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Cleveland Rocks - Really!

 

DO YOU LOVE ROCK & ROLL?  THEN YOU'LL LOVE THIS CLASS!

 

In this unique class, you'll learn about the rich and exciting history of the music pioneers and other colorful personalities responsible for making Cleveland--truly--the rock and roll capital of the world. Deanna Adams, author of "Rock 'n' Roll and the Cleveland Connection," will begin by telling of the first rock concert which took place at the Cleveland Arena on March 21, 1952. You'll learn about the Cleveland record spinners that "got the rock rollin'," such as Alan Freed, Bill Randle, Tommy Edwards, and Casey Kasem. The author will recount entertaining stories about other notable deejays such as Billy Bass, Kid Leo, Denny Sanders, Jeff & Flash, Bill Louis, and radio stations such as WIXY-1260 and WMMS, and clubs like Leo's Casino and the world famous Agora.

Then there's the music makers who honed their talents on the North Coast such as Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Bobby Womack, the O'Jays, the James Gang, Damnation of Adam Blessing, The Raspberries, Eric Carmen, the Michael Stanley Band, Devo, the Dead Boys, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, Tracy Chapman, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, and newcomer and Grammy-award winner, Macy Gray. And many others.

 

Join the fun as you "experience" this musical history by listening to the recordings of the diverse artists while learning their stories. This new course will easily answer the question, "Why is the Rock Hall in Cleveland?" By its completion, you'll only wonder why it took so long.

Cleveland Really Does ROCK!

Classes conducted by Deanna... 

NEW CLASS! AT THE LIT
 
What it Takes to Write a Book 

11, 18, 25 August

6-8pm (3 week class)

Instructor: Deanna Adams

Always wanted to write a book? Have an idea that just won’t go away? Whether you want to write a nonfiction book, novel or memoir, this three-week class will help you get started. From expanding your idea, to organizing chapters, to finding a publisher, author Deanna Adams will answer your questions and get you ready to write that book! Tips will include how to schedule your time to work on your book, deciding who your audience is, and building your book from proposal to finished manuscript. Only requirement – you must have a concrete book idea. Bring a two-page sample of the idea, or another sample of your writing to class.

$95 for members 

$120 for non-members

What It Takes to Write A Book is offered Tuesdays at The LIT: 2570 Superior Ave, Suite 203 Please contact The Lit at

1-216.694.0000


Please contact the www.PWLGC.com (or call 1-216.694.0000) OR www.Lakelandcc.edu/comeduc/ (or call 1.440/525-7116 or 1-800-589-8520) for current class schedules.

If you are interested in Deanna doing a presentation at your writers' conference, library, school or group function, please email her.

TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING VS. SELF-PUBLISHING: The world of publishing is changing and authors have more options than ever before. But does self-publishing mean losing credibility? This session will explore the pros and cons to help you decide what’s best for you and your book.
 
CREATING SCENES AND USING DIALOGUE No matter what you’re writing, chances are you’ll be using dialogue and creating scenes to bring your reader into the story and keep them through the end. Once you explore this art of storytelling, you'll see how your stories - fiction or nonfiction -can come alive!

Writing about Real People, Places and Things
 
This workshop will include where to find ideas and subjects, how to research your topic and locate sources, piecing it all together (Beginnings, Middles, and Ends) and how to approach an editor for publication.

WRITE YOUR OWN LIFE STORY

 

Do you or a family member have an interesting life story? Want to inspire others, or simply write a keepsake for your children? Local author and award-winning essayist, Deanna Adams, will help you pluck memories from your family’s past, and guide you to document your history in an interesting and publishable fashion. Tips will include how to interview family members, organize chapters, and “write what you know” to produce a story that will intrigue readers, and a book you and your family can be proud of.

*Deanna R. Adams has been published in a variety of newspapers and magazines, such as Ohio Magazine, Northern Ohio Live, The Plain Dealer, and Lake Erie Living. Her first book, "Rock 'n' Roll and the Cleveland Connection," by Kent State University Press, was a finalist for the 2003 ARSC (Association for Recorded Sound Collections) Awards for Excellence and Ohioana Award in the nonfiction category. Her latest book, "Confessions of a Not-So-Good Catholic Girl" is her own life story about growing up in the Midwest, and has received rave reviews. Adams recently received an Ohio Excellence in Journalism Award from the Cleveland Press Club for her Northern Ohio Live essay, "Confessions of a 'Bookie'."

 

Do You Need an Agent?

This is a question all writers ponder sometime in their writing career. Must you obtain an agent before attempting to sell your fiction? Can you get by without one if you’re writing nonfiction? Should you pay a “reading fee” to an agent? This class will cover what you need to know about agents and help you decide if you do, in fact, need one. We’ll cover what an agent can and can’t do for you and where to look for the right one to meet your needs.

Creative Nonfiction

Creative nonfiction is described as using fiction techniques in your nonfiction writing. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular forms of writing, even by newspaper journalists. Learn how to tell a true story in a way that hooks your readers in the first paragraph and takes them on an intriguing journey. This session will spark ideas, and inform you on the markets available. Includes a writing exercise.   

Living the Life of a Writer

How do you become a writer? The first answer is simple. You write! You also should be a voracious reader of all genres. And you need to be where other writers are. The Cleveland area, especially, has a rich, thriving and supportive writing community. Learn where other writers hang out. Discover the many organizations, conferences, and workshops available, and Websites that give helpful tips, suggestions and advice. You’ll have enough information to keep busy for the rest of your writing life.

The Art of the Personal Essay 

A good essay is a personal journey your reader takes with you. But they aren’t as easy to write, as they are to read. Your topic needs to be universal so your reader can relate to your story. Learn how to express your personal thoughts, experiences, and feelings in a way that attracts both editors and readers.  

Researching & Interviewing for the Nonfiction Book 

Your credibility is always on the line when you write nonfiction. In this workshop, learn how to obtain the information you need for your writing project, how to contact experts in the field of your writing and conduct personal interviews that is a key factor in backing up that research. Also included will be tips on scheduling your time and organizing your facts to get the job done. 

Becoming a Freelance Writer 

Freelance writing is a business. So how do you begin? Where do you get ideas? Where do you submit your work? How do you approach an editor? All this will be covered in this class. Learn about queries, tips on editors, publications, and how to tighten up your writing to get it sold. Included is keeping track of your work, staying on task, and keeping a log for tax purposes.

Setting and Meeting - Your Writing Goals 

Norman Vincent Peale said: “The greatest power we have is the power of choice.”

Today you are now living your past choices. The decisions you make today will be your experiences tomorrow. Is being a published writer still a dream rather than a goal? There is a difference. NO more excuses! Today is the first day of the rest of your writing life. Find out the difference between you and successful writers. Then become one. In this class, you will map out a timeline for your short and long-term writing goals, while keeping a progress log. Learn how to realize your passion through time management, and a positive mindset.  

You CAN Find Time to Write 

Don't have time to write? To be a successful writer, you don't have time not to. How can you fit it in? This class will give you pointers and ways to carve hours a week into your writing. Included will be ways to beat writers block to make the most of your writing time, and fun writing prompts to get you writing now!

What Makes a Good Memoir?

You may never have walked on the moon, or saved a life, or won the Nobel Peace Prize, but you can write about your life in a way others will find interesting. Learn about the importance of emotional truth in your story and characters that influenced your life and how to craft it al into a successful memoir.

What It Takes to Write a Book

Whether you want to write a nonfiction book, novel or memoir, this class will aid you in getting started. From expanding your idea, to organizing chapters, to finding a publisher, we will also discuss who your audience is and what goes into the writing of a book. 

Drafting the Nonfiction Book Proposal

Submitting an appealing book proposal is key to getting your nonfiction book published. Learn step-by-step how to put yours together so you can win over the agent or publishing company of your choice.

 

Here’s what some past attendees have to say about Deanna’s classes:

Western Reserve Writers’ Conference 2008

“Deanna’s Keynote was funny and informative.”

“Entertaining - interesting to learn about her background.”

“Very inspiring and down to earth at the same time.”

Workshops:

“100% wonderful!”

“The presentation on the elements of fiction in nonfiction writing was very helpful”

“So much information in just an hour, please extend it!”

“Excellent! Great handouts”

On the Conference Itself:

“It provided many opportunities to meet other writers in a friendly, inviting and warm atmosphere.”

“A good Battery Charge!”

“Enjoyable, inspirational, want to go right home and write!”

From the 17th Annual Western Reserve Spring Writers Conference, 2008:
 
"Good instruction, with practical applications."
"Deanna has tons of information. One hour is never enough with her."
"She tells it like it is, which is both good and bad. New writers will be terrified, though persistent writers will benefit."
"Good - as always!"
"Excellent! - Effective way to teach, using concrete examples and class writing time."

 From the PWLGC Literary Center:

“Very well-organized. I like the way Deanna systematically covered what she wanted to teach us.”

“A class that lives up to its description in the flyer.”

“Knows her stuff and how to present it.”

“Many wonderful suggestions and recommendations.”

“Just what I needed!”

“Presenter spoke from experience, I trusted her opinions.”

“Learned many things I can put into practice immediately.”

“Only complaint – not long enough!”

 From Lakeland Community College:

 “Was well-prepared and helpful”

“Extremely encouraging to the entire class. Enthusiastic”

“Very Knowledgeable about the subject”

“I liked her willingness to help others improve”

“Gave us a lot of information in a short period.”

“Deanna Adams possesses a contagious energy that she translates to her style of teaching.”

“Generous with her examples and suggestions”

  

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