New Creative Writing Courses: the Opportunity of a Lifetime for Area Writers

Writers in Southern West Virginia will have a rare opportunity in the coming months as nationally recognized author and editor Michael Knost will teach a creative writing course at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

Michael is the author of several books and the editor of the popular Legends of the Mountain State series. He is a columnist for Shroud Magazine and is currently putting together a writing book for the horror genre with fellow writers Stephen King, Clive Barker, Joe R. Lansdale, Ramsey Campbell, and many others.

Michael is a Logan County native and has taught writing workshops and boot camps in various states, conventions, and libraries. “My heart is here in West Virginia,” Knost said in an earlier interview. “My heart is also with the many writers living here who need a little guidance and experience. I’m excited to work with Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College because they are an organization with the same heart and passion for this area.

The Creative Writing Series—From Idea to Publishing will tackle a number of subjects to help writers and curious minds learn how to write convincing prose that will stand out from the other manuscripts editors and publishers see on a daily basis.

The series of workshops will include four stand-alone courses that, if taken consecutively, will increase publishing opportunities for anyone. “There are no prerequisites for any of the courses,” Knost said. “All you need is a desire to write.” Knost also pointed out that everyone is welcome—from age fifteen to age one hundred fifteen. However, this series will be on a first come, first serve basis, so if you are interested, you’d better register now.

December 4, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The first course, How to Write and Critique Fiction, will cover the functions of plot (or story), description, and critique etiquette. Students will learn the fundamentals of story and the elements required to insure you have a plot. Students will learn the proper use for description and how to avoid the normal pitfalls of novice uses. Students will also learn the rules and etiquette for critiquing other writers’ manuscripts for writers groups and buddy system help. Please call 304-896-7434 for registration fee and information.

February 19, 26, and March 5, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The second course, Creative Writing—steps to Improving Your Story, will span three weeks, with students getting in-depth looks at how to create dynamic characters and how to use authentic dialogue in the first week. The student will learn the importance of point of view, and will also learn the rules and etiquette for critiquing other writers’ manuscripts the second week. And students will spend the third and final week critiquing stories turned in from the prior week. Please call 304-896-7434 for registration fee and information.

April 23, 30, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The third course, Top Ten Reasons Stories/Novels Are Rejected, will span two weeks with students getting the low-down on the top ten reasons editors and publishers reject manuscripts. The first class will deal with five of the top ten reasons, and the second class will reveal the last five reasons. Please call 304-896-7434 for registration fee and information.

May 21, 28, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The forth course, Marketing—You’ve Written a Story—Now What? How to Market Your Story/Novel will span two weeks with students getting candid advice about the importance of marketing and business of publishing. Everything you need to know on how to maximize your sells potential with your project. Please call 304-896-7434 for registration fee and information.

No matter what you want to write, whether it be romance, horror, science fiction, western, historical fiction, memoirs, Christian, or nonfiction in general, these courses will give you a clear advantage in the publishing industry.

Students who sign up for all the courses will get a free critique session from Michael Knost after all the courses are completed. This session will be a one-on-one effort in getting a piece of prose ready to submit to a professional market. To ensure you have a spot, be sure to sign up early . . . 304-896-7434.