CLASSES
& Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
October 21-22, 2023 ~ Honeymoon Island Fall Fest, Dunedin, FL
Join me and many other arts & crafts vendors from 10am - 5pm at Honeymoon Island. I'll be signing and selling my books and other dog-themed items. Stop by and check it out!
November 4, 2023 ~ Palm Harbor Library Local Author Showcase, Palm Harbor, FL
Stop by Palm Harbor Library from 10am - 2pm and meet some local authors (including me)!
November 12, 2023 ~ Christmas Under the Oaks, Clearwater, FL
Join me from 9am - 4pm for the 47th Christmas Under the Oaks event featuring a variety of exhibitors offering handmade arts & crafts, unique gifts, and creative holiday-themed products. I'll be signing and selling my books and other dog-themed items. Stop by and say HI!
Classes by JoAnn Sky
I offer online and in-person workshops and seminars to schools, writing groups and community programs. For additional information, please email me at joann@joannsky.com or complete the form at the bottom of this page. I look forward to working with you!
Read Set Story! From Idea to Story in 6 Days
A step-by-step, self-paced, online plotting course for all levels. Develop your idea into a story and get ready to write the first draft!
Expected launch date: September 2023
To sign up for launch notifications, please submit the form at the bottom of this page.
From DRAFT to DONE: Revise & Self-Edit your Novel in 25 Days
A step-by-step, self-paced, online course for all levels. "Big picture" structural novel revision techniques as well as line and copy-editing techniques to transform your draft into a publishable novel.
Expected launch date: October 2023
To sign up for launch notifications, please submit the form at the bottom of this page.
After the UFD (Ugly First Draft): Techniques for Big Picture Revisions
There’s a rush of excitement when a writer types the words “the end.” But before you rush to query or self-publish, you want to make sure your story is solid. In this workshop, attendees will learn macro (big picture) revision techniques to ensure:
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Their story has a solid structure,
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Their hero has a compelling character arc,
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Their manuscript contains narrative balance, and
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Each of their scenes/chapters serves a purpose.
Before You Hire an Editor: Self-Editing Tips for Writers
An editor is a key resource for an author. But there's still much an author can and should do before hiring a professional editor. Knowing these techniques will not only expand and enhance an author’s toolbox (resulting in improved writing skills), but will also help an author get the most out of a professional editor and achieve a better end product. In this workshop, attendees will learn:
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Line editing techniques to power-up vocabulary and tighten, clarify and vitalize writing
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Copy editing techniques to polish grammar, spelling and punctuation and ensure continuity and consistency of details
Super Simple Story Structure and Character Arcs
What is story structure and why does it matter? What is a character arc and why does your hero need one? Fear not! It’s really not that complicated! In this workshop, attendees will first learn the basic but critical plot points that form a story’s structure, with easy-to-understand explanations and examples.
We’ll then use those same story structure elements to develop a compelling character arc, to ensure a transformation of the hero that will engage readers.
Beyond Eco-fiction: How the Environment impacts Fiction
Our environment impacts every aspect of writing, far beyond advocacy. From world-building to creating conflict, evocative descriptions and compelling characters depend on deftly incorporating environmental elements into our writing. In this session, participants will delve into the impact our environment has on our fiction stories as well as on our writer’s mindset. We’ll then incorporate these elements of storytelling into nonfiction works—techniques that can help provide a more compelling read and help reach a wider audience.
Orchestrating Cross-Curricular Collaboration through Author Partnerships
Author partnerships can be a unique vehicle to incorporate music and other performing arts into a student’s academic world, in particular by integrating technology. This offers a bridge for collaboration between music professionals and traditional academic subject matter peers, broadens the application of the arts into other areas, and encourages creativity in all students. This session will cover techniques on how to source and work with authors, how to incorporate picture books into performing arts, and how to link it to other academic areas. Elementary school focus but can easily be adapted for higher grades.
Interested in learning more about one of my classes--or have other ideas you'd like to incorporate? Email me at joann@joannsky.com or fill in the form below. I look forward to hearing from you.
