Fiction Writing Essentials: A 2-Hour Workshop

“5 Stars for an informative, and inspiring online workshop given by Mark McNease. The well organized 2 hour workshop provided just the right amount of content to help writers begin their creative path.  As an author of three books I found this course provided new insights into the craft of writing as well as reinforced others that needed a refresh.  Our instructor, Mark, an accomplished author, himself created a  2 hour workshop that was both educational and entertaining.” – Robert M.

“Well done …! I’m really impressed with your knowledge and experience; you have a lot of credibility when you talk about this subject. And reminding people that you’re sharing from your experience (e.g., know your ending is “my approach”) validates folks who might have a different approach.” – Stephen D.

“I liked attending [the workshop] and found it to be very informative. [Mark] packed a lot of information in a short time. And the two hours did go by fast.” – Charles S.

“Level up your writing game! I recently took this workshop and transformed my skills. McNease is a pro – always as an author I’ve long enjoyed, and now as an instructor. His knowledge and passion for writing are infectious.” – Rick R.

“I’m just beginning to dabble in fiction writing, so I was nervous about participating in Mark’s workshop, worried that I would not belong among more-experienced writers. It turns out that I had nothing to worry about! … I was warmly welcomed and encouraged by Mark and the other participants. Mark’s workshop was logically organized, well-paced, and packed with useful information. Mark was open and generous with his information and clearly embraced the concept that there’s no such thing as a dumb question. He draws from his vast experience, knowledge, and passion to provide practical, sometimes unexpected advice and guidance. I highly, highly (yes, that’s repetitive) recommend this workshop for anybody interested in beginning or moving forward in their writing journey. You won’t be disappointed!” – Amanda M.

 

Guided Autobiography: A 2-Hour Introductory Workshop

“While my expectation was to learn something about the process of telling one’s own story from the POV of a late in life boomer, it became for me an example of & exercise in group trust. Each attendee willingly shared often intimate personal experiences & stories intended, I think, to demonstrate how to fuel a journal, memoir or some sort of leave behind writing project for one’s family. I NEVER saw this coming & consider it a gift and the best aspect of the workshop!

You created a safe space for us all to mine & share our memories & guided us thru the pair of exercises that were, in different respects, all about self reflection and vulnerability.“ Richard W.

“That was a great workshop! I especially enjoyed drawing the childhood room with memories. A good springboard to [the] six week class!” – Barbara S.

“Really enjoyed your Introductory Workshop in Guided Autobiography at Bucks on Bridge.  I found your exercises (room drawing and abbreviated branching points) very helpful in exploring our lives.  You are a great teacher.” – Maureen Y.

“Thanks for the great introductory workshop on Guided Autobiography, Mark. The two hours flew by! With such an excellent preview to process, I imagine the course would be a worthwhile endeavor.” – Charles H.

“Mark gave us a simple exercise, to pick a room and diagram it using the house we grew up in. Put in the furniture, windows, all the room’s features, and take notice of any feelings, emotions, thoughts that occurred as we did the exercise. I was astonished at the power of my memories and feelings as I thought about the knotty pine “den” where my family watched TV, sometimes ate, spent most of the nighttime hours before going to bed. I relived the distance I always felt between my father and me, the anger of my father toward my mother, my disgust with my sad depressed grandmother, who I felt almost didn’t exist for me. I became that teenage boy in Canton, Mississippi, trying to figure out how I could be so different, how I could know I was “queer”, and wondering if I would even be able to act on those feelings.” – Jim G.
Self-Publishing with KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

“Mark McNease’s KDP workshop takes a potentially overwhelming path to self-publishing and makes it both practical and manageable.  The workshop covers the most salient points for navigating the KDP site and addresses tips for avoiding glitches with fonts and formats.  Mark provides materials to reinforce the presentation and tales of his own twelve-year journey in the self-publishing world.  I highly recommend the experience for both beginning and seasoned writers.

Victoria Short, author of Find Your Mini Pumpkin

“Thank you for Monday’s Self-publishing Workshop. The knowledge and experience you shared elevated my confidence in being able to navigate the tasks for independent publishing. Further, the manner in which you both led the discussion and fielded questions made the evening that much more enjoyable. Please accept best wishes for your own success and I look forward to future workshops.”

William S.