Some years ago, when I was teaching a basic novel-writing course, I quickly learned people wanted to revisit the classes and listen at their leisure. And I realized CDS would be more affordable and convenient (especially for me!) than taking a class. So I put my course on a set of three discs, each containing two one-hour classes and divided into tracks for easy reference.

Two things you should know. The first is that I don’t believe there’s just one method of writing a novel. In fact, I know there’s not, or there wouldn’t be so many books on writing—one would be plenty. So you’ll hear me quoting many other writers and writing teachers, to give you an idea of how other people do it and show why you can reject every single thing they say that doesn’t work for you. (Also, why you should listen when you need to. Like when Elmore Leonard says, “Never say ‘All hell broke loose.’)

The second is a firm conviction that most writing classes are so padded they’re not worth your time. I wanted mine short, to the point, and jam-packed with information you need right now to get your novel into print. And that’s the goal: To turn you into a professional.

Here’s the syllabus:

Basics you just have to know. (Example—see above; but even Elmore Leonard’s rules can be broken; if you follow the three that can’t, you’ll have a book.)

A “fresh voice” is the number one thing editors say they’re looking for. But what’s that and how do you get it? Viewpoint is all about who’s telling the story. How to decide? And everybody’s got their own idea of how to get the juices flowing. What works for you?

Plot’s what writers fear most and do worst. But wait! It’s not so hard if you know a few important secrets. In fact, it’s even kind of fun.

If your characters don’t pop up off the page and grab the reader’s lapels, no one’s going to care about your masterful plot, exhaustive research, or—worst of all—your beautiful writing. But they don’t always spring fully formed from your imagination—follow six simple rules and watch them come to life.

Why you should talk about the weather, how to smuggle guns on planes, when it’s permissible to say blah blah blah, and how to banish boredom from the page.

Three ways to start the marketing process before you’ve even finished a draft. (And no, that’s not putting the cart before the horse—you’ll learn a lot about writing while you’re doing them.) Plus plenty on agents, publishers, and whether to self-publish.

E-mail me ( julie@casamysterioso.com ) and I’ll get your course in the mail post-haste. The entire set of three CDs is only $125, or roughly $20 a class. (Beat that at the community college!) Postage is one thousand per cent free.