Since its inception in 1996, the Odyssey Writing Workshop has become one of the most highly respected programs for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Through an advanced curriculum, intensive focus, directed study, and detailed feedback, students gain a much deeper understanding of writing and make major improvements in their work.

To further our mission of helping developing writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror, we have taken the techniques that are so effective at the workshop and adapted them to create online classes. We've worked very hard to ensure that our online classes are of the same quality and caliber as our in-person workshop and that they deserve to carry the name of Odyssey.

Odyssey's online classes are rigorous and demanding, giving you the most for your time and effort. You should not apply unless you are ready to hear about the weaknesses in your writing and ready to work to overcome them. Classes provide a supportive yet challenging, energizing atmosphere. Taking one of our online classes is a great way to focus on your writing, giving it the time and attention it needs. Each class is focused on a particular element of fiction writing and is designed for writers at a particular skill level.

Taking one of Odyssey's Online Classes is not equivalent to attending the Odyssey workshop, and should not in any way be considered a substitute. There is no substitute for devoting yourself solely to your writing for six weeks, with the focus, intensity, group bonding, and extended, directed study such an in-person experience involves.

But writers can improve through many different experiences. Odyssey's Online Classes will provide you with valuable tools and techniques and will guide you as you practice using them. We'll study some of the most beautiful and powerful writing in the field to gain understanding of what these tools can do when wielded with skill. I'll also discuss the common failings of developing writers and explain how to avoid those pitfalls. The class will provide you with new insights into the writing process and into your writing in particular, through detailed feedback.

Classes operate through four components:

• Lectures and discussions: Lectures and discussions are scheduled for particular times, and students are expected to attend all of them at the scheduled times. Students receive access to these sessions through GoToMeeting.com. At class time, you call the class phone number and go to the appropriate Web site. I'll be live on the other end of the phone, giving the lecture, and your computer screen will become my blackboard, where I'll display various examples and notes.
  
  By clicking on the appropriate icon, you can raise your hand, use the phone to ask a question, and listen to the questions of other students, who are all on the same conference call.
  
  Some sessions will involve more discussion, with students commenting on their experiences with the assigned work. You'll get to know your classmates and form supportive friendships.
  
  
• Class materials: Supporting materials are posted on a Yahoogroup, which you will be asked to join when you enroll in the class. You will be required to print out some materials, so you can refer to them during lectures.
  
  
• Writing exercises and assignments: Homework will be assigned at each lecture and must be completed by the due date. You will upload your work to the Yahoogroup, where I will read it. In some cases, other students will read your work and offer feedback, and you will offer feedback on their work.
  
  
• Communication with the instructor: If you have questions or problems during the course, I'll be available by email and phone. Since class sizes are small, you'll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues with me. I'll be providing in-depth feedback on your work and offering my best advice.
  

Our classes are for writers serious about improving their writing. Whether you're a beginner or a published writer, you'll be able to find Odyssey Online Classes to help you attack your weak areas and take your writing to the next level.

Here are some other details about the courses:

• Class size: Limited to 14 students, unless otherwise announced.
  
  
• Instructors: In the future, other instructors may offer courses. For now, I'll be teaching the courses, to ensure they follow the Odyssey philosophy and use our proven teaching techniques.
  
  As a former senior editor at Bantam Doubleday Dell, where I ran the science fiction/fantasy program, launched the Abyss horror line, and won the World Fantasy Award for my editing, I've worked with many different writers. I know the most common writing weaknesses and how to strengthen them, and I know the techniques that have the potential to raise a story from average to outstanding. Since each writer works differently, I strive to understand each student's goals, intent, and process, so I can offer the most useful feedback. You can find out more about me here.
  
  
• Time requirements: Make sure you check the specific class page to find out when lectures and discussions will be held. You need to attend class at those times.
  
  An estimate of the amount of time homework assignments will take is also provided on the specific class page.
  
  
• Work requirements: Assignments may include readings, writing exercises, critiquing, and writing and revising your fiction. See the specific class page for more details.
  
  
• Technological requirements: The computer specifications below may look a bit intimidating, if you're not a technical person. Chances are, if you've bought your computer in the last 7 years, it will fulfill the requirements. So don't panic; just go through them one at a time and make sure you are covered.
  
  
  • A telephone. Your phone will be charged for a standard long-distance call during the lectures and discussions.
    
    
  • Assignments must be turned in as MS Word 2003 files, rich text files, or ascii files.
    
    
  • Class materials will be distributed in Word 2003 files. You must be able to read such files.
    
    
  If you have a PC, the following is required:
  
  
  • Internet Explorer 6.0 or newer, or Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or newer (JavaScript and Java enabled)
    
    
  • Windows 2000, XP, 2003 Server or Vista
    
    
  • Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection
    
    
  • Minimum of Pentium class 1GHz CPU with 512 MB of RAM (2 GB of RAM for Windows Vista)
    
    
  If you have a Mac, the following is required:
  
  
  • Safari 3.0 or newer, or Firefox 2.0 or newer (JavaScript and Java enabled)
    
    
  • Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or newer
    
    
  • PowerPC G4/G5 or Intel processor (512 MB of RAM or better recommended)
    
    
  • Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection
    
    
• Cost: Class tuition varies depending on the length of the class. See the specific class page for more information. Tuition can be paid via PayPal, personal check (if you are in the US), or international money order.
  
  
• How to apply: All prospective students must fill out an Odyssey Online Application and include a 1,000-word writing sample. There is a $10 application fee. If you are admitted to the course, $10 will be deducted from the tuition. See the specific class page or the top of this page for the application deadline.
  
  
• Refunds: All tuition payments are non-refundable.
  
  

I love working with developing writers, helping them to realize their potential and make their work the best it can be. My experiences over Odyssey's fourteen years have been incredible. Talented writers of all ages, some already published, have come from all over the world to improve their writing and have made exciting breakthroughs.

If you're willing to dedicate your time and energy in that quest, if you're willing to hear about the weaknesses in your writing and work to improve them, then I hope you'll apply for one of our online classes.

Please check out the Odyssey Online Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have any additional questions, feel free to e-mail me.

To receive information about future classes, sign up for our free e-newsletter.

If you want help improving your writing but can't make the scheduled times for the classes, or you feel the classes aren't the right option for you, you may want to check out our Odyssey Critique Service. It allows you to receive professional-level feedback on your writing.

In the meantime, I hope you'll find this site a useful resource for your writing.

Best wishes!

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Updated Oct 16, 2009 send site feedback to jdonigan@swbell.net