Monday, January 25, 2010

Working the Muddle Out of Your Middle

FEBRUARY ONLINE CLASS: Working the Muddle Out of Your Middle
Cheryl St.John
DATE: February 1-28
COST: $25.
REGISTRATION VIA PAYPAL: http://cheryl-stjohn-workshop.blogspot.com/
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
CLASS DESCRIPTION:

It happens to everyone at some time or another--that muddle when you reach the middle of a book. Ever lost energy and drive? Ever thought you didn't have enough story? Ever panicked because you had too much story? Most of us know what it's like to stall out, but there are steps you can take to keep your story moving forward.

Every writer needs to know that just because a certain scene or chapter or book is difficult to write, your talent has not deserted you. There are techniques that will carry you across that difficult stretch more effectively.

In Cheryl St.John's workshop, WORKING THE MUDDLE OUT OF YOUR MIDDLE, she will offer suggestions on how to focus during this challenging stage of the story. After over thirty published books, she knows each book will be a different challenge and that not one solution will always help. She'll show you how to come against destructive self-doubt. Returning to the first love of what excited you about the story is a big part of moving forward, and she will share exercises on how to jump start your creativity. Writers who've taken this workshop come away with fresh ideas and inspiration.

Topics addressed:

* frustration and lack of confidence
* defining the middle
* intuition and first love
* plot points
* tension
* focus


INSTRUCTOR BIO:
Among her achievements, which include over thirty-five published books in both contemporary and historical genres, Cheryl St.John has received multiple Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and three RITA nominations. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real life situations.” She has taught writing on local and national levels, and is in demand as a motivational speaker.

FORMAT:

The class will be conducted via subscription to a private yahoogroup. Two lessons per week, after which you're encouraged to post questions. Most lessons will include a brief exercise pertaining to the participant’s current work in progress. Entire archived class will be available for one week after the ending date.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

THE GREAT PAPER PURGE

As writers, we have to deal with more than our share of paper.j0422184 In the spirit of the New Year, I have a challenge for you.  : ) Resolve to cut down on paper clutter by taking advantage of paperless banking and automatic bill paying services. 

Take a few minutes right now to sign-up to receive your bank statements by email instead of by the post office.  Next, set up automatic bill pay so that regularly occurring expenses will be deducted from your checking account without having to write a check and mailing the bill. Most utilities, credit card and mortgage companies offer this service for free. To keep track of scheduled payments, check out Quicken Online. It’s simple to use – and FREE.

By cutting down on unnecessary paper clutter, you’ll have more time to get your words down on some pages of your own.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Super Librarian Selects The Harvey Girls



If you're building your elibrary, here's a bargain bundle for you to check out. There are two other selections, as well.

Blogger Bundle Volume III: Super Librarian Selects The Harvey Girls

Meet the women who civilized the American West in this bundle hand-picked by Wendy the Super Librarian! Though their pasts may be filled with trials and tribulations, these Harvey Girls still have big dreams of a better life. Falling in love wasn't on the menu, until happily ever after came walking through the door. Bundle includes The Doctor's Wife, The Lawman's Bride, and The Preacher's Daughter by Cheryl St. John.

Wendy said:
Cheryl St.John is my favorite Harlequin Historical author, and her Harvey Girls trilogy is a wonderful illustration of why. In an era before dining cars, weary train passengers relied on Harvey House restaurants to feed them along their journey. They were served by Harvey Girls, young ladies in crisp uniforms who jumped at the chance for adventure, a respectable job and a decent wage. I like to think that St.John’s fictitious Harvey Girls are not all that different from their real-life counterparts. Women who have seen hard times but are determined to make better lives for themselves and their families.

What I especially love about Cheryl St.John’s stories is that while her characters have gone through their personal trials, they never give up. They continue to move forward, put one foot in front of the other and strive toward a better life. It is an amiable quality in any human being, and even better in a romance novel, making the happily-ever-after all the more sweeter for the characters and the readers.
Whether you are already a fan of Cheryl St.John, or a first-time reader, I hope you enjoy these stories as much as I do.
Happy reading,
Wendy the Super Librarian
Visit Wendy's Super Blog: http://super_librarian.blogspot.com/