Writing   

ChatGPT (AI) is here to stay and is the future for writers and content creators. Don’t be left behind! No prior AI experience required. Do you want to learn how to incorporate the power of cutting-edge technology to gain ideas and inspiration, write web content, articles, and even novels or scripts? In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn how to:

• register for a FREE ChatGPT account
• input effective writing prompts to avoid nonsense responses
• build creative content, from stories to marketing copy
• determine its capabilities and limitations
• understand ethical/legal considerations using ChatGPT

There’s no doubt ChatGPT and similar AI systems will force the job market to evolve. It’s crucial for everyone to adapt, learn new skills, and be open to working in collaboration with AI, so start building your expertise in the world of ChatGPT now! The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor will send a zoom link before class.

Age range: 16+

If your goal is to become a published freelance writer by selling a magazine article, short story, poem, or even a novel to a traditional publisher, this comprehensive workshop will guide you to, then past the editor's desk. You will discover how to:

• become a “published” writer overnight
• submit manuscripts the correct way
• find the right publisher for your work
• write irresistible query letters
• determine when and how to get an agent
• 100 ways to make money as a freelance writer

If you really want to succeed, this step-by-step workshop is a must! Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. 

Age range: 16+

Whether you are asking for organizational contributions, selling school fundraising items, putting on an event, or other requests, is asking for and bringing in funds to support your organization or program a challenge? You are not alone. You don’t have to apologize when asking for support and contributions for your organization. In this course you will learn techniques to bring in funds and resources for your project or organization. This workshop is valuable for staff, Boards, volunteers, and anyone who is involved with raising funds for your nonprofit organization.

PowerPoint provided following each class at no additional fee. 

Age range: 18+

 

Want to level up your essay-writing skills for college? Join English Essay 101 Writing Camp with a professor from Las Positas College! This camp will walk you through the main types of college essays so you’ll feel confident and ready for your first college-level writing class. You’ll learn how to write summary/response essays, create strong thesis-driven essays, and tackle exploratory or research essays like a pro.

Age range: Those 14-18 and over are welcome!

Self-publishing is all the rage, but is it the best option for YOU? And, can you do both? You will discover the pros and cons of all the self-publishing options, including print-on-demand and e-book publishing, as well as Amazon options, and see how they compare to traditional publishing. Informative handouts, including a rated description of 50 self-publishing companies for future use are included in class fee.

Prerequisite: participants must also attend “Beginner’s Guide to Getting Published," which is offered right before this class. 

Age range: 16+

 

Unlock the lucrative world of ghostwriting and become the invisible voice behind powerful stories. This comprehensive class reveals how to build strong client relationships, protect confidentiality, and capture your clients’ unique voices with authenticity and flair. You’ll explore diverse ghostwriting projects, master pricing strategies, navigate contracts with confidence, and learn how to build a thriving, well-paid career that keeps the work—and the income—flowing. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. This course is LIVE REMOTE during the date and time listed. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.  

Age range: 16+

You don’t need to be famous to have a legacy to leave behind. Create an inspirational autobiography for family, friends, and others. Learn how to recall vivid memories, analyze events and people that shaped who you are, and bring your story to life. Your handout, included in the class fee, will have an outline to help you organize and write your memoir step-by-step. Printing/publishing options will also be discussed. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. This course is LIVE REMOTE during the date and time listed. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.  

Age range: 16+

 

If you’ve got a way with words and love to write, freelance writing has emerged as a significant force in the gig economy, offering flexibility, independence and away to make money online and offline, for supplemental income or a full-time career. You
’ll learn the top 10 areas of freelance writing, as well as how to create writing samples and pitches/queries, develop your freelance writing “brand,” and find reliable job boards and avoid content mills. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee, and include links to more than 1,000 ways to get paid as a freelance writer. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Age range: 16+

 

Ready to turn your real-life stories into unforgettable nonfiction? Whether you’re crafting a memoir, how-to guide, personal essay, or narrative article, this class is your launchpad to powerful, authentic writing. Discover how to pick compelling topics, unleash your unique voice, and organize your ideas with clarity and punch. Explore every nonfiction format—from blogs to books—and master techniques for crafting openings that hook, weaving in research seamlessly, and polishing your work for maximum impact. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. This course is LIVE REMOTE during the date and time listed. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Age range: 16+

This intensive course provides a schedule of crafting a novel from start to finish, which you can finish in as little as 90 days! This class will also help you stay motivated throughout the journey. You will learn how to:

• select your novel genre and develop a compelling premise
• create multidimensional characters and immersive settings
• craft a detailed plot outline
• manage your time to keep your writing flow consistent
• combat common roadblocks including writer’s block
• master the art of self-editing: refining your plot, and fixing pacing, dialogue, and characterization problems.
• receive constructive criticism from beta readers
• explore publishing options

By the end of this class, you will know how to complete your novel and have the knowledge and confidence to move forward with the publishing process. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Age range: 16+

Step into the magical world of children’s and YA literature—and learn how to captivate young readers like a pro! This dynamic class dives deep into the hottest market trends, age-smart storytelling techniques, and unforgettable character creation that speaks directly to kids and teens. You’ll also get insider tips on crafting submissions that grab the attention of kid-lit magazines and publishers. Whether you’re dreaming of picture books or YA novels, this is your launchpad to creating stories that kids won’t put down.  Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. This course is LIVE REMOTE during the date and time listed. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.  Age range: 16+