About
“The only end of writing is to enable the readers better to enjoy life…”
Samuel Johnson
Welcome to Pen & 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. Click on the video below…and enjoy.
Reflection
So what was the point of watching 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. Through my writing, I hope to help readers better enjoy life.
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.
Lastly, you have been exposed to a wonderful piece of music. Hopefully, your horizons have been broadened just a touch. The very best writers have a wide understanding of humanity, history, and culture.
A Metaphor
Music is an oft-used metaphor here at Pen & Paper.
If you asked me today to go sit in a room, all by myself, and write a story – for hours and hours – then my eyes would light up with anticipation.
Why?
Because that sounds like fun to me. It doesn’t sound like work…or worse.
Attend, while I tell a tale.
For most of my formative years I was heavily involved in music. At first, I just loved to listen to music – mostly classical. Then, as I grew up, I learned that I could make music – both as a musician and a composer.
My dream/goal/desire was to be a professional musician. I practiced daily, took private lessons, and was a part of several orchestras in and outside of high school. I was exposed to great musicians, great music, and great music teachers. These experiences stoked the flames. My passion for music, already hot, grew hotter still when I was able to play alongside professionals. This was going to be my life.
There was a grand narrative that I had written in my mind. I would go to the university and then triumphantly emerge from my undergraduate studies with a degree in music performance.
In order to gain entrance to the university’s music program, I had to do an audition. It did not go well. I flubbed it – a case of the nerves. Indeed, there was a lot riding on this audition – all of my dreams/goals/desires. It was a blow to my ego but I was undeterred. I enrolled in all of the music classes that I would have otherwise taken had and I been accepted into the program. I even took a class in music composition – if I couldn’t make the music, then I would write it. The revised plan was to study music, practice, and audition again after the first semester. It was not unusual to audition more than once before being accepted. It was one of the top programs in the nation.
Over the course of the school year, a realization dawned on me.
“I’m not like these people. At all. I don’t think like them. I do not experience the world like them. They are musicians. I am not.”
Certainly, I could read music, discuss music theory, and perform music. I could do all of these things, but I did not think musically. There were no melodies or harmonies running through my head. I had no ear for music – not in the way that a true musician does. It was impossible for me to hear something in my mind and then make that unheard sound a reality.
There was a second audition. A second failure. And a hard dose of reality.
There was a huge leap from being one of the top musicians in a large high school to playing at the collegiate level. A more professional level.
And I was not there.
What was more, I hated sitting in a practice room for hours on end. Not only was I supposed to practice my own instrument, but I had to learn the piano as well. Certainly, in high school I had practiced regularly – daily, but only for about an hour or so. These people – these musicians – practiced for hours on end. Every single day. Sitting alone in a cramped practice room with not one, but two, instruments, was awful.
So what happened to that grand narrative that I had written in my mind?
It had to be scrapped and rewritten…from scratch. Not an easy task. But it was, and is, my work. And I revel in it. It is worth noting, that throughout this site and the courses offered herein, I will ask you to reflect upon your own thoughts about yourself as a writer. This is your work.
So how did I rewrite this narrative? I learned, over time, (and with help) that I am a storyteller. I always have been.
And I learned that music was the background to the narratives that had always been running through my head. We all know that a movie without climactic music swelling at the perfect point is less of a movie. But this music is in the background. It enhances the story, but it is not the story. For me, music was the undercurrent to the stories in my head. It had always been thus, but I did not know it then. I do know it now.
Okay, so what? What does this have to do with writing?
I like sitting in a room all by myself with pen and paper. Writing. For hours on end. Do you? If you do, then press onward. If not, then please spend the time to figure out what you could and would do for hours on end. Writing – and this course – may not be for you, if you don’t like the thought of spending time getting words on the page.
Understand that being a composer of music is very similar to being a composer of words. Both are creative acts.
There are certain books and symphonies that are considered greats. What is it that makes them great? Within each of these disciplines – music and writing – an artist must have both skill and experience in order to make something praiseworthy. Skill and experience make for good craftsmanship. And both types of composers need to practice their craft.
And that takes time and practice.
Can you sit for hours and hours…writing? And do you like telling stories? If so, then Pen & Paper may be for you.
Also, during my time at the university, I was surprised to see professional musicians take private lessons with the very same people I took lessons from. These were not recent graduates that needed a little refresher. These were seasoned professionals that held top posts with major symphony orchestras.
For both writers and musicians, sometimes it is beneficial to take a private lesson from a good teacher. The result is Pen & Paper Lessons. One of the benefits of registering for Pen & Paper is gaining access to Lessons.
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 primary “textbooks” for the course. They will be used to illustrate the main ideas found within Pen & Paper.
Are you ready to register?
Additional Information
My hope is that you enjoy this course and find it both educational and entertaining. There is no reason why learning can’t be both.
The purpose of this course is to help you understand the craft of good storytelling, i.e., writing commercial fiction. However, this course is not just for writers of fiction. It is for anyone who wants to know how to craft a story.
There are different components to the course, and all are designed to assist you on your journey as a writer. I am going to ask you to read things. I am going to ask you to listen to music. I make no apology for the course contents or the activities found herein. There is a reason for everything.
Please note that this course is not laid out in the same manner as other online courses. Some Learning Management Systems (LMS) lock students into a particular course map. In other words, you cannot proceed onward from Lesson 1 until you complete it, and then you move forward in a linear fashion. You cannot skip from lesson to lesson. This is nonsense. This is not a course in mathematics or programming (where such a course layout would make more sense).
There is more flexibility in the course layout here at Pen & Paper. Everyone’s understanding of – and ability to – write fiction is different. Thus, feel free to skip to the sections where you feel as though you need the most help.
This course is designed to meet the needs of a variety of learners. Different students are going to have different skills with respect to the craft of writing fiction.
Always remember that the majority of your energy and efforts should be devoted to your writing.
Most people only have a certain amount of energy in a day, so make sure that you have enough reserves to focus on your writing.
Course materials consist of the following: downloadable PDFs, audio clips, and text on the Course page found here.
You can access all of the course materials on the Course page. Updates to the course will announced by email and on the Course page.
The downloadable PDFs are yours. Yours to use for your own edification. Please do not share them or resell them as these materials are copyrighted.
Additional course materials will be added over time. There are no additional costs associated with these materials. They are part of the course.
Also, please note that there are many ways to teach and many ways to learn. This course is laid out in a very deliberate manner.
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?
Robert A Heinlein: Stranger in a Strange Land
James Herriot: All Creatures Great and Small
Bruce Catton: Reflections on the Civil War
Consider my choices: Heinlein, Herriot, and Catton. Science fiction, autobiographical fiction, history. 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.
Also, these writers and their books have something else in common.
They all saw commercial success. The goal of Pen & Paper is to teach you about what makes for good writing – the common traits shared by the very best writers.
Just as musical tastes differ, so too, do literary tastes. Please note, that just because our tastes might differ does not mean that you cannot learn from what I have to teach.
Remember, there are different types of teachers, doctors, therapists, dentists, hair stylists. You have to find the right fit. Hopefully, the information that I have provided will help you to decide if this course is the right fit for you.
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.
Are you ready to register?
A Word of Caution
Prior to purchasing this course, you should understand the following:
You should have a good command of the English language and a fundamental grasp of the mechanics of writing. This is not a course in grammar, punctuation, or spelling. Mistakes in spelling and grammar impede a reader’s ability to understand and appreciate your writing. Make sure that your writing is largely error free before taking this course.
You should know that this course is not going to teach you how to write a blockbuster bestseller that sells millions of copies and lands a movie deal which allows you to retire to a villa in the south of France. If that’s the case, then go buy a lottery ticket. It will take less time, be less expensive, and yield the same results. This is not a course on how to write a bestseller. Making such claims is a marketing ploy. I make no such claims. What is more, having a bestseller has more to do with marketing than writing. There are many bestsellers that aren’t worth the paper that they are printed on.
You should understand that writing is a craft. It takes time, patience, and practice. There are no short cuts. You should be willing to write. The more you practice the craft of writing, the better you will become. In this course, I will show you how I practice the craft of writing.
You should enjoy reading. I am going to ask you to read.
You should have some time during your day to devote to writing. Please note that I did not say that you should have time during your day to devote to this course. Your primary goal should be writing. Pen & Paper is designed to help you become a better writer, so be prepared to write.
My Teaching
What does my teaching look like? Here’s a snippet from the course…
My written voice and speaking voice are much the same. This was not always the case. When I was a younger writer it sounded like I had a pen in one hand and a thesaurus in the other. That’s not good writing. A lot of writing teachers will tell you that you should look at your sentence structure and word choice. They will say that you need to be creative in how you construct your sentence. Spare me. I guarantee those teachers are not writing anything that I want to read. I don’t care about varied word choice or varied sentence structure. Never once have I ever thought to myself, “Gee, a gerund phrase would work really well right about now.”
I write like I speak. So should you.
Remember…it’s not about the sentence. It’s about the story.
A writer should never think, “I hope the reader understands the text structures that I put in place?” That type of nonsense kills a desire to read (and it would kill my desire to write). And someone who is worried about text structures probably doesn’t like people, doesn’t know people, and can’t write about people. And it’s all about people. That’s it. When you think in terms of text structures, then you are literally creating a literary vaccine. No one will ever want to read your writing.
End snippet. Please note that I am fully well aware that some writers like to fuss with sentence structure and the like. I do not. My writing process looks like this: get words on the page first, edit and revise second. Afterwards, I will continue to polish the words on the page…even years later.
Something Special
What makes this course special? There are many online courses to choose from. Why bother with Pen & Paper?
If you want to learn how to draw or paint, then you can watch a video wherein the artist applies pen to paper or brush to canvas. You can see each stroke of the pen/brush and duplicate it. It is easier to display a visual process for a visual medium.
Writing is different. The crafting of a story first takes place in the author’s mind. The words on the page are a reflection of these thoughts.
When I was thinking about the design of this course I wanted to convey the actual thought processes that go in during the writing process.
The result is a lesson entitled The Writing Process. I started writing a book and, as I wrote, I took notes on what I was thinking and lessons that I wanted you to understand. I pulled back the curtains to reveal what it looks like when I write a book.
Why?
A finished product is quite a bit different from the intial idea for a book. I want you, the student, to see that.
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And…this course is not a “finished product”. It is an ongoing project. As long as the course is available online, then you will have access to any and all additions to the course. There are no upsells or additional courses. There is one Pen & Paper.