by Mary Carroll Moore
When my novel, Qualities of Light, was published last fall, I celebrated as anyone would, fully enjoying the readings, book signings, and kudos. The book did well and received some good reviews. I even had my brief moment in the sun, being interviewed on WNPR in New Haven, Connecticut.
Then the furor died down. I unpacked my suitcases, went back to my writing desk, and faced my next book in progress.
The time following publication is a bit like the aftermath of a great party. The fun and hard work are done, and the cheerful noise has subsided. Even the party balloons lie spent on the floor. An author might glory briefly as another fan letter arrives, as another interview is scheduled, but that solitary life of the everyday writer is back again.
Some writers fall into a creative slump. What just happened? we wonder. Where was I?
I felt disoriented for many weeks. No inspiration, no creative juice. My writing was stale, and I worried how I would get back my groove, if I ever had one.
Browsing the Internet one afternoon, avoiding my novel in progress, I came upon a listing for online writing classes. Understand that I’m far from high-tech, that I even delayed long past reason in getting my first e-mail account. Online classes weren’t on my radar. I appreciated that distance learners enjoyed them, that they easily fit busy schedules. But they were not for me.
As a writing teacher at the Loft and other schools, I pride myself in creating a strong, supportive learning environment. I enjoy helping writers practice new skills that transform their work. I love the unique creativity of a writing community gathered in a classroom. Miracles happen regularly and I’m privileged to be part of them.
Sunk in my own stuckness, I needed such a miracle. But my schedule allowed no possibility of attending a class in person. To avoid the looming postpartum depression, I took a deep breath and signed up for my first online class.
We were a small group, 12 writers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, each with assorted skills, writing in different genres, all in search of inspiration. Each week we logged on to the “classroom’s” main page where, in cheerful colors, were our lesson, suggested readings, and three writing assignments. We took the week to read the new lesson, test out the theories on our own work, experiment with the exercises.
Everyone was asked to post his or her best results by Friday evening, his or her writing in progress. Be brave, the instructor encouraged. We’re all kind here.
Only five posted that first week. I was one. I kind of liked what I’d written in response to the first exercise, which was a short series of movies about character. I enjoyed reading the other writers’ work. Some was raw, some revised, all interesting. We were kind; we commented gently on each other’s writing, asked questions, suggested ideas. I read the feedback on my piece and thought about it. It was fun to have time to think and not have to rush my answers. Online classes are slower for those, like me, who need that time to process material. There’s none of the classroom pressure, where the boldest talk and the quietest don’t. Everyone gets a chance in virtual classrooms. Ah, I thought, an unexpected benefit.
I eagerly awaited the instructor’s feedback. She was accurate, thoughtful, and encouraging. Her comments were generous. This was great!
By the third week, I was really enjoying the course. Certain writers became my favorites; I logged on as soon as they posted. I looked forward to the instructor’s responses to my work, full of exciting ideas and suggestions. Each time I visited the classroom, I felt inspired. It was truly a creative space, a fun, enlivening, and easy way to learn.
Over the weeks, my novel in progress opened up surprisingly from the class exercises. Several new scenes came through for one of my difficult characters. I was back to writing every day, the course giving me good reason to create new material.
Online learning became a big YES! in my book. Moreover, I knew I might be teaching an online class for the Loft. Now I felt more prepared for and enthusiastic about online learning.
The Loft will be launching its first online class this fall; I’m the instructor. Having been a student, I know what matters: a supportive community, ease of use of the virtual classroom, great material and writing exercises, open discussion and sharing of work, and continual feedback from the instructor. We’ll have all of that and more in Your Book Starts Here.
The 12-week online class is based on chapters from my forthcoming book by the same title. By the end of the class, you’ll have completed a thorough plan for your book in progress, including visual maps, three-act structure, chapter drafts, and analysis of your readership and market. Each week’s writing exercises explore both the process of writing a book as well as the product of creating pages, chapters, and a full manuscript. My goal, as always, is to help you become a stronger writer with more inspiration, a well-stocked toolbox of skills, increased stamina for the sheer work of writing, and a broader knowledge of the publishing industry today.
We’re limiting the online class to the first 20 students who register. This way I can make sure you get plenty of attention and feedback on your book in progress. So if this fits your writing needs and schedule, please join me. The class description is below—call the Loft soon (612-379-8999) or visit www.loft.org/class-info to find out more and register.
Hope to “see” you there!
Your Book Starts Here–How to Plan, Write, and Develop a Book
In this online class, you’ll get to know your book—what it is about, how to structure it, how to plan to finish it! You’ll learn a step-by-step plan that includes flexible timelines, chapter grids, storyboarding, and other techniques. You’ll look at ways to flow chapters, find holes in your material that need filling, organize research and concepts, construct plots, and bring your book into manifestation. You’ll also learn what editors and agents look for and gain essential tips on editing and evaluating your book in all its stages. Designed for nonfiction authors who have a book concept or a work in progress, and for novelists who need a fresh look at their material.
Date: September 13–December 6 (no class the week of Thanksgiving)
Registration fee: $420.00
Mary Carroll Moore is an award-winning author of thirteen books in three genres, includingQualities of Light (2009, Spinsters Ink), and Your Book Starts Here: Create, Craft, and Sell Your First Novel, Memoir, or Nonfiction Book (2010 release, Riverbed Press); writing coach; and former editor for publishing houses. She’s been featured in the New York Times and USA Today and for twelve years wrote a syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and other newspapers. Her essays, short stories, poems, and articles have appeared in publications around the U.S. and Canada. She writes a weekly writing blog athttp://HowtoPlanWriteandDevelopaBook.blogspot.com.
Website: www.marycarrollmoore.com
