2026 Classes Will be available by mid-summer
Until then, you are viewing our classes for 2025
Classes
Edie Melson 2026 TBA
Intro to Basics of Social Media – Many writers, mistakenly assume it’s either too late or too early to build a solid social media presence. Edie will walk you through the reason social media is non-negotiable for almost all writers and how to find a way to make it work for your specific situation. Included will be information on why we need a social media presence before we get a contract. Which networks work best for which audience (and why you need to be active on more than one). How to use scheduling programs to keep your social media time commitment manageable. How to compose effective updates that increase shares. What you need to know to connect with your book’s potential audience.
Billy Wayne Arrington 2026
Script Writing - Performing arts are great outlets for writers to express themselves and influence pop culture. This is especially prevalent with scriptwriting. Scriptwriting is utilized for stage, screen, radio, and social media. Learn how to bring ideas and stories to life by developing intriguing plots and inspiring characters. Turn your written works into live presentations.
Bob Hostetler 2026♦
The Proposal-Driven Life - Writing a successful book proposal, using real-life samples of proposals that sold.
The Art of the Query - What is a query letter or email? What to query. Who to query. Why query? How to write a “killer” query letter..
Edwina Perkins 2026 – TBA
Eva Marie Everson 2025
Those All-Important First Pages – What is the first thing a prospective editor, agent, or reader sees? Your first pages. In this workshop, Eva Marie will take you through the first pages works of both fiction and nonfiction to show you what works . . . and what doesn't.
Lynette Eason 2025
Is it Time for An Agent – In this class, we’ll discuss when the proper time is for you to seek an agent. You’ll learn how to submit, what to submit when to submit – even why you submit to an agent. There is a process and an appropriate time. An agent can’t sell what isn’t written.
Pepper Basham 2026♦ TBA
CANVA – How to for Writers – This early bird class will address how to use basic Canva for developing memes, posters, announcements, etc.
Time Management in a Busy Life ??
Sarah Loudin Thomas 2026♦
PITCHES THAT FIT - Dig into developing your arsenal of pitches to fit every situation. Start with a short and pithy elevator pitch to snag an agent or editor's attention. Then hone your 15-minute appointment pitch with tips for sharing your idea as well as following proper etiquette. And finally, perfect your written query to send via email when pitching from afar. Come to class ready to shape your story idea and leave with at least one pitch polished up and ready to go.
Vincent Davis 2025♦
Book Launch Myths and What You Should Do Instead – There are a few things we’re all told we need to do around a launch. Pre-orders, reviews, sales, and best seller’s lists, the list of tips is endless. But many of these common industry tropes are outdated or aren’t grounded in what works with Amazon’s algorithms in the first place. In this class, you’ll learn what strategies and tips really work to make your launch as successful as possible and avoid actions that are unhelpful or downright hurtful to your book’s long-term sales success.
Martin Wiles 2026 – TBA
One-on-One Mentoring – 2025 MENTORING APPOINTMENTS will open in August 2025
Larry Leech, Edie Melson, Lori Marett, Billy Wayne Arrington, Linda Gilden, Andrea Merrell, Denise Loock, and Terri Kelly serve as mentors. Most all will be available for private appointments.
Mentoring spots are open to writers with novel or non-fiction manuscripts.
