What you'll learn
- Approaches for getting ideas down on paper for the first time
- Story structure methods for fiction and nonfiction
- Techniques for building a successful writing practice
- How to get back on track when you lose your way
Requirements
- A writing project you'd like to explore
Description
As the author of over a dozen books, I know how daunting the blank page can be. When I'm on book tour, the question I hear most often from aspiring writers is: "I have an idea for a book, but where do I begin?"
I get it! Starting a new book is a huge challenge, no matter how many times you've done it. In this class, I'm going to walk you through the steps I take to start a first draft. I promise it'll be easy, fun, and low-pressure.
In the first section, we’ll gather our ideas.
You'll get to hang out at your favorite bookstore or library. You'll get to tear open a fresh new package of index cards. Best of all, you'll start filling a notebook (or a computer screen!) with pages.
In the second section, we’ll work on shaping those ideas into a story.
How do you organize your ideas into a coherent book? I’ll teach you the storytelling methods that I rely on for every book I write, and I'll use real-world examples from well-known books, as well as from students in my own workshops. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, or memoir—there are ideas here for all kinds of book projects.
Finally, I’ll share some approaches for building a successful writing practice.
It's one thing to start a book, but it's another thing to keep going, day after day! If you struggle to find the time, the patience, and the focus you need to get your writing project done, this section is for you. And you’re not alone--every writer deals with distractions, dead ends, and those days when nothing works.
I’m going to give you my twenty best ideas for building a successful writing practice. I’ve used all of these at one time or another, and it’s how I’ve kept writing—and supported myself as a full-time author—for two decades.
Are you ready?
Whether you’re embarking on your first writing project, or trying to get your tenth book finished, this class is designed to get you on the road. Let’s go!
Who this course is for:
- Beginning and intermediate writers
Instructor
I'm the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen books, including The Drunken Botanist, Wicked Plants, and Girl Waits with Gun. I've been a full-time author for twenty years, and in that time my books have sold over a million copies worldwide and been translated into 17 languages.
I love talking to writers and artists, and bonding over the creative process. I started teaching so that I can inspire others to take the leap.
I believe that writing, drawing, and painting are all teachable skills. Forget about talent--it doesn't exist, and you don't need it. With some quality instruction and lots of practice, any of us can make meaningful, honest, and unique art and literature.
When I'm not writing or traveling on book tour, I'm painting and drawing in ink, watercolor, gouache, and oil. Come find me on my website or on Instagram to stay connected.