Done at PenguinCon, but alas I don't have the name of the artist!
- Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction Short Stories
- The Art of the Book Review (2 hour online class)
- Editing 101 (3 week online class)
- Establishing an Online Presence for Writers (3 hour online class)
- First Pages (with Caren/GussoffLouise Marley, 2 hour online class)
- Flash Fiction Workshop (3 hour online class)
- Literary Techniques For Genre Fiction (3 hour online class)
- Podcasting Basics (2 hour online class)
- What You Need to Know About Electronic Publishing(2 hour online class)
- Tutorial
Special Offer! Sign up by May 1, 2013 and get 10% off the class. This offer can be combined with the 10% discount given all former students.
To register for a class, mail me at catrambo@gmail.com.
Why take a class with me? As both writer and editor, I bring a focus that lets me advise you from both sides of the desk. My experience as the fiction editor of award-winning Fantasy Magazine as well as short story collections and anthologies combined with the fact that I’m a working, selling writer helps me provide you with solid, up-to-date market advice for both online and print publishing. I have been shortlisted for the Endeavour, Locus, Million Writers, and World Fantasy Award.
My teaching experience includes Clarion West, the Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars, Towson State University, and Bellevue College. I’ve studied with John Barth, Stephen Dixon, Grace Paley, Octavia Butler, Karen Joy Fowler, John Crowley, and Connie Willis, among others. Former students can testify that I’m an engaged and entertaining instructor who motivates you to write while providing feedback on the work you produce. See what they’ve said about the class.
These classes are taught online, using Google+ Hangouts, which has proven robust and easy to use. If you’re worried about the degree of technological skill required, my 70+ mother can testify that when she attended the First Pages workshop, we had her computer ready to go within a couple of minutes and she had no trouble with the technology. 
You do need a computer with a microphone at a minimum, but headphones are suggested and a webcam is best so people can see you participate. Each class is limited to eight or nine students, depending on whether or not there will be a guest speaker.
If you have previously taken a class with me (either online or in-person), you are entitled to a 10% discount on class prices, including early reservation prices. Please check if you think you should be receiving the friends and family rate.
Reserve a section by mailing me at catrambo AT gmail.com and indicating whether you would like to pay by check or Paypal. Tndicate which class(es) you are signing up for.
Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction Short Stories
This six week workshop focuses on the basics of writing speculative fiction short stories, including plotting, creating believable and engaging characters, world-building, what to do with a story once it’s finished, dealing with editors and markets, and other necessities. Students will have the opportunity to workshop at least one story over the course of the class and will also be writing and sharing weekly writing assignments. Six 2 hour sessions.
- Week One: Introductions, Story Structures, and Plotting
- Week Two: Characters and Dialogue
- Week Three: World-building
- Week Four: Description, Delivery, and Devices
- Week Five: Revising and Rewriting
- Week Six: Everything Else
Section 1: Wednesday, 8-10 PM PST, June 5 – July 10
Section 2: Thursday, 1-3 PM PST, June 6 – July 11
Section 3: Saturday, 9:30-11:30 AM PST, June 8 – July 13
$199
The Art of the Book Review
Where do you start if you want to become a book reviewer? Learn what resources and markets are available, as well as pitfalls to avoid. What should (and shouldn’t) be included in a book review? What ethical questions arise when reviewing books? What’s fair to say and what’s not? A two hour session talks about writing book reviews as well as what to do with them. One two hour session; pick which you would prefer to attend.
Sunday, 9:30-11:30 AM PST, June 9 (will include guest speaker Nisi Shawl, who reviews for The Seattle Times)
$99
Editing 101
This three week workshop targets editing both other people’s works as well as your own. Students have found that learning to trust their editing skills has made them more productive when producing early drafts. Topics include how to edit at both the sentence and story/book level, working well with writers, theory of ToCs, electronic publishing, copyright, and making a living as an editor. Classes are widely spaced to allow ample time for class assignments. Three 2 hour sessions.
- Week One: Developmental Editing
- Week Two: Editing at the Sentence and Paragraph Level
- Week Three: Editing and Publishing for a Living
Currently no section scheduled.
$199
Flash Fiction Workshop
A three-hour session focusing on flash fiction consisting of a mixture of lecture, in-class writing exercises, discussion of how to turn fragments into flash, and an overview of flash fiction markets. One 2-hour session.
Sunday, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM PST, April 28
Sunday, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM PST, June 30
$99
First Pages:
I’ve done this team-taught workshop several times with great success – this is our online version. You give us the first page of your novel and we’ll critique and discuss it in a way that will be helpful with the overall work as well as talking about agents, and editors and how important the first page is when engaging them. More than one student has told me this was the single most useful workshop they’ve ever had. Single 2 hour session with co-presenter Caren Gussoff.
Sunday, 9:30-11:30 AM PST, June 16
$99
Establishing an Online Presence for Writers
Not sure what to do about blogging and social networks? Concerned about using them effectively rather than as a means of procrastination? In this three hour class, we’ll talk about what works and what doesn’t, the basic online presence any writer should have, how to measure what you’re doing to see if it’s working, and how to use that time to sell books. One 3 hour session.
Sunday, 9:30-11:30 AM PST, July 14.
$99
Podcasting Basics
Podcasts, both audio and video, are an increasingly popular way to reach an audience. In this two hour session, learn what you need to know to record and edit your own podcast, how to promote your podcast, and what equipment and software to use. As Folly Blaine, Christy records and acts as Podcast Manager for Every Day Fiction, and has also recorded podcasts for Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Wily Writers, and This Mutant Life; Cat is the former fiction editor of Fantasy Magazine and has recorded podcasts for Clarkesworld, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and Fantasy Magazine. Limited enrollment – reserve a slot now!
Sunday, 9:30-11:30 AM PST, July 7
$99
What You Need to Know About Electronic Publishing
The two hour session spans the basics of formatting to the intricacies of electronic marketing distribution in order to give you the tools you need to survive in a rapidly changing publishing scene. Learn what to do with your e-book to publish and promote it. Co-taught with writer/publisher Tod McCoy of Seattle-based speculative fiction press Hydra House (hydrahousebooks.com).
Not currently scheduled.
$99
Literary Techniques for Genre Fiction
Discussion and in-class writing exercises designed to introduce a number of techniques to use in your own writing such as foreshadowing, alliteration, rhythmic device, allusion, etc, and ways to test them out in short fiction as well as discussion of when and where to use them. One three hour session; pick the one you wish to attend.
Sunday, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM PST, July 21
$99
Tutorial:
NOT CURRENTLY TAKING TUTORIAL STUDENTS; WILL POST WHEN I OPEN FOR THIS AGAIN. If you’re interested in getting the equivalent of a mini-lesson, I suggest having me provide a development edit for a story. For $50, I’ll look at a story (5000 words or less) and give you feedback and market advice.
I’d like to sign up for the mailing list.
Thanks!
I’ll add you!
I’d also like to sign up for the mailing list!
You’re added, Stephen!
Can’t do it this time, but your classes sound good!
Please add me to your email list; I’m doing some traveling in April, but I need to work out possible class times before I can reserve a space for any of these classes. Thank you!
Will do, Sarah!
I would like to sign up for the Section #1 Wednesday for the Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction Workshop. I hope it is still open! Apologies for my ignorance, but when you write AT in this address for Paypal: spezzatura AT gmail.com is it literally AT or is it meant to be @? Thank you!
Yep, use an @ there, sorry to be unclear. And yay, I look forward to seeing you in class!
Please add me to your mailing list.
I’m interested in your six week workshop beginning June 6. Please add me to your mailing list.
I’m excited about the June workshop, too–please add me to the mailing list!
Please add me to the mailing list!
I would love to sign up for the short fiction workshop
on Saturdays when it is open to reservations.
Thank you!
Another hopeful participant in the June workshops here!
Thank you for the great class on Sunday!
Some of you have expressed interest in the mailing list, and yet I don’t have an address for you. Please drop me a line if you would – I’m opening up registration for the June class right now.
Pingback: Four Resources and Workshops For Improving The Opening Of Your Novel Or Short Story | Isaac Hooke
Pingback: Online Classes for Summer, 2012 | The World Remains Mysterious
Please add me to your mailing list. Thanks
Will do!
Hi there! I’d also like to be added to the mailing list. I see that the Flash Fiction workshop and the Editing workshop have a time conflict: both have a session on Sunday June 10 starting at 9:30.
I’m interested in several of these, notably the 6-week workshop and the Establishing an Online Presence one, but I’ll be out of town and unavailable that weekend in June. (Of course, the one weekend in 18 months I am going out of town is right when this class meets!) Will look for future occurrences of the same material.
Oh, I should have requested to subscribe my writing e-mail address instead of my regular one! Please add “bluestockingreads AT gmail DOT com” and thanks!
Please add me to your mailing list! I’m especially interested in the F & SF course when it starts up again in September.
Please add me to your mailing list!
I’d love to join the mailing list!
Please add me.
Please add me to your class on dates mentioned. Thank you!
Added!
Please add me to your mailing list!
Thanks, I’ve added you!
Please add me to the mailing list.
You’re added!
I’m interested in the six week tutorial…wondering if assignments will spark my Inner Student into action
Is that an open-ended start date?
Thanks–Zooey
I feel as if I need all your classes. Want to sign up for whatever is taught earliest. Elaine
Hi Cat we exchanged a couple emails and I too am interested in the Tutorial. I have the same question as Zooey – is that an open start date or? Really looked through the info on your link and could not determine if it was. Also, PLEASE add me to your mailing list! ✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍ ☺
Please add me to the mailing list. I’m dying to take the Flash class, if there were any room I’d take the one tomorrow. Thanks,
kim
Kim – I’m checking right now to make sure there’s room since we’re pushing up against the Hangout limit. Will send you a note as soon as I know.
Oh! I mean today, if it’s not too late.
kim
Hi,
Please put me on the mailing list. I signed up for the short story workshop on Wednesdays starting in October 2012 via Paypal last weekend — hope it went through. Please let me know if there’s more I need to do.
Thanks!
I will like to join the editing class
Hi there. I’m interested in the 6-week tutorial. Is that something that could start any time?
Yep! Shoot me an email at spezzatura AT gmail.com and we can work out details.
I would love to be on the mailing list as well.
Thanks,
FW from Armageddon
Hi Cat
I just saw that the price for the tutorial has been updated. Do I need to send further payment?
I’d like to be on the mailing list too. My e-address is ShaunaRoberts [at] nasw [dot] org. Thanks!
Pingback: Classtime | Dale Ivan Smith
I’d love to sign up for the 3 hour Flash class on October 14th. Just let me know what I need to do. All I have to do is get a mic for my notebook.
I’ve saved you a slot. Drop me a line at spezzatura@gmail.com?
I am interested in enrolling in the Thursday night 6-week workshop, but I don’t see where to sign up. Do you need to add me to your mailing list first?
Hi Suzanne – mail me at spezzatura@gmail.com to sign up. I’m on the road with sporadic email access at the moment, but if you mail me there, I should be able to reply tonight or tomorrow morning.
Hi Cat
I’m wondering if my emails have been caught in your spam filter? I sent assignment one on Aug 28, and a follow-up email Sep 16.
Hi Cat,
I’m interested in your Wednesday night SciFi course starting this Wednesday, Oct 3. How do I sign up?
Please add to mailing list. Thanks!
Pingback: ‘Near + Far’ by Cat Rambo
Hi Cat,
I just finished reading Clockwork Fairies and loved it! I checked your bio and see you reside here in the Northwest. I am an art historian and give lectures for local libraries and many other organizations. I will be presenting my Steampunk lecture at the Bellevue Steamcon on Friday and Sunday, Oct 26 and 28. Are you planning to attend the event?
If so I’d love to meet you. I will definitle mention your work as I present lots of authors in my lecture.
Chers,
Susan (AKA Professor Bird)
Hi Susan -
My apologies for the slow reply, I missed this earlier. I’m not sure yet about Steamcon, but I’d love to meet up for coffee or lunch while you’re there. Mail me at catrambo@gmailcom with your schedule and we can set up details?
Pingback: First Pages Workshops in November and December 2012 | The World Remains Mysterious
Pingback: Facebook Advertising: Is It Worthwhile for Writers? | The World Remains Mysterious
I attended the Spec Fiction Short Story class. It was amazing. I learned a lot and have already submitted things according to Cat’s teachings.
Also — Cat, have you considered editing my manuscript? Thank you!
Pingback: Special Offer: Two Classes For One Price | The World Remains Mysterious
Pingback: News and Classes | The World Remains Mysterious
I’d like to take the E-book class. How do I enroll? (I’m now on the mailing list.)
Hi Manny! You can Paypal the fee to me at spezzatura@gmail.com or if you’d like to pay via check/money order, let me know and I’ll mail you the address.
Pingback: The Next Big Thing « cygnoir.net
Hi Cat,
I’m interested in the Art of the Book Review Class.
I’m not computer savvy but if you got your mother through it I’ll take the leap.
Should I join Google+ first?
Yup, you’ll need to join Google +. Here’s a good overview – http://support.google.com/plus/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1340083. Drop me a line and we’ll get you up and running.
Well Cat I believe I successfully joined Google+ but Jan.6 will be the judge. Thanks for the sending the link. It was very helpful.
I want to pay for the Art of the Book Review by check. Please send me an address.
Thank you and hope to “see” you Sunday.
Hi Cat,
I just wanted to confirm you received my payment for Art of the Book Review.
Thanks.
I’d like to be added to the mailing list, please.
I’ve added you!
Pingback: 10 Writing Rules Courtesy of a Few Literary Legends - LitStack
Pingback: What Do Authors Really Think of Your Book Reviews on Goodreads? « Writerlious
Pingback: Nebula Nom! | The World Remains Mysterious
Pingback: A Week of Convulsive Activity | The World Remains Mysterious
Pingback: Catching Up | The World Remains Mysterious
Pingback: What Exactly Do We Do in the Editing 101 Class? | The World Remains Mysterious
Pingback: BestScienceFictionStories.com » Post Topic » Five Ways to Fall In Love on Planet Porcelain by Cat Rambo
Pingback: Week Two — New Rhythm | What I Write
Pingback: Social Media: FollowerWonk Writeup and Links for 3/25/2013 | The World Remains Mysterious
Pingback: Here’s Where I Am At Norwescon Today – Sunday | The World Remains Mysterious
Pingback: Writing at the Next Level: Getting Inside Your Character’s Head | The World Remains Mysterious