That headline isn’t a command, but rather an announcement about the personal project I’ve hinted at lately.

Now it can be revealed. The project is an online course called Write A Blog People Will Read, and it’s available starting today because I just couldn’t resist a Friday the 13th launch date.

The above link is to the course’s website, but don’t click it just yet if you’re interested in taking the course. I’m offering a short-term deal of 20 percent off to my loyal readers. Were you to click on the link above, you’d pay retail – and you know how I feel about that sort of thing.

 

The class resulted mostly from having spoken at a bunch of writing conferences over the past six years. After each presentation I’ve been asked (in person or later via e-mail) some version of the question, “How can I improve as a writer?”

Then again, people have been asking me for writing tips for years. A lot of years: I have been making a living as a writer since 1984, and I freelanced for a couple of years before that.

That’s why I decided to make my advice official.

 

What the experts say

I’ve sent the material out for review. Here’s some of the feedback:  

“If you want to be a writer, take this course. (Donna) knows how to tell a story. She also knows about reporting, interviewing, generating ideas, developing a voice, organizing your time, and balancing your day job with your personal passion. ‘Write A Blog People Will Read’ can teach you how to craft an irresistible tale and also offers valuable info on how to create a writing life that meshes with your real one.“ (Liz Weston, AskLizWeston.com)

“Donna Freedman is one of the best writers in the blogosphere, and a great measure of Wise Bread’s success is due to her tutelage and insight. Her wonderful writing course offers unique tips for bloggers in every genre. ‘Write A Blog People Will Read’ is required reading for anyone interested in taking their blogging to the next level.” (Will Chen, Killer Aces Media)

“One of the most challenging parts of blogging is coming up with fresh ways to share ideas with readers. Donna’s inspiring tips for projecting personality – while maintaining professionalism – are tools that bloggers at all levels can use every day. (Unlike) many other ‘experts’ with courses, she has years of success in an ever-changing industry with which to teach others. Learning to adapt is key, and Donna embraces change while never compromising on her values.” (Linsey Knerl, Knerl Family Media)

“Don’t waste your time creating the wrong type of content. (Donna) goes the extra mile to teach you exactly how to create engaging content that is going to keep your readers coming back. As a bonus, she provides some solid strategies for sticking with it. New and experienced bloggers can both benefit from Donna’s advice.” (Phil Taylor, PT Money and founder, Financial Blogger Conference)

Yep, I was flattered. And humbled.

The cost of the 12-part program is $147. If that sounds like a lot, know this: It sounded like a lot to me, too, until several other bloggers set me straight.

I’ve got three decades’ worth of experience, the last eight of them in Internet journalism and blogging. That’s worth something – and $147 is considerably lower than the cost of a writing class at a university of even a community college.

 

About that discount…

From now until 11:59 PST Tuesday, March 31, I will give readers a discount of 20 percent if they order directly from me. Here’s how to do that:

• Send a note to SurvivingAndThriving (at) live (dot) com. Tell me what you want your user name to be (please make it short) and to which e-mail address the name and sign-on should be sent.
• I’ll send an invoice via PayPal.
• Once the invoice is paid, watch your e-mail for an e-mail giving you instructions for signing on to the course.
• Don’t have PayPal but still want to take the course? E-mail me for instructions about sending a check or money order.

[Edited to add: Obviously this discount is kaput! But if you found this article and want to take the course, e-mail me at the above address and ask for a price break.]

You complete the work at your own pace, vs. being held to a schedule. Although there’s an assignment for each lesson, it’s not the kind you turn in for credit. Except in the abstract: This homework will result in something you can publish or in some modification/improvement to your work habits.

I would love to get feedback on how the lessons affected your writing life and/or topics you’d like to see addressed in future courses.

Or, maybe, on my new blog. Yes, another one: I have started a writing-focused blog on the WABPWR website. Everyone is invited to weigh in on this new venture, because I like to get conversations going.

Surviving and Thriving will continue because it’s my playground for words and because I appreciate the readership – and the conversations! – that have developed here. But I do hope you’ll check out the writing blog, even if you’re not planning to become a writer yourself. It’s likely that I’ll also do think pieces or inspirational/personal development articles on that site.

Thanks to all who sent good wishes for this project, even though you didn’t know what it was.