Even though the website has a wealth of information, I always like to know more. The Directors of The Fifth Semester were kind enough to answer all of my questions, and I'm passing this information on to you. Check out the website, read the questions and answers below, and if you want more information, email them today.I'm going to put my disclaimer right here: I have no financial interest in this program whatsoever. My interest is in good writing. Many writers want help; they need help. I have worked with three of the five faculty members listed for The Fifth Semester and can honestly say without them, I would not be where I am now--and I'm in a good place.
Sure, Craig Childs made me eat a rock, but it did make that chapter sing!
IS THIS ONLY FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE AN MFA?
No not at all. It’s
really for anyone who has a book idea, a few chapters or manuscript that
they have always wanted to work on but don’t know where to go next.
It’s for dreamers and do-ers and writers who
are serious about giving the writing dream a real go. People who
appreciated a well-organized program that doesn’t waste their time or
money.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A MANUSCRIPT IN HAND WHEN I DO THIS, OR CAN I WRITE ONE IN THE FOUR MONTHS?
The program adapts
to wherever a writer is on the path to publishing. If you come to us
with an idea, we’ll talk about how to make that idea a book and then put
you in front of publishing professionals to get
their take on it. If you come with a full manuscript, we will help you
put the finishing polish on it, set it up for the query and pitch, and
then give you time with editors and agents to hear their honest
thoughts. Fifth Semester instructors have already
successfully navigated this landscape and are doing it themselves,
every day, as they continue to publish.
 |
| Ann Wertz Garvin |
WILL YOU CODDLE ME ALL THE WAY?
Ann was given a great
compliment about her teaching recently by a former student who said,
“You don’t pamper but you’re not a bitch either. You support and
encourage and then step in when needed.” This is exactly
how we teach at The Fifth Semester.
We’re writers, so we
know how personal writing can be. But we’re writers, so we also know
what it takes to win over agents, editors, and readers. We’ll walk this
very fine line with your project, and in doing
so, give you the best value for your money and best shot at
publication.
THAT’S A LOT OF MONEY. CAN YOU GUARANTEE SOMEONE WILL PUBLISH MY BOOK?
What is it that Clint
Eastwood once said — If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster? All kidding
aside, some students will find agents and editors interested in their
work (check out the Feathers
in Our Cap for a few examples). But publishing is a wild and fickle
business, and we can’t guarantee representation. What we can guarantee
is this: we will work our absolute hardest to help make your manuscript
as attractive as possible to agents and editors, and when it’s all over, you’ll have information,
understanding, and the inside track on publishing. You will meet
publishing professionals and have real conversations with them that are
not limited to pitching your work in a 5-minute “speed dating”
set-up. That’s a combination you can’t get from a book editor or
conference alone.
WHAT KIND OF ‘WORKSHOPS’ ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
We will have writing
workshops that focus on the craft of prose, plot, and point of view
presented in such a way that even authors who come in strong on these
aspects will become stronger writers. We love talking
about description, conflict, emotion, and even, at times, humor. At the
second residency we will discuss platform, promotion, social media, and
the business of writing. And, some of the best fun comes when we help
authors craft their query, build their agent
list and practice pitching.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE AT EACH RESIDENCY?
Student numbers will vary. Depending on lodging and instructor availability we may have as few as eight or as many as twenty.
IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE? SCHOLARSHIPS? FINANCIAL AID?
Students can put a
(non-refundable) $500 down to hold a spot, with the balance due on the
first of the month BEFORE their chosen semester begins (for example: if a
particular semester begins on August 4th, payment
in full is due by July 1st). We are working to find a source of
scholarships. That is our next plan!
IS FOOD INCLUDED IN THE RESIDENCY FEE?
It’s probably easier to talk about what isn’t included
in the $3,980. Residency fees include all lodging for both the Chicago and NYC
long weekends, as well as a light breakfast, catered lunch, and a hor
d’overes and wine reception each night at both residencies. We want
people to have free time at night to eat together or apart from the
group, and if they’d like, to try out the local dining
scene. There are restaurants near both residency locations for easy
take-out or eating in, and public transportation abounds.
WHAT GENRE/GENRES DO YOU WORK WITH? OR PREFER?
Our instructors have
taught and published across genres. If you have a project in a genre or
sub-genre that we aren’t as familiar with, we’ll get an instructor on
board who is.
I WANT TO SELF PUBLISH. IS THIS STILL FOR ME?
Yes! Self-publishing
requires all of the same things as traditional publishing: a great
story, flawlessly-told, and the ability to both understand book
publicity and execute a marketing plan.
COFFEE OR TEA?
What, no wine? What do
you have against wine? Seriously, though, we’ll provide all of the
glass-worthy things a writer might need to write. And snacks, to boot.
CAN I BRING MY WIFE? KID? DOG?
No. We’re sure they’re
lovely, but no. This is your time for you to focus on writing. Your
time. Out there is their time. (Goonies reference, anyone?)
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