Heart of the Story
classes for writers and editors
upcoming classes and presentations
I am currently taking a teaching break but will be back soon!
past offerings that may return (let me know if you're interested!)
Consent in Fiction:
For Writers and Editors in Romance and Beyond
A smart, bighearted approach to consent helps us hone and enliven characters, scenes, and stories—and do right by readers. This 5-week course dives deep into real-life and craft issues.
For Writers and Editors in Romance and Beyond
A smart, bighearted approach to consent helps us hone and enliven characters, scenes, and stories—and do right by readers. This 5-week course dives deep into real-life and craft issues.
Consent for Fiction Writers (all genres) or This Character's “Yes!":
Consent and Craft in Romance: A one-hour workshop. |
The Consent Workshop challenged some deeply-ingrained structures in our writing and in our social relationships that I found very exciting to explore. This workshop exposes our inherited belief structure and powerfully seeks to overthrow it. It's a fascinating look at our most intimate moments and how we negotiate our shared space. Consent is vital to healthy relationships and bringing this into our writing can help empower and validate the feelings of many who struggle to find their voice and boundaries. |
Plan and Start Your Romance Novel
Want to write a romance novel? This 8-week class will give you a boost. You’ll develop a strong grasp of the genre’s building blocks and a concrete plan for your project. We’ll also explore what diversity does for romance, and how romance can do better by readers. Come jump-start your happily-ever-after!
Inclusive Language Explorations
Words matter. But the world of inclusive language—and language that excludes and does harm—is overwhelmingly big and constantly changing! This class takes an exploratory approach to that huge landscape, with bite-sized weekly lessons that emphasize staying curious and offer loads of solid resources to bookmark. It's designed for busy people who want to improve and grow in this area.
Want to write a romance novel? This 8-week class will give you a boost. You’ll develop a strong grasp of the genre’s building blocks and a concrete plan for your project. We’ll also explore what diversity does for romance, and how romance can do better by readers. Come jump-start your happily-ever-after!
Inclusive Language Explorations
Words matter. But the world of inclusive language—and language that excludes and does harm—is overwhelmingly big and constantly changing! This class takes an exploratory approach to that huge landscape, with bite-sized weekly lessons that emphasize staying curious and offer loads of solid resources to bookmark. It's designed for busy people who want to improve and grow in this area.
about the instructor
Hi, I’m Eliot!
I'm an independent editor specializing in romance and fantasy fiction, including interactive fiction. My work is informed by a background in literary studies and research, a decade of teaching college writing and literature courses, and deep interests in inclusive language, gender diversity, human sexuality, and consent. I love language, stories, and learning. You can learn more about me here. |