Writing the Hook

November 7, 2020Leave a comment

I recently took an online class on how to write a hook. In the publishing industry, a hook is a pitch, elevator speech or description of your book. The class was offered by Wordsmith Academy and taught by Mark Gottlieb, an agent with Trident Media Group.

One takeaway from the class: Be concise and interesting.

According to Gottlieb, “that is really the kind of person who an agent or editor wants to be in business with.” Which makes sense. Who doesn’t like concise, interesting people? Our worst nightmare is that friend who tells long, boring stories that come to no end. Don’t be that person. Be a person Mark likes. You’ll write better hooks and be a better friend.

Kickstart Your Writing classes start in October

August 25, 2017Leave a comment

Class dates:

Mondays: October 9-December 18, 2017 (No class November 13). 2:30-5 p.m. Hollywood district of Portland, OR. $200/10 weeks

Wednesdays: October 11-December 20, 2017 (No class November 22). 6:30-9 p.m. Hollywood district of Portland, OR. $200/10 weeks

Whether you’re working on a novel or interested in short stories, memoir, essays, articles or other forms of fiction or nonfiction, Kickstart Your Writing offers a supportive environment in which you can work on specific writing projects.

Students set weekly goals; read their work aloud; and receive positive, helpful feedback from the instructor and other students. The exact location is provided upon registration. The class can be repeated.

To register:

· To pay by check, send check (made out to Nancy Woods) to Nancy Woods, P.O. Box 18032, Portland, OR 97218.

· To pay via PayPal, send payment to wordpics@aracnet.com.

· To pay via Venmo, send payment to nancy@nancy-woods.com.

For more information: nancy@nancy-woods.com, 971-255-2049.

What students say about Kickstart Your Writing:

“The class has really helped me make writing a priority and take myself seriously. I was surprised to see how much I responded to having the deadlines of reading in class! Thank you!” — Lisa Serrano

“The class helped me focus on establishing writing goals and meeting them. Nancy is a very knowledgeable teacher as well as a supportive coach. I learned so much from other students in the class. I valued the diversity in this class — different backgrounds, variety of written material and styles made the class interesting and challenging.” — K. E.

Kickstart Your Writing class starts October 5

September 16, 2016Leave a comment

What: Kickstart Your Writing class

When: Wednesdays, October 5-December 14, 2016. No class November 23

Time: 6:30-9 p.m.

Location: Northeast Portland, Oregon. Exact address provided upon registration.

Cost: $200/10 weeks

Whether you’re working on a novel or interested in short stories, memoir, essays, articles or other forms of fiction or nonfiction, this Kickstart Your Writing offers a fun, supportive environment in which you can work on specific writing projects. Students set weekly goals, read their writing at designated times and receive feedback from the instructor and other students. Class is limited to 5 students.

To register online: https://nancy-woods.com/classes/

For more information: nancy@nancy-woods.com, nancy-woods.com, (503) 288-2469

Writing class starts July 6

June 15, 2016June 16, 2016Leave a comment

Whether you’re working on a novel or interested in short stories, memoir, essays, articles or other forms of fiction or nonfiction, Kickstart Your Writing offers a fun, supportive environment in which you can work on specific writing projects. Students set weekly goals, read their writing at designated times and receive feedback from the instructor and other students.

The next Kickstart Your Writing class will take place Wednesdays, July 6-September 7, 2016, 6:30-9 p.m. in Northeast Portland, OR. The address will be provided upon registration. Cost: $200/10 weeks. Class limited to 5 students.

You can register here: https://nancy-woods.com/classes/. For more information: Contact Nancy Woods at 503-288-2469 or nancy@nancy-woods.com.

Dogs who write

October 16, 20151 Comment

For the second time in less than two weeks, a cute canine showed up in my writing class. This time it was Catherine’s Stella who joined Ann, Jamie and me. Maybe I should offer a class for dogs who write.

Writing class visitor

October 8, 2015October 8, 2015Leave a comment

Humans aren’t the only participants in my writing classes. Last night Lucky, a Border Collie, also took part.

Online writing class starts September 29, 2015

September 3, 2015Leave a comment

Whether you’re working on a novel or interested in short stories, memoir, essays, articles or other forms of fiction or nonfiction, Kickstart Your Writing classes offer a supportive environment in which you can work on specific writing projects.

The online version of the Kickstart Your Writing class can be taken from the comfort of your home and worked on when your schedule allows. All you need is e-mail (no Skype or chat rooms). Students will set weekly goals, post their writing online at designated times, and receive feedback from the instructor and other students.

Dates: September 29-December 8, 2015. No class November 24. Cost: $200/10 weeks

To register online https://gumroad.com/l/kickstartonline or you can also register by mailing a check to Nancy Woods, P.O. Box 18032, Portland, OR 97218. For more information: wordpics@aracnet.com or (503) 288-2469.