with Elise Chidley
 
 
When I wrote my first novel, I started with a general idea and made the rest up as I went along. Inevitably, this led to months and months of revisions to refine my story. Recently, I wrote a novel that was meticulously outlined from the get-go. The book was done in nine months and needed minimal revisions. 
 
Outlining a novel can be a good idea for several reasons. An outline can ensure that you maintain focus, help you avoid writer's block, and provide a guide for revisions once you have completed your first draft. Join me for a two-hour workshop in which I share several tried and tested ways of outlining, including my own unique method. This workshop is perfect for:
 
* those who are thinking of writing a novel or have written a few early chapters
* those who are already deep into the drafting process and would like some tools and tips to help them finish
* those who have a completed draft but would like some help reverse-engineering their story. 
 
 
WHERE:
IN PERSON at 25 Sylvan Road South, Suite J, Westport, CT 06880or ONLINE via ZOOM
DATE:
Saturday, October 5
TIME:
10am - 12pm EST
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About the Instructor...
Elise Chidley’s first novel, Your Roots Are Showing, received a six figure advance and was nominated in two categories of the 2009 RITA © Awards: Best First Book and Best Single Title Contemporary Romance. She received her MFA from Penn State and has taught creative writing at Writopia and Silvermine Arts Center. One of her stories was shortlisted for the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award, and another for the Ian St. James Award. She works as a freelance developmental editor and loves the process of revision.