I’m currently plotting an online class on plotting. And more. It’s actually called Kiss Me or Kill Me: Cozy Mystery Writing 101 for Romance Writers.
That name is a misnomer of sorts. Yes, the class will be about writing cozy mysteries. And yes, this class is one that I think romance writers will like, at least those who are also interested in writing cozies. However, I plan to do lessons on all aspects of cozy writing, from coming up with a theme, to who the protagonist is, to how to put a cozy plot together.
Romance? Well, I’ll definitely get into how the protagonist may have a love interest and how that can be handled in a cozy. I’ll also describe the differences between cozy mysteries and, say, romantic suspense novels. But people taking the class don’t need to have any background in romance writing.
So why the title that implies otherwise? That’s because I’m presenting this class through the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America, a wonderful chapter of a wonderful organization to which I’ve belonged for years.
The class will take place from Monday, February 13, to Sunday, March 11, 2012. I intend to give two lessons a week plus assignments and feedback. Am I nuts? Maybe. My next Pet Rescue Mystery is due in April. But this is something I’ve wanted to do for a while.
So if you’re interested in learning at least one cozy mystery and romance author’s perspective on how to write a cozy mystery... join me! Here’s the website: http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassFeb12.html
I’m also inviting you to give me a lesson. Have you taken any online classes? What were the topics? Did you enjoy them? Any suggestions for me to make my class the most fun yet most educational online class so far?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
16 comments:
This class sounds great! My "paycheck job" is at a point right now that I cannot sign up this time, but please keep us posted if you should repeat the course in the future--best of luck with it!
I have written curriculum for an online class, taught it and taken other people's online classes. I'd say the most important aspect is solid information, not just fluff. My in-box spills over with "chit-chat" from these courses, and at the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon, I have too much stuff to read anyway, so while I appreciate the "getting-to-know-you" aspect of classes, I believe that most of us sign up to learn something...something substantial, not readily available or apparent, and something worth our time and money. What do you think, Linda and Blog Sisters? What would you hope to gain?
Thanks, Linda! Sorry you can't join now but I'll definitely let everyone know if the course is offered again later.
Good points, Joanna. I do want to teach the class members something of substance that's enjoyable, too. I'd like them to come away enthused about whatever cozy mysteries they're writing.
I think that's the "trick" to teaching. It's to distill what we do intuitively into steps that other people can follow. That's one reason I love teaching--it forces me to really nail down what I'm doing that works.
Whether in person or online, I try to cram in as many exercises as possible to illustrate my points. Like most things, writing is best learned by doing.
And who better to teach a class like this one, but you!
I agree, Joanna. My advance preparation for this class has already taught me quite a bit about how I do things!
Do you have to be online at certain times for this class-or do you just get the information when you are able to get online? I'm interested in joining...but with my work schedule...
Good idea, Camille. I'm plotting my exercises, too!
Thanks, Janie!
I think it's set up in a Yahoo Group, Katreader, so you can pop in and read and respond at whatever times work for you.
From doing my master's degree on-line, the more conversation and participation you can get the students to do, the happier they will be and will learn it better. We had a very lively class chat for most of my classes and it really helps you to get the material. Mary
Thanks, Mary. I am hoping for good class participation and will certainly encourage it.
If I were taking a class on cozy mysteries, the obvious first thing would be to understand what a cozy is. Since they tend to be series, it would be good to understand how to write characters who can sustain a series.
I think in cozies, the mystery is the spine of the story, but there is another story going on with the characters.
A good way to learn about plotting is to read the end of a cozy and then go back and see how the clues are planted.
I also went through a book and used a lot of post it notes to mark the mystery parts and the other story parts.
Excellent ideas, Betty. Thanks!
Post a Comment