Classes

After years teaching at software conferences across North America and Europe, I’m bringing my skills as a public speaker to the writer community. I want to help writers be both better writers and speakers. I’m happy to teach a class to your writing group, seminar, workshop, or conference. I’m available for both in-person and online classes.

Write Crime Right

Movies and television always depict crime investigations incorrectly. As authors, we owe it to our readers to get the facts straight. In this class, you’ll learn how to keep things accurate, but still allow for some creativity. Topics covered include guns, police department organization, medical examiner vs. coroner, forensics, SWAT, courts, jail vs. prison, and more. Content is based generally accepted concepts of US law enforcement. Note that specific procedures and department organization may vary by department or state.
60 minutes

Plotting: The Secret Engine of Great Fiction

We’ve all read books that start out great but then drag in the middle, prompting you set the book aside, never to return again. The problem was likely the author didn’t plot what happens and got lost trying to rescue the story. In this class, you’ll learn how to create a plot that will prop up the muddled middle and deliver an explosive ending, without stifling your creativity.

60 minutes

The Introverted Writer

It’s said that writers are loners – introverted, but there are times we need to interact with others. In this class, you’ll learn what science has discovered about the brain of an introvert. And you’ll get tools to help you manage the anxiety of being with and talking to others. We’ll talk about book signings, readings, groups, conference attendance, and more.

60 minutes

You Can Write a Mystery

A mystery may be the most difficult genre to write. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of what makes a mystery different from other genres and how to effectively plant the clues that lead the reader to deduce the identity of the criminal.

60 minutes