Thank you to my sister Mira who forwarded this. How perfect is this wrap up?

Can't teach without my Dunkin' Donuts coffee

Happy New Year! If you have ever dreamed of writing novels  but are daunted by the task of getting started, that line forms to the left.  Every novelist begins the journey full of ideas and equally full of doubt, even the ones who have gone down this road many times before.

Whether your goal is to attempt your first literary feat or to polish your work-in-progress, I urge you to take the plunge.  Learn how to hone the craft. To bring your words, thoughts, feelings, knowledge and experiences to life. And to write sentences that are grammatically correct, lol.

It is so interesting that we live in an age where the written word is easily communicated through everything from a tweet to a blog to a book, but when it comes to good storytelling, the elements remain unchanged. If you want to succeed at writing a novel that offers the 3 E’s- enlightenment, education and entertainment, you need to know the fundamentals. But where to start?

If you live in the New York area and/or Long Island, I would love for you to register for one of my  new writers workshops.

Starting on Thursday, January 14, 2010, join me at MediaBistro for an innovative 8-week class that focuses on writing chick-lit and contemporary, female-driven stories. Don’t be thrown by the pink cover stereotypes- this is a fun but intensive program to help emerging writers develop the techniques and strategies that sell commercial fiction. If you have compelling story ideas that would appeal to women, and you are ready to roll up your shirtsleeves and share with other writers, I want you in my class! Check out the details, including curriculum, price and location.

http://www.mediabistro.com/courses/cache/crs5336.asp

If you live on Long Island, I am very excited to also be offering a different type of writers workshop. This one will be led at Hofstra University (Uniondale)  and is open to anyone who wants to write fiction. It is a 6-week course packed with tips, techniques and honest critiquing. Designed for the beginner, regardless of age, it offers a great opportunity to start the year fulfilling the dream of becoming a writer. Classes begin on Wednesday January 20, 2010. Check out this link for all of the details

http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/CCEPA/ccepa_coursedetails.cfm?cid=U6112-51&fid=91A2182E-65B3-F1F2-6E0149896AC8B9AB&hid=919F5C33-65B3-F1F2-6BB95A35553BE596

Feel free to email me with any questions at Saralee42@gmail.com.

Hope to see you in class!