It’s so fun to teach other writers the things you’ve learned about the writing craft! If you’re fortunate enough to share, here are a few places you might consider:
WRITERS GROUPS AND GUILDS
Chances are pretty good you already belong to a local writing group. Maybe you’ve even spoken to that group. But have you spoken on a topic that highlights your books/writing? Consider teaching a lesson that will help other writers but at the same time help promote your book project. Here are some examples of topics I’ve used (all coming from my own books):
- Merging Fact with Fiction: During this interactive class I’ve gone into detail about the research of my book (Hurricane), talking specifically about how I merged historical fact with fictional characters. Writers are always interested in the “process” of book writing, as well. I was able to teach others in my group about the process, but (in using the writing of my book as an example), pique their interest in my novel, as well.
- Have Yourself a Cozy Little Mystery: I came up with this one after my mysteries came out. I’ve now taught in a variety of writing groups. As I teach, I used blips from two of my novels (The Wedding Caper and Gone with the Groom). That way I’ve given the members of the group valuable “how to” information, but also left them with a vivid imprint of my titles in their minds. J
- Pandora’s Box: I use this lesson to teach on characterization (and to promote my character-driven novels)
- Plot Shots: Plotting Your Novel in 12 Easy Snapshots: I developed this one after hearing so much discussion on “plotting vs. seat of the pants writing. (I write Heartsongs and we’re required to turn in a chapter by chapter synopsis of the story before it’s written, so I’ve been using the 12-step plotter for years.)
- To promote my creative writing textbook, I’ve taught “Getting Creative About Being Creative”
- Romancing the Reader is another of my writing group topics (which is a great segue to talking about my inspirational romance novels—Red Like Crimson, White as Snow, etc.)
Writers are loaded with questions. Once you’ve had a book published, they’re aching for answers, and will be looking to you to give them! (Funny, how you can become an expert overnight just by having a book published!) But folks always want to know about your journey. How did you do it? How many rejections did you face? Was it as hard for you as it seems to be for me? What can I do to better my chances at publication? (You might not have answers to all of these questions, but sharing your journey will ease the minds of frustrated writers, trust me!)
- Can you see yourself speaking to a writing group or guild?
- Can you “slant” your topic to meet the needs of a writing group?
- List your books (either published or soon-to-be-published). Think specifically of writing group topics that come to mind. Can you teach on the book’s genre? What about the POV? Is your story character driven or plot driven? Can you talk about your writing journey? Tell others how you made it from point A to point B? If so, then you’ll be a valuable asset to your local group!
ONLINE CHAT CLASSES/BLOGS
This is my first time to teach an ACFW course online, and I’m so excited. When I think of how many people I’m reaching through the Internet, it floors me! (The possibilities of making new friends via the WWW is staggering, isn’t it?!) Writers, especially, rely on the web to learn the craft. Groups like ACFW and others have been formed to assist writers—many of whom will never meet face to face.
Maybe you’re wondering what this has to do with you. How can you get your message out there to the masses via the Internet? Where do you start? Wouldn’t you be better served teaching in small group settings in your hometown? Maybe not! The possibilities are teaching online are endless! For example, I was recently invited to teach a six-week online course. This invitation came as a result of my book’s release, (as other authors/editors began to see me as a professional).
I’ve been invited to speak in several one-time-only online classes/chats, as well. A couple of months back I did a tele-conference and sold several books after. And now, I’m blessed to be able to teach this course, where I’m thrilled to get to meet (and get to know) all of you. The possibilities for finding an audience online are very real!
As for blogs… you can “teach/speak” on blogs by putting together a course and asking the blogger to post it. When my cozy mystery (The Wedding Caper) was released, I was asked to submit a teaching to www.christianbook.com, which I did. I was also asked by my publicist to put together an interview, which I did. You can read it here: http://www.ambermiller.com/blog/archives/2007_01_01_archive.html.
Teaching online is a great way to promote your books and to help other authors along the way!
Other online sites: Consider joining groups like Shoutlife, (www.shoutlife.com) where you can post teachings/lessons online as blogs/bulletins. All of your “friends” will receive a notice each time you post, so there’s very little advertising involved!
- Can you see yourself teaching an online chat class?
- Can you “slant” your topic to meet the needs of online writers/readers?
- If you had a “teaching blog” what would you teach? What sorts of lessons would you post? List some ideas here.
- Can you put together an interview for yourself? (List some basic questions about you/your book, then answer them.)
- Can you put together a teaching to submit to bloggers? If so, what topic will you choose, and how can/will that interest readers in your book?
