Nan Cappo

I use overhead foils and humorous examples from my own and other writers’ experience to explore the business of writing, from getting started to weathering rejections, to revising and publication. Time and group size permitting, students may write story openings practicing the techniques discussed. Sessions can be customized in content or length. Q & A invited.

For advanced high school writers or adults. This is a longer program, for smaller groups, that allows me to address the following questions new writers often ask:

• Do I have what it takes to get published? Should I submit stories now? (Where and how?)
• Does my story accomplish fiction’s first mission?
• Should I use a different point of view or tense?
• Do published writers really care about theme?
• Should I start with a character or a situation (or something else)?
• When should I show and when can I tell? And what should I leave out?


In addition, I'll address issues of craft by critiquing the first pages of your students’ previously written short stories. My handouts include a list of the most useful “how-to-write” books you can buy; suggestions for connecting with writers in any region; plus book, magazine, and on-line markets receptive to young writers.

For fees and scheduling, or to obtain a free Teacher’s Discussion Guide for Cheating Lessons, please email me at: nancappo@sbcglobal.net Mention "author visit" in the subject line.