Summer Stories 2008 is now closed.
What is
an online writing class with Meredith Sue
Willis?
Meredith Sue Willis's online writing classes consist of feedback from the teacher along with written lectures and a rich supply of writing prompts and exercises. Willis, a long time dedicated teacher as well as a much praised and published fiction writer, works with each student individually.
Testimonials
I'd
recommend MSW's on-line writing classes to any writer at any level.
She has deeply considered the best components for such a course,
keeping them simple to manage yet very likely to get quality writing
from each participant. The exercises are numerous, original, challenging
and, best of all, fun. Instructor feedback is fast and useful.
Not only did I have a blast, but I feel quite positive about the
story I got a good running start on. I'd take another class without
hesitation.
– Ed Davis
I found the exercises and the way they were positioned helpful and informative on a variety of levels. I liked how some got us thinking about our characters, some pulled us forward to stretch and see our novels as having length, and others asked us to think about structure. I found these last ones most fruitful, and I think that’s because I’ve been wanting to ask myself where I’m headed.
– Chris Echaurre
If
you're looking for a concise, insightful, personal writing class,
look no further. Meredith Sue Willis' on-line writing class
is well worth it! She'll challenge you, make you stretch, make
you think.
– Carter Seaton
The
January Plan for Novel and Memoir Writers offered on-line by
Meredith Sue Willis was truly a gem of a course. Although a
professional writer all of my life, I felt I needed a shot in
the arm, as well as some good advice as I pursued a genre unfamiliar
to me as a writer, the novel. The assignments, both major and
minor, as well as the pacing of these exercises all seemed just
right – hard enough to push me into new places and yet always
easily understandable and somehow accessible. I appreciated,
as well, the flexibility built into the overall course which
allowed me to stray from the letter of the assignment if I felt
I needed to do so. Quite frankly, however, I found the assignments
so compelling that even when they didn’t 'fit' the particular
needs of my project, I pursued them anyway. Furthermore, and
of equal value were Ms. Willis’s comments upon my submitted
work. Every word of advice, every critical observation I felt
had been weighed carefully and meted out with just the right
admixture of encouragement and suggestion. I simply can not
recommend her instructional skills too highly and envy those
students who count her as their teacher.
Just
wanted to say what a great get-back-to-work kick in the pants
this session has been. That sounds a bit too harsh though, since
the most wonderful aspect of it was how supported and encouraged
I felt by your thoughtful and insightful reading and response.
Each session was chock full of ideas for getting going with
writing, and I felt very cared for by the generosity of the
assignments both in their number and originality. I especially
thought the last one, to write a dream for a character, or write
about a dream you yourself had was great. I know I'll be responding
to that one and the one on the weather again and again. I appreciated
reading the other students' work, though right now I'm in such
a private kind of space, that I didn't make comments or join
in the on-line community, though I think it's another wonderful
aspect of the course and I most likely would take part at another
time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who
is Meredith Sue Willis?
Meredith
Sue Willis is a writer and veteran teacher of writing with experience
that includes everything from university level to small children.
For information about her teaching career and her publications,
see her biography, her publication
page, and her resumé,
What
are Online Writing Classes with Meredith Sue Willis?
Online
Writing Classes with Meredith Sue Willis are creative writing
classes taught by Meredith Sue Willis through e-mail and the Internet.
The classes include written lectures, writing assignments,
and one-on-one responses to your homework. The sessions are e-mailed to the students.
The students may also, if they prefer, read the sessions online.
The students then e-mail passages of their writing to the teacher
who e-mails back her comments.
What is the format?
The classes
are asynchronous: that is, everything will be done by email with
some materials posted on the Internet. E-mail is required; Internet
access is not required, but is recommended. You work at your own
pace, at any hour that suits you.
What
are the writing assignments like?
For a variety
of free sample writing exercises--not necessarily from the online
writing classes--go to Writing
Exercises.
How much do these online writing classes cost?
Cost is $50
a session. Thus, a three session course would be $150, a four
session course $200, a five session course $250, etc. Payment
is by personal check or money order in advance. Payment in full
must be received before you are officially enrolled in the class.
There are no cash refunds.
When
does the next class begin?
The classes happen irregularly, but are often scheduled for the
summer, early fall, or in January. If you are interested, check
back at this page for announcements and at Meredith Sue Willis's home page. If you
want to be notified directly, send an email request for notification
to Meredith Sue Willis.
What do students say about these online writing classes with Meredith Sue Willis?
Go to testimonials above to see comments by students.
How do I enroll?
Enrollment
is limited and will close early if the class fills. Go to the page for the specific class and follow instructions there after the class has been announced.
For
more information:
Bookmark
this page to see when the next class will start and what type
of class it will be.
If you want to get on Meredith Sue Willis's
mailing list, send a blank e-mail to Readerbooks-subscribe@topica.com.
You'll receive MSW's free newsletter for readers and writers and
notice of all online classes. You may also send e-mail to MeredithSueWillis@gmail.com .
More
Testimonials
.
I'd
recommend your workshops to anyone who wants coherent, polished
writing. The exercises are extremely valuable, and the editing
techniques you pass on turn a good idea into something worth reading....I've
enjoyed the sessions, and it was good to keep my fingers moving
over the keys while traveling. Just enough work, and lots to occupy
my thoughts while driving.
– Lynne Gleason
Meredith
Sue Willis's class, guaranteed to jump-start my writing, did more
than that. One of the characters in my novel may not be dead after
all and the others have more definition. Meredith Sue's careful
editing and comments helped me feel like I am on the right track
and gave me more tools to help me get where I want to go. Her
warmth and humor shows through with each interaction, an incredible
gift in a teacher, particularly when one is interacting through
cyberspace.
– Jamie
Rhein
Helped me
to stretch my imagination by using challlenging exercises. I came
away feeling I really am a writer as a result of her positive
supporting comments and suggestions.
– Suzanne
Gluck
The experience
of Meredith Sue is well worth your time and money
– Martha Jo Goff