Class Title: Reading and Writing from Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Instructor: Rachael Beaty
Class Term: January 30-March 6, 2017

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Synopsis

One of the classic books on writing is Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. We will read this book over 5 weeks and also write from prompts inspired by the book. This is an opportunity to learn from a master writer and to explore the writing process, one step at a time. If you are a new writer who wants help getting started or a seasoned writer who needs some reminders about the writing process, then this may be a class you would enjoy. Please come join me on the adventure of learning to write, Bird by Bird.
Class Description
Over a period of 5 weeks, we will read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, discuss what we liked about the reading and also do prompted writing exercises. We will share our thoughts and our writing with one another in order to encourage one another along this journey.
At the end of this class, students will be able to:

Say they have read one of the classic books on writing.
Understand some of the most important principles related to writing.
Write more effectively as a result of reading this book.
Talk part in conversation about writing with more confidence.
Instruction/Communication Method: Weekly lessons and prompts will be provided via our Yahoo Group site. Students will read the book weekly and do the writing prompts. They will also respond to the weekly reading via the Yahoo group.

Outline

Unit 1: Part 1a (Writing), reader response and writing exercises.
Unit 2: Part 1b (Writing), reader response and writing exercises.
Unit 3: Part 2 (The Writing Frame of Mind), reader response and writing exercises.
Unit 4: Part 3 (Help Along the Way), reader response and writing exercises.
Unit 5: Part 4 (Publication, the Other Reason to Write), reader response and writing exercises.
Student Skills, Equipment, and Time Required
Basic Internet and computer skills, such as word processing, web browsing and email are needed. Participation in Yahoo group is required.
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week.

Tuition/Fees for this course
SCN members: $160. Non-SCN members: $200.

Instructor Bio
Rachael Beaty has a B.A. from UCLA in English Literature and is currently a law student at Fowler School of Law at Chapman University. She loves the written word and has been writing for most of her life. She works as a freelance writer and writing tutor both online and in Los Angeles. She is excited to share this wonderful book with women who are interested in learning more about writing or who want to refresh their writing skills.

Praise for Rachael's Classes
I enjoyed the structure of the class...[Rachael Beaty] was encouraging about my writing assignments. —Lynn E., Tivoli TX