Tuesday, April 29th and May 6th, 13th, and 20th

5:30PM-7:30PM Phoenix MST
Location: Piper Writers House
 

What to expect at a glance:

• A better understanding of the elements of a writing practice
• Basic techniques to start writing and keep writing
• Insight into the different types of publishing available to you today as an author 

Course Description:

You Ought to Write a Book is aimed at the first-time author who has a story to tell but doesn't know where to begin. Workshop participants will learn the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing and the advantages of each. You'll explore what's behind your desire to write, refine your story idea, and learn about the importance of a story arc. You'll become conversant in the basics of outlining your story and the importance of keeping a writing deadline. You'll also learn writing tricks, like how to bust through "writer's block", as well as the importance of writers' groups and early readers. Participants will also learn how to sell their book once it's done: how to write a book proposal, how to shop for a literary agent or traditional publisher, or whether to self-publish your book instead! 

About the instructor:

Robrt Pela is a Pulliam Prize-winning journalist who for 30 years was a theater critic at New Times, the Phoenix city weekly. He's been a staff writer at The Advocate, Psychology Today, and Men's Fitness, and is a longtime regular contributor to the National Public Radio affiliate, KJZZ. These days he writes for Phoenix Magazine. His last book was Filthy, a biography of the film director John Waters; he's working on another, about America's broken elder-care system. He teaches a writing workshop called You Ought to Write a Book and owns an editing business called Red Pen LLC, where he works on book projects with first-time authors. Robrt and his husband divide their time among homes in Arizona, Ohio, and Provence.