The Write Motivation: New GSO Based Writing Class!

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PSA: This is a class taught by an exceptionally talented novelist / magazine writer friend of mine. Perfect class for anyone interested in exploring their writing.

The Write Motivation: A Beginner’s Writing Class

Have you always wanted to write, hoping to see your words in print one day? Has fear, uncertainty, or doubt ever stopped you from moving toward your goal? If so, this class is for you. Learn how to achieve the writing momentum you desire by using proven methods to make you more productive.

Geared toward unpublished writers who want to write novels, short stories or magazine articles, this class will explore the obstacles and impediments that most novices face, giving you the tools and techniques to remove the hurdles and become the writer you wish to be.

When

This five week class meets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday nights from February 9, 2009 to March 9, 2009. As an added bonus for students, week 4 will include a panel discussion that includes two novelists and a magazine writer whose work has appeared in two books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. The discussion will focus on how these authors started and overcame obstacles in their pursuit of publication.

Where
Sponsored by The Sanctuary of Greensboro, an organization that offers a nurturing environment for people to explore their creativity. This class will meet in The Sanctuary’s studio offices at:
1150 Revolution Mill Dr., Studio 7
Greensboro, NC 27405
Call (336) 621-1514 to register or email
Elaine at ehatch@thesanctuarygso.org
www.thesanctuarygso.org
Cost - $49

Instructor

The Write Motivation is led by Christopher Laney, a Greensboro freelance writer whose work has appeared in Carolina Skies, NC Career Networking, American Venture and NC Signature magazines.

Not Bad For A Friday

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Today's Accomplishments:

  • Up by 5:30 (more due to husband and cats than my own instigation, but we'll let it count)
  • Wrote for 3 hours. Pleased with the results.
  • Did NOT order the calling-my-name chocolate doughnut at the coffeshop. Overdosed on coffee instead.
  • Ran 3 miles
  • Helped decorate the Animal Protection Society holiday float for tomorrow's parade
  • Went to library for books and also came away with a free video rental - The Pianist. (Blair not thrilled)
  • Combed and coo'd over 2 cats
  • 2 loads of laundry
  • Read 5 chapters in a book

All in all, ending the week on an up note. Tomorrow is a long run and then holiday (pray for us ) shopping.

Dena

p.s. Everyone go look at the moon tonight! It's the closest it's been to the earth in 15 years and is supposed to be huge!

Think Twice Before You Check That Email

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Today's post comes courtesy of my friend Bernie, who knows of my struggle to break my email addiction:

"It takes 64 seconds to retrieve your train of thought after interruption by email, one study shows. That means if you check your in-box every 5 minutes, you waste 8.5 hours a week. Try intervals of 45 minutes, and turn off the 'new e-mail' pop-up alert." (Source: Thomas Jackson, Ph.D, Loughborough University)

How about it? How often does everyone check their e-mail throughout the day?

Kickin' It Into High Gear

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I went computer free this Thanksgiving weekend. It was lovely. But I've missed my little on-line life and am ready to dive back in.

Frankly, my head is swimming with a wide range of "to-do's." (That, and cold medication. The pesky cough/cold insists on hanging around.) December is BOOK WRITING MONTH. Or rather, editing month. I've written drafts of all the chapters for my new cat humor book but need to go back and up the humor, edit for brevity and flow, and make sure it all comes together. It's one of those months where I'll sit down at my desk each morning to discover the great wit and hilarity I've recorded or else I'll turn lightly suicidal, wondering how on earth I'm going to pull a rabbit out of my hat. Regardless, 8 AM - NOON every day is writing time. Afternoons are for everything else, including:

  • Calling around for insurance quotes for the APSRC.
  • Writing our annual holiday newsletter.
  • Sending out invoices for overdue payments.
  • Confirming my radio guests for December.
  • Sending out a press release.
  • Read a friend's book and write an online review.
  • Pick out carpet for my writing room. (We finished painting this weekend - YEA!)
  • Send out thank-you cards to sponsors from last weekend's writers conference.
  • Run, run, RUN!!!

I am in the holiday spirit. The tree's are up, the house decorated, it's cold and rainy outside and warm and snuggly inside. My cold gives me an excuse to eat oatmeal for dinner and then go to bed at, like, 8 PM. I am methodically working my way through six piles of laundry which, oddly, brings me peace.

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Now let's kick into high gear for the last month of the year!