Register For Classes With Christina or Abby
If you are interested in signing up for upcoming classes with Christina Katz or Abigail Green, this is the place to do it. We teach incremental writing career development skills. Each class is like a six-week workout. Once you’ve got the muscle memory, the skills are yours for good.
Ever wondered what six weeks of consistent effort would teach you about your ability to write and get published? Find out by signing up for a six-week class. Below are my latest class offerings, as well as a wonderful essay-writing class from Abigail Green, whom I’ve invited to teach alongside me.
The suggested order for taking classes with Christina Katz is:
Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff
Pitching Practice: Write Six Queries In Six Weeks
Turn Your Specialty Into Course Curriculum
Craft a Saleable Nonfiction Book Proposal
Abby’s class can fit in there pretty much anytime you wish to learn about writing personal essays.
Personal Essays That Get Published
What sets our classes apart from all of the rest
I assume you won’t take my classes back-to-back because you’ll need time after each class to apply what you’ve learned. If you need additional help during those times, please visit the Practice page to learn more about my five-month Dream Teams for former students. If you apply what you’ve learned regularly, I think you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
If you’ve not heard of me before, please peruse the opinions of folks who have taken my classes already. If you don’t see enough information here, I’ll be happy to refer you to a real live person.
Thanks for checking out my classes!
• • •
Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff (Especially for moms!)
Finally, a writing workshop that fits into the busy lives of moms! This class focuses on getting you into print sooner, rather than later, and without pulling all-nighters or paying a fortune in babysitter fees. You will learn how to create short, easy-to-write articles—a skill that will make it easier to work your way up to longer, more time-consuming articles (like features and profiles) when you’re ready. You will try your pen at tips, fillers, short interviews, list articles, how-tos, and the short personal essays—all within six weeks. And you will learn to submit your work with a basic cover letter. Opportunities for self-assessment and self-reflection are woven into the class, and you’ll benefit from reading your classmates’ submissions.
By starting short, you will learn to identify multiple possibilities for your material that will strengthen your freelancer’s eye in the long run. You will receive two detailed reviews of your drafts-in-progress at weeks three and six (you choose one of your pieces for an instructor critique each time). The instructor offers personal attention throughout the class in the form of questions answered for the entire class, just like a traditional “live” class. Because of the high volume of student productivity in this class, the instructor does not critique each and every student submission, but she does share all of your work with the entire class.(Busy dads are also welcome to sign up, but they should expect a course designed to address and overcome the challenges busy moms face. Stay-at-home dads are sure to feel right at home!)
Duration:
Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks
Dates:
Starts January 13, 2010
Starts March 3, 2010
Starts May 12, 2010
Cost: $250.00
Class work turns around on Wednesdays (please specify your class date when you sign up in the “notes” or “message” section).
Prerequisites:
This writing class is helpful for both beginning writers who have never taken a class before as well as experienced freelancers looking to get back in the swing of writing after time not writing. If you have written a book but you need help breaking out fresh content from your specialty topic, this class is also for you. Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids and The Elements of Style are the required books for this class. The only other requirement is that you must be able to receive and create Microsoft Word documents to participate in this class. The Instructor will send a personal introduction request form after your registration is confirmed, and a class evaluation to wrap up the class.
Class Materials:
The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Microsoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create Microsoft Word docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It’s a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates!
What former students say:
Christina teaches as a wise friend of the new writer; encouraging through little steps, nudging the timid along, leaving each student thinking, “Gee, I really am a writer!” ~ Johannah B., Bellingham, WA
What I particularly appreciate about Christina Katz’s class is that her teaching style is very inclusive. There is no Great Divide of “I am The Expert and you are The Peon.” Rather, she enthusiastically communicates, “I am an Expert, and you can be one, too.” ~ Sage C., Portland, OR
The WPSS workshop provided me with confidence, commitment and camaraderie. It was just what I needed to get myself to take the leap of submitting my work to publications. ~ Liz S, Shoreline, WA
As a busy mom trying to break into freelance writing with four little kids running around, Christina’s course was exactly what I needed! The feedback was great and the classroom atmosphere kept me on track. I’ll definitely be applying her lessons for years to come!” ~ Jennifer A., Toledo, OH
Busy moms, are you longing to break into a career as a freelance writer? If so, I highly recommend Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff with Christina Katz. You will learn how to earn money writing fillers and short articles, how to research markets, and how to write cover letters, all while polishing your writing skills. The class is fun, and Christina is encouraging, thorough, and professional. Do something for yourself and invest in your dream! ~ Caroline Y., Houston, TX
There are people out there who “get” the writer stuff, and people who “get” the mama stuff. But to have somebody who understands both is priceless. ~ Jennifer H., Port Washington, NY
Reserve your space by sending your check to: When paying by check, be sure to include a note with your email address!
Christina Katz
P.O. Box 1354
Wilsonville, OR 97070
OR pay with Paypal. Don’t forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the date of the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours.
Register Here via Paypal for Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff (Especially for Moms):
More questions? E-mail Christina at christina katz at earthlink dot net.
• • •
Pitching Practice: Write Six Queries in Six Weeks
Okay, you’ve completed freelance writing classes, you’ve read writing and marketing books, you’ve even published a few articles. Now all you need are assignments, deadlines and more checks made out to yours truly. Or perhaps you’ve taken classes with Christina Katz and now you are ready to take your writing career to the next level.
But you’ve run into a few challenges:
- You have plenty of ideas, but you just can’t seem to get motivated enough to pitch them to editors
- Although you’ve written a few articles, the query writing process is still difficult because you feel like you have to reinvent the wheel each time
- You are isolated from other writers. Not that your family and friends aren’t great. They are, but you crave the company of like-minded others
- You feel stuck writing for lower-paying, regional markets and want to break into higher-paying, national markets
In this writing class, pitching is all you do. Over the course of six weeks, you crank out six queries, which is exactly the kind of practice you need if you want to get into the habit of landing better-paying assignments.
After you write and send six queries, you will never again ask, “What makes a strong query?” You will have developed your own style into prototypes that you can use over and over to obtain future assignments. And finding your own rhythm, not someone else’s, is what effective query writing is about.
Each week, you will study a successful writer’s query and create your own list of steps to follow. You will also receive a three-page worksheet weekly, which will provide helpful ideas and checklists to help you systematize your query writing process and increase your productivity. You will be able to use these worksheets, along with your checklist to write a targeted query every six days for the rest of your career.
Emphasis will be placed on developing the query-writing habit, achieving the goal of six queries written in six weeks and sent to publications that advance your career.
Duration:
Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks
Dates:
Starts May 12, 2010
Cost: $250.00
Class work turns around on Wednesdays (please specify your class date when you sign up in the “notes” or “message” section).
Prerequisites:
Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff (Especially for Moms) is the perfect prerequisite to this class. Platform 101: Discover Your Specialty can also be a real asset. Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids is the required book for this class. The only other requirement is that you must be able to receive and create Microsoft Word documents to participate in this class.
Class Materials:
The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Mirosoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create Microsoft Word docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It’s a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates!
What former students say:
Christina was the task master/deadline diva I needed to keep my butt in the chair. She encouraged my muse and calmed my perfectionist so I could keep typing and focus on sharpening my writing and launching my work into the world. ~ Gigi R., Portland,OR
Christina rocks! She builds trust right at the beginning and sets the framework for candid, sharp and targeted feedback. Take this class! ~ Alex H., Lafayette, CA
This class is the fabulous next step for anyone who’s been writing and is now serious about breaking into the magazine market (and yes, you have to be serious). Christina provides quality instruction and lots of tips on how to break in, along with valuable marketing information. This class is a must! ~ Joanna N., Bellingham, WA
I needed Pitching Practice more than I realized. Christina taught me how to appreciate and develop successful query writing through practical exercises. Her feedback and gentle critiques helped me to have more confidence in pitching my ideas. ~ Judy M., Zionsville, IN
Pitching Practice not only changed the way I approach my professional career, it changed the way I see myself as a writer. With Christina’s kind and competent guidance, queries are no longer the monster under the desk – they’ve come up into the lamplight and settled down in comfort next to my other writing tools. ~ Sarah P., Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin
Query writing is like establishing a good habit. If you do it enough, repetition builds success. Christina is extremely helpful in showing you good habits to develop as you move toward being a successful query writer. ~ Karen K., Donnelly, ID
Reserve your space by sending your check to: When paying by check, be sure to include a note with your email address!
Christina Katz
P.O. Box 1354
Wilsonville, OR 97070
OR pay with Paypal: Don’t forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the date of the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours.
Register Here for Pitching Practice: Write Six Queries in Six Weeks:
More questions? E-mail Christina at christina katz at earthlink dot net.
• • •
Turn Your Specialty Into Course Curriculum
You have worked long and hard to discover your specialty, narrow the focus of your expertise, and build your credibility, so shouldn’t you also develop a course curriculum that you can use as the starting point for years of teaching and learning and learning from your students? Christina Katz has been doing this for seven years and in this six week class, she’ll share all of the insights she’s learned.
This class includes two curriculum-in-process reviews over the course of six weeks. You’ll learn how to choose the most needed topic for your course, focus on current student needs, build a curriculum that you can use over and over and improve upon over time, and price your class for the marketplace.
Save yourself the headache that comes with guesswork. In this class you’ll benefit from the synergy of sharing your drafts with fellow participants and an experienced teacher. If you feel unsure about your ability to succeed as a teacher, you’ll find confidence through six weeks spent crafting a curriculum that makes good sense.
Duration:
Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks
Dates:
Starts January 13, 2010
Cost: $399.00
Class work turns around on Wednesdays (please specify your class date when you sign up in the “notes” or “message” section).
Prerequisites:
This class is most effective when you’ve completed Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff (Especially for Moms), Platform 101, Pitching Practice, and Platform 102.
Class Materials:
The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Microsoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create MSW docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It’s a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates!
Reserve your space by sending your check to:
Christina Katz
P.O. Box 1354
Wilsonville, OR 97070
Very Important: When paying by check, be sure to include a note with your email address!
Or pay with Paypal—Don’t forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the dateof the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours.
Register here for Turn Your Specialty Into Course Curriculum:
More questions? E-mail Christina at christina katz at earthlink dot net.
• • •
Craft A Saleable Nonfiction Book Proposal
Most writers underestimate the comprehensiveness necessary in a book proposal to garner the interest of agents and editors. They also often misunderstand the best strategies for linking a proposal to a solid platform. Christina has been helping writing students succeed at landing a book deals for years and she’s formalized her tips for aspiring authors who want to nail their book proposal the first time around. This class includes two proposal-in-process reviews over the course of six weeks.
Finally the definitive class on how to make sure that you are:
- The right person
- With the right idea
- At the right time
You’ll benefit from the synergy of sharing your drafts with fellow participants and an experienced nonfiction author. This class is exactly what you need to master in order to effectively communicate your idea to the people who can greenlight your idea.
Duration:
Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks
Dates:
Starts March 3, 2010
Cost: $399.00
Class work turns around on Wednesdays (please specify your class date when you sign up in the “notes” or “message” section).
Prerequisites:
This class is most effective when you’ve completed Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff (Especially for Moms), Platform 101, Pitching Practice, and Platform 102. Get Known Before the Book Deal is the required book for this class.
Class Materials:
The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Microsoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create Microsoft Word docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It’s a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates!
What former students say:
I had read several books about writing proposals, including the two book proposal writing bibles – Michael Larsen’s How to Write a Book Proposal and Jeff Herman’s Write the Perfect Book Proposal. Yet, I was still unable to put together a coherent book proposal. It was not until taking this class that I really learned what it takes to compete a book proposal; and more importantly, what agents and publishers are looking for and consider “saleable”. Ms. Katz’s class not only delivers on every promise, this class would cost thousands of dollars anywhere else. ~Genevienve F., Evanston, IL
Christina’s instruction was professional, pointed, and personalized. After taking this course, I know I’m on my way to becoming a published author. ~ Jenny K., Crystal Lake, IL
I have read books about writing the nonfiction book proposal and felt overwhelmed and even confused by them. This class took the process step-by-step and made the mountain seem climbable. This was the most intellectually challenging thing I have done since college and although it was tough, I am further along than I would ever have been otherwise. I am grateful for the class and proud that I completed it. Instead of floundering alone and aimless, I have now learned the tools and am on the right path to publishing a saleable nonfiction book proposal. ~ Jen S., Bellingham, WA
Christina, you are simply the best. Period. I know I wouldn’t be this far without you. I love how the classes are structured; they work well for an overly committed mom like me. ~ Judy M., Zionsville IN
Reserve your space by sending your check to:
Christina Katz
P.O. Box 1354
Wilsonville, OR 97070
Very Important: When paying by check, be sure to include a note with your email address!
OR pay with Paypal: Don’t forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the date of the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours.
Register here for Craft a Saleable Nonfiction Proposal:
More questions? E-mail Christina at christina katz at earthlink dot net.
• • •
Personal Essays That Get Published with Abigail Green
It pays to get personal these days. Given the popularity of reality shows, blogs, and tell-all books, interest in everyday individuals’ experiences is at an all-time high. Writers are often told, “Write what you know.” What subject can you possibly know better than your own life? Whether you want to pen an introspective essay about your struggle with infertility, a first-person article about your travels in India, or a short humor piece about parenting, your life is a goldmine of rich material that all kinds of publications are pining for.
Personal Essays that Get Published will teach you how to get your personal experiences down on the page and get them published. Facilitated by longtime freelance writer Abigail Green, Personal Essays that Get Published will teach you how to:
- Find and organize your ideas
- Discover your natural voice
- Craft catchy leads and solid conclusions
- Make the most of your material by reslanting
- Find markets and submit your work for publication
Weekly assignments include a writing assignment and check-in. The instructor offers personal attention throughout the six weeks by answering questions for the entire class, just like a traditional, “live” class. Two detailed reviews of your essays-in-progress are included at weeks three and six: you choose one of your pieces for instructor critique each time. Because of the high volume of student productivity, the instructor does not critique each and every student submission, but she does share them with the entire class.
Duration:
Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks
Dates:
Starts January 13, 2010
Starts May 12, 2010
Cost: $250.00
Prerequisites:
This class is for people at any level of writing experience. You must be able to receive and create Microsoft Word documents to participate. The instructor will send a personal introduction request form after your registration is confirmed and a class evaluation when the class is complete.
Class Materials:
The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Microsoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create Microsoft Word docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It’s a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates!
About Abigail Green:
Abigail Green has published more than 150 articles and essays in regional and national publications including American Baby, Baltimore Magazine, Bride’s, Cooking Light, and Health. Her work also appears in the new book, A Cup of Comfort for New Mothers. (Adams Media, 2009). Abby holds a B.A. from Vassar College and an M.A. in publishing from the University of Baltimore. She writes the “Crib Notes” column for The Writer Mama e-zine and the “Understanding Personal Essays” column for Writers on the Rise. A mother of two boys, she blogs about parenting, publishing and more at http://diaryofanewmom.blogspot.com.
What former students say:
Abigail Green will help you get your life stories out of your head and onto the page. Her class is the cure for any anxiety about writing and publishing your personal essays. Thanks to Abby’s enthusiasm, support, and patience, I’m looking forward to seeing my name in print. Don’t miss this class—it’s so rare to find a writing course that actually takes you through the steps of how to get published. ~ Livia M., Beaverton, OR
Personal Essays That Get Published gave me the “inside scoop” that I’ve been looking for. As an accomplished essayist, Abby offered knowledgeable instruction, warm encouragement, valuable writing critiques and practical tips. Definitely worth the cost! ~Jenny K., Crystal Lake, IL
Personal Essays that Get Published really helped me take my essays from ideas in my head to something polished and professional. Abby provided stimulating course materials and thoughtful feedback and direction. I can now send my cover letters with confidence and build from what I have learned. ~ Amie Hollmann, Ft. Wayne, IN
Pay with Paypal: Don’t forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the date of the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours.
Register here for Personal Essays That Get Published:
More questions? E-mail Christina at christina katz at earthlink dot net.
• • •
Teaching is one of my favorite things to do.
I’ve been teaching consistently, both live and via e-mail, for the past nine years.
I learn a ton from teaching and I’m always eager to learn more, which is one reason this blog is subtitled “Teaching-Learning Contexts for Writers.” I’m always eager to take what I’ve learned and use it in new ways.
I need to warn you though. I’m a pretty cheery person in general but when I’m teaching, well…they don’t call me a “gentle taskmaster” for nuthin’. So if you feel like you and your writing career could benefit from a tiny boot in the caboose, then read on, you are definitely in the right place.
Here’s what sets my classes apart from all the rest:
Reasonably Priced Many writing classes are too expensive! I am committed to keeping classes affordable. Even after raising my rates in 2009, my classes are the among the most affordable around. I also offer a quarterly scholarship to my entry-level class.
Write Where You Live Classes take place over e-mail because that’s how writers typically communicate with editors. This means you can participate for a low price no matter where you live.
Accelerated Learning When you take an affordable class with me, you’ll get increasingly positive results from your efforts. This means less time wasted. Only a seasoned professional can help you think like a seasoned professional.
Participation Required Need a gentle but persistent taskmaster? If you have trouble making time to write, my classes will help you become more proactive. Consistent effort and strategic action are the only ways to succeed in the writing biz.
Blast Beyond Blocks My classes help you increase your confidence alongside your writing and marketing skills so you can bolster your long-term success. You’ll soon become so busy meeting deadlines that you won’t have time for the blocks that can create barriers to success.
Tangible Results Wondertime, Parenting, FamilyFun, Transitions Abroad, Pregnancy, BUST, Twins, and Fit Pregnancy are just a few of the magazines students have broken into. Some former students land book deals if they do the necessary footwork consistently over time. Two students had books published last year. Two more signed contracts this year. I can’t wait to see who will get a book deal next year.