Class Title: How to Revise and Edit Your Writing Part 2: Polishing Your Story Instructor: Amber Starfire Class Term: February 15-March 8, 2010 We are not accepting any more enrollments for Amber's class; the class has started. Synopsis Do you find it difficult to edit your own writing, or worry about punctuation and grammatical errors? Whether you're writing for yourself, your family, or a broader audience, you want your writing to be the best it can be—especially if you intend to publish. This two-part course, designed especially for lifewriters, will help you hone your revision skills. In "Polishing Your Story" (Part 2) you will learn how to cut the unnecessary, edit for consistency, punctuation and grammar, and prepare your story for submittal and publication. (You may take Part 2 without having taken Part 1.) Class Description Each week, through examples, exercises, and feedback from other writers, you will explore a particular aspect of revising and editing your writing. We will use a Yahoo group for class communication. Outline Unit 1: Putting Your Writing on a Diet. Cutting the word calories. Every word counts. Unit 2: Wordsmithing. Ensuring consistency. Editing for punctuation & grammar. Common problems and how to fix them. Unit 3: Proofreading & Formatting. Techniques to catch those elusive mistakes. Formatting for submission and publication. Student Skills, Equipment, and Time Required All writing levels welcome. Must be comfortable using email and be familiar with email list groups, such as Yahoo and Google groups. Time required: two to three hours per week reading, writing, and responding to other participants. Tuition/Fees for this course SCN members: $96. Non-SCN members: $120. Instructor Bio Amber Starfire is Publisher & Editor of The Writer's Eye Magazine, freelance editor, writer, & photographer. She earned her Masters degree at Stanford University and has taught at community colleges and businesses for twenty years. Praise for Amber's Classes I recommend this course for anyone wanting a better understanding of how to find their authentic voice. Amber Starfire helped me find my strengths which I plan to build upon in my pursuit of becoming a writer. —Shelly T., Edmonton AB CANADA It was great to connect with other writers and to give and receive feedback. I found it challenging and encouraging...so much so that I signed up for Amber Starfire's 2nd session. —Naomi S., Albuquerque NM Amber Starfire's course is well organized and clear, and she is friendly and supportive. —Florrie C., Oroville CA Amber Starfire was a sensitive an encouraging, insightful instructor!!! —Nancilynn S., Austin TX A great course inspiring me to finally start writing! I have taken two other writing courses on line but Amber Starfire's is the first that I can honestly say was worth the (more than worth) the registration fee! —K. Ann W., Nanaimo BC CANADA Heretofore I knew little about the chakras. I came out of this course feeling quite knowledgeable and experienced and with greater insights. I feel that each of the course members are my new friends. Amber Starfire's guidance was excellent and her responses to my/our journaling and conversation was insightful, explanatory and thoughtful. I felt that we were in really good hands. Amber is full of wisdom and understanding, as are the other members of the group. We were able to counsel each other and to share our knowledge about related subjects as time went on, and I learned much from other course members. I highly recommend this course. —PJ P., Austin TX