Writer U July On-Line Courses

July 1-31, 2011


Laws of Motion: Plotting the Compelling Story


by Laura Baker


$30


at http://www.writeruniv.com/





Do you know what your story is REALLY about? How would your writing be different if you knew the answer? Receive personal attention and brainstorm on your own story as you plot your book with critically-acclaimed and award-winning author Laura Baker. With over two decades of experience as a writer, teacher, critiquer and judge, Laura will teach you a revolutionary way of managing the dynamics of plot, character and conflict. This session is packed with information and feedback, but all the lessons and plotting are at your own pace.





In this class you will:





* Learn how to construct Story and Character Arcs* Use the Story Question to create clear and compelling conflict


* Define the decision that changes your protagonist's life


* Plumb the heart of your story using struggle and insight


* Discover and use three setup scenes for every Turning Point


* Use mini-epiphanies to launch the protagonist into escalating action


* Create a visceral connection of plot to subplot


* See your story vision come to life





With Laura's coaching, many unpublished writers are now published, and the techniques she teaches are used by NY Times bestselling authors. One writer said, "I now know what's been missing from this story. I finally 'feel' the layers and the textures and the plot is no longer contrived. I'm so excited! I'm digging in, writing my little brain out!"





For more information about Laura's coaching, classes and critiquing, visit her website: http://www.fearlesswriter.com/





~ ~ ~July 11-22, 2011


MASTER CLASS: Urban Fantasy


by Eileen Wilks


$55


at http://www.writeruniv.com/





Prerequisite: Must be reading, writing or considering urban fantasy.


What is urban fantasy? Why has it stayed hot?





Eileen Wilks, NY Times bestselling author of three dozen novels and short stories -- including the twelve which comprise her World of the Lupi series -- addresses the 21st-century genre that's attracted millions of new readers and continues drawing more every month. Focused solely on writers with an interest in urban fantasy, this hands-on workshop looks at the craft of blending fantasy, and reality...with in-depth information on topics like building a world and creating plausible characters ("Mary Sue need not apply").





During this two-week session, you'll also learn about:


* What urban fantasy readers look for


* Genre-busting books that work


* Placing limits on characters -- supernatural and otherwise


* Creating a setting and magic that works


* Urban fantasy publishers to watch for


* Writing a series: how much planning does it take?





Ever since her first release in 1996, "World of the Lupi" series author Eileen Wilks has consistently appeared on national bestseller lists. With thirty-two books in print and novellas in nine anthologies, her award nominations include Career Achievement in Series Romantic Suspense. Eileen covered territory in Canada and Venezuela, as well as twelve U.S. cities in five states, before coming home to West Texas where she's lived for over 30 years.