Initial Writers Class

[Heather]

Many of us have been looking foward to a possible writer's forum on our favorite site and it is on its way. Brent and I have discussed what we would like to see happen and have decided that we will start of with one initial writers' class that will last six weeks. We're capping the class at 8 members. There will be an application for those interested to fill out and must be sent back to me by April 4th and we will get back to you by April 11th and launch that day with discussion of when we want the weekly deadline for submissions to be.

The Parameters may change a little after the initial class but here are what we have for the first class!

Each week, you will be responsible for writing 500-2000 words. (At least one finished scene, chapter, or story.) You will email what you write to the whole group. All writing will be kept confidential within the group.
Each week, you will be responsible for commenting on two other people's work (assigned weekly by the moderator). You will post your comments in the writers group discussion forum, which will only be open for comments by members of the class. If you have additional comments for other writers beyond the two you were assigned to, feel free to add to their discussion post, too. Ditto if you wish to respond to someone else's comment.
If a member of the group is writing a continuing story, please keep up on the reading so that when it's your turn to comment on her work, you'll be up to date on the story.
Critique Guidelines: Keep it civil, even if you think the story was awful. Use specific statements. "The story was confusing" is a general, unhelpful statement. "I read sentence X five times and still don't understand it" is specific and helpful.
Each critique you make should note at least one positive thing and one thing you think could use work. More is better.
Each class will get to choose a few writing-oriented questions for Brent to discuss with them, either online in the chat, or on their discussion board, or possibly in a Skype conversation.
The class will vote at the end on who was the best critic, and that person will receive something cool.
This is experimental for us, and the point is for it to be helpful to you, so at the end of the class, we'll ask you for ideas on how to make the class better, and possibly if you'd be willing to join or lead a future class.
Suggested reading: Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass, On Writing by Stephen King, How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card.

To get the application please send me a message with your email address and I will send you the application that needs to be filled out 100% and sent back to me by April 4th by midnight west coast time.

[Mithy]

Mithy: [e-mail]
I am fairly new to writing but i need the practice for the standardised literacy test later this year.

[metall6908]

This sounds like a really cool idea. I would love to apply, but I'm taking a lot of college classes right now :P If you do more, I will definitely apply.

[Scythe]

This initial writer's class sounds great!
I would apply, but apart from being a very crappy writer, im just a kid and studying xd
but the thing is that when I was smaller I started writing a little story (you know, vampires, werewolves etc kind of crap any small kid always likes to talk about xd) and btw it isnt finished yet. if anyone wants it, their free to ask and have it, although I dont think its of much use :P

[C. M. Clark]

I'll join, but I have a few questions:

I'm working on two novels right now that are about 25K into the story. (Ones a book two) Do I need something new for this group?

Also what genre will the group be. The two books i'm writing now are fantasy and urban fantasy.

my email: [e-mail]

[Rev. Zen]

I would love to take part in the class.

I look forward to being the next Brent Weeks...

...or better!

[UD67]

I'm actualy pretty terrified to put my work up where it can be seen... But I guess if I don't at least give it a go, I'll never get over that fact.

[e-mail]

Sign me up... I can't possibly be THAT bad.... can I?

[TroyM132]

I have an internet connection in my room and nothing to do with it, would love to take part in a writing class. Though if I get in I really hope we don't do the skype thing because I don't my connection will really handle it.

[Heather]

did you get an email from me? I am trying to remember if you sent me you email address....I am sorry I have been taking my lunch from work trying to send this off to those who want the application.

[TroyM132]

I got it, and sent the finished app a couple days ago. Hope you received it :P.

[WhiteSheWolf]

On the Application....when it says name and date...do you want our real names or our screen names?

This may be a silly question...but...someone has to ask it. ^_^

[Judge]

I think it is asking for your real name since you are in agreement with the statement in the application. But I would provide both just so Heather can track who you are. Eg. John Doe (Judge)

I am sure Heather will clarify when she is on just in case.

[[e]LiFaN[t]™©]

yeah this sounds really awesome... and i would LOVE to join, but my work stinks and im drowning in studies...

maybe next time :)