CAT | Writing Course
You may have seen (and hopefully read) the press releases publicizing our upcoming workshop in downtown Marshall, NC!
The workshop application can be found on this page and also in the top header section.
We will be adding the tentative course outline in the coming days, but for now, here’s a little more background material on the workshop itself.
Although creative nonfiction is not a new way to approach the tale, short story, or novel, it has shown to be a highly effective methodology for success. Readers love history and novels like Cold Mountain by Charles Fraser have shown great literary success.
Writers of historical fiction have a new set of issues to deal with; the challenge to take the reader back in time to real events and essentials to make the characters believable. The key is how to research and organize the mounds of information necessary to not have conflicts with the plot and real surroundings. Transforming the past into print, that will find your target audience, has serious issues. We spend quality time using a system that is easily adapted by the most novice writer and more importantly, to the advancement of the skilled writer.
In this workshop, we will cover the process of creating a short story based on a common theme and period of time. 12 manuscripts will be selected from the group’s effort and will be published under the title Tales from the Appalachian Frontier. Your completed work can be then be transformed into a novel or screenplay with assistance from our talented group of experts if you so choose.
The workshop is open to any level of experience, but those with more writing experience (novice to mid-level writers) will benefit more by refining their skills with our innovative approach. Those writers who have a work in process will also benefit and we guarantee publishing at minimal cost.
We will divide into teams to address questions and figure out how to best handle complex issues. There will be a reading at the beginning of each session with a discussion to follow. In addition, there will be short in-class assignments and weekly exercises.
All students will receive a complimentary copy of Greed for Gold, a new research tool and textbook, including a comprehensive compendium of facts regarding the formation of Colonial America up to 1784.
The workshop is limited to 6 persons as pairs are valuable in the coursework. Classes begin on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010, run every week for 6 sessions, with breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and end on January 4th, 2011 with the final reading. The sessions will run from 12 Noon sharp until 5pm. Deli box lunches and beverages will be served at the beginning of each session. Please inform us if you have any special meal requests and/or allergies.
William Dune is the Creative Editor and heads the history research department of SpectrumPublishing.Org. He leads the workshops and performs one-on-one consulting for those with creative projects. He is an experienced small business consultant and is available to help with advice on manuscripts, getting published and business plans. He works with the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University in Durham, NC.
William has just published an e-textbook; Volume I of a Trilogy on the History of Greed called Greed for Gold. In addition, Spectrum is editing a novel by Dune on the period of history prior to the completion of the Buncombe Turnpike in 1828.
Kreg Ertman is the Marketing Director and handles the publication aspects for the firm. With over 13 years of internet marketing experience, Kreg has helped numerous small businesses to succeed online. He is a partner in Kat Studios — a successful web design and consulting business.
Tracy Booth is the Production Editor, responsible for all artwork, book cover creation, and content editing. She too is a partner in Kat Studios, but is also a successful artist. Tracy’s artwork may be seen on her website and blog.
The cost of the workshop is $350 and includes: a wine-tasting reception, 6 boxed lunches, writing materials, book editing costs, 1 GB USB flash drive with Greed for Gold and numerous opportunities to consult with not only the talented staff of SpectrumPublishing.Org, but also your peers. There is a nominal $10 registration fee for the course.
We are working out the particulars related to doing a creative writing workshop in Marshall, NC — 20 to 30 minutes from Asheville.
It would be a 6 sessions — meeting once a week for six weeks in the renovated Marshall High Studios on the island here in town. BTW, it’s the ONLY inland island on the East Coast. How cool is that? 
More info as we sketch out the lesson plans.
Stay tuned!
