Category: Writing classes

Encouragement, Jane Friedman, Kirsten Lamb, Rachel Gardner, Self Publishing, Writer Unboxed, Writing, Writing blogs, Writing classes, Writing Resources

How to Save Time for Writing

Mona Alvarado Frazier





There are few things I like to do other than write or find writing resources to help me become a better writer. Sure I miss watching my favorite television shows, coffee with friends, walking the dog, and watching my kids grow (I’m lying they are all 18-25, they’re grown). Sometimes I prefer to write than go on a date but perhaps that will change when the right one comes along. How I save time for writing besides the aforementioned is to look for shortcuts, i.e. good advice. Why reinvent the wheel? 

When I find great resources I believe in sharing them to help the next writer in his/her endeavor. Many publishers, agents, and authors have blogs that help writers become better. I usually stay away from any with bells and whistles on their blogs (flickering ads) or anyone admantly pushing their book. I don’t mind that their book cover is on their sidebar I just don’t want flashing arrows pointing to it or their ad popping up on my screen.
In the past few months I’ve found that I’ve kept returning to the same bloggers, who I believe are experts in the writing field. These are, in no particular order:
Jane Friedman‘s blog. She featured Writing Advice That Saves You 5 Years. It links to Steal This List. She has an archive of free advice for writers and is an editor at Writer’s Digest, a magazine I finally subscribed to after reading it at the library for four months.

And for plot and structure, I know no better teacher than The Plot Whisper. I learn better when I can read something and hear something. TPW has YouTube videos on each lesson, for FREE. 

Kirsten Lamb is the Queen of Blogging and Social Media. Her post The Right Way, Wrong Way, Smart Way caught my attention and is well worth the read. 
Rachell Gardner is a literary agent who has resources for writers who want to improve their craft and prepare themselves for publication. 
Writer Unboxed was started by two aspiring writers who began a community of contributing authors. They are “about the craft and business of fiction.” 


Deciding to go the e-book route and self publish, Joe Konrath’s blog tells it like it is-to him. He makes a lot of sense (he has sold books the traditional way) and now sells tons of his books, for e-readers. 


Also check out some more of my favorites listed on Top Ten Blogs for Writers. 


These resources save you time and money because many people pay for the kind of information these writers give and you can read them whenever you carve out 10 minutes. If you haven’t fulfilled your dream of writing a family history, memoir, magazine article or essay, here’s your chance to start again in the new year and save time to watch your children grow or go on that date. 
Writing, Writing classes

Writing Classes

Mona Alvarado Frazier

     There was a time, not too long ago, when I thought writers just wrote. They picked up a pen or put their fingers on the keyboard, and off they went, into their novel. 
     Hah-What planet do you live on-Oh, please- I can hear you all say.
   
     But that was my mindset, BW (before writing). We all know that writing is hard work. Here’s three quotes and a picture that says it all:


    “There’s nothing to writing.  All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein.” Walter “Red” Smith.
    “Writing is easy. All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.” Gene Bailey.
     Writing a book is a long, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. George Orwell





     And because it’s not easy, I thought I’d do a post on the classes and instructors that have helped me in the past three years. If you are within Ventura County these are within reach. The instructors charge varying rates and I believe they are pretty reasonable considering their expertise. If you’re not in Ventura County, look up these instructors blogs and websites. 


Ventura Adult Education. Most communities have Adult Ed, maybe they have writing classes. I signed up for my first class three years ago and it was free. I stayed with this group for close to a year until I felt it was time to move forward. Great experience and even better people.


Amada Irma Perez: She has published several children’s books and is an awesome teacher. I was fortunate enough to be invited to her women’s writer’s group, that is now closed to others. Her ongoing open group is: writersgroupsofventuraandbeyond@groups.facebook.com. Her website is http://amadairmaperez.com/ 


Shelly Lowenkopf: Professor Emeritus, instructor in the masters writing program at USC, and nationally renowned book editor. His book “Fiction Writer’s Companion,” comes out in July. His blog is http://www.lowenkopf.com/ You can find him on Wikipedia too. Best for intermediate and advanced writers.


Susan Hart Hellman: freelance writer, editor, and publicist. I heard her at Ojai’s Wordfest, for $5 which included wine tasting. Which reminds me to tell you to attend writing conferences. You can find free and low cost presentations. Susan has several classes at the Ventura Community Education Center.

May 18 & 25, 6:30-9:30: Submit Your Column – Get it Published,June 1, 6:30-9:30:  Working with the Media:  Getting Free Publicity for Your Writing    Community Education Center, 71 Day Road, Ventura, Room 3A.  (Info/Registration:  805.654.6459 or www.communityed.venturacollege.edu)


Toni Lopopolo. She used to be an editor and is now an agent. I’ve attended two of her “Boot Camps,” and learned more than I could just through books on writing. My first manuscript was near completion and I took the plunge into boot camp. Toni is a taskmaster. Her website is: http://lopopololiterary.com/ Look under “Tea with Toni,” for her next session of classes. She also has Oovo classes (like Skype sessions) with small groups of writers. Best for intermediate and advanced writers, IMHO.


I hope this is helpful. Now I need to go back to my MS and continue with revisions, my wrists aren’t burning yet. Good writing until next time.