My purpose is to teach people to write from their own personalities and with their own style or voice. Too many try to copy successful writers, and I read a lot of purple prose in the first edits. It's exciting to realize that even within the span of one day, writers make significant progress.

This is how the One-day Intensives work.

To attend, every writer must have a laptop with a USB port and be able to use Microsoft Word. You must be present for dinner on Friday evening (5:30) and remain through the closing at 4:00 on Saturday.

The tuition is $200. The fee includes the evening meal on Friday and lunch on Saturday. I can suggest a nearby motel if needed.

Once you pay your tuition fee, you are registered.

Anytime after July 22, 2008, you may send me the first five pages of your manuscript. I will edit and return it. I promise at least one edit before the one-day intensive but not more than three. You may send fiction and nonfiction (anything except poetry and picture books). Please send your manuscripts as attachments to cec_haraka@msn.com.

When I believe you've mastered the first five pages, I'll tell you to move on to the next five. (If you are working on a book manuscript, the cover page does no count as a page.)

As soon as you are registered, I will send you two attachments. (1) How to use the Comment Boxes and (2) How to format manuscripts for publication so they look professional and editor-ready.

When I edit, I use Word Comment Boxes. I don't change your material but I offer you suggestions for you to change or rewrite. I want to respect your writing voice and style.

When you return your manuscript for the next edit, please remove all my comments so I can see the manuscript as if for the first time.

On Friday evening, after we eat dinner and get acquainted, I will explain the process, answer any questions, and provide a list of common problems I've observed from the entire group.

We start at 9:00 Saturday morning. You will work on your manuscripts throughout the day and I'll be available to work with you individually until the end of the day.