I’m Ann Linquist, freelance writer and online writing instructor. Whether you’re interested in writing fiction, creative nonfiction, or effective business documents, I invite you to explore this site and find out how to reach your writing goals.
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Recent Entries
- You want to write better. You want to write more.
- I Invite You to Have a Dialogue with an Angel
- The Last Line of the Story. How Does it Start?
- Start a Story
- Meaning Absolutely Nothing?
- Not Having a Good Cry
- Another Question for You
- Here’s a Question for You
- You Are a….
- Archetypical Moments
- More Surprises
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Links
Since taking your course I have persued writing my own blog, MsMillieandfriends.com and it has given me a place to talk about my life, things happening in town and all around. Making lots of new friends. Hope to write my own short story.
Great news, Ms Millie. I’m glad to hear your words are still making it onto the page!
I can’t believe it! It really is you! How great is this? And I’ve spent most of my life teaching writing. So nice to see your face. Jill
Ann-
I can’t believe I didn’t try finding you sooner. It was so simple! I took a class from you at Ed2go almost a year ago and what fun came of it! I did get a note to you through them the first time I was published, but have not tried since. I’ve had two essays in the AARP Bulletin on-line and two more in a small country magazine. Another is about to be published in Patchwork Path’s anthology called Dad’s Bowtie, this coming June. Thank you so very much for your encouragement and help. After your class ended, I took another from ED2go, but the instructor did not give the specific help you offered. Truth is, we didn’t mesh too well, either, so I moved on. Now that I’ve found this fascinating site, I will visit often.
Thanks again for getting me started!
Barbara
Hi Barbara! Glad you showed up. There are many chances to write more here. It’s site filled with many ex-students who still enjoy feeling free to write whatever they want. Dive in!
Ann-
Pssst. It’s me, Zelda. I’m over here, hiding behind my computer screen.
I’ve been watching the big kids play with words on your blog for a few days. I want to join the games but hesitate because the other kids play so well.
I know there’s really no reason to be afraid. The kids seem nice. I’m going to give it a try.
Ahem. Hi, everyone. I’m Zelda P. I just completed Ann’s Beginning Writer’s Workshop course.
Mind if I join in?
Hi Zelda! You’ll like everyone here. They’re mostly past students from the class I believe you just finished. Try all the goofing around. Goofing Around-11 is the most active right now. I’m sure you’ll quickly get to know everyone. They’re a feisty and friendly group.
I’m glad you’ve joined us!
Hi Zelda,
I’m new here, too! Ann was my first writing teacher. I took the class you just finished about a year ago and I’ve been having a blast sending stuff out all over. Just found this site a few weeks ago and have been watching and learning, too.
Sabrina..Sabrina…come out, come out, wherever you are.
If you’re looking for a nurturing writing class, I highly recommend Ann’s online BEGINNING WRITER’S WORKSHOP. It’s a safe and easy way to get started and to get lots of writing practice. Did I mention that it’s fun, too? More fun than you’d ever expect in a class.
GOOFING AROUND, here on Ann’s website is lots of fun and a great motivator as well.
Please join in, we’re a welcoming bunch. We know what it’s like to be the new kid–we’ve all been there–and we’ll treat you right.
Hi Ann,
I thought I had taken your class about two years ago, but once I got home and looked it up, it was actually about three and a half years ago! Yikes!Time sure does fly. It was November of 2005… and I have a little confession to make…my twin sister Jackie took it at the same time too. We weren’t sure what to expect and thought it would be fun to do together…and it sure was! I have gone back over the lessons multiple times, I learned so much. I’ve wanted to write anything besides a nurse’s note, but haven’t been able to.
The past few years have been a blur. I got laid off a couple of weeks after that class ended. (You’d think that would have reminded me of how long its been.) And yes, even nurses get laid off if you work for a cheap enough company. LPN’s aren’t as valuble as an RN either.( I tend to tell people that LPN stands for low-paid-nurse.) Regardless, it isn’t difficult for a nurse to find another job, plus I’ve always had two! I ended up in a custody battle with my ex, remarried and moved two times, once after selling my house and then after selling my husbands. (Mine was very small and his was too far from the interstate.) So, needless to say, I’ve been a little distracted and have had such an itch to be able to sit down and pour all my thoughts onto paper.
I was ecstatic to find this site Ann! It looks like such a playground. Thank you for sharing your wonderful abilities with fledgling writers like me.
Ann,
I was delighted to come across your website. I took BWW 2 years ago, and still look back on that time with delight. I learned so much from you. You created an encouraging and comfortable atmosphere in our ‘classroom’.
Welcome aboard! I remember your nickname so it’s great you’ve arrived here. Enjoy clicking around the site. The contributors are nearly all alums of BWW, and I’m sure you’ll come to value their words. They’re a great group, so feel free to post and comment!
Our class on ed2go.com started on July 15th and I am so excited! I expect to learn a lot, not just about writing, but about myself as well. Thanks Ann!
Hey Robert, you won’t be sorry for taking BWW. Ann is a great teacher and you’ll have a blast with the other students. Come join us try and solve Ann’s latest writing prompts.
Ann —
although it’s been several years since I participated in a couple your ed2go classes, I thought you might like to see where my writing lessons have taken me:
http://www.bouncebackcafe.com
Today’s entry (8/5/09) starts with a piece I wrote for your class on which you commented, “This is the black side of the hopeful “from one tiny acorn…” story. ” And then I added another not as refined but much too personal second half.
As always, writing is a work in progress and I see more tweaks I could “fix” but the beauty of blogging is that you need to produce and move
on. Keeps me writing.
Thanks for all the encouragement you offered me in your class — it kept me at it.
Ellie
Ellie,
Welcome! It’s good to hear from you again and wonderful to know that you’re still writing. Feel free to dive into any of the places on this blog and post away! The folks here are all ex-BWW’ers, and so we all share that common bond. Supportive group! I’m sure they will welcome you. –Ann
I hope you won’t mind my hopping over here even though we are only half way through your Ed2go Beginning Writer’s Workshop which, by the way, I am enjoying. I was extra pleased to get a couple of favorable comment from you on my galumphing. I found that to be fun and it fit right in with my background of doing crossword puzzles, acrostics, cryptograms and any other word games including Scrabble. About a year and a half ago I entered a short story writing contest run by our local newspaper. The gimmick was it needed to be exactly 299 words – not 300 and not 298 but 299. Te rules specified that, in addition, it must include the words “otter” and the word “jump”. I had great fun with that and submitted two entries and won 1st prize (which was a $50 gift certificate at a bookstore) and Honorable Mention. I was very pleased that the judges were able to follow my often warped sense of humor. If you would care to see them I have them at my web site and if you’re interested you can read them to by going http://www.oldprof.com/Winner.htm for the winner or http://www.oldprof.com/Alsoran.htm for the Honorable Mention. That was a fun project.
On another subject (You can see I get carried away sometimes) in one of your chats here I accidentally spotted something some lady had written to you where she said, “….once after selling my house and then after selling my husbands.” I thought you either have a terribly illegal action here or a wonderful lesson on how an apostrophe, or lack of, can kill you.
Back to work. I have homework to do.
Old Pro
Old Prof! Glad to see you here. I can tell already you will fit right in. Loved the apostrophe lesson! I hope you’ll stay with us to goof around and see what decides to come out of your fingertips!.
Hi Ann! I just finished your ed2go class that ended 9/14- someone had posted a Yahoo! group they started for us to continue our work, but unfortunately the discussion board is now deleted. Do you happen to have the yahoo group link? If so could you email it to me at rachxo@hotmail.com? Thanks!
Here it is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BWWS2009
Have fun!
Help!
I’m trying to respond to your latest post – ‘I hate words’ and keep getting a 404 message when I click on ‘leave a message’. Is it just me or has something gone awry?
Barbara
Barbara, I deleted it. I posted it last night, and then when I read it this morning, it seemed so very negative.
Should I put it back?
Ann
I read your poem very very early this morning. Later on, I went back to post a comment and it was not there. I sat here thinking, did I dream this poem or was it really there? I thought if it had been a dream, I needed to get in touch with you and tell you what a stunning poem you had written in my dream. It freaked me out. So, I hope you don’t mind if I add my two cents worth here–please put the poem back. I thought it was extraordinary. I can’t speak for anyone else but it hit me right in the soul.
Hi Ann,
I am still walking around quoting Maggie from my story,” New Writer, She Can Call Herself That Now; The Instructor Gave Her Permission!!” Glad to find you here…hoping to put my new laptop to good use. Library was a wonderful source for the books you recommended. Thanks for your help..What fun!
Ann, I would like to ask some brief questions about the suitability of your online class for a 12 year old homeschooler. Would you please contact me at the email address I left with this comment or indicate a (virtual) place where you discuss these questions?
THX
Let’s work on this question right here. I teach three online writing classes: Effective Business Writing, Beginning Writers Workshop, and Writing Essentials. The latter two would work fine for a 12-year-old homeschooler. In fact, I’ve worked with kids as young as 11, and also many who are being homeschooled. Writing Essentials has all self-correcting assignments, so you could be involved as well. It covers word usage, spelling, punctuation, writing good sentences, paragraphing, and more. Beginning Writers Workshop is a creative writing class, and I recommend it if your child enjoys writing and wants to pursue it, either creative nonfiction or fiction. It’s more interactive, since I respond to the assignments submitted, so the child gets my personal attention. Let me know if you have more questions, Ralph. –Ann
Ann, I took your beginner’s writers workshop on line a few years ago. Due to outside world/life/family events I was unable to further down my writing path. I was wondering if it would be OK if I retook the class this month?
Thanks,
Joanie
Sure! Many people take the class more than once. You’re certainly welcome.
Hi Ann,
I just signed up for your ed2go beginner’s writer class (the one that starts on May 18th) and I am so very excited about it. I have longed to write but just don’t know where to start. I hope this gives me the push I need. I wish it was starting today
Thank you,
Vicki
Vicki,
I think you’ll enjoy the class and, while having fun, learn quite a bit. See you there!
Ann, It has been 4 or 5 years since I first took your class online. I see my comments from a few years ago, and they still ring true. Last summer, I took an online class from a well known, published author. She publishes a monthly online magazine, has written many books and promises to make you a better writer. I was so disappointed! She relied heavily on other subscribers to form peer relationships to evaluate and instruct each other on their work-it was quite misleading. It has taken almost a year for me to find the courage to write again, she was pretty hurtful. I say this all, not to complain, but to say thank you again for the encouragement and lessons you provided in your class-still powerful, even several years later!
I remember you! Thanks for the good comments. I think many authors are looking for extra income by teaching online. I suspect many of them underestimate the amount of time it takes to do a good job of it. I have found it to be irresistably fun and rewarding. I’m still at it! If you want to take the class again, you won’t be the first person to do so! –Ann
Ann, I had a question for you but wasn’t sure where the appropriate place to ask it was. I am currently taking your “Beginning Writers Workshop” and had a question regarding your comments on there. Where should I ask this question?
Thank you,
Vicki
Vicki,
I’d put your question in a new post in the discussion area. Thanks! –Ann
Ann,
Forgot to mention that the Chicken Soup book, My Dog’s Life, is out! Please give it a look next time you’re in the book store. My story is Mending Hearts. Read bio in back, too.
Thanks!
Barbara
Ann,
How can I contact you regarding giving a writing class for teens at the library? Thanks! Nichole King
Hello Nichole,
Thanks for the note. I no longer do workshops in person, but I do have three very good online writing classes: Beginning Writers Workshop (creative writing), Effective Business Writing, and Writing Essentials (a back to basics review of punctuation, word usage, spelling, writing sentences, paragraphing). You can check these out at ed2go.com. They are all available through an educational institution near you! I’ve worked with students ranging in age from 11 to 96 so far. Take a look! –Ann
Ann,
Thanks for the BWW. I am aware that each critique is a learning opportunity, so I will pay attention to what you offered on my 500-word piece. There is always room for improvement, and yes, I will……keep going! And I’m glad to have found you here.
Martha
Ann,
I just finished your BWW and thank you so much for the safe and encouraging space you provided. Following this link is the next step for me since I want to keep on writing and to stay connected to someone I trust. I looked at the other courses that are being offered at ed2go and realized what I had started in y(our) class would be more satisfying than starting with something new. I think this space will provide me with the added support and encouragement I want.
I am pretty excited about this. Thanks for being out there.
em
Yes! I’m here. It’s good of you to stop by. I hope you’ll explore the blog and find some writing challenges you want to try. I tend to post a couple of new ones each month. You’ll have fun here because everyone is an ex-Beginning Writers Workshop student. Your peers! I’m glad you’ve joined us.
Mrs. Linquist, Is it too late for your Effective Business Writing Course that started yesterday?
thanks
Jason Stephens
It’s definitely not too late. Feel free to sign up and start Lesson 1. I’ll keep an eye out for you! –Ann
Ann, I took your great course a few years ago. I kept all the course material on my computer and then lent the computer to someone who deleted my entire hard drive! I have been trying to purchase the course material again (without taking the course again, I do have proof) but I was told that I could not. Is there any way I can purchase the material alone? I thank you for your help!
Virginia,
Maybe someone here will email you a copy they have. There isn’t a way I know of to get the material otherwise.
Thank you so much for your help! I’ll try your advice! Virginia
Anne i took one of your courses before Christmas and enjoyed it very much. I will be taking more of your courses in the near future.
I’m glad to see you here, Marion! I hope you’ll try some of the challenges here. Welcome! –Ann
Ann I plan on taking your writing essentials cours this month. I think it is just what i need at this point in my writing. See you there.
Sounds good. It’s always good to get an indepth review of all the basic skills. I’ll keep an eye out for you!
Hello Ann,
I took one of your courses, and now I want to see if there is a possibility that you could do a virtual seminar (conference call, ppt presentation) for my employees. Please let me know if we can discuss this request.
Edgar,
I am not currently taking any jobs teaching other than my three online courses through ed2go.com. I encourage you to enroll your employees in my courses. They will get more indepth learning because I’ll be guiding them in a one-on-one relationship. It’s like having a personal writing coach. It’s also quite inexpensive. Check the ed2go website. I teach three online courses: Effective Business Writing, Writing Essentials, and Beginning Writers Workshop. I’d be delighted to help each one you enroll!
Thanks for asking. I appreciate the compliment! –Ann
I am contemplating taking my first ‘writing’ class since high school over thirty years ago. Having a shoebox filled with ideas handwritten on scraps of paper, envelopes and even napkins, I researched both your Writing Essentials and Beginning Writers Workshop courses. Both seem to be great choices. Which one would you recommend I take?
I’d take Beginning Writers Workshop first. Then if you feel you need a review of basic language skills like word usage, punctuation, spelling, sentence writing, paragraphing, and more, then take Writing Essentials. I think Beginning Writers Workshop will get you energized. Try it!
Hi Ann,
Abby here from your recent/beginners writing class I am taking Writing Essentials with you next. I am anxious to work with you on my writing skills, that is if I have any.
Hey Anne,
Fred from BWW finished 3-19. Looking forward to Writing Essentials. Oswego Pekin says hello.
Fred! Good to hear from you. I’m glad you’ve joined us. There are many writing challenges here. There is one called “Naming” where our pal Oswego Pekin has shown up all on his own. I hope you’ll go find him!
x
I’ll do that. Thanks. The website seems to accept my input now. HMM.
This is a very bright, articulate group. I’m a little intimidated.
Don’t worry. It’s just a bunch of folks who like to write and see what comes out. Sometimes the magic works; sometimes it doesn’t. You’ll be fine.
Hi, I just stopped in to say hello. I’m currently enrolled in the BWW course and I find it to be good clean fun; no drunks, bullies or stalkers like my old school.
I just stopped in to say hello.
Are you Waldo?
I am.
Hi Dan!
No stalkers here either! Feel free to try some of the writing challenges here. I’ll be posting a new one soon. My muse is hiding under the printer.
Dear Ann,
When I was young I enjoyed writing and I have always been a book worm as far back as I can remember. I made failing grades in English Comp really because it didnt interest me. Whenever I was testing on a subject of interest from a history book or wherever I could ace the test. During that time I wrote a short story that I won 1st place with.
Now years have passed, I have a good job that pays well and I am struggling with a desire to write inside. Many times through the years my mind have been inspired with many ideas. I keep having ideas and scenes come to my mind about a fiction story that has recently come to my mind. I am just struggling inside with what to do with all this. I have a great job in a hospital with excellent long-term potential but I’m not sure if my heart is really there. I was thinking of taking the U of L Ed2Go Course “Beginning Writer’s Workshop” that you teach.
I wouldn’t mind writing some weekly article’s for newspapers but I also have a desire to write Children’s Books and other creative writing. I realize I need to “brush up” on my grammar, I never was too good at that. Wilson Rawl’s who wrote “Where the Red Fern Grow’s” also had poor grammar and he was shy about showing anyone the things he had written.
So Ann, what to you think about my situation?
Sincerely,
L.M. Cox
I would sign up for the Beginning Writers Workshop course. A new session begins in mid-May. This class will give you an opportunity to not only explore how writing might fit into your life but also learn more about writing. I will look forward to working with you. –Ann
L.M., I just finished the BWW. You will love Ann’s teaching style and the class interaction. You will write better, and you’ll get more out of your reading, a bonus. I’m actually considering taking the course again sometime in the future. (I know what you’re thinking…of course in the future dumbo, it would be difficult to take the course again in the past…) Good luck and have fun.
Ann, I was purging some 300 pieces of spam from one of my e-mail accounts and just as I hit delete, I thought I saw “Ann Linquist Writes.” Did you send me an e-mail?
I don’t think so. But while I’m at it, HI! —– Original Message —–
I received an email too. It’s still ‘sitting’ there. I didn’t know what to do with it. (Even Computers For Dummies makes no sense to me!)
Apparently this site started sending e-mail notices when. Someone posted to your site. It has stopped. And HI back at ya.