What is your 2024 writing resolution?

REACH YOUR APEX

Early January Updates

Hi reader

Every year I have writing resolutions. A decade ago, they were grandiose. Finish a novel. Sell to a pro-zine. As time passed, they became more mundane. Finish a story a month. Finish half a novel. Now, my resolutions are smaller, as I've learned to be realistic about these things.

It's important to remember that resolutions are personal goals. By all means, if you meet them, you should celebrate the achievement. Just remember that if you fall short, that doesn't mean you failed. It simply means that life didn't have work out so that you would have the time/health/means to complete your resolution.

I feel like the fact that we take a moment every New Year to examine ourselves and set self-improvements goals is what is truly important. We recognize that we have dreams and hopes. Looking to the future in a positive light is important for so many reasons!

REACH YOUR APEX UPDATES

We've added a pair of exciting new on demand courses (see below) and welcome Eugen Bacon to our list of editorial service providers.

The website has been cleaned up and updated. We're looking into adding a teacher index, but it's not built into our LMS software so we'll have to find an alternative method. It's on the wish list, though.

Our mailing list is up to 450 people!

Remember, if you ever have feedback about the site, the workshops, or our newsletters, please don't hesitate to reach out!

WISE WORDS

"You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence."

Octavia Butler, author of Kindred

Publishing Your Collection of Poetry

Katerina Stoykova runs the award-winning poetry press Accents Publishing

$35.00

January 9th, 6:30PM

Instructor: Katerina Stoykova

You have put together a collection of poems and now you’d like to find a publisher. This session will focus on the steps you need to take to achieve this goal.

We will discuss questions such as:

Where to meet publishers in person?
Where to submit your manuscript?
What to look for in a publisher?
How to make a good first impression?
What factors work in your favor and what doesn’t help?
What to look for in a contest?
Should you self-publish or not?

Bring your questions, ambition and curiosity!

Enroll now

This is our first poetry offering and is being used as a gauge to determine interest in poetry workshops. If you're a customer, let your voice be heard and consider signing up!

Writing the SF Short Story

Led by prolific and legendary genre short fiction author Lavie Tidhar!

$35.00

January 14th, 1PM ET

Instructor: Lavie Tidhar

Are you fascinated by the world of science fiction and want to dive into writing your own short stories? Look no further! Join us for an immersive masterclass in the art of crafting captivating SF short stories, led by renowned author and instructor, Lavie Tidhar.

In this comprehensive course, Lavie Tidhar will guide you through every step of the process, from generating unique ideas to bringing them to life on the page. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer looking to sharpen your skills in the realm of science fiction, this one-shot course is designed to take your storytelling to new heights.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an accomplished SF author and elevate your writing skills to the next level. Enroll in “Writing the SF Short Story” with Lavie Tidhar today and embark on an exciting journey to becoming a master of science fiction storytelling.

Enroll now

Second Person and You

Only two seats remain!

$35.00

January 20th, 1PM ET
Instructor: Leah Ning

Are you ready to explore a unique narrative perspective and unlock its full potential? Join us for the engaging workshop, “Second Person and You,” led by writer and instructor, Leah Ning.

In this workshop, we delve into the often overlooked technique of using the second person point of view (POV). While commonly associated with conveying distance and dissociation, the second person POV can be a powerful tool with boundless flexibility.

During this interactive session, Leah Ning will guide you through the intricacies of leveraging the second person POV effectively. Through a combination of informative lectures, engaging discussions, and practical exercises, you will learn how to employ the second person POV with the same level of mastery and nuance as the first and third person perspectives.

Enroll now

Nonlinear Fiction - On Demand

New on demand course!

$45.00

Are you ready to push the boundaries of storytelling? Join award-winning author Premee Mohamed in this immersive workshop on writing nonlinear fiction.

In this hands-on class, we explore the fascinating world of nonlinear narratives, with a particular focus on speculative fiction. In these three lessons, you will delve into the art of crafting captivating stories that defy traditional linear structures.

Sessions will include in-depth text analysis, where we will unravel the intricacies of nonlinear storytelling techniques. Through interactive exercises, you will learn how to create structural diagrams that effectively guide your readers through non-sequential narratives.

Buy now

Seduce Your Writing: Self-editing Techniques for Writing

Our latest on demand course!

$15.00

Learn how to approach your writing with an editorial eye, taking the raw material and shaping it into a compelling narrative. Perfect for writers of all experience levels looking to improve their self-editing skills.

This 60-minute session will cover, with examples, approaches to creative expression by:

Hooking the audience
Saying more with less
Adding texture to the writing
Saying it powerfully
Saying it beautifully.

To form something that feels right, the feeling right is an awareness that can be trained and developed. We don’t ‘just know’ – we learn to ride the shape of the text, to listen to its music, to successfully render a vision that is the work in its best form.

Buy now