How to Write a GOOD Book
12-Week Book-Writing Course
"We can teach you how to write a winning query letter and how to pitch your manuscript to perfection. We provide you with a plethora of literary agents for exposure, but without a good book to show the world, it means nothing."
My name is Lee Ann Ward and I'm a USA TODAY bestselling author, former Senior Editor of Champagne Books, and the Founder of Writing Away Refuge. I'm so excited to continue my 12-week book-writing course over Zoom. This course is different from most. We're going to discuss the mechanics of writing, sure. But the true focus of these classes will be writing a GOOD book that can actually sell. And I'll be writing a book right along with you over the 12 weeks to demonstrate that these techniques can, and will, produce a quality book. You can take a manuscript you've already written and improve it with this course, or you can start from scratch. This course is for fiction and non-fiction writers alike and was created with our current members in mind (although all writers are welcome). We already teach you how to pitch your work, we get you in front of dozens of literary agents, now let's make your book stand out.
How to Write a GOOD Book / 12-Week Book-Writing Course
This session will run from April 22nd-July 15th. The classes will be once a week on Wednesday evenings with makeup classes on available Sunday afternoons for those who prefer the weekend. You'll receive written materials each Monday to use as a guide/follow-up during your weekly class. The cost is $100 per month ($25 per 2-hour class) and can be paid monthly. The initial $100 is due at registration, and the last 2 payments are due Feb. 1st and Mar. 1st. (Those wishing to pay in full at registration will receive a $50 discount and will enjoy the entire course for $250). Registration and pay links are at the bottom of the page. **These classes are limited to 25 writers per session, so register ASAP to ensure your spot**
AS A SPECIAL BONUS, ALL "GRADUATES" WILL ENJOY A FREE Writing Away Refuge Zoom Agent Pitch Retreat
of their choosing as a graduation gift!
Schedule and Course Description:
**IMPORTANT: Do keep in mind that our class times are in the Central Time Zone (CT)
(All Wednesday evening classes are 7:30 PM--9:30 PM Central Time (CT) and
all available Sunday afternoon optional classes are 2:30 PM--4:30 PM Central Time (CT)
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WEEK 1: Wed., April 22nd (No Sunday class because of the April. Zoom Pitch Retreat this weekend. Recording provided.)--How Proper Planning Builds a Kickass Book (Why POV Matters, Every Book a Hook, No story without a storyboard)
WEEK 2: Wed., April 29th or Sunday May 3rd--Creating Unforgettable Characters (No element of a book is more important than meaty characters, Main characters must have heart and show it, Six characteristics of Epic Villains, Writing Unforgettable Supporting Characters)
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Week 3: Wed., May 6th (No class Sunday because of Mother's Day. Recording will be provided.)--The 4 Parts of Effective Storytelling that will Put Your Book Over the Top (The Art of Showing vs. Telling, With Your Own Eyes Visualize, Why Using all Your Senses in Your Story is a Must)
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Week 4: Wed., May 13th (No class Sunday because of the May Zoom Pitch Retreat. Recording provided.)--10 Ways to Write a Killer Plot (5 Ways to Improve Your Plot, It's Big So Go Bigger)
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Week 5: Wed., May 20th or Sunday, May 24th--Conflict is Crucial (Plotting the Conflict, Why Conflict is Essential to any Good Book)
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​​​Week 6: Wed., May 27th or Sunday, May 31st--Sagging Middle Syndrome has Nothing to do with Middle Age, Eliminate that Droopy Middle, Keeping Your Book Jam-packed Throughout
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NO CLASS THE WEEK OF JUNE 1st-7th!! It's our SUMMER BREAK to WRITE!!
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Week 7: Wed., June 10th (No Sunday Class because of June Zoom Pitch. Recording Provided.)--30 Ways to Make a Scene. Why Place Matters, How to Make the Most of Every Scene.
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Week 8: Wed., June 17th (No Class Sunday because of Father's Day. Recording Provided.)--Finding Inspiration in Unusual (and Common) Places; How Objects, Music, and Language Trigger Memories and Why these Triggers are Important in Your Story
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Week 9: Wed., June 24th (No class because of WAR SUMMER WRITE IN. Recording provided.)--"Flesh it Out, Flesh it Out, Way Out!"--No Pom Poms Required. The Mechanics of Writing and Why They Matter, When to Follow and When to Hang the Rules.
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Week 10: Wed., July 1st or Sunday July 5th--How to Write the Killer Climax, The True Dénouement, What if My Book is a Series?
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​​​Week 11: Wed., July 8th (No Sunday Class because of July Zoom Pitch. Recording provided.)--Why Revising is Writers' Gold, All Writing is Rewriting, The True Value of Self-Editing
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Week 12: Wed., July 15th or Sunday July 19th, 5 Tips to Identify Your Target Audience, What Happens After I Type the Word "The End?" The Search for the Right Agent, Questions, Questions, Questions!
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The full price for the 12-Week Course is $300. To Register at the monthly rate of $100 in 3 monthly payments for the April 22nd--July 19th "How to Write a GOOD Book" Course, click the link below. $100 is due upon registration, and the remaining balance is due on the May 1st. and the 1st of June. A confirmation email will be sent within 24 hours of registration. Be sure to check your spam folder as well. **If you'd prefer to pay for the entire course in one payment at registration, you'll receive a $50 discount, making the full price $250.**​​​
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Questions about the classes?
We're always here if you have any questions. Email is the best point of contact, but you may call if you prefer.
251-508-6145