In 2017 Word's Worth launched its inaugural Writer's 12-Step Program: Write Your Novel Draft in a Year, and our eighth offering begins in January 2025. In this class a community of writers all endeavor to complete the first draft of a novel in one year's time. If you've ever tried National Novel Writing Month, this is the same idea, but this plan is a little more sustainable and doable with the rest of your life's obligations.

This community meets together virtually from 6:30-8:30 PM on the second Tuesday of each month from January 2025 to December 2025. In between sessions you'll generate new work, meet with breakout "writing groups (virtually or in person)," and be connected through a private Facebook group where you'll receive a weekly "check-in" with instructor Katrina Kittle as well as receive motivational and accountability posts along the way. Instead of simply saying, "By this time next year I'll have my book done," this program will give you a game plan, frequent deadlines, check points, craft lessons, and the collective creative energy of other kindred spirits attempting the same goal. This program is for any FICTION writer ready to truly commit to their work.

Any genre of fiction is welcome. Memoir writers seeking this kind of community and accountability are welcome, but please understand that the instructional focus will be on the craft of fiction (but creative nonfiction writers use these same techniques) Each month will have a focus (although material will change based on the individual needs of group members). (Suggested ages 18 and up)

WE WILL NOT BE RECORDING THESE CLASSES. This class is all about community and commitment, and is very interactive and involves a lot of participant sharing. Life happens, and we understand that occasionally someone may need to miss (and no one should feel bad about that). If you have to miss a class, you will still receive the handout, you can ask Katrina questions about the handout, and you'll still have all the interaction from the Facebook group. But we want to avoid the "it's online so I don't have to be there" mentality that is an unfortunate side effect of the pandemic. This group works best when you're present!

PRICE-$225 per Trimester, each begin in January, May, and August

First Trimester

January: Developing Your Plan

February: Character Building: Motivation as your GPS

March: Conflict and Personal Stakes

April: Research Tips and Traps

Second Trimester

May: Plot and Structure

June: Point of View

July: Voice

August: Middle of the Book “Crisis”: Plot Layers, Subplots, Enriching Your Cast

Third Trimester

September: Theme and Symbols

October: Openings and Closings

November: Readers and Revision--The Value of Objective Eyes

December: Celebration and Next Steps

3 Thursdays—September 18, October 2 and 9, 6:15pm-7:45pm. We skip a class between the first and second week for you to complete some homework.

Have you reached the wonderful, celebratory goal of completing a manuscript? Are you wondering: what next? As you receive feedback, do you wonder which suggestions to take? Which to ignore? Do you find the process of figuring out how to improve the story overwhelming? This course will give guidance for the revision and editing process, while taking many craft lessons (on character motivation, voice, point of view, description, plot, etc.) to the next level. Easy, practical guidelines and checklists will be given for approaching changes both big and small in your own work. We’ll also discuss how to find good, trusted readers, and the pros and cons of writing groups. NOTE: you do NOT have to have a completed manuscript to take or benefit from this class.

Location—Small Conference Room, Dayton Metro Library, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, 3980 Wilmington Pike

The Library is the host for this class only. Please contact Word’s Worth at 937-475-5177 or by email wordsworthdayton@gmail.com with your questions. Do not contact the library-Thank You!

To Sign Up Go to the Register Page and Add the Class to your Cart to Enroll.