Craft books. Conferences. Seminars. Workshops. Webinars. The answers on how to write a book are out there, but in a million different places, and sifting through the information to find the essential bits takes so much time. Time you probably don’t have.

We’ve been there. And we decided there had to be a better way. So, we created one: The 5^th Semester. Next month we’re thrilled to be offering a fully virtual residency where we help anyone take their book from inspiration to publication.

What all did we put in this magical program, you might ask? Pretty much everything we wish we’d have had at our fingertips when we were starting out:

• A way to develop your premise, your “what if,” that will sustain a whole book, from beginning to middle to end.
• A step-by-step system to develop and structure your story, so that when you sit down to write the first page, you know exactly where you need to go.
• Small, intimate cohorts that allow us to help you go to school on your project, and foster a writing community lasts long after the residency itself.
• Monthly support as you write – both encouragement and check-ins to make sure your book stays on track
• Up-to-date publishing know-how – we show you how to develop a query strategy and submission materials, and host roundtable with publishing professionals where you’ll also receive agent feedback on your story.

All of this, from instructors who are not only authors, but also tenured university and MFA writing professors.

We’re really proud of this program because IT WORKS – just this year, four of our past students have landed book deals with major publishers – and Drexel University’s MFA program has hired us to teach our system to their cohorts.

So, if you’re ready to #WriteTheDamnBook, join us at our virtual residency and use the code UNBOXED for 10% off.

And if you’re not ready yet, that’s okay, too! You can stay up to date with what’s going on with The 5^th Semester – from musings to new courses and special offers – by signing up for our very occasional newsletter.

Waisted tells the story of two women who torture themselves over the number on the scale, and are brutalized by others around weight issues. What's it like to have the scale be the scariest thing in the house? And why is that more true for women than for men?   Those were my initial questions when I set out to write Waisted. I wanted to write (and read) a novel based on "What if a woman's desire to be thin overrides everything else in her life?" — all ranges of women from every … [Read more...]

The Odyssey Writing Workshop One of the top workshops in the world for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror Held at Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH June 1-July 10, 2020 Only 15 students. The most intense learning experience you'll ever have. Application deadline:  April 1 Six weeks of directed study with Jeanne Cavelos, former senior editor at Bantam Doubleday Dell, bestselling author, and winner of the World Fantasy Award Guest Lecturers:  Brandon Sanderson * J. G. … [Read more...]

Donald Maass and Lorin Oberweger invite you to apply to work directly with them during a two-year program designed to bring your novel from idea to finished and revised draft, with a view toward big five publication. Participants will be encouraged and held accountable for making real progress, while also receiving guidance in making the best—and boldest—choices for your book. This innovative program offers: Four in-person residencies in upscale accommodations, meant to create a … [Read more...]