A 4-week Online Course to begin July 9, 2008.

With Dave Trottier

Course Objectives: To help you discover your creative vision and develop a writer's mission statement, help you overcome blocks and write with freedom and confidence, introduce you to a variety of writing markets, and assist you in planning a successful writing project.

Course Text: The Freelance Writer's Bible by David Trottier.

Course start date: Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Requirements: All you need is Internet access. If you're reading this, you qualify. There are no prerequisites for the course.

Week 1 (July 9) – Discover Your Creative Vision

Reading: Pages 3-21.
Homework: Create a mission statement using the worksheets on pages 21-23. Submit the mission statement.

Week 2 (July 16) – Write with Freedom and Confidence

Reading: Pages 27-84.
Homework: 1) In two paragraphs, name your #1 fear and how you overcame it or will overcome it. 2) Write a narrative essay (200-350 words) as directed on pages 82-83. This second assignment is optional.

Week 3 (July 23) – Explore 17 Writing Markets

Reading: Pages 87-192.
Homework: In three brief paragraphs, name the three writing areas that you are most interested in and why.

Week 4 (July 30) – Plan for Success

Reading: Pages 195-215.
Homework: 1) Create a project plan using the worksheets on pages 216-219. 2) Create an action plan using the worksheet on pages 220-221.

You are encouraged to do all homework assignments by the due dates indicated above. However, homework assignments may be submitted late.

Communication

We will have three means of communication:

1) A chat-room where we will meet as a group for one hour every Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. Mountain time (7:00 p.m. Pacific, 10:00 p.m. Eastern), beginning July 9, with our last meeting on July 30. These chat sessions are simply question-and-answer periods with me.

2) A 24-hour discussion board where you can discuss issues with other students. I will occasionally chime in and answer questions.

3) E-mail for sending homework and asking personal questions. You can attach your homework as a Word file or RTF file, or snail mail it to me directly, or fax it to me at 801-756-5781.

Class procedure
A class week begins on Wednesday. The homework may be submitted any time during the week. Thus, I suggest you do your Week 1 homework by July 9. However, homework may be submitted as late or early as you wish. On Wednesday nights those who wish to will meet together in a chat room with me for a question-and-answer period of one hour. There will also be a 24-hour discussion board for students to communicate among themselves and share ideas.

Registration details

Class will be limited to ten students. Early registration is suggested.

Tuition: $245, but there is a $50 discount for early registration.