Chick Lit Writing Workshop

Don't just email your friends your stories -- get them published

Chick Lit  Writing Workshop
Click to Apply

WHEN: Thursday, September 4, 6:30-10:30 pm

WHERE New York (Midtown East)

PRICE
$125 ($100 for )
more info

Course Details

Ever read a chick lit novel and think to yourself, "Hey, I could write that?" Well, you can! But don't be fooled by the fun, informal tone. Chick lit still follows the rules of conventional fiction. This workshop will cover an overview of the publishing industry and how chick lit novels get published, along with an overview of some of the basic elements of crafting a novel that will sell. Whether you're just armed with your love of shoes and handbags or already beginning to write, this is the workshop for you.

In this intensive one day workshop -- limited to 12 students -- you will bring in your chick lit idea or a selection from it to be read and commented on by the class, critiqued by the instructor, and edited as heavily as the piece requires. The instructor will also recommend venues for which the work is suitable.

In a small class, you'll learn from one of our master instructors how to edit yourself, what your work is missing, what it has too much of, and where it would fit perfectly for publication.

In this workshop you will learn how to:

  • Create a protagonist that may or may not be based on you
  • Structure your story so that it is more than just bad date story after bad date story, sewn together like a flimsy little thong
  • Find your protagonist's voice
  • Write realistic dialogue (just because someone actually said it to you doesn't make it interesting...)
  • Avoid chick lit clichés (gay best friend, anyone?)
  • Find the time to actually write the darn thing

Application Requirements
Please submit a brief letter of interest (including a brief work history) as well as a writing sample (less than 1,000 words).

Related Courses

Tell me when courses like this are scheduled.
Novel Writing: Chick Lit – New York (Class starts September 9)
Novel Writing: Chick Lit: Advanced – New York (Class starts September 16)
View all courses in Fiction | Book Publishing | Editing | New York, NY

Instructor Bio

Brenda Janowitz's Courses

Novel Writing: Chick Lit – New York (Class starts September 9)

Brenda Janowitz
A native New Yorker, Brenda Janowitz has had a flair for all things dramatic since she played the title role in her third grade production of Really Rosie. When asked by her grandmother if the experience made her want to be an actress when she grew up, Brenda responded, "An actress? No. A writer, maybe."

Brenda graduated from Cornell University and Hofstra Law School. After law school, she worked at a large law firm in Manhattan and later clerked for a federal judge in Brooklyn. Her first novel, Scot on the Rocks (How I Survived My Ex-Boyfriend's Wedding With My Dignity Ever-So-Slightly Intact) is out on bookshelves now. For more info on Brenda, visit her website at www.brendajanowitz.com.

Testimonials


I thought that Brenda was amazing. Her lectures were interesting, animated and well prepared. Brenda is an outstanding teacher -- thanks to her guidance and encouragement, I am finally writing my novel. -- Liz Borod Wright

"Brenda is knowlegable in the field and provided valuable insight. The course was informative and more helpful than I had ever imagined!" -- Merritt C. Patterson

"Brenda's positive energy inspires me to be a part of the Chic Lit genre. Within hours of her seminar I started my own novel. I'm signing up for Brenda's class because I know she'll keep me going!" -- Carol Anne Fricke

"I thought Brenda was poised, intelligent, confident, and well-rounded and knowledgeable about her subject matter. She gave interesting excercises to inspire us and answered questions in a thoughtful, considerate manner. Thanks!" -- Heather Zschock

"Attending Brenda Janowitz's class was a fantastic opportunity. I was absolutely surprised at Brenda's forthcoming advice, and with her desire to help us succeed in this endeavor."-- Carolina Baker

"Brenda's seminar was the perfect amount of time to learn all the ins and outs of the publishing business and how to craft my own worthwhile novel. Brenda is a highly entertaining instructor whose first-hand experience makes the content of the class all the more interesting." -- Elizabeth Gooch, Facts on File

"I can't say enough about all Brenda Janowitz has done to inspire and help me with my book project - I've gone further than I ever thought I'd be able to!" -- Jami Kelly

"To make 3 hours go by so quickly, she must have done something right! I never would have started writing my own novel if I hadn't taken this class with Brenda." -- Kristen Sardis

"I thought Brenda was sensational! Her knowledge, course preparation and willingness to share her secrets were all invaluable to a first time author. The writing exercises were fun and really help you apply the learnings directly to your work. She is a great coach and mentor, and truly passionate about her craft. What a motivator!" -- Jami Kelmenson
Click to Apply

AvantGuild* Discounts on mediabistro.com courses are just one of the wonderful benefits of being in AvantGuild, our premium membership program. For just $59 a year, you'll receive instant access to our How to Pitch articles and other premium articles, transcripts from selected seminars and panels, and discounts on virtually everything we do (including eClasses and the Freelance Marketplace)! Click here to join now.