The Writer's 12 Step-Write Your Novel in a Year
In 2017 Word's Worth launched its inaugural Writer's 12-Step Program: Write Your Novel Draft in a Year, and our eighth offering begins in January 2025. In this class a community of writers all endeavor to complete the first draft of a novel in one year's time. If you've ever tried National Novel Writing Month, this is the same idea, but this plan is a little more sustainable and doable with the rest of your life's obligations.
This community meets together virtually from 6:30-8:30 PM on the second Tuesday of each month from January 2025 to December 2025. In between sessions you'll generate new work, meet with breakout "writing groups (virtually or in person)," and be connected through a private Facebook group where you'll receive a weekly "check-in" with instructor Katrina Kittle as well as receive motivational and accountability posts along the way. Instead of simply saying, "By this time next year I'll have my book done," this program will give you a game plan, frequent deadlines, check points, craft lessons, and the collective creative energy of other kindred spirits attempting the same goal. This program is for any FICTION writer ready to truly commit to their work.
Any genre of fiction is welcome. Memoir writers seeking this kind of community and accountability are welcome, but please understand that the instructional focus will be on the craft of fiction (but creative nonfiction writers use these same techniques) Each month will have a focus (although material will change based on the individual needs of group members). (Suggested ages 18 and up)
WE WILL NOT BE RECORDING THESE CLASSES. This class is all about community and commitment, and is very interactive and involves a lot of participant sharing. Life happens, and we understand that occasionally someone may need to miss (and no one should feel bad about that). If you have to miss a class, you will still receive the handout, you can ask Katrina questions about the handout, and you'll still have all the interaction from the Facebook group. But we want to avoid the "it's online so I don't have to be there" mentality that is an unfortunate side effect of the pandemic. This group works best when you're present!
First Trimester
January: Developing Your Plan
February: Character Building: Motivation as your GPS
March: Conflict and Personal Stakes
April: Research Tips and Traps
Second Trimester
May: Plot and Structure
June: Point of View
July: Voice
August: Middle of the Book “Crisis”: Plot Layers, Subplots, Enriching Your Cast
Third Trimester
September: Theme and Symbols
October: Openings and Closings
November: Readers and Revision--The Value of Objective Eyes
December: Celebration and Next Steps
October Writer's Workout
Thursday, October 24, 6:15-7:45
Wilmington-Stroop Branch of the Dayton Metro Library, 3980 Wilmington Pike, 45429
(Please do not contact Dayton Metro Library regarding this class. All queries should be sent to wordsworthdayton@gmail.com)
$15
Want a commitment-free dose of creative energy, encouragement, and spark?
Word’s Worth Writing Workouts are two hours of inexpensive, informal-tune-up-charge-your-engine writing exercises for writers of any genre and any level of experience. Someone once told us these should be called “writing parties.” Whatever you call them, you’ll receive several original writing prompts and time to explore them. You’ll get a mini-craft lesson, loads of tips, and the opportunity (totally voluntary!) to share your impromptu pieces. Turn off the inner critic, connect with fellow writers, and collect some inspiration to fuel your own writing time!