English Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics

Before I started a career in education, I worked for various businesses.  I remember receiving e-mails, memos, and other documents that, unfortunately, had grammar errors and misspelled words.  Depending on the workplace, I was asked to proofread reports and brochures, because my employer knew I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

As a result, I decided to go back to school and earn a teaching credential.  I figured I could teach English and help make a difference.  I wanted to assist people in becoming better verbal and written communicators.

Now I am teaching the course English Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics online for anyone to take.  You can be anywhere in the world and enroll in my class.  The course is for people who are learning the English language and individuals interested in improving their grammar.  I am also recommending the course to students taking a composition class.

For more information and to enroll visit:  https://www.udemy.com/english-grammar-usage-and-mechanics.

Creative Writing: The Mystery, Suspense, Crime Story

I am teaching Creative Writing: The Mystery, Suspense, Crime Story on the Udemy Web site. The course is intended for beginning mystery-suspense-crime writers, literature students, and writers interested in writing thrillers.  In the class I show the creative writing process (plot structure) and how to maintain awareness of the genres of mystery, suspense, and/or crime.

I teach students how to get started by planning the story with an outline and a treatment. During the course, students will write either a novel, teleplay, or screenplay. Since I have written all three, I include instruction for the different formats: novel, teleplay, and screenplay.

When writing a story, research is important and I share the research process I utilized for my crime-drama screenplay, THE TWO SISTERS, which is an independent film I also produced and directed, receiving Best Screenplay award nominations from film festivals.  Overall, the course is for people who enjoy mystery, suspense and crime, and individuals who want to learn the story writing process. For more information and to enroll visit https://www.udemy.com/creative-writing-the-mystery-suspense-crime-story/.

Update for June 2009

I am happy it is Summer Break-time. Although it is still Spring, school is out for Summer. This is the time of year when I take a break from teaching and spend more time writing. I currently have a few projects in front of me, and want to share them with you.

To begin, last summer I wrote a screenplay titled, AFRAID FOR YOUR LIFE, and am in development for it right now. What that means is I, as director and producer, am figuring out how much the budget will be and contacting key talent (cast and crew) who I think will be suitable for the film. So far things are moving along well, and some very talented people are ready to be a part of it.

Second, I am writing another script for a project I am looking forward to doing with two other filmmakers. I do not have many details to share, but wanted to let you know this is something I am working on right now. Third, I have started two other scripts–one is a mystery and the other is a drama–and hoping I have time to complete them in the near future.

Lastly, I am still writing my column for Hollywood Scriptwriter magazine (http://www.hollywoodscriptwriter.com). Our next issue will be available (via online subscription) in July. And, of course, I am taking time out for fun.