Past Classes

Class: (Spring '10) Research Makes the Plot Come Alive

Canceled - Waubonsee Community College: ***NOTE Changed TITLE*** "Make Your Plot Come Alive" (102WWS808.820 (21929)) April 10, 2010; Saturday; 9:00am - 2:00pm; APC 258

Canceled - Joliet Junior College: (LLC.3983.T1 (43615)) March 27, 2010; Saturday; 9:00am - 3:00pm; TBA

NEW! Draw readers into your story with a plot that fascinates, envelops and convinces them they are there. Proficient research can help create a captivating tale by augmenting the accuracy, authenticity and realism. But what resources are available and how do you start? Historical novels, period pieces, and murder mysteries must be accurate. And in the competitive market of creative writing, it's imperative to learn the latest trends and the appropriate wording for your target group. Research is necessary for thrillers, fantasy, romance, and other genres. First-rate research can make for a first-rate story.

Class: (Spring '10) Writers In Progress

Canceled - Waubonsee Community College: (102WWS804.600 (21926)) February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, 2010; Wednesday; 7:00pm - 9:00pm; HCC 105

Joliet Junior College: (LLC.3859.T1 (40287)) February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, 2010; Wednesday; 7:00pm - 9:00pm; BTC Rm 2000

Join other writers for a meeting on the first (third in Joliet) Wednesday of each month. It includes period of instruction on writing techniques and the remaining time on critiquing the manuscripts students bring to class. Participants can range from unpublished novices to authors with works in progress. It's a great opportunity to get motivated, gain writing skills and creative guidance. The agenda: 7 p.m writing technique instruction 30 - 45 minutes; followed by a constructive and positive critique session led by author Jackie Powers who has conducted critique groups for years.

Class: (Fall '09) Ten Steps to Improve Your Novel

Waubonsee Community College: (101WWS803.820 (11964)) November 7, 2009; Saturday; 9:00am - 3:00pm; BDE 108

Joliet Junior College: (LLC.3856.T1 (36878)) September 26, 2009; Saturday; 9:00am - 3:00pm; B Building, Room 2001

Kishwauke College: (WRC 701 3001) October 17, 2009; Saturday; 9:00am-3:00pm; U-304

Elgin Community College: (CED-194-300 (55139)) October 24, 2009, Saturday; 9:00am - 3:00pm; Main Campus, Instruction Center, Room 203

Author Jackie Powers shares ten specific techniques to improve your fiction writing. She shows you how to write a compelling opening that hooks readers and makes them want to read more. Learn to flex your creative muscles using such writing skills as "show don't tell," "less is more," and "drop those blurry words." Discover how to craft your novel so that it flows, creating a page-turner the reader will not want to put down. Enhance your writing style and your confidence.

Class: (Fall '09) Writer's In Progress

Waubonsee Community College: Canceled

Joliet Junior College: (LLC.3859.T1 (36881)) Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Wednesdays; 7:00pm - 9:00pm; Business & Tech Ctr. Room 2003

Join other writers for a meeting on the first Wednesday of each month. It includes an hour of instruction on writing techniques and the remaining time on critiquing the manuscripts students bring to class. Participants can range from unpublished novices to authors with works in progress. It's a great opportunity to network, gain writing skills and creative guidance. The agenda: 7 pm writing technique instruction; 8 pm a constructive and positive critique session led by author Jackie Powers who has conducted critique groups for years.

(Spg 09) Crucial Steps to Better Fiction Writing

Step into the exciting world of fiction! This workshop introduces techniques to jumpstart the creative process and get your stories down on paper. It features procedures to perk up lackluster material and maintain reader interest. There will be plenty of opportunity to talk about difficulties in getting started. Through in-class exercises we will practice writing skills such as using the five senses and editing your work. Join us for a day of creative discussion, exploration and expression. Bring a sack lunch.

Kishwaukee College: (WRC 701 5001)
Feb, 28, 2009; Saturday; 9:00am-3:00pm; ; Bldg: U, Rm: 304

Elgin Community College: (CED 193 Crucial Steps Better Fiction)
March 21, 2009; Saturday; 9am - 3pm; Main campus, Bldg ITC, Rm 112

Joliet Junior College: (LLC.3664 Crucl Stps to Better Fic Writ)
April 25, 2009; Saturday; 9am - 3pm; Main campus, Business & Tech Ctr, Rm 2000

Class: (Sum '09) The Plot Thickens -- canceled

It's a great story. You've developed it in your mind from beginning to end. But when your fingers hit the computer keys, the plot just doesn't flow. It's difficult to get the characters from one scene to another. The dialogue seems stilted and the action appears contrived. Never fear! Join author Jackie Powers as she demystifies the concept of plot and breaks it down into more easily manageable pieces. You'll leave with tips, tricks and tools to help create more interesting characters and a stronger storyline.

Waubonsee Community College: (093WWS872.820 (30838))
June 20, 2009; Saturday; 9:00am-3:00pm; Bodie Hall

(Fal 08) Create Characters: Heroes Who Stand Tall and Villains Who Cast Shadows

Create Characters: Heroes Who Stand Tall and Villains Who Cast Shadows

Bring people alive on the page with compelling characters created from your experience and imagination. Discover how to move inside each characters' head, look through her eyes and think his thoughts. Learn techniques to build a character's profile, reveal the inner and/or outer conflicts, and disclose motivation, weaknesses and strengths. Plus Dialogue: Realistic character conversation. Learn to create clear tag lines (who said what, define characters and further the plot. Consider when to use dialogue and how best to say it.

Joliet Junior College:
Sept. 27, 2008; Saturday; 9:00am-3:00pm; Business & Tech Ctr, Room 2003

Kishwaukee College:
Oct. 18, 2008; Saturday; 9:00am-3:00pm; Class# WRC 700 3001; Bldg: U, Rm: 304

Elgin Community College:
Nov. 1, 2008; Saturday; 9:00am-3:00pm; Class# CED 198; Bldg: ICT, Rm: 230