All times are eastern (New Jersey) – 2 Hours in most cases
Register at the links below.

https://buy.stripe.com/6oUeVca2ngZT0AM5PmdEs01

Self-Publishing Basics
Saturday, March 28 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET via Zoom ($40)

Have a manuscript you’d like to publish but you’re not sure how? This 2 hour workshop covers the basics of turning your book into a product page, from cover design to formatting. It has an emphasis on KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) but covers aspect of DIY publishing for any platform. Limited to 10 participants via Zoom.

https://buy.stripe.com/9B628q6QbgZTbfq0v2dEs02

Fiction Writing Essentials
Saturday, April 4 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET via Zoom ($40)

Have you wondered where story ideas come from? Or how to take an idea and turn it into fiction? What do you do when you get stuck? How are some of the ways we can keep ourselves going from the whisper of an idea to a full-fledged short story or novel? Learn structure, outlining, narrative, point of view, and more, as you become what you want to be, or what you already are: a writer. Yes, you can!

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“I’ve been working with Mark on my autobiography for several months. He is insightful, talented, and a wonderful asset in bringing my life’s story to the page. He made it possible and pleasant. And fun!” – K.C.

Fiction Writing Essentials: A 2-Hour Workshop

“5 Stars for an informative, and inspiring online workshop given by Mark McNease. The well organized 2 hour workshop provided just the right amount of content to help writers begin their creative path.  As an author of three books I found this course provided new insights into the craft of writing as well as reinforced others that needed a refresh.” – Robert M.

“Well done …! I’m really impressed with your knowledge and experience; you have a lot of credibility when you talk about this subject. And reminding people that you’re sharing from your experience (e.g., know your ending is “my approach”) validates folks who might have a different approach.” – Stephen D.

“Level up your writing game! I recently took this workshop and transformed my skills. McNease is a pro – always as an author I’ve long enjoyed, and now as an instructor. His knowledge and passion for writing are infectious.” – Rick R.

“I’m just beginning to dabble in fiction writing, so I was nervous about participating in Mark’s workshop, worried that I would not belong among more-experienced writers. It turns out that I had nothing to worry about! … I was warmly welcomed and encouraged by Mark and the other participants. Mark’s workshop was logically organized, well-paced, and packed with useful information.” – Amanda M.

Guided Autobiography: A 2-Hour Introductory Workshop

“I had a blast! Mr. McNease’s workshop was a revelation. His ability to quickly break through writer’s inhibition and get you to simply write is refreshing.  He quickly set my mind at ease! Highly recommend him.” – Al

“I thoroughly enjoyed your workshop for Guided Autobiography. The exercises were fun, and I enjoyed sharing with others in the group. I came away feeling less daunted about this sort of writing. It does not have to be a huge work. It can be fun and entertaining, a way to tell stories about life, that in the telling may unearth new thoughts and perspectives.” – Val

From Chuck Wendig’s blog. He’s a best selling horror author who lives somewhere near Doylestown, PA.

“It’s never precisely easy to be a writer – professional or otherwise. I mean, it’s easy in the sense of, hey, anybody can open a word processor and start (fiercely or methodically) putting a story down on the page, one mad word at a time. But it’s also quite hard: you have to reckon with a difficult industry, a lack of respect and recognition from the non-writers in your life, a schedule that surely isn’t conducive, a dearth of proper places to actually sit down and make the words happen, and so forth. Writing always, always feels like an act that vacillates wildly between the Herculean and the Sisyphean – always difficult, sometimes triumphant, sometimes you’re pancaked by the boulder you’ve been shoving up the hill for days, weeks, months, years …

I want you to tell those stories. Your stories. The ones that matter most to you — not the ones that feed machines, not the ones that feed companies, but the ones that feed you, and by proxy, the audience beyond you.”

Chuck Wendig

Two years of workshops, one solid book

This has been a goal of mine for the last six months, and it’s out for 2026. You can get the ebook on Amazon ($8.95), various other online retaliers, or directly from me for a $2 discount ($6.96 – epub and PDF).

The paperback edition is available on Amazon,  coming soon on IngramSpark, and will be available to bookstores and retailers everywhere.

About ‘Blank Page to Bookshelf’

Blank Page to Book Shelf: From First Sentence to First Sale: Fiction Writing, Character Creation, and Self-Publishing Basics brings together the core lessons from author and workshop instructor Mark McNease’s writing workshops, distilled into a single, accessible volume for aspiring and emerging writers.

Guiding readers from initial idea through character creation, plotting, revision, and self-publishing, the book emphasizes practical steps and realistic expectations. It demystifies both the creative process and the mechanics of self-publishing, helping writers move from concept to completed book.

Suitable for individual writers, writing groups, and creative workshops, this how-to guide blends craft instruction with actionable publishing guidance.

A clear, encouraging roadmap for turning a blank page into a finished book.

Start the year with new thrills in this BookFunnel giveaway featuring mystery maestros Marshall Thornton, Garrett Hutson, Victor Dain, Delilah Knight and more. This giveaway runs from January 1 – 15 only, so surf over and download these chillers packed with secrets, suspense, and bold voices you’ll want to hear again and again.

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE

Which Resolutions, If Any, Fit You for 2026? Multiple Answers Allowed

• No more news/politics than I need to stay informed
• Simplify everything: fewer commitments, less clutter, real and imagined
• Say yes to joy, fun, laughter and creativity
• Take better care of myself, mentally and physically
• Stay open to new experiences, projects, trips, habits and perspective
• I don’t make resolutions
• Name your own in the comments
• What other resolution(s) would you make for 2026?