Hello, Sandra here in Seekerville, trying not to be jealous that she isn’t in Orlando at the RomanceWriters of America (RWA) conference. So are there any more of you out there wishing you were at the conference?
It does happen. We have many reasons we need to be home instead of at the conference. I always love the spotlight on the traditional publishing houses and the updates on the industry news.
Debby Guisti is there. Waving at you Debby. Debby and I were roommates at the RWA Conference in Anaheim in 2012.
I roomed with Ruthy when RWA National Conference was in Orlando in 2010. Waving at you too Ruthy. Memories of super great times are racing through my mind. smile
But just because we aren’t at this conference doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the workshops on craft or tips on marketing. There are many ways we can obtain that information while wearing our jammies, drinking our coffee and sitting comfortably in front of our computer.
Debby Guisti is there. Waving at you Debby. Debby and I were roommates at the RWA Conference in Anaheim in 2012.
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| Studying the schedule of events |
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| Do you recognize these Seeker friends? |
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| Ruthy loves Minnie |
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| We explored the beaches in Florida the day before the conference. |
But just because we aren’t at this conference doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the workshops on craft or tips on marketing. There are many ways we can obtain that information while wearing our jammies, drinking our coffee and sitting comfortably in front of our computer.
If you are a member of RWA, you can order audio recordings of all the workshops. You can buy them yourself. Now they are pricey. I looked at past conference audios and they run around $270. But that is only a tenth of the cost of the conference.
Many local chapters buy them and then members can check them out. If you attend the conference you can buy the set for half the price and I always do that when I go to a conference because I’m too busy networking to attend the workshops.
Also, if you are a member of RWA, you have a plethora of workshops available to you through RWA University and also through On Demand Education. These courses are free to members and can be used live when they are presented or in the archives at the writer’s leisure.
In September the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) will have its conference in Dallas, Texas. You can order audios of their workshops also if you are a member of ACFW. The price ranges from $179.00 to $279.00 depending upon whether you order the Early Bird part of the conference along with it.
ACFW members have access to the archives of online courses and a blog that shares industry news and information.
Through both of these national organizations, writers can network and meet other authors writing in their genre.
What if you don’t belong to these National Writer’s Organizations? Not everyone wants to invest the money in membership to a professional organization.
Don’t fret. There are many other resources out there where writers can learn their craft and obtain industry news.
Tina (who is a treasure trove of information), Missy and Janet helped me with a lovely list of online classes to dig into. And just so you know, our Tina offers an online class once a year. Her classes are real gems. She's already presented this year's class, but if you subscribe to Tina's newsletter, you will be kept up to date for next year's class.
1. Any Marie Force Class. The cost includes lifetime access.
2. James Patterson's Master Class. Tina was VERY SKEPTICAL and said, “It's a valuable class. I took James Patterson Teaches Writing. The next one I will take is David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing.” The cost includes lifetime access.
3. UDEMY First get on their newsletter list so you find out when classes are on sale. Never buy a class full price. Look for coupons online. You have lifetime access to stream.
Tina’s Favorite classes so far:
Michael Hauge's The Hero's Two Journeys. To buy it from Amazon or his site is much more expensive. Although if you check at Storymastery.com, you can now stream them for 14.99.
Screenwriting and Story Blueprint: The Hero's Two Journeys Right now it is still $10
Tina’s other favorite is Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking. Chris Anderson is the guy who is responsible for TED TALKS.
Other online courses
1. Lynda.com A subscription service with over 600 courses.
2. One of the best RWA chapter online resources for classes is the KISS OF DEATH CHAPTER. Here is the schedule (you do not have to be an RWA member).
3. Another resource is Savvy Authors. Get on their mailing list for access to upcoming courses.
4. Lawson Writing Academy has online classes with many published author instructors. Shirley Jump, one of our Seeker friends teaches classes with Margie Lawson's Academy. In fact, she is offering an Intensive on Show, Don't Tell in August.
5. There is the very popular Writer University.
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| Best selling author Shirley Jump |
These classes vary in cost, but the advantage of paying for these classes is you have interaction with the instructor. Lurking is fine also, but you learn so much from the interaction regarding your homework assignments. WriterUniv.com also offers private lessons and you might be in a situation where you just need some personal help with a specific writing issue.
Seeker friend and blogger, Laurie Schnebly Campbell teaches classes for Writer University. Laurie has posted with Seekerville several times and she is always packed full of information. She has talked about fatal flaws to develop the hero, character enneagrams, productivity and motivation. Next month on August 11 Best of the Archives will feature The Dazzling Dozen, Plus One. This blog is a discussion on characterization for the heroine. Watch for this excellent and informative blog post.
Writer University is offering the class The Hero’s Journey, For Heroines by Laurie Schnebly Campbell, September 4-29, 2017. Laurie’s classes are always excellent.
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| Laurie Schnebly Campbell teaches online classes. |
If you are really on a strict budget, you can get super online lessons right here in Seekerville. For ten years, the Seekers and their writer friends have been posting blogs mainly dealing with the craft of writing. We’ve also posted industry news, marketing tips, and shared our rejections and successes. One seeker posted in a past blog that she had printed all of the craft posts and put them in a binder. After reading them, she said she felt like she’d graduated from college. And there is truth to that statement. The Seekerville archives are a treasure trove of handy writing and craft tips. AND THEY ARE FREE.
So there it is folks. Several ways to get some of the information we are missing by not attending the conference.
If you have any other sources for online classes or writer information, please share. Writers who share will be in a drawing for tuition paid for Laurie’s class in September. Laurie is offering one tuition. Be sure and indicate that you are interested in the class and check the weekend edition to find out who is the lucky winner.
Readers who comment will be in a drawing for a Seeker book available online. Be sure and mention in the comments that you want the reader prize.
Readers who comment will be in a drawing for a Seeker book available online. Be sure and mention in the comments that you want the reader prize.
Because it’s hot this summer and we’re in Oregon right now, I have bowls of fresh picked blueberries, cherries, raspberries and strawberries. And some yummy vanilla ice cream or creamy Greek Yogurt from the famous Tillamook Farms in Oregon to pile on top of the fruit.
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| Permission granted from Tillamook Farms for photos |
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| From Tillamook Farms.com website. Check it out and drool. |
I'm not a writer nor am I entering....but I just wanted to comment on HOW DIVINE TILLAMOOK BRAND ANYTHING IS!! I love their Farmstyle Greek yogurt, smooth, creamy, thick and tasty. I love to pair it with granola (any kind) for a filling breakfast or anytime healthy treat :-) I live on the Oregon coast about an hour's drive South to the Tillamook cheese factory. You simply can't visit Tillamook without stopping there, I always get a bag of cheese curds (squeaky cheese). I also love their smoked cheddar or the vintage extra sharp white aged cheddar. The factory also has a place to buy ice-cream cones. Homemade waffle cones fresh made with just about every flavor of their famous ice-cream you can imagine. People swarm there just for that!! :-) There's also a big gift shop & if you wander upstairs you can watch the workers down below package up cheese and learn fun facts about cheese making. It's a great place to take kids!
ReplyDeleteJust so you all know where you MUST visit if you are ever in my neck of the woods, lol!
I didn't know all this! Consider me informed! If I get out west, I must stop here... and it's near Portland... Have I mentioned how much I love good food? And Wisconsin has great cheese curds, too. I wonder if the family who started this enterprise moved west from Wisconsin? They might be copycats, like me!!! :)
DeleteOkay... Peter Duncan McIntosh brought his cheddar cheese recipe with him from ONTARIO... :) I love this because so much of what's in the West began in the east and traveled with pioneers... brave people who didn't wait to be told what to do... they took a chance and did it. So Peter moved there and began working with some dairymen then got hired away by the Tillamook farmers... and history was made. This is awesome stuff!!!!
DeleteRuthy, You looked all that up???? Oh my. Its going to be in one of your novels. I love it.
DeleteMorning Ruth! Portland is about 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive up North from me, depending on traffic of course. I avoid going anywhere near there, I'm not a big city gal...lol! I know there are lots of great places to eat, shop, visit , etc though. :-)
DeleteLike Sandra said, this is great information on cheese history! I love Pioneer stories or wagon train stories. So much of our history starts with them :-) I think you ought to use what you learned and put it in a book someday, great idea Sandra! Without our Tillamook dairy farms/farmers, there would be no Tillamook anything and that would be a shame!
Hi Trixi, I didn't realize you were in Oregon. Yay. And yes, Tillamook Cheese Factory is fabulous. And I love those squeeky cheese curds they have as samples. Yum. And their ice cream is to die for.
ReplyDeleteAnd you reminded me that we have readers too. I will pop back in and put a prize for readers too. I'll put your name in the cheese bowl for that.
Morning Sandra! Yep, I live on the coast in a small town named Seaside. Used to live in Lincoln City about 2 hours down the coast. It's God's country out here, so beautiful with the ocean & mountains just a few hours away! So different from where I grew up (Illinois), I love it here.
DeleteLOL, yes the cheese factory does have samples you can try! That's the first place my husband stops when we visit :-) He loves his cheese! I think my favorite flavor of their ice-cream is the Marionberry pie. Chunks of pie crust, bits of marionberry all swirled in vanilla ice-cream....yum! Oh and they just recently came out with Tillamookies (ice-cream sandwiches with waffle cone outsides) and Tillabars (ice-cream bars). All this talk about ice-cream is making me hungry..lol!
Thanks for adding a reader prize & placing my name in the cheese bowl! Really appreciate the generosity. :-)
HI Trixi, We stay in Seaside a lot. We almost went this summer for the pickleball tournament, but it is too close to the time we need to be in Phoenix to head for Hawaii. I'll be sure and get in touch if we go there next summer. I love Seaside. I love the candy shop downtown with the taffy. oh my. Be still my heart.
DeleteAnd yes, I've seen those Tillabars and am planning to get some and try them. Oh my. I'm gaining weight just talking to you. LOL
Yep, lots of cool little shops downtown! My favorite candy shop is Rascal's (not because I buy candy) because I love seeing all the different type candies that have. There's the old fashioned kind like you used to be able to buy years ago! I also like seeing all the different Pez dispensers, so many varieties. They even have chocolate covered twinkies, Oreos, bacon and the like. Not for me, but interesting to see anyhow. And of course, the hundreds of flavors of salt-water taffy :-) There's also the Portland fudge shop with a big glass window you can see what kind they are making.
DeleteSorry about the food talk, lol! I'm making myself hungry :-) There's just so many interesting little shops besides the candy ones. I also like to walk down and around the turn-around where you can sit on one of the many benches and do some people watching. I've seen surfers out on the water, kite fliers on the beach and just people enjoying the coast. Of course, I avoid the summer crowds. Way too many people packed in for me! I like to go on our off season when it's much calmer :-) But what fodder for a writer all the happenings here!
I know you mentioned pickleball before, I didn't realize there is a tournament here for that. They have a beach volleyball tournament here every year too, and it should be coming up in August I think! It would be awesome to meet you, just let me know if you make it here next year :-)
It's my day to watch the grand-girl, so I'll be signing off for now. Have a blessed day!!
Good morning, Sandra!
ReplyDeleteI'm not at the conference this year either, but plan to go next year. I'll be watching the awards ceremony from my computer tomorrow evening.
I'm always reading books on craft. I think it's important to stay current with technique. There are some craft books I try to read annually, like Dwight Swain's Techniques of the Selling Writer.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, yogurt, and fruit today. I hope to meet you and the other Seekers next year at National.
~ Renee
Hi Renee, You will have so much fun. Its really a blast. But plan to be totally worn out. And stimulated at the same time. smile
DeleteOh yes, and thank you for the reference to the craft book. I hadn't heard of that one. I like the sound of the title.
DeleteNever stop learning and never stop reading. If you don't move forward then you are moving backwards. There is no standing still. Stasis = Death.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all these opportunities, Sandra.
And for newbie writers Seekerville has The Author's Boot Camp Manual
Yes, Tina, thanks to you we have a wonderful list of resources for classes. Thanks girlfriend. And thanks for the graphics too. I love that old typewriter.
DeleteSuch a great informative post Sandra. I too love Tillamook cheese etc. We used to buy it all the time in California. It's rare when we can find something from Tillamook here in the mid-west though.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered into the reader's drawing. Thank you for the chance.
Blessings,
Cindy W.
Hi Cindy. Isn't it hard when you miss something that is local to a region? I always hear Easterners mentioning things like White Castle and of course had no idea what that was until I went back east.
DeleteGreat post, Sandra! Thanks for sharing all of the course links. I'm a craft book and writing class junkie. I've taken many online classes and I'll admit, sometimes the emails can get overwhelming. After printing Seekerville posts for years, it's still my favorite place to learn and to meet great people. I'd love to take advantage of Laurie's generous offer.
ReplyDeleteHi Jill. I like this "writing class junkie" That's a perfect term for it. Me too. LOL You are in the drawing.
DeleteHey, I buy Tillamook Farms mixed berries for my jam! They're amazing, Sandra!
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent post, and not just because you offered alternatives... but because you offered all alternatives. Including using Seekerville for ABSOLUTELY FREE instruction, which was our goal from the beginning, to help aspiring authors reach their goals... and be the helping hand they needed.
AND THOSE PICTURES!!! I went too short with my hair that summer, that's so funny! I'm laughing!
What a great list, because we're all different learners. I'm a copycat learner. That means I copy other people's success until it becomes my own.
There's nothing wrong with this mode... I don't want to study other people's ideas, I don't want to spend time in sessions or taking classes... I read successful people, I read their bios and I take their advice.
And I'd rather write. I love the creativity side of this, the learning curve then smooths the mechanics and story-telling arcs.
So this post is something for everyone, Sandra. Every style of learner, and every pocketbook... And if you're not a natural-born storyteller... re-read your favorite books and examine why they appeal to you.
Is it the story? Or the characters? Or the setting?
Sometimes if we examine those internal "buttons" we can see what that author did... and copy it!
HI Ruthy, I love those pictures, especially you with the Minnie Mouse stuff. I had a hard time getting you out of that Disney store. LOL The only thing that got you out was the Ghiradelli Chocolate store next to it. LOL We had so much fun, didn't we?
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, we really did start Seekerville to share our knowledge. Remember how hard it was to get that knowledge in those days?
Thanks for your advice to examine favorite authors. You would be on my list. smile
Hi Sandra
ReplyDeleteI love Seekerville because it's so informative, free, awesome community, also free, and SOOOOO encouraging - which is priceless.
Is it bad to say that right now I'd only want to go to a conference just so I could meet you Seeker Ladies? Someday, when I grow up, I hope to be like y'all...
I do like the list of places online that I can learn. The main thing I know I need to do is practice, practice, practice... which means write, write, write. (which I am not doing enough of...*sigh*)
Great post. I hope all who do go to the conference have a great, productive time.
Hi Deb, You certainly have the right idea. Write, write, write is key. You so learn while you write. And even if what you have finished isn't the best yet, you've done the hardest part. Creating that first draft is key. Then as you learn and progress, it is easy to go back and revise. To me, that's the fun part of writing. Its like a big jigsaw puzzle. So fun. So hang in there and write when you can. You have a little one (How is he anyway?) He takes a lot of time so don't be distressed. He is most important now. smile
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great round-up of online resources for writers.
One of my favorites is One Stop for Writers ( onestopforwriters.com ) Much information is freely available on their blog (find the link in the drop-down menu on the Information Desk). And a click on Features and Tools will bring up all the other amazing resources available on the site e.g. several thesauri including the popular emotion thesaurus, story maps, scene maps, timelines, idea generators and more. Well worth the reasonable subscription fee to access everything..
Please enter me in the draw for Laurie's tuition.
Waving back at you, Sandra, from RWA 2017 in Disney World. Wish you were here!
ReplyDeleteTanya Alger and I will provide a conference overview in Seekerville, August 7.
Heading to a workshop. Hugs to all!
Hi Debby, Blogger working again. Yay!. So glad we'll get an update. CAn hardly wait. Have a blast you lucky Seeker girls. Give Tanya a hug too.
DeleteDebby, thanks for dropping in to say "hi"! Know how busy you are at the conference. Hope the workshop feeds your process.
DeleteJanet
Hi Ruth Ann, Blogger giving me problems. CAn't reply to your comment so will do so here. Thanks so much for the reference. This sounds like a great site for writers. You are in the drawing. smile
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Sandra! I would love to attend a readers conference one day!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the fresh fruit and yogurt!
Please enter me in the readers drawing.
Thanks Caryl, You are in the drawing. Have a great day.
DeleteGood morning Sandra. I too have RWA envy happening. sigh. But I've got a plan to attend next year!
ReplyDeleteAll of these are great resources and I can nod in agreement on those I've done. Including the Udemy, RWA Kiss of Death classes and the online ACFW classes (which are offered once a month for free too). I have the conference drive from last year also and even though I attended the conference, it was a great way to hear the workshops again and of course, "attend" the ones I missed.
Please toss me in the drawing for Laurie's class! I'm always in for learning.
I so appreciate Seekerville and all you do to help us to learn craft. It's my Go To when I have a question on anything.
AND HUGE Shout out to my Writing Sister, Laura Conner Kestner for winning the Daphne Du Maurier last night! CLAPPING CHEERING.. We couldn't attend the Death by Chocolate ceremony but we celebrated with virtual chocolate from our homes.
Sharee, WOW great news. Congrats to Laura Conner Kestner. Thanks for sharing this with us.
DeleteAnd Sharee, you are in the drawing. Maybe we'll see each other in RWA next year. Wouldn't that be fun? I'm glad you have a plan. It helps to be thinking ahead. Happy writing.
DeleteWoo hoo, Laura!!! Congratulations!!
DeleteSharee, clapping for Laura too! Yay!
DeleteJanet
Sandra, I just learned of Udemy the other day from Myra. I'm taking a class right now on Mastering Photoshop!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this list! I take classes every year. I love online learning!
Hi Missy, Oh that sounds interesting. Will probably see the results in next post. yay Have a great day.
DeleteGood idea to do a blog post! I don't have a topic yet. LOL
DeleteSounds perfect.
DeleteMissy, if you ever have any photoshop questions, feel free to ask me. That's my major tool for my job. I have some quick tips too...
DeleteWe ought to have you do a post on photoshop Deb. Would you be interested? I'm noting this offer of help and hope it applies to me as well. I'm a dunce when it comes to photos. LOL
DeleteThank you, Deb!! I downloaded the trial for Photoshop CC and watched the intro. So I thought hey, I can do this. And then I could not get a photo loaded from my Photos app! (I'm on a Mac and most of my photos come from my phone into Photos). Photos was not one of the options for locating a photo for Lightbox. Oh my goodness. Don't know if I'll ever be able to do this! LOL
DeleteI should add that once I got stuck like that, I went to start watching the videos at my Udemy class. I'm hoping he'll cover it.
DeleteKeeping positive thoughts for you Missy.
DeleteI'm not exactly jealous of everybody who is at RWA - ok maybe I am. Please include me in the drawing for Laurie's class. I can vouch for Tina's class. She is the real deal!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, I know. In a way, I'm glad I'm at home. But I so love seeing writer friends at the conference. Thanks for the voucher of Tina's classes. She is a wonderful teacher. Happy writing.
DeleteReally good stuff here. I'm on a tight budget right now so I'm mostly gleaning from Seekerville and other online free forums, but would love to take some of those classes as time and money allow. I'm also interested in the Citizens Police Academy, but that's out of range right now, so I may take some classes with RWA Kiss of Death or contact my local department for a ride-along. I don't know nearly enough to do what I do, but I know enough to know what I don't know.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Laura C.K.
I work on craft a lot, studying print-outs from Seekerville and other sites. I get Randy Ingermanson's material straight to my inbox, yay. And I've been READING a lot more critically lately, studying what works and what doesn't. More "what works," since I have fairly good taste in reading, but there's an occasional "what doesn't." And I learn from that.
Please enter me in the drawing!
Kathy Bailey
Kathy, I, too, get Randy's newsletters. And way back when I thought I might write medical thrillers I took quite a few KOD workshops!
DeleteHI Kathy, Sounds like you are doing a lot of the right stuff for the write stuff. smile Yes, there are resources out there for those of us who want to save and be economical. And it is always good to read. Happy writing and yes, you are in the drawing.
DeleteGreat post, Sandra. I so enjoy coming to Seekerville and learning from all of you everyday. My library has Lynda.com courses for free with our library card. However, I wonder if it isn't as extensive as having a subscription. It only showed 22 writing courses available.
ReplyDeleteThat's nice that your library does that, Sandy!
DeleteThanks for the reminder to check out the library, Sandy. Many libraries have writer's groups going and that is always fun. Even if they aren't writing the same genre there are many things that fit all genres and its always fun to talk to other writers.
DeleteThanks for sharing an extensive list of opportunities! I wanted to be at RWA this year, too, but it wasn't meant to be. May I share one more incredible online class? I'm taking Susan May Warren's Storycrafters program through Novel.Academy. The personal coaching and direct feedback is fantastic. I've learned so much about plot and structure and she's a gifted teacher, who knows how to guide with words of encouragement that really help take writing to the next level. Check it out!
ReplyDeleteHeidi, that's great! I've taken her and Rachel's workshops are conferences, and they are so helpful!
DeleteHeidi, that's wonderful that you are getting a lot out of Susan's class. Thanks for sharing that information. I love how we all share together. It sure helps. Thanks again.
DeleteHeidi, like Missy, I've really enjoyed Susie and Rachel's workshops I've attended. Your class sounds wonderful!
DeleteJanet
Great info, Sandra, thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt's not a class, but the Chicken Soup for the Soup story submissions guidelines offers some great information: http://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/story-guidelines That link tells you exactly what Chicken Soup for the Soul is (and is not) looking for. It's got some good advice in general for story writing too.
Please enter me in the drawing for Laurie's class.
May God bless you and all of Seekerville!
Thanks Phyllis for the link and info. I love Chicken Soup stories. I've been toying with the idea of submitting some stories to them. smile
DeletePhyllis, Vicky Crump is coming at the end of the month and she has sold tons of Chicken Soup stories. She'll tell us how!
DeleteHi Sandra!
ReplyDeleteI am missing being at the conference! BUT I've been to Florida in July and it is sweltering so I'm not missing that! Although, it's pretty sweltering where I live too. I am living vicariously through my FB friends pictures!
HI Rose, Yes, it was so much fun seeing you at RWA in San Diego last year. What fun we had. And I agree about the heat in Florida. However, you end up spending most of the time indoors at a conference so I guess it isnt too bad. I was worried about the same thing when I went to RWA Orlando in 2010 and was surprised at how nice the venue there at Disney was for us writers.
DeleteGreat suggestions, Sandra! Tina pointed me to Udemy awhile back. They have a wide selection of classes. Most recently I took one on PhotoShop so I can use it more effectively for memes, book covers, etc.
ReplyDeleteThanks Myra. Yes, I really am enjoying this list also. Some great ideas. You never learn enough and as fast as the electronic info changes, it helps to keep up. Happy writing.
ReplyDelete...which is how I heard about it! I've been watching the videos this morning. But now my brain is done. I can only take so much technology before my brain shuts down. LOL
DeleteHa ha MIssy. I'm with you. I agree. Too much tech stuff sizzles my brain.
DeleteHi Sandra:
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! I'm a big fan of online classes. I even wrote and did the software programming for a 45 hour real estate license course all on line. That was a total education for me! I think if writers get a chance to teach one of these courses, do it!
I think Tina is a natural teacher. Be sure to take her classes. Also, the most enjoyable class and most fun was Maya's course taught with another writer in which they did videos after the class that were ad lib and oh so funny. I'm not too sure what it was about but I remember it as the most enjoyable online class I've ever taken.
BTW: is Ruth into Minnie Mouse to annoy Mary?
Also: that photo for "Online Classes Can Take You Anywhere..." is not exactly my idea of where anyone wants to go! Show a beautiful south Pacific tropical beach paradise! (or Sedona). Even Tuscany where that writer's school is that Tina is going to go to someday with the money she makes from WW! I'm still waiting for news of that trip. (Of course, I'll stay over for the cooking school.)
A problem with live conferances is that some of the best classes, that you'd love to take, happen at the same time!
My conference advice: Get the class schedule ahead of time and study it at home with no pressure. Don't try to make your mind up the night before in the hotel room. (You might not be thinking too clearly. Also, if you know you will be buying the tapes, then you can select based on the speaker you'd most like to see in person.)
Vince
Morning Vince, Yes, I agree that Tina is a great teacher. She is the reason we all have social media presesnce. Left on my own devices, I'm sure I would be out in La La land. LOL
DeleteYes, you have great advice to study the class list before you arrive. Thankfully we can do that now in the Internet age.
Don't know about annoying Mary, but Ruthy loves everything about Disney, esp Minnie Mouse. I could hardly drag her out of that store. smile I think its the child-loving heart she has. smile
Yes, you are right about the road to anywhere. A photo of Sedona would be more appealing. But hey, that was stock and there. I'm also into taking the easy road. LOL
DeleteIt looks like I'm in good company with all of you who couldn't make RWA. Thanks for the great suggestions and links.
ReplyDeleteYep, Jackie, We are all here with lots of ideas to stay in touch. Thank goodness for the Internet, right? Happy writing.
DeleteSandra, you've done a great job gathering all these fabulous resources for writers. I'm having a touch of RWA conference withdrawal. Maybe next year!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hi Janet, Yes, I know what you mean about the RWA withdrawal. We have had some fun times together at the conferences, haven't we? That is my favorite thing about conferences is seeing writer friends face to face. Hugs
DeleteJanet, I am too! I missed last year as well--didn't go to ACFW either. So it's so tough to miss both again this year.
DeleteDid someone say RWA is in Denver next year? Maybe we should target that.
DeleteRuthy loves Minnie. I love Mickey. I met a talking Mickey in Disney, the only one I've ever come across. Was so fun to hear the Mickey voice in person.
ReplyDeleteJanet
How fun is that?
DeleteExactly! He spoke to the people in line in front of us in Portuguese. Mickey is one smart mouse.
DeleteJanet
Sandra, I love craft workshops and How To books. They teach me a lot and energize me. I also love to read, to see how the pros do it. If the story is great, I forget to study how the author did it.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Hi Janet, I'm with you there. That is how I tell a really good writer is to be lost in the story and forget the process. yay ANd I'm a craft book junkie myself. Not that I actually apply all I learn - sigh
DeleteAnyone ever feel that all you know just flies out of your brain when you sit down to write?
DeleteJanet
Ha ha. I know that feeling well. Thank goodness we have the process of revision.
DeleteSuch wonderful information and resources, Sandra! Thank you so much for this! This is why I always try to point writers to Seekerville as a great place to learn about writing and publishing. Thanks SO MUCH, Sandra!!!
ReplyDeleteMelanie, how sweet of you to direct writers to us. Yes, it is a great place, esp for beginners. And all of us really as we never stop learning. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI do the same thing Melanie! I love Seekerville.
DeleteWe love you too, Connie and we love all our villagers.
DeleteSandra, thanks for the all the links to online classes. There are so many resources that help newbie, and experienced, authors. From how to poison someone without getting caught to suggestions to fix writer's block. And so many are free!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Connie Queen, Yes, it is wonderful that we now have so many resources available with the Internet. Happy writing.
DeleteGreat list of online classes! Wanted to throw something out there. If you are near a university, their library has programs on their computers that you can tap into. Ours here welcomes people from the community to come in. Also, public libraries have access to programs on their computers. As a state employee, I have access to Lynda.com, but do you know, for some reason, I never thought to look for writing classes?! I thought it was computer classes, I guess. Also, if you're looking for books, a university has access to WorldCat, which links to other universities and can "borrow" books for you. I found this out when I was doing genealogy research. Utilize those libraries! (Ours has Ancestry on their computers for you to use. You have to save everything to a flash drive, but it's free access.)Our university has Rosetta Stone on their computers, just to name a few programs available.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sally for the heads up about university libraries. Local libraries were already mentioned but I forgot about the universities. We live near Arizona State University and they also invite the public in to use their resources. Getting a parking spot is the biggest challenge. LOL Thanks again.
DeleteEven working at a university, parking is a challenge lol. And we have to pay to park. That just seems wrong to me.
DeleteI agree. They have been working on the public transportation in Tempe though. There is a free shuttle in town so if you have to park far away, you can catch the free shuttle that runs every fifteen minutes. That helps. They are putting in streetcars soon also.
DeleteThis just reminded me that I haven't been to the library since we moved here last summer! I need to get a new library card!
DeleteThere is always so much to do when you move. Little things like library cards are something you just don't think about. smile
DeleteSandra, this is an extremely thorough post! I've taken a few of the online classes you suggested, but had no idea at the vast array of learning opportunities available! Aren't we blessed? Thank you very much for all this wonderful information!!
ReplyDeleteI'm saving for RWA 2018 in Denver...I hope I'll get to meet lots of Seekerville peeps there!
Speaking of cheese...if you can't make it all the way to the Tillamook Cheese factory there is a great little cheese factory in Central Point, Oregon...http://www.roguecreamery.com/store/
And, the BEST part of stopping there is right next to the cheese shop is the unbelievably best, most delicious, amazing handcrafted chocolate factory ever created...http://www.lilliebellefarms.com/
And in between these great shops is a little wine shop...https://ledgerdavid.com/
I'm sure once you stock up on cheese, chocolates and a little wine you'll be writing the most romantic novels ever!
Hi Kathryn, Yes, we really are blessed. Thank you for the heads up. Oh my, that sounds lovely. Worth the drive to just indulge in all those delights. smile Thanks for sharing.
DeleteLOL, Kathryn ... I know I sure would be! ;)
DeleteHugs,
Julie
A SUPER resource, Sandra. Thanks for taking the time to put this together!
ReplyDeleteNancy C
Thanks Nancy, Do you want to be entered in the contest? Happy writing.
DeleteWOW, Sandra, I totally agree with Kathryn that this is THE most thorough blog I have EVER seen on Online Classes, girlfriend, so GREAT JOB!!
ReplyDeleteI tend to be in Ruthy's camp when it comes to classes of any kind -- online or in person -- it's not my cup of tea. I found that every single workshop I attended at ACFW year after year had great stuff to offer, but I never revisited all those copious notes I took. So I agree with Ruthy's statement that "I don't want to study other people's ideas, I don't want to spend time in sessions or taking classes..."
Of course, that's not to say that I don't watch how-to videos or read how-to writing books, because I've done a ton of that stuff in the beginning, but like Ruthy -- I just would rather write and glean any new tips/learning from Seekerville. :)
LOVE the pix from RWA, Sandra, and I would love it if you included the names of the Seeker friends in that pic since I know several, but am not sure about others. :|
Hugs and more hugs!
Julie
Hi Julie, Yes, you do get to the point that you just get overwhelmed with the info there is. I do a lot of classes and then wonder if I'm really applying what I learned. There is that osmosis though. I think it does pay off in the long run.
DeleteHappy writing.
Hello Sandra!
ReplyDeleteHow funny....I live in Oregon but I'm in Arizona right now (Yuma) helping my youngest daughter who just had surgery and YOU are from Arizona are in Oregon right now! We are a little mixed up at the moment! ha ha! This heat is getting to me but I hear it's a little warm in Oregon right now too! Thanks for your post! I'd love to be in the drawing!
Hi Valri, That is hysterical. We are backwards. Hope your daughter is doing well. Praying for her. And you are better off when its hot there because everything is air conditioned. Here - not so. Sometimes it gets pretty hot in stores and church. Which drawing do you want to be entered in?
DeleteOops, sorry I forgot to designate the drawing! I'd like the reader prize! Thank you!
DeleteOK Valri, I have your name in the cheese bowl. Thanks for getting back to me.
DeleteWhat a fun day at Seekerville. I am a reader, but always enjoy hearing about what writers like to get into...like classes, etc. and seeing your enthusiasm. Count me in for the reader prize, please.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS!
Hi Jackie, Your name is in the cheese bowl. Thanks for joining us. Happy reading.
DeleteI've not taken very many online classes, but this summer I did take a free one by Ted Decker.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in being entered in the writer drawing. Thanks.
Hi Nicki, How did you like the class by Ted Decker? I really like his writing. I bet his class was very helpful. Happy writing.
DeleteI'm with Nicki on the classes. And I'd also like to be entered in the writer drawing too please.
ReplyDeleteHi Boo, Your name is in the cheese bowl. Happy writing.
DeleteWow, great information - I can't wait to check some of these out. Thank you, Sandra!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura and super congrats on winning the Daphne Du Maurier Contest. wooo hoooooo!!!! Happy Dancing here in Seekerville for you.
DeleteThank you, Sandra!
DeleteHi Sandra and thanks for all of the great suggestions. I'm not a writer but I always enjoy reading about all of you who are. As a retired librarian I was well aware of the value of online classes and in later years most of my CEUs were earned through these classes. I would like to be entered for the reader prize.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Yes, online classes are in many areas of our lives. How interesting that you took them for another field and at the library. Yay. The library is a super resource. Your name is in the cheese bowl. Happy reading.
DeleteThanks everyone for your input, ideas and enthusiasm. I really enjoyed chatting with you today. Please check the WE for winners. I will check in the morning in case there were any late night visitors. Happy writing and happy reading all.
ReplyDeleteFabulous blog post. I signed up for one of the classes mentioned. Thanks for the help!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful Tara. Best wishes with your learning process. Happy writing.
DeleteI am not a writer, well of reviews for every book I read but not of books. Online classes are so valuable and benefit so many and especially beneficial to those homebound. Please enter me for the readers package.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information on the writing craft classes. I am a reader not a writer (yet). My family and friends are urging me to write a book with the humourous stories I share about caring for my Mom who has Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
ReplyDeleteI am on a very limited budget so I have not taken any creative writing classes at our local community college since obtaining my degree decades ago.
My mouth is drooling imagining the taste of the fruit combined with the Tillamook Greek Yogurt or Tillamook Ice Cream. I also love their cheeses. My brother was stationed at or near Tillamook while he was in the Coast Guard. He was also at Astoria, Oregon.
Enjoy the fruit and Tillamook Farms products. I don't know if it is still there but a tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory is informative and you get free samples at the end.