Week 1:  What editors and publishers look for in a manuscript. Why manuscripts fail to be published
Week 2:  The Hookless Beginning
Week 3:  Multiple Viewpoints
Week 4:  Wooden characters, Part I (characterization)
Week 5:  Wooden characters, Part II (the qualities of an interesting character)
Week 6 : Dialogue
Week 7:  Fluff & Repetition
Week 8:  Poor Research and The Rushed Ending

Student Comments:

"It seems I've learned more from Weeks #4 and #5 than from any writing course I've taken before!"

"Is it over already? I learned much from this course, especially the 'showing' and reserch lessons. Word pictures, including metaphors, similites and hyperboles add interest to writing. I enjoyeed finding new ones. I believe my writing is improved and the lessons will benefit other stories I have written"

"I'm a former student of Seven Common Writiting Problems.  I wanted to let you know that I recently sold one of my stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul.  I'm sure my success in writing and selling this story was a direct result of all I learned from you."

"Thank you so much for the uplifting comments on my wombat exercises.  If my opening paragraphs were successful, it's because I read your book and listened to your Writer's Toolbox tapes." 

"Seven Common Writing Problems was my first class with you - but it won't be my last.  I loved it.  You were superb and very supportive, and the chats were great for getting to know the others in the group and exchanging ideas.  You obviously know your craft inside and out, and you were very patient and inspirational.  Your lessons were well planned, and texts were sent in plenty of time to complete the assignments - and your comments were always constructive and helpful.  I appreciated your welcome-to-the-course note, with more details about preparation, where to find suggested course materials, text and assignments for the first class, sent well in advance.  Expect me in another course soon, Patrika.  You're great to work with.

"This has truly been a resourceful course. It confirms problems I had recognized about my writing...hookless beginnings, rushed endings, wooden characters and unrealistic dialogue. The weekly narratives Cleary demonstrated how to correct these weaknesses. I am most knowledgeable about point-of-view, although I must be less formal with the voices as I write.

The most likeable part of the course was the personal feedback from you on each assignment. (Thanks for the small course enrollment)! I could clearly see my errors after reading your comments. The revisions were true "growth spurts!" Improvement was truly noticeable the "second time around!" Of course, the examples following the narratives and the exercises gave depth to the course.

Least likable about the course? Really I have not complaints."

C. Dunkley
 

Thought for the day: A journey of a thousand sites begins with a single click