Writing Realistic Native American Characters and Cultures in Fiction.... A month long seminar for those that are interested in adding Native American characters, and cultures to their stories but maybe don't know where to start, or are concerned about creating Native American characters, and cultures that are realistic and truthful, rather than being based on stereotypes and incorrect historical information. * What stereotypes are and how to avoid them when writing about Native American cultures and characters * Learning and understanding the differences between Native Americans in the past, and modern day Native Americans *A quick and dirty general overview of Native American Spirituality and why it's important to include it when writing about Native American characters *Learning and understanding Native American family dynamics and why this is important when writing fiction that includes Native American characters * The correct way to use your imagination when writing about Native American characters and cultures ie when it's a good time to make something up, and when it's not  Regina Paul is Oglala Lakota and has been an active participant in Native American cultural activities for decades. She writes speculative romance fiction and nearly all her books have characters of Native American ancestry. She firmly believes there is a right way and a wrong way to write Native American characters and cultures, and wants to help other authors and budding authors to understand this better so they can write more authentic story lines.

Plotting for Pantsters (or How I used a Role Playing Game to Plot!) March 16-29 We all love to write organically- letting our mind wander, taking the time to ponder over each step as the story flows from our fingertips. Yet, there comes a time when just winging it doesn't work completely. So, how can you find a way to plot your story, yet not make it feel like you've written it while plotting? Is there a way to balance the organic writing technique and the detailed plotlines that many authors follow? What you'll learn-- - Create characters and how to keep track of their stats - how to create a story blurb - how to find the major plot points and use them to framework - your story - Colour coding the plot points to keep balance for your choice of subgenre - Using a chapter plotter, learn how to give yourself the detail YOU want, balanced with the need to write organically - Organizing your work to make your writing more efficient and easier for you to get back to. Cynnara Tregarth lives in a land where the sun shines and she can honestly say she lives on the male genitalia of the United States. An erotic romance writer, she was proud to be a pantster-- up til the point when it took more than her muse to keep writing. Then she discovered her fear of overplotting, thus creating this system that's allowed her to plot just enough to keep her going and be free enough to not feel like she's repeating them.

April 1-15, 2009 Have you ever wanted to try your hand at writing a romance? This class will give you the chance! Lots of hand outs and one-on-one help from from author Tambra Kendall. Tambra is published in small press and e-published from sweet to highly sensual romance.