Overview

A Two-Night Mini Online Course

Getting ready to write a novel doesn’t just mean finding a computer or the right pen—you also need to spend time considering the elements that bring emotion and structure to your story.  Join author Jennifer Gennari for this short course to learn tangible techniques for getting organized, and getting to the heart of what you need to know about your story—even before you’ve written a word! This program is a starting point for your study, and a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but loads of information.

• Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Thursday, April 18, 2024 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
• Recordings available until May 31, 2024

Feedback Expected

• No feedback included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.

It’s a Great Fit If…

• You are at the beginning stages of your idea and are looking for the tools and questions that can help you turn your idea into a draft.
• You want to take time to plan your project before writing too far into the narrative. This short course will offer ideas to help you organize your ideas, whether you are a “pantser” or a “plotter” or somewhere in between.
• You need help moving forward (or backward) with a project already in progress. This course can illuminate ways to enter (or re-enter) your story assisting with your overall revision.
• You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! This is not a full workshop. Instead it is two, 75-minute sessions meant to engage and build your understanding of novel structure and organizational planning.

Tentative Agenda

At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.

IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:

If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through May 31, 2024.

Please note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately.  You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.

All Times are Eastern Time.  Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

How It Impacts Kids

Readers want to know the heart of your story. This short course will help you find the heart through organizational planning and organic development.

Testimonials from Our Community

“Jen Gennari’s knowledge of craft, deep love of writing and reading, and ability to create compact lessons filled with valuable tools made this one of the best workshops I’ve ever participated in.”

“I feel so lucky to have had Jen as an instructor. She was the perfect combination of warm and friendly, and professional and resourceful. I’m a much more confident writer and editor after taking her class.”

“I knew I could not attend in person but I signed up because you offered the recording. Having that option was invaluable.”

“Keep the mini courses going for those of us that can’t attend at the Highlights Foundation Campus! It helps us stay in touch and keep our skills growing!!

Resources

• 3 Quesitons for Jennifer Gennari about Getting Organized Before You Start to Write
• As Simple As Possible: Three Ways To Tighten Your Prose
• Tools and Tips on Character Revision
• Plot: One of the Hardest Aspects of Writing a Novel
• Your Book’s First Editor is YOU