Tuesday, March 26th and April 2nd, 9th & 16th

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

What to expect at a glance:

• Writing tips and tricks to stay motivated in your writing
• Information about the publishing industry and what type of publishing is the best fit for you
• Basics of writing, like how to choose a voice, how to outline your work, and where to market your book once it's done

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, and the working writer who needs help with next steps toward publishing. Workshop participants will learn the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing and the advantages of each. They’ll explore what’s behind their desire to write, refine their story idea, and learn about the importance of a story arc. They’ll become conversant in the basics of outlining their story and the importance of keeping a writing deadline. They’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 a traditional publisher, or whether to self-publish their book instead.

About the instructor:

Robrt Pela is a career journalist who’s written for magazines and newspapers both local and national. Pela spent 30 years as a columnist at Phoenix New Times; was an editor at Phoenix Home and Garden; and is now writing for Phoenix Magazine. He has been a staff writer at national magazines including The Advocate, Psychology Today, and Men’s Health, and for nearly three decades has been a correspondent at the National Public Radio affiliate KJZZ. His published books include Filthy: The Weird World of John Waters. He works as a full-time book editor based in Phoenix, Arizona.