You may write to entertain, tell a good story, and because you enjoy writing. You probably also write in order to spread an idea. Through either fiction or nonfiction, you want to express thoughts and feelings that you know are worth sharing. This is especially important in times of crises -- like right now!

New York Times bestselling author John Perkins offers the experiences of his many years of writing bestsellers to help you improve your skills, get published, and reach large audiences. In this webinar he shares personal stories about what inspires him and what it takes to get your message across. All sessions will include writing exercises and discussion.

In this 4-session webinar, you will learn how to:

• Hone your skills to inspire, entertain, and motivate audiences;

• Open your heart and soul to the muses of writing;

• Utilize effective techniques to captivate audiences – as well as agents and publishers; and

• Learn the pros and cons of marketing tools, including the use of publicists and social networking.

This webinar is limited to 24 talented participants. It is intimate and participatory. Sessions will include writing exercises and the opportunity to get to know John personally. Participants will have the option of coming together in smaller groups to discuss and critique their work; each of these smaller groups will have an additional hour-long mentoring session with John. At the end of the course, participants who have demonstrated a high level of motivation and skill will have the opportunity to arrange for private mentoring sessions with John.

Session Dates & Times:

Session 1: Tuesday July 11 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST
Session 2: Tuesday July 25 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST
Session 3: Tuesday Aug 22 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST
Session 4: Tuesday Sept 26 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST

Interested in attending but can't make all 4 sessions? All calls will be recorded.

Cost:

$780 for all 4 sessions. All payments must be made in full. Due to the exclusive and limited nature of this course, no refunds will be made after June 1, 2017.

Course Syllabus:

Session 1: Getting started – your story’s underlying messages

This session addresses core issues: when to write fiction and nonfiction; what stylistic options are best for you (essay versus narrative, first person versus third person. . .) about focusing on the theme of your writing, your thesis and mission; and how to choose the story you most want to write – right now.

During session 1 you will learn:

• To overcome the “nervous naysayer”;

• To identify the passions that will drive the success of your book;

• How to find the voice and style that will deliver a bestseller;

• Whether you are a story-teller, essayist, or . . .?; and

• To access the genius lurking behind your subconscious.

Session 2: Answering important questions

In this session, we answer fundamental questions such as: What makes a book compelling? How often should you write? How do you commit to writing as a sacred practice? What is the relationship between the way you talk and write? How to shapeshift the bludgeon of writer’s block into the wand of the muse?

During session 2 you will learn:

• Ways to organize information;

• The benefits and pitfalls of an editor or co-writer;

• How to craft the “grab” – the irresistible approach;

• About dramatizing the nondramatic; and

• The art of embracing the sensual.

Session 3: Organizing your thoughts, ideas and information.

We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using an outline and will discuss the level of information you ideally want to share with readers. We will go deep into the importance of critiquing, editing, wordsmithing, understanding the story behind the story, and of writing proposals and books that “hook” publishers and readers.

During session 3 you will learn:

• The good, the bad and the ugly aspects of minutia in writing;

• How to engage and inspire yourself – and your readers;

• The dangers of “seducing” readers without delivering;

• The importance of: being your own critic, following your instincts, cutting and rewriting, and having others read and comment on your writing.

• The significance of conflict;

• About “the story behind the story;”

• How to writing the irresistible proposal;

• The “shoulds” and “should nots” in publicity and marketing; and

• The magic of perseverance.

Session 4: Bringing your story to life

Now the real fun begins! You have stepped onto a magical, powerful path! It’s time to breath the air, smell the aromas, savor the flavors, feel the sun, the wind, and the rain on your skin. It is time to open your heart to the world surrounding your story.

During session 4 you will learn:

• What makes a character, scene or idea dance across the page;

• How to put meat, flesh, and clothes on the skeleton;

• The tale told by Shakespeare’s witches and jesters;

• To uncover the mystery of the Holy Grail of writing; and

• The pleasures of imbibing the ecstatic elixir of the writer.