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Back to Basics: Editing
A monthly back-to-basics writing workshop taught by writer and editor Jessica Lynn Curtis.
December 20, 2023
8 to 10 p.m. Eastern (5 to 7 p.m. Pacific)

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Before you can write the great American novel, you must have a firm grasp of basic punctuation and grammar (sentence structure, where the commas go, how to format dialogue, etc.). If story structure is your novel's framework, these things are the nuts and bolts.

 

Your story may be wonderful, but it will immediately go to the discard pile if it is full of writing errors.

 

More people are unsure of these things than one might think. It’s not always intuitive, and for many of us, high school grammar was a long time ago. Consider this your refresher course!

 

This monthly two-hour workshop will be limited to five students for a personalized, small-group experience. Jessica will request one or two unedited pages from each participant at least two days before class. Then, rather than delivering a lecture on dangling participles, we’ll go through and edit everyone’s pages together, learning as we go.

 

Pages will be shared via Google Drive and returned edited to students after class.

What People Are Saying

“When I needed a professional to edit my book, I was lucky enough to find Jessica Curtis. She not only provided me with thorough line edits and clarifying suggestions, but she also helped me transform a jumbled stack of personal essays into an organized prescriptive memoir. Throughout our collaboration, she honored my vision and lifted my authentic voice. Jessica is experienced, talented, and a pleasure to work with.”

 

—Vanessa Linsey, author of Metta Mom

 

“Jessica has been an indispensable asset to me on my writing journey. I have not taken a basic writing or English class in twenty years, and her support and guidance have helped me immensely. She is kind, gentle, and thorough in her instruction. I am grateful to have the opportunity improve my skills with an instructor like Jessica.”

—Vila M. Donovan, acupuncturist, writer, and Story Summit student

 

“I loved working with Jessica on my book proposal. She really helped me find clarity in my writing. Working with an editor can be daunting, but Jessica was warm and open. She encouraged me throughout the process with thoughtful feedback that empowered me. It was wonderful to get her perspective and guidance. I highly recommend working with Jessica!”

 

—Jules De Jesús Fritz, Spiritual Beauty & Wellness Mentor, The Miracle Lab

Faculty

Jessica Lynn Curtis is a writer and editor who has worked in numerous capacities: as a magazine writer and copyeditor, the writer and editor for two congressional campaigns, an academic writer, author, playwright, and lyricist. She also writes the Tuesday morning newsletter for Story Summit!

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Jessica’s children’s book, Papa’s New Home, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and a gold medal from the Mom’s Choice Awards. Her short plays have been performed in festivals off-Broadway and in her current home of Savannah, GA. A fierce Boston Red Sox fan, Jessica’s song, “Voice of the Faithful,” was selected as the Red Sox anthem in 2004 by RedSox.com.

Registration fee: $79 for two hours of instruction

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EVENING CLASS

Please register for your preferred date.

8 to 10 PM Eastern (5 to 7 PM Pacific)

Please note: Our classes are designed specifically for live participation, so your attendance is important.

A Peek at Our Past Virtual Classes

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