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Pat is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 46 novels of romance and women's fiction which have been published in eighteen different countries.  An acclaimed teacher, she formerly taught at The University of Houston, and has given writing workshops all over the country.  She says there’s nothing more satisfying to her than seeing that light bulb go off in a student’s head.  Listed are the classes scheduled through the end of 2008.  Others may be added periodically.

Special Eight-Week Course -- Writing Your Novel

When:  Current class began July 15, 2008 -- Upcoming classes to be announced in December

COST:  $200 payable by check or PayPal

An eight-week intensive online writing course concentrating on the most important elements of good fiction: theme, characterization and dialogue, conflict and motivation, story construction emphasizing scene and sequel, and point of view.  During the last week of class a lesson on writing the synopsis and a sample synopsis will also be posted.  After each lesson, homework is assigned.  The homework is not required, but it is recommended as it helps you learn.  In addition to discussion of the lessons and critique of the homework assignments, Pat will answer questions concerning individual projects and/or problems.  At the end of the eight weeks, Pat will read and critique the first 25 pages of your novel as well as a synopsis of 3-5 pages.  NOTE:  Although this class is listed as a beginner class, even more advanced writers will benefit from taking it.  Several experienced writers who took the course ended up selling their novels.

Class size will be limited.

To inquire about a future class, send an e-mail to Pat at classes@patriciakay.com.

PAYMENT POLICY:  Payment is due in full upon registration.  No installment payments will be accepted.  If forced to cancel before class begins, the amount paid less a $15 service fee will be refunded.

Here's what some of the students who have taken this course say about it:

"As a beginner writer, this class has provided the entire path and detailed directions at each crossroad on getting to the end of my story.  I have taken many online and onsite classes but none offered the complete scope of what is required for completing a novel.  Your lectures were very instructional, your feedback/availability was insightful and consistent, and sharing with other class members was very helpful.  Thank you for providing this valuable class to the online writing community."

                                                                                                                                                   Elaine R. Gray

"Out of all the writers I've listened to over the years, you're the one who has been able to explain things in a language that I can understand. Since I first heard you speak about Scene & Sequel on the AskAnAuthorAll e-mail loop, the aspect of PLOT has really been clicking for me. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm getting close to being able to put the whole story structure thing together. Yay!"

                                                                                                                                                  Sheila Seabrook

"I love this class.  I can't sing its praises enough.  And I'll tell anyone who's interested it's a great class to take: whether you're a newbie or an old pro, you'll get something out of this class.
                                                                                                                                                        Liz Webb

"I really believe the lesson about POV levels will have tremendous impact on my writing once I gain some mastery over it.  For whatever reason, I keep an emotional distance from my characters, not wanting to experience too much of their angst or emotional intensity. This lesson alone could be the topic of an all day workshop and probably still leave the listeners wanting more."
                                                                                                                                                        Jerre Ferns

"The class has given me a fresh perspective, and I'm sorry it's over. You're a wonderful teacher."
                                                                                                                                                          Pat Rosen

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8 Weeks - Intermediate Novel Writing

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Other classes for 2009 to be announced in December

Here's what a few former students have had to say about Pat's writing classes:

"I've been lurking and only did a few of the assignments, but I wanted to let you know that you've given us a lot of material to learn and absorb. Some of the other on-line classes I've taken haven't even come close to amount of content in this class. Thank you for making this such a wonderful learning experience! Your in-depth knowledge and gentle guidance makes you a fabulous teacher and coach!"

Anne Lum

"I have really enjoyed this class and the lessons have become treasures that I will look back to in the future. I do feel slightly overwhelmed at the moment with information but I know that once the dust settles I will be grateful to have every ounce of information you so willingly shared with us.  The personal feedback is something that I have most certainly grown from." 
                                                                                                                                                       Laura James

"I learned so much from Pat Kay's course.  Her lessons were helpful, easy to understand, and relevant.  Pat's responses to questions and subsequent discussions made me feel as if I was actually sitting in a classroom with an instructor who cared about me and my work.  I'd highly recommend any course that she teaches."

Christine Wenger, author of THE COWBOY WAY and  NOT YOUR AVERAGE COWBOY, Silhouette Special Edition

"Even though I am a published author, I know there is always much more a writer can learn.  I took one of Pat Kay's online courses and highly recommend her classes to anyone looking to improve their writing.  I came away with more helpful information than I expected, thanks to Ms. Kay's ability to teach the craft in interesting and easy-to-understand lessons.  Her talent, enthusiasm, and love of writing made being one of her students a true learning experience.  You can't go wrong with a Pat Kay course."

Lorralee Lillibridge, author of AN ACCIDENTAL COWBOY, Silhouette Special Edition

"I've never had such personalized help before.  Your lectures, the resources, the book suggestions.  I couldn't have asked for more.  I'll definitely be recommending this class to others."

Leslie Marshman

"Thanks, Pat, for the fabulous class.  I learned tons and gained a lot of confidence in the process.  I'm going to have to buy all the books as well.  Great, great resources.  I appreciate all your help with my project as well.  It's wonderful to get personalized feedback.  As a teacher, I know how much time and energy it takes to make comments on someone's writing.  Much appreciated."

Joanna Brown

PAT - LIVE!

WHERE:  Lone Star Conference 2008

WHEN:  October 25, 2008, Houston, Texas

Are you having trouble getting past a partial submission?  Want to make agents and editors ask for a full?   Make them want to keep reading through Chapter One and beyond?  Pat can help you achieve your goal with her all-day, two-part workshop, "The First Five Pages" and "Scene and Sequel."

THE FIRST FIVE PAGES

In today's tough publishing climate, you've got to hook your reader immediately, and there's no more important reader than the editor you hope to persuade to buy your book.  In this segment of the program, you'll learn how to choose the right kind of opening for the story you want to tell, how to convey enough information to keep from confusing your reader without giving too much away, and how to make sure your reader will want to keep on reading.

SCENE AND SEQUEL

The fundamentals of scene and sequel seem to be among the hardest techniques for writers to grasp, no matter their skill level.  Learn the basic principles of story construction using scene and sequel, including how to make your scenes compelling and exciting, how to choose point of view, how to keep a seamless story flow with the right kinds of transitions, and how to pick up or slow down the pacing and more.

In addition to Pat's presentation, this conference also offers an agent/editor panel on Saturday morning and appointments throughout the rest of the day with Michelle Grajkowski of Three Seas Literary Agency, Becca Stumpf of Prospect Agency, and Carolyn Grayson of the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency.

For complete information about agent appointments, the Early Bird Special, location, cost, and/or to register, click here: http://www.northwesthoustonrwa.com/html/conference.html

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If your RWA chapter or writers' group would like to have Pat come and do an in-person workshop, drop her a line at pk@patriciakay.com.  She can talk on any aspect of craft or the business of writing or being a writer.  She does two-hour presentations, half day presentations, and all-day presentations.  She has also given keynote and luncheon speeches.

Possible Topics:

Story Construction; Conflict and Motivation; Great Openings; The People Who People Your Stories; Let's Talk About Point of View; Writing With Emotional Intensity; Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Being a Published Author; The Writing Life.

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Don't miss out on future announcements.  Click here to be added to Pat's Writing Class Announcement List. 

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