Announcing the On-Demand Version of Writing Interactive Fiction with Kate Heartfield

So I wanted a postcard to put on con giveaway tables advertising my classes because I’m always trying to scare up new students. I know that once they take one class, they’re very likely to take more from me, which really pleases me, but the trick is getting them into that first one.

I had a Vistaprint coupon, so I ended up paying around $40 for 1000 of these. I looked it over pretty thoroughly and made Wayne do the same, but now that I’ve ordered them I’m sure at least one typo will show up. Still, this will give me something I can put out as well as something I can give people when they ask about my classes. Note that I’ve been very 21st century and even included a QR code. I used a Bitly link for that so I’ll be able to track how many people actually use that code (the QR code was Mark’s idea, the bitly URL Wayne’s – see what smart fellows I hang around with?)

One of the things Codex does that I intend to make use of is mailing each other postcards to stick out at cons. I’ve distributed my share, so I’ll try to figure out a couple of conventions that I’m not attending next year where I think they might do well, and then find people attending those who are willing to put something on the giveaway table for me.

Onward and Forward

Greetings and salutations! We’re a twelfth of the way through the year now, and it’s definitely interesting times we’re living in. Remember to be kind to each other; the world needs it more than ever right now. Here in South Bend, it’s been cold and snowy, so the cats and I spend a lot of time either near the heater or under the electric blanket. I have finished up the most recent rewrite of the fantasy novel and am sending it off to meet its fate today. Wish me luck!

Here’s what you’ll find in this newsletter:

• Details of my March/April Advanced Short Story Workshop
• Details on my upcoming Flash Fiction Workshop
• A reminder – The Ins and Outs of Outlines is next weekend!
• How to hire me for editing projects
• Patreon events happening this month
• Community News

Advanced Short Story Workshop

This multi-session, advanced workshop is intended for students who have already taken a short story workshop or have comparable experience. Class material is determined by student questions and needs. Each session will feature a deep drive on a particular craft aspect, including optional writing and reading assignments, as well as workshopping each other’s stories. Students are expected to write a story and workshop it over the course of the workshop. You must submit a writing sample when applying of 250-500 words.

Applications close February 26 or when the class fills, whichever is sooner.

Meets Saturdays, 12:30-3 PM Eastern time, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and April 6 and 19. (No class May 29 or April 12).

Cost is $499 for Patreon supporters; otherwise $599. Full and partial Plunkett scholarships are available.

Flash Fiction Workshop

In this workshop we will explore and write different forms of flash fiction, including critiquing each other’s work. You will produce multiple pieces of flash over the course of this workshop and can submit up to three for critique. You will also learn strategies for marketing and submitting flash as well as best practices for revision. You do not need to submit a writing sample.

Meets Sundays, 12:30-3 PM Eastern time, March 2, 9, 16 and 23.

Cost is $299 for Patreon supporters; otherwise $399. Full and partial Plunkett scholarships are available.

Applications close February 26 or when the class fills, whichever is sooner.

To register for either class, send an email to cat@kittywumpus.net with the following details:

• Whether you would prefer to pay via Paypal, Venmo, or some other means.
• If you are applying for a scholarship, please indicate whether you need a full or half one.
• For the story workshop, please include a writing sample 250-500 words pasted into the body of the e-mail.

Ins and Outs of Outlines on February 9

An outline is one of a writer’s handiest tools – when it’s used correctly. Will it surprise you to find out that it’s not just useful when starting, but even after you’re finished? In this class, you’ll learn how to use an outline without getting tied down or constricted by it, as well as how it can be used as a valuable tool for revision. Through a mixture of lecture, discussion, and in-class exercises, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of using outlines.

Class happens on Sunday, February 9, 1-3 PM Eastern.

Cost is $59; $49 if you are a Patreon supporter. Scholarships are available. To register, mail me at cat@kittywumpus.net, indicate whether or not you are a Patreon supporter for the discounted price, and how you would like to pay. If you are applying for a scholarship, please indicate whether you need a full or partial (50%) one.

Taking Editing Projects

I edited two novels and a couple of stories for clients in January, but my docket’s pretty clear right now. If you’re curious about my skills, here’s a page of testimonials, including Harry Turtledove saying he’d work with me any time at all.

Find out more about getting your novel or story edited here.

Patreon Events This Month

Events offered to my Patreon community this month include: weekly motivational meetings, a short story discussion group, weekly writing to prompts and co-working, two Writing with Tarot sessions, an author discussion with Premee Mohammed, and Nisi Shawl talking with the Craft Book Discussion group. Check out my Patreon if you’d like to join a writing community focused on writing fantasy, science fiction, and horror that’s full of kindness, creativity, and inspiration.

Community Links

• Neve Maslakovic’s January newsletter is out.
• Jennifer Brozek has announced Augment Magazine.
• Karl Dandenell did a reading.
• Margaret Dunlap’s latest newsletter reassures us that she is not on fire.
• Craig Shackleton has launched a Patreon, Words and Swords!
• Richard Crawford talks about having his short story “Heavens Below Us” in Water Dragon Publishing’s Summer 2024 Dragon Gems Anthology and provides a prompt or two or even three.
• Priya Sridhar writes The FBI Is Investigating YouTuber MrBeast; Why Thanos is the Best Addition to Squid Game Season 2; How Celebrity Culture Taints Media; The Ghost and Molly McGee Recap: Episode 9; Kindness Has to Be Taught; The Real World is a Parasite; and The Paradox of Winning Squid Game.
• Are you on the Chez Rambo Discord and want your news included? Post it in the #promotethis channel!