Here’s another video, this time for the Literary Techniques for Speculative Fiction Online Class. This is my favorite so far.
Discussion and in-class writing exercises designed to introduce a number of techniques to use in your own writing such as foreshadowing, alliteration, rhythmic device, allusion, etc, and ways to test them out in short fiction as well as discussion of when and where to use them.
Want access to a lively community of writers and readers, free writing classes, co-working sessions, special speakers, weekly writing games, random pictures and MORE for as little as $2? Check out Cat’s Patreon campaign.
"(On the writing F&SF workshop) Wanted to crow and say thanks: the first story I wrote after taking your class was my very first sale. Coincidence? nah….thanks so much."
I’m pleased to announce that the Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers is once again expanding its offerings.
This answers a question that writers have expressed to me over and over again in workshops, on panels, in e-mail and one-on-one conversations, including several of the mentoring sessions I did last weekend at DragonCon:
How do I find a writing group of other fantasy and science fiction writers so I can trade critiques?
I’ve got an answer now that I feel 100% happy with: the Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers #Critclub.
#CritClub is an online space where fantasy and science fiction writers of all levels can talk with each other and exchange story and novel critiques. Its Discord server provides chat rooms where members can trade critiques as well as discuss market news, tips, and trends, recent rejections, and supportive advice and feedback. Critiquing is totally optional and there is no pressure to participate! Join for the gossip and chatter if you feel so inclined.
Ways to sign up for #Critclub:
How the Critclub Critique System Works
Members receive 3 credits when they sign up; everyone currently participating has 3 as well.
The cost of putting a story up for critique is:
You earn credits at the same rate. Credits are non-transferable.
Initially this will run on the honor system; if need be, we’ll add something more formal. Tips and formatting for critiquing are here, but as a rule of thumb, critiques should be at least 250 words (ish) and address developmental issues rather than line edits (unless the author requests otherwise).
Additional Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers Community Benefits
Each week, channel #thepanel will feature discussion centered on a specific topic, sometimes with guest moderators to lead discussion. September’s topics are: Week 1: Conventional Talk (Whether Conventions are worthwhile and how to make the most of them), Week 2: The Coaxing, Care, and Feeding of Story Ideas, Week 3: The Fine Art of Rejectomancy, or How to Use Rejections to Get Better, and Week 4: What’s the Slush Pile Like?
Channels include Rejectomancy for discussing submissions, Motivation, Market News and Book Club for discussing recent reading, among others.
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Monthly : $5.00 USD – monthly Yearly : $60.00 USD – monthly |
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Cyber Monday Deals
It’s Cyber Monday and so I’ve put together a list of deals! These prices are good through the end of the year, but some items are limited.
To keep things interesting, I included images from my early November travels.
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Images from a recent trip to Spain, scouting Wayward Wormhole locations. Here’s street art in Valencia.
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Class Discounts
Here are the upcoming classes. Book them now and save as follows:
Upcoming by Date:
Classes are held online via Zoom and are recorded for participants. They consist of lecture, discussion, and in-class writing exercises; six session classes include some homework and critiquing fellow students’ stories.
To register for a class or classes, mail me at cat@kittywumpus.net and include the name of the class(es) and how you would prefer to pay (Venmo, Paypal, check, or some other alternative.) If you support me on Patreon, mention that so I know to give you the Patreon price.
If the cost is prohibitive, remember there are full and partial scholarships available for all classes. The Plunkett scholarships are need-based. If you could not otherwise afford the class, but feel it would help you with your writing, you should apply. I particularly urge QUILTBAG and PoC writers to apply; the third slot is specifically reserved for such a candidate, although all three are open to them.
To apply for a scholarship, mail me at cat@kittywumpus.net with the details of which class or classes (up to 3) you wish to attend, 2-3 sentences about why you would like to take it, and whether you are requesting a full or partial scholarship. That’s it. Please include whether or not you’d also like access to the chat server community. You are requested to limit your application to three scholarships total per quarter; it is okay to list alternates.
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Here’s more from Valencia, including some plants from the Botanical Gardens there. I never like to miss a garden and this one was both extensive and well-tended.
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Buy-One-Get-One Deal on Patreon Memberships
Curious about my writing community, which offers weekly Zoom events, a Discord server, market news, and mutual supporter, and want to check it out with a friend? When you sign up, drop me a note at cat@kittywumpus.net with the name and e-mail address of your friend, and I’ll send them a three month membership at the same level you’ve joined at.
What is Patreon? It’s a platform that allows you to connect with creators. Mine is the Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers, a community for new, emerging, and established fantasy, horror, and science fiction writers focused on craft and encouragement. Weekly and monthly Zoom events and a lively Discord server allow you to connect with awesome fellow writers. Find more details here.
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Some street shots from Alicante including an amazing building with a living facade, delicious gelato, and flamingos in the Valencia Aquarium.
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Editing Services
I do developmental editing for short stories and novels. Right now I’m offering a story edit/query letter bundle – 10 for $450, which allows you to buy 9 and get one free Each edit is good for a story or chapter up to 5k words, a query letter, or a synopsis. Turnaround is 2 weeks. Mail me at cat@kittywumpus.net and I can provide more details. Limited amount.
If you’d like to see some testimonials, here’s a page of them.
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Delicious paella from our last night, a menu detail, doorway, and graffiti from Alicante. I should have taken shots of the sangria that became a group favorite; we certainly drank enough of it.
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Query Letter Services
I will critique your query letter for $50 for the initial version and $25 for subsequent versions.
Or buy the $100 query letter bundle and get three 30-minute Zoom sessions in which we plan, write, and refine your query letter as well as discuss comps and talk about how to approach agents. Limited amount.
Mail me at cat@kittywumpus.net to set up your appointment in 2026.
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One site I always have to visit in Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia, the church designed by Antonio Gaudi, which has been in the process of construction for 100+ years now. The light there is extraordinary; it’s one of the world’s wonders.
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Coaching Sessions
I offer coaching sessions, which can be done as one-offs or scheduled meetings. Some clients come for motivation or encouragement on a regular basis while others seek help with a specific project like finishing a novel, planning a book release, or learning how to create a newsletter.
Lock in a monthly 30-minute coaching session (normally $100 per session) be prepaying $1000 for 12 sessions. Mail me at cat@kittywumpus.net to set up your first appointment in 2026. Limited amount.
Happy Cyber-Monday and remember to support small business owners whenever possible!
peace,
Cat
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