TRADITIONAL NOVEL PUBLISHING 101: QUESTIONS & QUERIES
This 3-week workshop led by novelist Katrina Kittle will break down how traditional publishing works, taking away the mystery and giving you a clear understanding of the cast of characters involved in publishing, how to research agents, how to query an agent, how to construct a pitch, how a typical book contract works and more. If you’re wondering, “What’s traditional publishing?” don’t worry—that will be clearly explained as well, along with brief segments on self-publishing and hybrid publishing. Participants will write and critique queries, and will “rehearse” a pitch for feedback. There really is no magic or secret to getting published, but knowing how it all works can be a serious confidence boost. Knowledge is power, and you can use your newfound knowledge from this course to pursue your own path to publication.
Writer's Workout
Want a commitment-free dose of creative energy, encouragement, and spark? Word’s Worth Writing Workouts are two hours of inexpensive, informal-tune-up-charge-your-engine writing exercises for writers of any genre and any level of experience. Someone once told us these should be called “writing parties.” Whatever you call them, you’ll receive several original writing prompts and time to explore them. You’ll get a mini-craft lesson, loads of tips, and the opportunity (totally voluntary!) to share your impromptu pieces. Turn off the inner critic, connect with fellow writers, and collect some inspiration to fuel your own writing time!
The Writer's 12 Step-Write Your Novel in a Year-Trimester 1
In 2017 Word's Worth launched its inaugural Writer's 12-Step Program: Write Your Novel Draft in a Year, and our ninth offering begins in January 2026. In this class a community of writers all endeavor to complete the first draft of a novel in one year's time. If you've ever tried National Novel Writing Month, this is the same idea, but this plan is a little more sustainable and doable with the rest of your life's obligations.
This community meets together virtually from 6:30-8:30 PM on the second Tuesday of each month from January 2026 to December 2026. In between sessions you'll generate new work, meet with breakout "writing groups (virtually or in person)," and be connected through a private Facebook group where you'll receive a weekly "check-in" with instructor Katrina Kittle as well as receive motivational and accountability posts along the way. Instead of simply saying, "By this time next year I'll have my book done," this program will give you a game plan, frequent deadlines, check points, craft lessons, and the collective creative energy of other kindred spirits attempting the same goal. This program is for any FICTION writer ready to truly commit to their work.
Any genre of fiction is welcome. Memoir writers seeking this kind of community and accountability are welcome, but please understand that the instructional focus will be on the craft of fiction (but creative nonfiction writers use these same techniques) Each month will have a focus (although material will change based on the individual needs of group members). (Suggested ages 18 and up)
WE WILL NOT BE RECORDING THESE CLASSES. This class is all about community and commitment, and is very interactive and involves a lot of participant sharing. Life happens, and we understand that occasionally someone may need to miss (and no one should feel bad about that). If you have to miss a class, you will still receive the handout, you can ask Katrina questions about the handout, and you'll still have all the interaction from the Facebook group. But we want to avoid the "it's online so I don't have to be there" mentality that is an unfortunate side effect of the pandemic. This group works best when you're present!
PRICE-$225 per Trimester, each begin in January, May, and August
First Trimester
January: Developing Your Plan
February: Character Building: Motivation as your GPS
March: Conflict and Personal Stakes
April: Research Tips and Traps
Second Trimester
May: Plot and Structure
June: Point of View
July: Voice
August: Middle of the Book “Crisis”: Plot Layers, Subplots, Enriching Your Cast
Third Trimester
September: Theme and Symbols
October: Openings and Closings
November: Readers and Revision--The Value of Objective Eyes
December: Celebration and Next Steps
Next Step-Trimester 1 (January-April 2026)
Zoom Meetings: THURSDAYS, 6:30-8:00: January 15, March 12, May 14, July 16, September 8, November 12.
Registration for this year-long class is only open to previous Writer’s 12-Step class participants.
After several writers took The Writer’s 12-Step a second (and even a third) time, many asked, “So what’s the next step?” Well, we finally have an answer. We will gather on Zoom every other month (starting in January) for craft classes about keeping the writing practice, tips for approaching revision, and craft lessons. On the “off” months, class members will be encouraged to share work and meet together (online or in person) for workshopping. In between classes, there will be check-ins, encouragement, and inspiration. If you’ve taken 12-Step and/or repeated 12-Step, and you love the community and accountability, then this is the group for you: same sense of connection, but new material and focus.
There is a plan in place, but the organization and implementation of this plan will be flexible, based on the needs of the group members
WRITER'S RESOLUTION
Are you someone who has always wanted to write but don’t know how to start? Are you a writer who has written in the past, but your inspiration hit an expiration date? Is your Muse no longer returning your calls? Whether you’re an experienced novelist who needs your ideas energized or a beginner who isn’t sure where to begin or somewhere in between...this is the class for you. In this two-hour workshop, we’ll harness the power of the New Year to set resolutions for your writing life. We’ll go over tips and strategies to get the words flowing, to develop a writing schedule, hold yourself accountable, and keep the muse turned on. Resolve to make 2026 YOUR year for making--and achieving--writing goals! WARNING: this workshop just might seduce you back into a life-long love affair with writing!
For more information on this workshop, please email wordsworthdayton@gmail.com. Do not contact the Wilmington Stroop Library as they are only our hosts.
Go To The Register Page to Sign Up
REVISION INSPIRATION (ONLINE COURSE)
WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 21, 28, & FEBRUARY 4
Have you reached the wonderful, celebratory goal of completing a manuscript? Are you wondering: what next? As you receive feedback, do you wonder which suggestions to take? Which to ignore? Do you find the process of figuring out how to improve the story overwhelming? This course will give guidance for the revision and editing process, while taking many craft lessons (on character motivation, voice, point of view, description, plot, etc.) to the next level. Easy, practical guidelines and checklists will be given for approaching changes both big and small in your own work. We’ll also discuss how to find good, trusted readers, and the pros and cons of writing groups. NOTE: you do NOT have to have a completed manuscript to take or benefit from this class.
GO TO THE REGISTER PAGE TO SIGN UP