KILLER INSTINCTS -- 2008 July

Cheryl: Is there anything you'd like to add to the course description?

Jacqui: I'm hoping this class will be a lot of fun!! The course material is taken from a wonderful television series that was created by a man who could teach a thing or two to just about anyone. I have never claimed to be an expert in my field and I know that even as a teacher, I have a lot to learn. Preparing for this class has been a wonderful experience ... and like I said ... a lot of fun, too. Who can possibly complain that they have to hang out with Malcolm Reynolds** and Simon Tam** and Wash** for work?!

Cheryl: How will multi-published authors benefit from taking your course?

Jacqui: I don't distinguish between pubbed and unpubbed when I am teaching a class such as this. Though we will delve into basic aspects of novel writing such as dialogue and character motivation, I think that by learning from a writer like Joss Whedon, there is something for everyone.

I am presenting the material, however the real teacher of this class is Joss Whedon. Though he is most famous for his Buffy and Angel series, Firefly was his pet project, his baby. This series contained both heart and soul. It's characters were as alive as anyone you might sit next to at your next conference. There are lessons in this show, basic writing lessons. I think this would benefit anyone, regardless of their position in the publishing industry. Because when we get to the point where we say "Hey, I have arrived, I am the master ..." then that is the day we stop leanings and stop growing ... Unless, of course ... you are Stephen King. If you are Stephen King and you are meeting Joss Whedon, then you might be reduced to arm wrestling to see who could teach who .

Cheryl: Have you given a course like this and learned of someone's success who's taken it?

Jacqui:: Two Words: Joss and Whedon. To put it simply, the man is a creative genius. He can delve into the personalities of his characters and bring them to the screen like no one else. He is the Rod Serling of our generation. To be able to look at his work and study it as a class rather then as mere entertainment is an amazing opportunity. I was very pleased he felt I would be able to present his material and do it justice.

Cheryl: What do you hope students will take away from your course?

Jacqui: RWA Members love Joss Whedon. I discovered this at the 2006 Atlanta National Conference. On my off hours I was wearing my "Joss Whedon is My Master Now ..." T-Shirt. I cannot remember how many times I was stopped by people who wanted to talk about Joss and Firefly. There is a love for this show and these characters among RWA members that goes beyond mere fandom. I think by taking this class, by really looking into what it was Joss accomplished with this show, I think participants of this class will get a better understanding of some basic concepts that make up our novels as seen through the eyes of a man who created a show they love. In addition, I think it will just be a lot of fun!!

Cheryl: Stepping away from the course now, tell us a little about yourself. What kind of suspense do you like to read?

Jacqui: It's summer break for me. I'm off from school until August so I am getting the chance to catch up on my reading. And I am behind on my reading. I belong to a Book Club (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/openthebooks/) that I started and promote off my web page and I am months behind everyone else. It was that whole concept of working full time and going to school part time, I think. So I am currently reading Slaughter House Five to catch up. In addition, I am rereading Brenda Novak's Stillwater Series (I highly recommend this!!) and I am starting Roxanne St, Claire's Bullet Catcher's Series and Allison Brennan's Prison Break Trilogy.

Cheryl: Thanks, Jacqui! See you in July online.

Jacqui: You are welcome!!

Cheryl Wyatt

** Firefly characters

$15 Members

$30 Non-Members

Questions? Contact Sally Morrison