Join me for an online seminar with Writing Workshops this July 21!

In Elmore Leonard's ten rules for writing, he saved the most important one for last: "Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip." Whether you're working in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, it's fairly sound advice to put words down on the page that will lead a reader to want to read what comes next. Seems obvious — but how does a writer actually achieve this?

In this one-day online writing seminar, students will look at examples from published writing that demonstrate methods of compelling readers forward, then practice these strategies in their own writing during the session. The workshop will also cover revision exercises designed to sharpen existing work. Students can bring current projects, use the seminar to generate new material, or simply use the experience to strengthen good writing muscles. Participants will leave this Zoom writing class with practical tools and best practices for creating engaging, page-turning work.

This class is for writers who want to create more tension and propulsion in their writing. It is open to all levels and genres — whether you write lyric essay, novel, memoir, short story, flash, or poetry.

For more information and to sign up, go to the course page here.

• Tuesday, July 21, 2026

• Class will meet once via Zoom on Tuesday, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET

• Tuition is $99 USD