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Cuesta College Community Programs
(Bldg 4700, San Luis Obispo Cuesta College Campus on Hwy 1)
PO Box 8106, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106
Phone: (805) 546-3132; Fax: (805) 546-3107

Ed2Go Online Courses

Writing & Publishing

(Includes Business & Creative Writing)

Cuesta Community Programs has online classes that help you update skills, discover new talents or map out a new profession...all at your fingertips in the comfort and convenience of your own home, office or while traveling. Classes begin at $94 and offer a wide range of topics that begin every month, run for six weeks for approximately 24 hours of instruction. Our instructors are famous for their ability to create warm and supportive environments while facilitating their courses with interactive quizzes, assignments and tutorials. Students are able to read class information and ask their instructor questions at times most convenient to them...
24 hours a day/7 days a week. Our online classes are not-for-credit but do have "Letters of Completion" available upon request.

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
Do you know the five most common reasons why manuscripts are instantly rejected--often without even being read? Do you know how to correctly format and submit a manuscript? Do you know which publishing markets most fit your writing style? Can you write a query letter that publishers won't be able to resist? If your goal is to become a published freelance writer of fiction or nonfiction for books or magazines, this comprehensive course will help you guide your work directly into the hands of an editor and onto the shelves of your favorite stores. Your success in the writing game will be determined by the amount of credibility publishers attach to you and your work. If you have credibility, getting your manuscript published will no longer be a dream. It will become reality. This course will teach you how to give yourself the kind of credibility you need to succeed. Taught by a successful journalist and author, this course will provide you with instant access to critical information most other writers don't discover for years. This patient and experienced instructor will walk you through every step of the publishing process. What's more, she'll be standing by to answer your every question about important legal issues, including copyright, agents, and the use of pseudonyms. With the knowledge you gain throughout this course, no editor will ever surprise you or stump you with phrases like “on spec” or “kill fee.” 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 the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: LeeAnne Krusemark;

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Beginning Writer's Workshop
If you've always wanted to write but have no idea where to start, this course will demystify the process for you. You'll get a taste of the writing life, improve your writing skills, and develop new ways to stretch your creative muscles. This exciting, hands-on course for the creative writing novice is filled with challenging exercises, expert advice, and plenty of direct support and encouragement. As you work your way through the lessons, you'll develop your own short, creative fiction or nonfiction piece. Our emphasis in this course is on developing your skills through practice, so you’ll spend more time writing than reading. You'll master important concepts by completing enjoyable writing exercises and assignments, and you'll discover a variety of strategies and techniques the pros use to develop characters, create a compelling point of view, build interest through dialogue, and add meaning to your stories. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Ann Linquist;

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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, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Mindy Glazer;

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Business & Marketing Writing
Are you a writer working in the business world? Or a marketing professional responsible for obtaining great marketing copy? Maybe your boss made you the company writer, but you've never had any training. Or maybe you're just interested in a writing or marketing career. Whatever your background, this fun, introductory 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! Using clear explanations, real-life examples, and an animated style, the course solidifies the relationship between business and marketing principles and written communications. You'll learn how business and marketing objectives affect writing choices. You'll get practical writing instruction in grammar, clarity, structure and more. You'll understand issues unique to this discipline, such as buzzwords, working with a team, and marketing ethics. Whether you seek to improve your own writing or learn to identify effective copy, this course will help you understand the power of writing - and use it to present a solid, cohesive message to your target audience. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Lisa Adams;

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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, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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Forensic Science for Writers
You've followed forensic investigators as they solve crimes in novels, movies, and TV shows, unearthing facts hidden from the normal human eye. And now you want forensics to play a starring role in your fiction, but you need a quick education on the subject. This course will reveal all the secrets you need to know in order to craft a gripping and realistic work of fiction. During this six-week course, we'll explore how investigators analyze physical evidence, including blood, DNA, fingerprints, hair, documents, ammunition, and corpses. From the code-breaking tricks of the cyber-sleuth to the traditional procedures of the autopsy room, we'll look at the strengths and weaknesses of forensic technology. And we'll cover common misconceptions about forensic analysis found in films and novels, errors that you'll want to avoid in your own writing. This course will also introduce you to the major players of 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 meet forensic pioneers who can provide role models for fictional investigators. And you'll explore historical highlights of forensic crime detection, which will prove helpful when you write about historical periods other than our own. REQUIREMENTS: A basic knowledge of high school science, Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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

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Internet Writing Markets Intro
You may have heard that every day, another traditional writing market disappears. Don’t let that discourage you from writing! Instead, discover the thousands of lucrative publishing opportunities that await you on the Internet if you understand Internet marketing. Whether you’re just taking your first steps toward that dream of getting published, or you have a dozen books to your credit, this course will show you how you can start earning income on the Web right away. You’ll learn how to make the Internet work for you from a writer who has spent years exploring its potential. You'll find out how to sell e-zine articles, write for Webzines and online magazines, create a blog, sell manuscripts to an e-publisher, and self-publish your own work as an e-book or a traditional book using print-on-demand (POD) publishing. You'll also find out about the unlimited opportunities to make income from your writing through advertising revenue. You can achieve that either by adding advertising to your own Web content or by letting a revenue-sharing site take care of the technical details for you. We'll explore both options. Then you'll learn how to query and submit your writing electronically, how to understand electronic submission guidelines and online contracts, and all about the future of Web writing. So, get ready to publish whatever you want, whenever you want, and make good money in the process! REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Linda Aksomitis;

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Journaling Intro
If you've ever wanted to try journaling, this course will provide answers to your every question. You’ll discover the different types of journaling (including dream journaling), and sample a buffet of journaling techniques, exercises, tools, and resources. We’ll cover everything you need to know about journaling, including a seven-step process that will ease you into writing a journal, even if you've never journaled before. You'll get detailed instructions on developing, decorating, and customizing your journal, and you'll learn exciting new ways to express yourself and develop your creativity. You'll find out how you can use your journal to explore your thoughts, feelings, and values, and you'll learn how to use your journal to support you as you develop true emotional well-being. You'll also understand how journaling can ease the stress of unwanted change throughout the course of your life. You'll even discover how journaling can help you choose the best career for you or advance in your current career. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Cheryl Simpson;

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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;

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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 the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Eva Shaw;

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Mystery Writing
What makes a mystery? If you consider the books you've read most recently, you may be surprised to discover that many--if not all--are mysteries. From Dan Brown to Dennis Lehane, mysteries are hot items on today's best-seller lists. This course will teach you the techniques you need to know if you want to become a best-selling mystery author. Mystery Writing begins by introducing the four story types and then explains how they relate to mysteries. It then reveals the three-act story structure, which is any story's key to success. Next, it shows you how to propel the action forward to a climax, followed by a catharsis in which your readers feel the release of tension that accompanies a great finish. The difference between story and plot is one of the most important distinctions in fiction writing--and one that many professional authors don't fully understand. But you will have mastered it by the end of this course. You'll also get a chance to experiment with viewpoints and see which one works best for your mystery. And you'll write a complete scene from your story and learn the internal structure that makes every scene feel right. Finally, you'll delve into the special techniques that apply to mysteries, including crime scene description, MacGuffins, and the use of red herrings to misdirect your readers and create suspense. Examples from real mystery novels will show these techniques in action. Then, following each lesson, you'll get to practice on your own story. And when you have questions or insights to share, you can join your instructor and classmates in a dynamic, interactive discussion area. This information-packed online course combines the best advice of many writing professionals, tempered with the instructor's own experiences as a mystery writer. Follow the guidelines taught in this course, and you'll be well on your way to writing a successful mystery of your very own! REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. Internet access,
e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Steve Alcorn;

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Pleasures of Poetry
If you want to write poetry, this course will help you to create your best possible work. You'll learn the formal elements of the craft, become aware of how particular forms work, and explore many avenues for possible poetry topics. Interactive exercises will help you to create at least one poem with formal elements, and you'll receive instruction and commentary in a constructive and nurturing environment. If you're serious about becoming a published poet, you'll also learn how to prepare a manuscript for publication and where to send it for the best possible results.
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Melody Gough;

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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 and going head-to-head with major publishers. Learn the advantages of self-publishing over traditional publishing, and you'll discover why many famous authors made the decision to publish their own works. Many associations, schools, churches, and other non-profit organizations are publishing books to develop new sources of revenue and to enhance their reputations in the community. Corporations and professionals are publishing proprietary works to maintain existing business, acquire new clients, or add to their prestige. And many individuals are publishing their own books or other undiscovered works to supplement their income. In this highly interactive course, you'll learn how to format your works in a way that will save you hundreds of dollars. You'll find out everything you need to know to profit from your own publishing company, including how to plan and design a cover, select paper, choose a printer, price your publications, establish distribution channels, acquire barcodes, and register your works. You'll discover unique, proven, and cost-effective ways to market your books and fulfill orders. And you'll avoid common pitfalls that can slow the growth of your new publishing enterprise. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Steve Payseur;

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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. Modern research techniques are boundless. The trick is to know where to look and what to look for. This six-week online course teaches the best methods for mounting a search on any subject. You'll take a virtual guided tour of the library and how to maximize its precious resources, and you’ll discover how to access public records, conduct successful Internet searches, and explore other similar treasure troves of information. Personal interviews, public reports, surveys and polls, and historical research are introduced and dissected. A special lesson on Guerilla Research reveals secrets for the undercover researcher. As a plus, detailed instructions are offered for getting organized before embarking on research and getting the most out of information once it’s gathered. This course will give you the tools you’ll need to successfully gather and incorporate all the information any polished and professional writing project requires. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Jacquelyn Landis;

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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 and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Write an employment objective that shows potential employers that you have direction. Make the most of your work experience. Know what to reveal in a resume, and what to keep to yourself. Learn to overcome gaps in work history and age discrimination. Discover how to use references to your advantage. This course includes the use of online resumes and Internet Resume Secrets. This course is invaluable for anyone who wants to create their own resume, or learn how to write resumes and cover letters for profit.
REQUIREMENTS: Experience with any version of Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or any other word processor; Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Stephanie Donaldson;

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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 45 romance novels. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Lori Wilde;

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Technical Writing Fundamentals
Do you have a knack for explaining complex subjects in a way that makes them easy to understand? If so, you should consider entering the well-paying field of technical writing. This course will teach you the skills you need to succeed as a technical writer. You will learn how to translate complex information into easily understood language, and how to become a wizard at marrying the art of publishing with the science of technology. You'll learn the secrets of successful technical writers, including technical writing conventions, interviewing skills, desktop publishing and formatting techniques, key tips for developing graphics and templates, documentation management, and how to publish documents both on paper and electronically. You'll also learn how to get your first job as a technical writer, plus tricks of the trade that enable you to create high-quality documentation with less work. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader). and Microsoft Word (Versions 2007, 2003, XP, 2000, or 1997 are all acceptable).
Note: This course is not suitable for Macintosh users.

Instructor: Janet Underwood;

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Travel Writing
In this course you'll learn how to develop the skills of a travel writer. You'll learn how to translate what is seen, heard, tasted, touched, smelled and felt (intuitively and physically) into publishable articles and books. You'll understand the writing styles and methods needed to sell material in today's competitive market (including the how-to's of technical aspects of lead paragraphs, descriptive passages and the uses of interviews, quotes and facts). By the end of the course, you'll have the ability to write for the travel market. So pack your sense adventure, organize your determination and put your keyboard in a comfortable position. If you have a desire to write and a yen to travel, you're a perfect candidate to become a travel writer. Let's get going. Topics include popular styles and types of travel writing that are the friendliest to new writers. Other topics of the workshop include how to write query letters, how to produce articles, essays and books, trends in types of articles and books, grammar and writing skills refreshers, and marketing information. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Eva Shaw;

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Write & Publish Your Nonfiction Book
One of the great things about nonfiction book writing is that you're 10 times more likely to get published than you'd be if you wrote fiction. Whether you dream of becoming a full-time author, writing books to advance your career, or penning your memoir or family history, this fun and information-packed course will teach you how to plan, research, write, edit, and publish your masterpiece. We'll start with planning and strategy. You'll find out how to choose a topic and size up the competition—developing a perfect, one-of-a-kind book concept that will stand out to agents and editors. Then you'll learn how to immerse yourself in your subject and get the information you need from research, interviews, and observation techniques. Next, we'll get into the heart of writing and editing. You'll see how to choose a writing style, structure, and slant that will appeal to your unique audience and keep readers hooked. You'll also get great ideas for editing your work and soliciting feedback from readers. Perhaps most important, you'll get invaluable strategies for setting a writing schedule, banishing writer's block, and actually finishing your book! Finally, we'll delve into both traditional and nontraditional publishing, helping you determine the right path for you and your book. You'll discover exactly how today's traditional publishing industry works and what techniques you can use—such as crafting standout query letters and proposals—to get noticed by editors and agents. You'll also master nontraditional publishing options such as self-publishing, on-demand publishing, and e-publishing. By the end of this course, you'll have all the tools at your fingertips to get your book completed and published using any method you choose.
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Lisa Adams;

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Write Fiction Like a Pro
What’s the single biggest difference between professional authors and novices? Professionals know how to structure novels and stories for maximum dramatic effect. This course helps you develop the same story structuring skills the pros use. You'll understand how your passion, theme, premise, and characters help you create the structure of your story, and you'll discover how viewpoint, dialogue, pacing, and many other techniques are used to build scenes and move your story from beginning to end. Each assignment in this course helps you develop your own original novel or story. As you apply each technique, your story will take shape, with a clear path from beginning to end. And whenever you have questions or insights to share, you can join your instructor and classmates in the Discussion Area for some interactive brainstorming! Before you know it, you’ll be prepared to ...write fiction like a pro. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Steve Alcorn;

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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, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Eva Shaw;

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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, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Eva Shaw;

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Writeriffic 2: Advanced Creativity Training for Writers
If you believe writers must suffer for their art, as so-called writing gurus insist, you’ve accepted a myth. In this highly interactive course, you’ll master the insider methods of writing for personal satisfaction or for publication. You’ll increase your creativity, beat writer’s block, manage time, and know how to pitch ideas to publishers, agents, and editors. You’ll learn about the business side of writing, including contracts, releases, deductions, and invoices. You'll investigate the genres that will launch your career or increase your satisfaction with your own advanced writing. Through comprehensive and progressively challenging writing assignments and innovative ways to explore creativity, you’ll increase your self-confidence, overcome obstacles, and understand what it takes to be a writer. The instructor is an author of more than 60 books and over 1000 magazine articles, and has been writing for publication for over twenty years. In this course, she will share how writing can increase your self-confidence, can help restore your self-respect, and how it can become a full-time career, second career or contribute to your retirement. In Writeriffic 2, you’ll learn to be the writer of your dreams 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;

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Writer's Guide to Descriptive Settings
You may live among the prickly pears, dust devils, and intense sun of the desert. Or you may reside in a small town nestled alongside cornfields. Or perhaps you live in the big city and take a train in to work every day. No matter where you live, your surroundings have special physical, historical, and spiritual characteristics that you can--and should--rely on to breathe life into any work of fiction or nonfiction.
During this course, you'll learn to tap into the world you know in order to establish a realistic sense of place in your writing. You'll develop your eye for detail, and you'll find out how to collect the information you'll need to infuse your works with believable characters, memorable settings, and detailed descriptions. This hands-on course is filled with a variety of valuable exercises that will help you hone your skills of observation, interviewing, collecting oral histories, remembering details and descriptions, reproducing dialogue and diction, using figurative language, developing realistic characters, and more. By the time you finish this course, you'll be well-prepared to create truly unique works filled with vivid and meaningful observations of the people, places, foods, customs, and events in not only your local community, but also in places that exist only in your memory.
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Lori Wilde;

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Writing Essentials
Master the essentials of writing, and become the stellar wordsmith you always wanted to be! In this course, you’ll develop the skills you need to excel at business communications, express yourself clearly online, and take your creative literary talents to a new level. Whether you’re hoping to get a better job, write for a blog, or publish your short story, this course will give you the writing tools you need for success. It’s also a perfect choice for students who speak English as a second language. You’ll gain confidence right away as you practice free writing and discover how to create solid drafts. You’ll improve your writing skills by learning to select strong and persuasive words, spell correctly, and choose the right punctuation. Then you’ll find out how to put it all together by crafting well-written sentences, building effective paragraphs, and organizing your material logically. And finally, you’ll explore ways to make the most of e-mails and other forms of electronic communication. With the knowledge and hands-on practice you gain from this course, you’ll be able to express yourself clearly and persuasively in writing—both in your personal life and in the business world.
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Ann Linquist;

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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. If you're a beginning writer, this course will help you transform a book idea into a finished product that you'll be proud to place into the hands of potential publisher. And if you're already a successful writer, this course will help you explore new opportunities and markets for your work.
In this highly interactive, hands-on course, you'll take pen to paper and begin work on your very 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 stocks children's books, Microsoft Word or other word processing software, Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape Navigator, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser.

Instructor: Carol Parenzan Smalley;

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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, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads  by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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Contact Karen Linn with your questions/comments/suggestions