how to think sideways–closing temporarily

This is a public service announcement. (I always like saying that!).

Many if you may know that I’ve gone through Holly Lisle’s novel writing course, How to Think Sideways. The course runs for six months, guiding a writer through the novel writing process from conception to revision in weekly lessons. It also includes access to forums and workgroups and tons of bonus materials.

I’ve always considered Holly to be a great writing teacher and she has lots of free how-to articles on her website. I took her course at a point when my motivation was really low, and it was a  bridge through that dry land. It brought fiction writing to the front of my mind a few times a week, at least! Like with all courses of this scope, there are certain things I liked, some things that made me go wow! (like the sweet spot maps) and some things that made me go “nehhhh” (book math, too much fussing with index cards; I love index cards, but RB considers it pure drudgery to write out one-sentence summaries of all my scene–and so do I!). Overall, though, this is a fantastic course, and there’s at least one video that I’ve listened to a dozen times because of how powerful and sobering and inspirational it is. Holly’s personality–enthusiastic, funny, down-to-earth–shines through her material.

And after noon this Friday, she’s closing the course to new students until at least spring of next year. So if you’ve been waiting to take the plunge, now might be a good time to join in.