If you believe writers must suffer for their art, as so-called writing gurus insist, you’ve accepted a myth. In this highly interactive course, you’ll master the insider methods of writing for personal satisfaction or for publication. You’ll increase your creativity, beat writer’s block, manage time, and know how to pitch ideas to publishers, agents, and editors.

You’ll learn about the business side of writing, including contracts, releases, deductions, and invoices. You'll investigate the genres that will launch your career or increase your satisfaction with your own advanced writing.

Through comprehensive and progressively challenging writing assignments and innovative ways to explore creativity, you’ll increase your self-confidence, overcome obstacles, and understand what it takes to be a writer.

The instructor is an author of more than 60 books and over 1000 magazine articles, and has been writing for publication for over twenty years. In this course, she will share how writing can increase your self-confidence, can help restore your self-respect, and how it can become a full-time career, second career or contribute to your retirement.

In Writeriffic 2, you’ll learn to be the writer of your dreams and have fun, too.

---

Recommended Courses:

Students who enrolled in Writeriffic 2: Advanced Creativity Training for Writers were also interested in the following courses:

The Craft of Magazine Writing

Romance Writing Secrets

Travel Writing

Writeriffic: Creativity Training for Writers

Syllabus:

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when the lesson is released, but you must complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

A new section of each course starts on the second or third Wednesday of each month. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

Week One

Wednesday - Lesson 01

Where do great ideas come from? How do best-selling authors get to be that way? What makes writing so very scary, intimidating, delicious, and wickedly wonderful? How are words pulled from nothingness and zapped to the screen or printed page? What makes writing nearly addictive to one group of humanity and yet an overwhelming task for others? Are there born writers? Can anyone learn to write? Why do some people get published and others fail? Today, we'll start answering these questions and begin the journey to becoming a better writer.

Friday - Lesson 02

It has been said that to be a writer, you only need a pen and paper. That's true. Yet, too many writers throw in other requirements—from a year of unfettered time, to a trust fund that will keep them in caviar until the royalties come flooding in. In this lesson, we'll delve more deeply into the writing life as we expose some myths about writing.

Week Two

Wednesday - Lesson 03

Today, we'll take aim at that writing bugaboo called writer's block. If you've ever stumbled, stopped writing, or squirmed when given a writing assignment, you've felt this curse of writers. However, it doesn't have to stop you in your writing tracks. To make sure it doesn't, we'll discuss self-editing. The difference between a published writer and one who stops writing after a few rejections is often the time spent self-editing.

Friday - Lesson 04

Researching your writing is much the same as planning a trip or a move. You gather information, compile it, transcribe it, and then use it. In this lesson, we'll focus on research and review how to conduct Internet research like a writer.

Week Three

Wednesday - Lesson 05

Today's lesson could be called Magazine Writing 101. If you've written for magazines before, then today's lesson will be a refresher or a nudge. If you haven't written for magazines and would like to, today you'll find out indispensable information that will get you going. With this info, you could find your niche and begin making money as a freelancer, possibly while you're working on your novel.

Friday - Lesson 06

In the previous lesson, we focused on writing nonfiction articles for popular magazines. But you won't find every magazine that uses freelance work in your grocery store or big super bookstore. There are magazines, publications, and periodicals with otherwise large distribution that never even get to these places. Currently, there are well over 11,000 publications printed or sent electronically every month. This is excellent news for writers. These other types of magazine writing will be our focus today.

Week Four

Wednesday - Lesson 07

Some writers just love to write long fiction and have a story that is burning to get out. If you fit into this group, or just wonder how one goes about writing a novel, then this lesson should speak to you. You'll find out why some of us need to get that book out and what it takes to do so. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a working knowledge of the genre possibilities and what it takes to write a novel. You'll learn how stories are found, how some famous novelists were discovered, how to stay motivated, and what has stopped a few hopeful writers from writing.

Friday - Lesson 08

Now it's time to give the nonfiction genres a turn. Adults are infatuated with nonfiction and it sells better than any other type of book. There are scads of different genres in nonfiction books. In this lesson, we're going to focus on the types of nonfiction writing and how to get a project started, written, and noticed by publishers and agents. Nonfiction books concern real people, places, events, information, or situations. Whether you're addicted to reading nonfiction, or just want to learn all you can about writing, this lesson will give you valuable information that will help you better understand the world of publishing.

Week Five

Wednesday - Lesson 09

Today, we're going to talk about the roles of editors, publishers, and agents. Specifically, you'll find out what each of their jobs includes and why you need to know this information. If you're currently writing a novel or a nonfiction book, gathering a collection of poetry or short stories, or maybe just dabbling in the idea, you'll want to read this lesson carefully.

Friday - Lesson 10

Attend any writing conference or sit with a group of published writers, and you're bound to hear words like: self-publishing, POD, co-publishing and e-publishing. In this lesson, we'll discuss the options that are often called alternative publishing. If you're serious about joining the world as a writer, you should be aware of these options. They're not for everyone, but the information I'll give you today will help you make sound career and financial decisions.

Week Six

Wednesday - Lesson 11

Saturday comes, finally. The house looks like a disaster hit. The kids need shoes, the dog has a vet's appointment, and you swear that the health department might condemn the car. Unlike Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, you can't seem to click your heels hard enough to make it all disappear. You've got a yearning, a deep burning to write, but the clutter, the mess, the hours spent doing things for others (okay, and procrastination) are eating at your heart. What does all of this have to do with creativity? Check the clock, because it's all about time management and that's what you'll learn in this vital lesson.

Friday - Lesson 12

This final lesson is all about money—how to make it and how to keep more of it by being a smart, business-minded writer. Today, you'll see sample agreements and contracts that should keep you in good stead as you become the writer of your dreams. We'll also talk about royalties, advances, and the scoop on that lovely green stuff that pays the bills.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Eva Shaw.

Eva Shaw, Ph.D. is a full-time working writer of 1000 articles, essays and short stories. She’s the ghost or author of 70 books including: Ghostwriting for Fun & Profit, Writeriffic: Creativity Training for Writers, Write Your Book in 20 Minutes (a DVD), Shovel It: Nature’s Health Plan, What to Do When a Loved One Dies, The Successful Writer’s Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles, Writing the Nonfiction Book, Insider’s Guide to San Diego, The Sun Never Sets, and more. Eva's work has been featured in USA Today, San Diego Union Tribune, Shape, Woman’s World, Country Living, Costco Connection, Publisher’s Weekly, Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and others. She has won several awards, including the Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing, the Benjamin Franklin Award, and the Woman of Merit Award. An expert on time management for writers, Eva stays on top of market trends to sell her own work and to help emerging writers focus on quality writing and publication.

Requirements:

Completion of Eva Shaw's Writeriffic: Creativity Training for Writers or The Craft of Magazine Writing. Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Student Reviews:

"Eva has done a magnificent job, we are ready to face the world. An unbelievable experience, we started out as strangers and became family, lots of tears but happy memories."

"Eva has found the right mix of lessons for an Advanced Writing class. Her commitment to teaching is, as aways, very strong. She comments constructively on all submitted work, and encourages useful and positive feedback from fellow students. She creates a wonderful, positive class, that was very inspiring. Very well done!"

"Eva, I can't thank you enough for all of the material and comments, etc. during this class. This class was better than the one I had to get in my car and physically go to :-). I've enjoyed every minute of it. And I really can't put a price on all of the info. you have given us. THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!"

"Eva I just received notification from Faith Hope and Fiction that my article on "Miss Selma" will be published. This was a piece I wrote in Writeriffic I. If you remember, I made a goal from at the end of Writeriffic I and before Writeriffic II, that I would send in four articles and hope to have at least one published by the end of the year – and here it is. Six months ago, I would never have dreamed that this would happen for ME. Without your online classes, your motivation, your nudges, and your encouragement, this would not have happened. Thank you so very much for believing in me."

"Eva, I think by now you know how much the last 12 weeks has changed my life but if there is any doubt...IT HAS CHANGED THE COURSE OF MY LIFE. Life as I knew it will never be the same, not that life was not already good but it is now a deeper, richer shade of good. I feel a deep sense of contentment as well as joy in knowing that I am following my dreams. Thanks for helping me do some spring cleaning with Writerrific I and teaching me to polish in Writterific II. I am sad to leave this class but I know that it is not the end at all."

"Eva, I truly appreciate all your help, encouragement and patience. I can honestly say had it not been for you and this amazing class, I wouldn't be writing."

"Eva Shaw is a gem. This class offered me challeges in my writing I was searching for. The information was relevant, up-to-date, and extrememly helpful. This is my third class with Eva, and due to her expertise and mentoring, I have become a published writer. Thank you, Eva."

"Eva Shaw is an excellent instructor. She provides easy to understand lessons with appropriate resources. This is my 4th class with her and I wouldn't hesitate to take another class with her."

"Eva Shaw is a wonderful, warm mentor--perfect for any emerging writer or anyone even considering being a writer. She doesn't sugarcoat that this is a tough business, but gives real nuts and bolts strategies that are very helpful."

"Eva Shaw is by far the best online instructor I have ever had. This is my second course with her and the knowledge, motivation and confidence I received from her teaching has inspired me to move on in my writing career."

"Eva Shaw is FABULOUS! I will take every one of her courses."

"Eva Shaw is one of the best teachers I have ever had. Her encouragement and enthusiasm for the field of writing is inspiring. I would encourage anyone that has ever considered writing, to take her Writeriffic course. Whether you wish to be published or not, you will finish her class with a sense of accomplishment."

"Eva Shaw is the best. She sets a tone that nurtures every one - and lets us nurture each other, as well. I felt truly vested in this course... it was a great place to feel comfortable and listened to. I am amazed at how she does all she does - she's truly the <i>real thing</i>."

"Eva Shaw, the instructor, has the integrity, empathy, and the professionalism to inter act with each and every student. She knows her profession and I am glad to only work with one that only prefer a positive atmosphere in the classroom or in an on-line class. EVA, is a great person! a great instructor! and a writer, who you can feel proud to be taught by. I would be glad to take another class as well as telling people they need to take a class from her. Eva Shaw leaves you feeling good about yourself."

"Eva, thanks so much for all you have taught me in this class. I never expected to get so much valuable info in a short six week class. Thanks also for the nudges and your kind words. You are the best! I really enjoy taking your classes. Look for me soon in your magazine writing class."

"Eva: This is the third class “goodbye” I’ve written. And it will be my last for awhile. Perhaps I will take your magazine writing class at some point, but right now I’m deep in the heart of my memoir (with repeated thanks and forever indebted to you) ~ eager to watch as it fashions itself into a reflection of my life as an only child. My personal goal is to have it ready to pitch at Whidbey Island next March. I am finally at a loss for words ~ if I were a poet, perhaps I might come close to expressing my joy in the transformation that has occurred under your tutelage. My life will not seem complete if I can’t thank you in person before I end this journey."

"Eva, this is where I had a hard time editing. Trying to put into words how your gentle and brilliant teaching has freed me. I am a writer. See, I can say it now. There was NO way I would attempt that audacious statement before. I don't know how you do it with all of your commitments but I'm glad you have mastered time management and shared your priceless knowledge. May see you at the conference in Seattle but for sure in another class."

"Eva, you are the best. Thank you for this wonderful course. You’ve made it possible for me to keep writing. You’ve also opened the flood gates of my imagination. Before taking Writeriffic 1 and 2, I could never get my thoughts on paper in a way that told the reader how I really felt and what I was really feeling. You have helped me open that gate and the ideas are flowing. Thank you so very, very much for your patience, time, criticism and encouragement."

"Eva, your nudges and encouragement are just what each of us needs. Your vast experience comes through in each of your lessons. Thank you for a fine class."

"Gosh I love this class. And I couldn't do it without all of you."

"Having taken 2 other courses taught by Eva Shaw, I highly recommend her courses to those interested in writing. I will be back for Ed to Go courses!"

"I can't thank you enough for your advice on interviewing. I had my "big" interview today, and by the time the incredibly-gracious actress phoned, I was calm and collected. I had my questions in front of me and I was familiar with all of them. I set the tone for the interview and it was incredible. My subject was animated and informative, sharing wonderful snippets of personal information. And thanks to your advice, I listened to what she was saying. I didn't anticipate the next question, so I lived fully in the moment and I have you to thank for that. Also, I asked the all-important Eva Shaw final question -- "Have you anything to add that I haven't already asked?" Imagine my surprise when this household name told me that she'd be happy to write a jacket blurb for the book! Oh Eva, thank you so much for your help."

"I found Dr. Shaw to be compassionate, supportive and encouraging to the entire class. I would not hesitate to take another class from her."

"I have been so excited to read you nudging me, but truly lacked the self-confidence to send anything off. Then, our assignment was to look up something and write a query letter, and you nudged again. So I sighed, and went looking for outdoor/wildlife magazines, and sent off seven query letters last Thursday, and today (just a week later) I have a response that Carolina Country would love the article of 750 words and will pay me!!! I do have one question. When will the jigger bugging in my heart and feet stop? I am SO excited!"

"I have been teaching for eleven years at the high school level. I'm thrilled to be taking Writeriffic 2 because the first course encouraged me to write several pieces and submit one for publication. Everything I learned in Part I helped to enhance my writing skills, and as a result, become a better English teacher. Above everything else, this course has helped me to materialize my ideas for two nonfiction books. My mantra for the year has become "I will write, I will write, I will write." Hopefully, editors will respond "and get published, get published, get published.""

"I loved it!"

"I loved this opportunity to interact with Eva Shaw and with my classmates. The format and content were perfect for me. I enjoyed being able to work at my own pace, according to my own schedule. Eva seemed very interested in the work of her students and in seeing us each move toward our writing goals."

"I'm so excited, I have been ask by the Black Dog Institute in Sydney to write several articles for them over the next few months. It is a pro bono job but my writing will be published next year on their website. Also this week I submitted my Synopsis on Love Rat, the story I created here in class, to an Australian magazine and received a request to forward the full story to them for consideration…I can't believe it. A big thank you to Eva and you all for giving me the courage to try submitting my work. I hope you all have the same success with your writing."

"I received acceptance today for a feature story (2500 words) from Workforce Journal magazine (it may lead to 5 follow up articles as part of a series, depending on reader response). I also took your advice from the assignment on writing the query letter for my book proposal and sent it on to The Graduate Group - which, after some research, seemed appropriate for the book's purpose. I heard from them today and they have asked me to call and discuss details with them. I didn't think I was ready to submit my proposal and wouldn't have without that nudge from you. After 3 classes with you - your encouragement, training, nudging (as well as the support from class members) - it's beginning to happen. What a difference you have made in the long desired dream of a very shy and humble writer. I don't even know how to feel other than so very grateful."

"I took Writeriffic I last spring and then followed it up with the Magazine Article Class. I learned so much, and the classes really motivated me. In the fall, I started sending out query letters to magazines. I am proud to say that I have sold about ten articles now. Thanks so much for the nudges!"

"I’ve taken every course that Eva teaches, so unless she’s going to make up a new class I think it’s time for me to cut the cord. You gave a woman starting out with a lot of passion and not a lot of confidence the tools and the support to follow her dreams and get her first article published, enter seven short stories in contests, one poem and send out four articles to magazines...so thank you, Eva for being there to catch me when I had self-doubt, for being there to support my wild dreams, for believing...thank you for being the best teacher a student could ever hope to have when they are starting out. Thank you for your honesty, for your gentleness, and for the genuine caring you show each of us. I will miss you so much, but because of you I know in my heart I will be successful."

"I want to thank you for your kindness and encouragement throughout both Writerrific classes. I have learned a lot and feel much more confident about my writing skills. There is so much to learn, though. One thing that I have learned in my life is that knowing a lot gives you an advantage, but understanding how much you don't know is a real strength. When you think you are an expert, you stop learning. When you realize that your education in an area has barely scratched the surface, you are always seeking to increase your knowledge. If there's anything that I know, it's that I don't know very much about a lot of things, and writing is one of those things. Your method of teaching is very kind and I feel a little like I have been sheltered under your wing. I hope the cold, cruel world doesn't come as a shock to me. I feel that I am a much better and more confident writer than I was just a few months ago, and I have you to thank for that. So thank you for your efforts and I am placing a cyber apple on your cyber desk to show my appreciation."

"I want to thank you for your wonderful guidance and the many nudges you have given to me and others. I look forward to taking other writing classes...Thanks a million, Eva. You are Writerrific!"

"I was actually just considering which class to take next. Your Magazine Writing course is on my list, so I think I'll sign up for the September session. Although at the beginning of this course I would have told you I'd rather write books instead of articles for magazines, I have learned how valuable it can be in so many different ways to be able to write a saleable article for a magazine or similar publication. Thanks for all your help!"

"Just a quick note to let everyone know, the essay, "My Dolls" that I synopsized for lesson 6 was accepted for publication by "Plus Magazine," a nostalgic magazine for the over-50's crowd that is published in California. Eva, thanks so much for all your nudges!"

"Just to let you know--I got published. My article ran in the paper last week. I took Eva's advice. I got up the nerve to just ask the editor."

"Once again Eva, another class with you has come to an end far too quickly. I have loved every part of my learning experience here with you and my classmates. I have found your feedback and insight to be extremely helpful. I feel you have guided me to a distance far greater on my journey as a writer then where I was when I began this class. Your teaching style has motivated me to learn more and I feel encouraged to write. Thank you Eva for being the best mentor I could ask for and for giving me the direction I needed. I look forward to my next class with you as I continue to learn and grow as a writer."

"Particularly appreciated that our instructor involved all students in an interactive way sharing their own experiences with each other. This is a technique many so-called adult classes don't use but should."

"Taking this class has given me hope and direction. First, I am not alone with my fears or my dreams; my classmates have shown me that. Second, progress has been made thanks to Eva's mentoring and gentle nudges. I can see my way through to a writer's life more clearly, and can articulate the steps needed to stay on that path. Third, and most importantly, I received my first rejection letter since starting Eva's classes, and was elated rather than shattered. A publisher looked at something I wrote and considered it, and encouraged me to try again. I just need patience and persistence, and though these are still daunting challenges some days, it will come. I am a writer."

"Thanks for another fun and enlightening writing course. I especially like the information on the business side of writing, and the way you always encourage us to think of ourselves are "real" writers. With every course I can see my dream of becoming a professional writer becoming more and more a reality. Thanks for all that you do."

"Thanks so much for all your assistance and work in this class. It is really amazing when I think about how much I have learned about writing in Writerific 1 and 2. It has actually been only about three months of classes! And I really appreciate how you get down to brass tacks with the issue of getting published right away. Career issues are traditionally something with which music students are left to flounder around on their own. So it is good to know that it is not just about taking a million writing courses and being a great artiste."

"Thank you, Eva, again, for a wonderful class. The course materials, the reference information, the assignments, the positive feedback, and the gentle nudges were great."

"Thank you so much for being brave and bold enough to become the writer and teacher that you are. The two classes I've taken have given me a baseline for writing and publishing that I can use. I am moving back to the farm in Washington state in a few days and plan to review all my notes and all your "nudges". While I'm looking for work that has health benefits, I'll be working at my second job, writing. I'm discovering job two has benefits that can't be measured monetarily."

"Thank you very much, Eva, for such an excellent online course. This is the second course I have taken from you, and I appreciate the lessons,assignments, discussions, quizzes,and most of all I appreciate YOU. This course really helped me VERY much. The students in the class were a great group. I loved their comments. As of yesterday I signed up for two more courses."

"The editor you suggested emailed back this morning and wants to use my Intuition piece on their website. She said it was moving, powerful and emotionally raw and she would be honored to publish it. Thank you for the nudges. Your encouragement helped give me confidence in spite of my own doubts."

"These classes have been exactly what I need to make me think. I am no longer the wide-eyed novice totally unaware of what is involved in writing. I can make an informed decision about what I wish to do with my life. No matter what I decide, you will always be my mentor, my first true writing teacher, and my expert! Besides, I can't stop writing now. It is way too much fun!"

"This class has been a wonderful, motivating experience for me. You have all been so supportive and encouraging, I feel blessed.I have so many ideas and avenues I want to pursue, I can't wait to get started. Eva, I am planning on taking more of your classes come September. Thank you class for being there, and thank you Eva for being the most patient and motivating instructor ever."

"This class has been both a challenging and rewarding experience. It has exceeded my greatest expectations and given me confidence and inspiration. I am grateful for the opportunity and a better person because of it. The world needs more excellent teachers such as you. I hope someday to meet you personally."

"This class was the best I've ever taken. The exercises Dr. Shaw provided enabled me to stretch my writing capabilities in a way I never dreamed possible. I have never written as well as I have in this class. Her lessons were detailed and provided me with invaluable information and the tone she set in the class motivated me to not only want to write well but to interact creatively with other members in the class. Dr. Shaw's willingness to give 150% motivated me to want to give back even more. Kudos to Dr. Shaw for a fantastic class."

"This course has inspired me to pursue my writing dreams and career. Eva is a wonderful teacher and provides valuable insight and feedback. I felt like I could post my writing samples and receive both constructive and positive feedback without fear or negativity. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is considering a writing career."

"This is my 3rd class with Eva and I am already signed up for one more. Without a doubt, Eva Shaw is one of the most knowledgeable, caring instructors I have come across. She knows her stuff, creates a virtual classroom that is beyond description, and inspires her students to go the extra mile. Eva made me reach inside myself to discover who I am both as a person and a writer. This takes a very special individual and that she is. The other bonus is the type of people she gathers in her classes are extraordinary and I know I have developed friendships that will carry on through my life. Thank you Eva and I am already looking forward to next week and the next class."

"This is the 4th class I have taken with Dr. Eva Shaw. Dr. Shaw is a caring instructor who knows how to motivate her students. I cannot praise her highly enough and I am constantly recommending her classes through the ed2go program to others. At present, there is only one course of hers I haven't taken and I plan to enroll in that one in the fall. Thank you for making Dr. Shaw's courses available."

"This is the third writing class by Eva Shaw that I have taken. I really can't say enough good things about her style, her mentoring, and enthusiasm. She is extremely well-versed in her subjects, encouraging, and willing to go the extra mile for answers and information. I have learned so much and can't wait until the next class. Do not let her get away from you, she is an awesome teacher! Thanks to her and the wonderful students in the class."

"This was my third course with Dr. Shaw. She is a wonderful instructor. Very kind and understanding. Her evaluation of my assignments were right on the money, and she gave positive reinforcement. That's the kind of teaching style everyone should have, but sadly they all don't. I plan on signing up for another course with Dr. Shaw, [but] need a month off to catch up with all the stuff she taught. Thank's again for a great course. It was over too soon."

"This was the most valuable writing class I have taken to date. Eva Shaw's style of mentoring and instruction makes you trust that she personally has your best interest at heart and effectivley presents what is needed for your to be a confident,and successful writer. I had my first writing piece accepted while taking this advanced class. I would like to see an online writing work shop offered by Eva for those students who have taken this advanced class. I would sign up for it the moment it became available."

"When I signed up for this course I thought it would help me jump start a lagging writing career…I am leaving the class with four wonderful projects to pursue, a refocusing of my energies and a great deal of hope for my future writing life. The thing I appreciated most about the enormously supportive feedback from you and my talented classmates is that it was specific and to the point and therefore very helpful. I've spread the word to all my other writer friends who also have felt stalled, and I hope to join you for another class at some point."

"When I took Writeriffic I there was an assignment that included finishing a sentence. We were asked to throw in a twist and Eva had encouraged me to find a home for it. Well, I found a home for it and today, in my mailbox, were two copies of the publication. I had submitted the story to MotherVerse (I've mentioned it here previously) and they published it within their Literary Shorts. It's not a large publication but WOW does it feel good to see my name in print."

"Writerific 2 is an excellent writing course. Eva Shaw knows her subject and you can tell she enjoyes teaching it and she enjoys the interaction with her students. I would highly recommend this course or any others taught by Eva Shaw."

"You've been terrific. I've learned more from this class than from my formal college courses. Thank you Eva and friends for your kind words and encouragement. I'm going to take all Eva's classes."