for children. REQUIREMENTS: Access to a library or bookstore that stock children's books, Microsoft Word or other word processing software, Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape or Firefox or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Carol Parenzan Smalley;

Summer 2008; Fee: $87 each

Sep 17 - Oct 24; Course #OL123W.308; Register Online
Oct 15 - Nov 21; Course #OL223W.308; Register Online
Nov 12 - Dec 19; Course# OL323W.308; Register Online
Dec 10 - Jan 16; Course# OL423W.308; Register Online

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Writing for ESL
Has your academic or career progress been slowed by the challenges of writing in English? Many ESL learners have excellent educations, training, and skills in their native countries. However, their dreams of success elude them in English-speaking countries because they cannot write effectively in their new language. This course will show you what English readers expect and how your writing can achieve your goals. You will learn about the entire writing process and its five stages: prewriting, outlining, writing, revising, and editing. In the first two stages, you will see how to generate and then focus your ideas. In the writing and revising stages, you will discover how to write clearly focused topic sentences and thesis statements, which will guide you in writing logical, unified paragraphs and essays. In the final stage, you will refine and perfect your work, making it free of grammatical and punctuation errors. Along the way, you will also gain important critical thinking skills and learn some techniques for writing concisely—something that is highly valued in English writing. When you finish this course, you will be able to write clearly, logically, and cohesively, and you will be able to apply what you have learned in any academic or work setting. REQUIREMENTS: A basic understanding of English grammar; Internet access, e-mail, and the Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser.

Writing Great Technical Documents
Do you write technical documents? Would you like to learn how to write them better? This course will teach you how to polish your writing and improve the effectiveness of your technical documentation. You'll learn how to choose the right words, write powerful sentences and paragraphs that flow, use technical terms, improve your grammar and punctuation, use graphics, and format your technical documents to get results.  REQUIREMENTS: Experience writing technical documentation or successful completion of Janet Underwood's Fundamentals of Technical Writing or another business or technical writing course. Word processor, Internet access, e-mail, and Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Janet Underwood;

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