Writing Essentials is the Christian Writers Guild’s newly revised prerequisite course. Conducted via email, Writing Essentials is a four-month, six-lesson commitment. You’ll receive exclusive instruction, encouragement, and support from an experienced mentor.
But why should you take this course? What’s in it for you? And who are these mentors? We asked them, and here’s Part 1 of what they had to say. Part 2 will post Thursday.
How does Writing Essentials benefit a new writer?
Sandra Aldrich: By offering practical guidance that opens the way to publication. The course is filled with practical material and moves students quickly from dreaming about publication to actually achieving that goal.
Cynthia Schnereger: As with any profession, writing has rules and conventions. Clear, well-formatted writing helps an editor know a writer is a pro. This course helps ease writers into being diligent about more than content.
Bob Haslam: Even though I had excellent teachers in English and composition, I would have benefitted from this course. Writing Essentials will help you grow in your knowledge of the basics.
Sandra Byrd: When someone takes the step from writing as a private passion to seeing it as a calling, the choices can seem overwhelming. Writing Essentials builds confidence that a writer really does have what it takes to begin a writing career or ministry.
Joy Gage: Too many beginning writers show creativity but lack fundamental skills. By learning this essential material first, writers will be much better equipped to use their creative talents.
Christy Scannell: Brushing up on skills once learned and acquiring new ones is the key to being a successful writer.
What would you tell someone who is hesitating about enrolling in the course?
Joy Gage: If you’re serious about writing, this is the first step you should take.
Bob Haslam: Go for it! Writing Essentials will bring you up to speed in writing basics
and prepare you for Guild courses that follow.
Sandra Aldrich: “Why hesitate?” We live in a hurting world that longs for hope and encouragement, which the Christian author can offer. If God has placed a message upon your heart, you must do all you can to present it.
Sandra Byrd: I have had several Writing Essentials students get published while enrolled in the course.
What do you enjoy most about mentoring students in Writing Essentials?
Christy Scannell: I see the joy they experience in knowing they are really taking that leap into professional writing. For many it has been a long time coming, and they are finally realizing their dream.
Sandra Aldrich: I like mentoring students in Writing Essentials because they can achieve their goals quickly.
Joy Gage: By completing Writing Essentials, students will be more likely to reach their writing goals. I love walking this journey with writers serious about their craft.
Join us on Thursday for Part 2.
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