One-day Intensives: How It Works.

The purpose of Cec’s One-day Intensives is to teach people to write from their own personalities and with their own style. Even within the span of a few days, writers can make significant progress.

To attend, every writer must have a laptop with a USB port. They must also be able to use Microsoft Word. Anyone who signs up must be present for the entire 24-hour period.

The tuition is $300. The fee includes the evening meal and lunch the next day. The host will suggest a nearby hotel if needed.

Once you pay your tuition fee, you are registered.

After registration, the host will send you the following attachments: (1) How It Works (2) Comment Boxes (3) Manuscript Preparation, and (4) Progressive Tense.

One month before the clinic, writers may send Cec the first five pages of their manuscript by attachment on the Internet. Cec will work on the manuscripts and return them. Once he receives a manuscript, he will confirm the receipt. If writers haven't received a confirmation within 24 hours, they should send it again. Once Cec has acknowledged receipt, he will attempt to work on it within 48 hours. If writers have not received the edited version within 72, they should query him. Please send emails to: c.murphey@comcast.net. (Please note the spelling of his surname.)

 He promises at least one edit before the clinic but not more than three. Participants may write fiction or nonfiction (anything except poetry and picture books).

When they return their manuscript for the next editing, they remove all of Cec’s comments so he can see the manuscript as if for the first time. When he believes they’ve mastered the first five pages, he tells them to move on.

At the One-day Intensive, Cec will bring a copy of all manuscripts and a list of common problems. After the clinic, members have two weeks in which to send their manuscripts for one additional edit.

The tuition is $300 if paid at least one month before the clinic. After that, the cost is $350. For those who need to drop out before the One-day Intensive, they will receive a full refund if they have not already received critiques. If their work has been edited at least once, they will receive a $200 refund.

At the evening meeting, usually about 5:30, everyone eats dinner together and gets acquainted. Cec explains the process, answers any questions, and provides a handout of common problems of the entire group. He will explain each of them and show examples from the manuscripts.

Everyone will download all manuscripts on their flash drives. He encourages members to look at (and learn from) the edits on others' manuscripts.

Beginning at 8:45 the next day, members work independently until about 3:15. Cec makes himself available throughout the day for private consultations and questions. He will receive manuscripts during the day and will try to edit them before the day is over.

Cec holds a closing ceremony from 3:15 to 4:00.

At 4:00, the One-day Intensive is over.