About
“When a man writes from his own mind, he writes very rapidly. The greatest part of a writer’s time is spent in reading, in order to write; a man will turn over half a library to make one book.”
“The only end of writing is to enable the readers better to enjoy life, or better to endure it.”
“A man ought to read just as inclination leads him; for what he reads as a task will do him little good.”
Samuel Johnson
Welcome to Pen and Paper. If you are reading this page, then you are wondering if this course is for you. I would like to help you to understand if we – student and teacher – are a good fit. Please bear with me because this may take some time. but it should be worth it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be a good teacher. And I want you to remember that there are no accidents in crime, writing, and good teaching.
The next step in this process – the process of figuring out whether or not this course is for you – is to watch a video. Watch the whole thing, and trust me when I say that it will be worth your while. For many reasons. Again, there are no accidents in good teaching. Click on the video below…and enjoy.
Reflection
So what is the point of this video? What does it have to do with a course about writing?
Much.
Perhaps the most important idea that I want you to understand from watching the Ted Talk is that the content found therein is the functional equivalent of what I write (and teach) – stories that have an emotional impact.
Also, I hope you realize that Zander is a master storyteller, and it doesn’t matter that he is a conductor of music. He held the audience spellbound with his tale. That is what you want to do with your writing. That is what I try to do with my own writing.
He also discusses the different levels of musical ability. There are different levels of literary ability too. This is an important lesson. If you want to improve at the piano, the you must keep practicing. If you want to improve at storytelling, then you must keep putting pen to paper.
Lastly, you have been exposed to a wonderful piece of music. Hopefully, your horizons are broadened just a touch. The very best writers have a broad understanding of humanity, history, and culture.
My Writing
The best way for you to judge whether or not this course is for you is to read my writing. I could provide glowing testimonials or make promises of best seller status upon completion of the course, but those are marketing ploys. I feel that it is best to let my words speak for themselves.
There are two reading selections – Love at First… and Something to Teach. The first is fiction and the second is semi-autobiographical fiction. Click on buttons below to read an excerpt.
It is also worth noting that these two works will serve as the “textbooks” for the course. They will be used to illustrate the main ideas found within Pen & Paper.
Course Contents
What better way to know if I am the right teacher for you than to look at some of the course materials.
Études
The purpose of these writing exercises is to help you learn to get words on the page… without hesitation. But there is more. Much more. I want you to understand what makes for good writing – by exposing you to the very best writers. Writers such as Voltaire, Johnson, Shakespeare, and more, have a keen understanding of humanity…and the craft of writing. Through distributed practice (consistent practice of the same thing over time), you should grow in your understanding of the craft of writing.
Bruce Catton
A noted historian, Catton penned several books about the American Civil War. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his book A Stillness at Appomattox. He was also the founding editor of American Heritage magazine.
James Herriot
Herriot was a veterinarian turned author. His books are beloved by readers all over the world. He is perhaps best known for his bestseller All Creatures Great and Small which was adapted for television.
My Inspiration
What better way to know if I am the right teacher for you, and if this is the right course for you, than to learn who I consider to be some of the very best writers?
Look at my top three choices: Heinlein, Catton, and Herriot. Science fiction, history, and autobiographical fiction. Very different genres – all excellent writers.
It is worth noting that both Heinlein and Herriot were not formally trained as writers. They did not get any sort of degree in writing or publishing. They simply wrote. And they were bloody good at it. Some of the best. Catton attended some college, but quit without earning a degree. He had professional experience as a journalist and historian.
Robert A. Heinlein
Robert Heinlein is the author of what many consider to be the greatest science fiction novel of all time – Stranger in a Strange Land. He was awarded four Hugo Awards and the Science Fiction Writers of America named him its first Grand Master. There is even an asteroid belt named after him.
Bruce Catton
A noted historian, Catton penned several books about the American Civil War. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his book A Stillness at Appomattox. He was also the founding editor of American Heritage magazine.
James Herriot
Herriot was a veterinarian turned author. His books are beloved by readers all over the world. He is perhaps best known for his bestseller All Creatures Great and Small which was adapted for television.
What Will You Have?
What will you have at the end of this course?
You will not receive a certificate, a badge, a token, or any other such acknowledgment that you have taken this course. You will have something far better.
Words on the page. Your words.
And hopefully a better understanding of how to craft a story that people will read and enjoy. And want to read again.
Good writing is an honor in and of itself and needs no award.