For two years now, students have been telling us it would be incredibly helpful to have some kind of  primer they can turn to for an introduction to novel writing…one uncomplicated book that will give them basic knowledge about the industry and the craft of writing…before they started writing and taking classes. We listened and came up with the “Bootcamp for Novelists Basic Training Manual: What you need to know BEFORE you write your novel.”

The Basic Training Manual includes everything from the definition of a novel to manuscript preparation…and everything in between. Character, purpose and conflict, the foundation of characterization, scenes and descriptions, scene purpose and point of view, and even publishing industry terms and phrases are all included in one brief, easy to read document.

You can find out more about the “Bootcamp for Novelists Basic Training Manual: what you need to know BEFORE you write your novel” and how you can get one at our website www.bootcampfornovelists.com.

ON ANOTHER FRONT… do you want to Win a Kindle? That’s only one of the prizes we’re giving away at our first BOOTCAMP BLOWOUT on March 24th on Facebook. We’re gearing up for the big event which will include writing challenges and critiques from both me and Connie. And the best part…it’s all FREE!  This will be a private event and only those who’ve signed up and participate will be eligible to win prizes. For now, all you have to do is “like” us on our Bootcamp for Novelists Community Page and leave a comment with your Facebook name, saying you want to enlist at Facebook http://on.fb.me/AvwWQ0  and keep watching for more news on how to participate and what you might win . . . and how.

And lastly, there’s still time to register for our February classes beginning February 10th.  Connie is teaching her amazing “Sizzling Conflict” class and I’m teaching my awesome “Escalating Consequences” class.  (just incorporating some of our students’ comments there) 

Our goal is to enhance communication between bootcamp classes, our students on both class levels, and readers. Creativity thrives in an atmosphere of like minds, where imagination is king, and that’s the kind of atmosphere we want to foster, both at bootcamp and here in the bunker.

Our new motto, Creativity, Craft and Commitment, is the very essence of what we are about, and we want you to feel the same way about your writing. So…we’ve added some new features to the Bootcamp for Novelists’ menu — features we believe will help you achieve your goal to become a successful writer.

Some of this may be repetitious to those of you who receive our newsletter, but it bears repeating for those who aren’t familiar with the Bootcamp. In addition to our regular courses, we’re offering a new one-on-one coaching program, designed to give you individual, expert, hands-on guidance to take your novel to the next level.

You can read more about “Finish the Book” and “Beyond the First Draft,” and how to register, on the bootcamp website. Both guidance programs require previous participation in the core classes, and Beyond the First Draft requires a completed manuscript. The coaching programs begin on January 13th, but registration is limited, so check it out soon.

 We’re also onboard with the BOOTCAMP BLOWOUT, a special FREE one-day Facebook event on January 28th. There will be fun writing exercises, feedback from Linda and Connie, and random prizes for all who participate. Each participant will also receive a free copy of our new BOOTCAMP FOR NOVELISTS BASIC TRAINING MANUAL. We’ll be posting more about the Blowout Event on the Bootcamp website and the Bootcamp for Novelists Community’s Facebook page where we are holding the event.  Just “like” us on FB and join the fun.

As you can probably tell, we’re jazzed about 2012 and ready to give you even more opportunities to see your writing grow. That’s our commitment!  What’s yours? Writing a novel? Revising one to be the best it can be? You can do it — and we can help!

In fact, there’s still time to register for the first classes of 2012. Late registration for “Scene Sculpting” with Connie, and “Deepening Characterization” with Linda is open until 1/13.

We’ll be back again soon to talk about writerly things. Some serious, some not so much.  So grab your boots and join us in the bunker!

Hoo—Yah!!