I started writing in the mid-80s, and my first jump into the deep pool was a book. I know, who starts off thinking they can write a book? Well, everyone who knows me knows I don't take dares lightly. So when a friend "dared" me to write a book about my family daycare business, I took her up on it. The result was my very first book The Home Day Care Handbook published in 1987. That led me to writing articles about kids, parenting, animals, and people who fascinated me. In all, I was gratefully published in over 300 newspapers and magazines.
Was it as easy as it seems? Heavens no. I first approached another friend who had written numerous books. He steered me to Writer's Digest. Then two years ago when I began writing again, I found The Institute of Children's Literature. And, finally, through ICL, I found Long Ridge Writers.
In the 80's I was fortunate to take two courses through Writer's Digest--the non-fiction article course, and the novel writing course. Each time I was given a fantastic instructor/mentor who guided me through the basics and encouraged me to continue my writing career. WD still offers wonderful courses that enlighten, encourage, and educate.
If it's children you want to write for like I do, then look to the Institute of Children's Literature. Talk about one-on-one mentoring? The Institute does just that and more. Their basic course takes you through the mechanics of writing, polishing, finding a market, and selling your story or article. Their instructors are well known children authors, and they are a wealth of information. My instructor for the basic course was author, Renee Heiss, and my instructor for the novel writing course is Linda Crotta Brennan. I wrote my second book, The Great Camel Experiment of the Old West, as part of the basic course plus sold 3 articles to magazines. I am writing my third book now as part of the novel course. The wealth of resources and guidance is outstanding.
Finally, if you want to write for adults, check out an affiliate of ICL, The Long Ridge Writers Group. Long Ridge offers courses for both non-fiction and novel or story writing. Their set up is a lot like ICL. Their course is on-line with proven material and resources, and you are paired with an accomplished author as an instructor/mentor. What more could you ask for.
So whether you have a burning desire to put those stories rolling around in your head down on paper, want to see your name in print, or--like me--can't resist a dare, check out the three options listed below. It could be the best thing you ever did. It was for me.
Was it as easy as it seems? Heavens no. I first approached another friend who had written numerous books. He steered me to Writer's Digest. Then two years ago when I began writing again, I found The Institute of Children's Literature. And, finally, through ICL, I found Long Ridge Writers.
In the 80's I was fortunate to take two courses through Writer's Digest--the non-fiction article course, and the novel writing course. Each time I was given a fantastic instructor/mentor who guided me through the basics and encouraged me to continue my writing career. WD still offers wonderful courses that enlighten, encourage, and educate.
If it's children you want to write for like I do, then look to the Institute of Children's Literature. Talk about one-on-one mentoring? The Institute does just that and more. Their basic course takes you through the mechanics of writing, polishing, finding a market, and selling your story or article. Their instructors are well known children authors, and they are a wealth of information. My instructor for the basic course was author, Renee Heiss, and my instructor for the novel writing course is Linda Crotta Brennan. I wrote my second book, The Great Camel Experiment of the Old West, as part of the basic course plus sold 3 articles to magazines. I am writing my third book now as part of the novel course. The wealth of resources and guidance is outstanding.
Finally, if you want to write for adults, check out an affiliate of ICL, The Long Ridge Writers Group. Long Ridge offers courses for both non-fiction and novel or story writing. Their set up is a lot like ICL. Their course is on-line with proven material and resources, and you are paired with an accomplished author as an instructor/mentor. What more could you ask for.
So whether you have a burning desire to put those stories rolling around in your head down on paper, want to see your name in print, or--like me--can't resist a dare, check out the three options listed below. It could be the best thing you ever did. It was for me.
http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/
http://www.longridgewritersgroup.com/
http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/
http://www.longridgewritersgroup.com/
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