Plotting for Un-Dummies

Dates: May 15-29, 2005
Instructor: Ann Jones-Rodriguez

Course Description:

Have problems with opening hooks, sagging middles, weak conflict, or tying up lose ends?  What about just getting motivated to start that book? Plotting For Un-Dummies is a two week workshop filled with guidance, help, advice, and suggestions.  Learn how to plot and follow a simple outline without stifling your creativity, beef up your Hero, or develop your kick-ass Heroine.  We will discuss the difference between a complex plot and a convoluted one, and how to clarify problems, how to stay on track using Christopher Vogler's Hero's Journey as a guide, and the importance of a strong Goal, Motivation, and Conflict (GMC).

About the Instructor:

Growing up around ghosts and having written stories since her teens, native Texan and RWA award-winning contest winner Ann Jones-Rodriguez is used to things that go "bump" 24/7. With a passion for Science Fiction, anything paranormal, Space Opera, and writing romance, Ann blends these elements in her stories with a twist of action and suspense. She has written many parapsychology articles, had an Astrology column, and had her artwork and short stories published. Ann's personal motto is, "Never give up, never surrender!" (from GalaxyQuest), and currently she is working on a futuristic romance and a vampire romance.

To learn more about Ann, please visit her new website Feb. 1, at www.AnnJonesRodriguez.com.