Education

Master of Professional Writing

University of Southern California’s Master of Professional Writing Program. Find out more about the graduate writing program I attended from Fall 2002 through Spring 2005. This site features a faculty list, class list, great information about Los Angeles and USC, and many questions answered. Find out if this is the program for you.

Reading

The Litblog Co-op

Whether you write or not, read. The Litblog Co-op makes a recommendation every few months based on a highly controversial democratic process of voting according to self-imposed guidelines. Twenty-one book-bloggers got together to promote novels that aren't The Da Vinci Code. Interviews with authors agents and editors are part of the experience. If nothing else, the posts from its detractors are amusing.

Writing Communities

The following are communities I participate in, usually in a passive manner. I have found them informative, fun, and a cut above the vast majority of cyber-literary communities. They are in no particular order.

The Emerging Writers Network

Daniel E. Wickett is that rarest of readers who supports fledgling authors, small presses, and independent literary works. His network comprises of hundreds of authors and industry people. Dan reviews, interviews, and genuinely supports writers who are just beginning or who otherwise don’t get a lot of press. He is connected, oh, is he connected. How else could I walk up to Steve Almond, author of (among other titles) Candy Freak and say, “Hey, we have a friend in common!” and then enjoy a nice conversation about how cool Dan is without going completely fan!girl?

The Practicing Writer

Not only is Erika Dreifus actively publishing short stories, articles, essays and more, she has authored several helpful ebooks, including The Practicing Writer’s Literary Contest Directory for Writers of Book-Length Fiction, which I will buy as soon as I have completed my manuscript. Even better than the ebooks is her free newsletter. Inside you will find obscure and highly focused contests and calls for submissions, and we all know that these are the best kind. Missed a newsletter? Catch up at The Practicing Writer's blog.

Wise Words on Writing

D-L Nelson, author of Chick Pea Lover (not a cookbook), has a cool name and a very useful newsletter that arrives asbout once a month. In it, she explores an aspect of writing based on her experience or on questions she receives from writers in her network. Then she assigns exercises based on the topic. Sometimes I do them, other times I just ponder them. With every newsletter I think about writing in a new way. Also, she lives in Switzerland, which is about as cool as it can get (IMHO).

Resources for Manuscripts

The following are people I know personally and respect for their professionalism and knowledge. I can, in good faith, recommend them to anyone looking for a bit of guidance or a lot of help. Contact them directly for applicable fees.

Before you write it:

Double Your Creative Power

S. L. Stebel, author of Spring Thaw as well as other novels, plays and screenplays, is my advisor for my Master’s thesis, The Book of Traveling Into the Sun, finalist in the James Jones First Novel Fellowship competition under the title Curing Ennui. Stebel’s technique involves incorporating a logical, organized process with tapping into your subconscious. Read his book, Double Your Creative Power: Make Your Subconscious a Partner in the Writing Process, and take what you need from it. Pertinent for all narrative forms, including screenwriting.

After you write it:

The Writers' Service

While I haven’t formally used this service, I did study with Shelly Lowenkopf in the MPW Program. He was my advisor on the manuscript Missing: A Novel, winner of a Phi Kappa Phi Student Recognition Award for 2004. If you get a chance, take a workshop with him at one of the many writers conferences he participates in, including the Santa Barbara Writer's Conference. Or, if your manuscript is ready for a critique by a professional with experience on both sides of the industry, check out his services for authors.

Elizabeth Kuball, Freelance Editor

So you’ve written that manuscript and need someone with a keen eye to give it the once (or twice) over before you start submitting it to agents and editors. Elizabeth Kuball is the woman to call. Her vast list of credits include editing the For Dummies series, CliffsNotes, and Betty Crocker cookbooks. She will find typos you’ve overlooked a dozen times, will make grammar corrections and style suggestions, or will work with you to determine what your manuscript needs.