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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:  The next class begins July 15, 2008

COST:  $175 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 no more than 25 students.  To register, send an e-mail to Pat at classes@patriciakay.com.

If paying by check, send your check to Patricia Kay, PO Box 441603, Houston, TX 77244-1603.

If paying by PayPal, send your payment to pk@patriciakay.com.

Deadline to register and pay:  July 7, 2008

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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April 7 - May 3, 2008

Sponsored by the Outreach Chapter of RWA.

A Twelve-Step Program to Writing Success

LEVEL: Beginner and Intermediate Writers
COST: $25 (Outreach Chapter members pay $15)
Deadline to receive application and payment: April 5, 2008

Course Description:
Want desperately to sell? To keep selling? To avoid second-book syndrome? Patricia Kay has designed a 12-step program for writers covering the following topics:

Topics covered include:
Find your own unique voice – what the heck is voice, anyway? Is it something we can learn?
Learn how to create characters we care about – make your characters memorable.
But would he really? Motivation is the key.
Write smart – avoid those pitfalls that doom your career from the start.
Make point of view work for you – whose point of view should you use? What is psychic distance? Is head hopping necessary?
It’s all in the details – what makes a book feel more mainstream . . . and why?
Be fearless – if you always play it safe, you’ll never stand out from the crowd.
Deliver on your promises – don’t bite off more than you can chew . . . and what to do when you do.
Omit needless words – be specific
Making something out of nothing – learn how the most successful writers do it.
When things go wrong – what do you do?
Etiquette for writers – live by the Golden Rule for Writers

To register for this couse, click here: http://www.oirw.net/campus/currentcourselist.htm#April

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June 2 - June 30, 2008 - another great class at Writer University.

The A-B-C's of Story Construction including Scene & Sequel

COST of the class:  $30

Many times, writers confuse plotting a story with the construction of the story.  The two are not the same.  Plotting is what you do before you write; it’s the planning part of storytelling.  Story construction is how you write what you’ve planned.  Although no two novels are alike, and there are no absolutes about how they must be put together, there is a logical way to tell your story–one that will grab your reader’s attention and keep him riveted until the very end.  In this hands-on class, with a combination of lessons, homework, and discussion, you will learn how to accomplish this goal.

Topics covered:

• What is a story?  The three-act structure
• Your opening - setting the stage, the inciting incident
• Creating characters we can root for
• Writing Scenes
• Scenes Equal Action
• Identifying three elements of Scene
• Writing Sequels
• Sequels Equal Aftermath
• Identifying the three elements of Sequel
• Controlling pace with Scene and Sequel
• Crafting for Emotional Impact
• Whose point of view?
• Writing the love scene
• The ending - rising conflict, climax and resolution

To register for this course, click here: http://www.writeruniv.com/Registration.htm

Don't miss out on any of these classes.  Sign up for Pat's mailing list above.

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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!

If your RWA chapter or writers' group would like to have Pat come and do a 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.