About Us
[ About Dianne ] [ About Lois ]
WHAT PARTICIPANTS AND ASSOCIATES SAY:
DIANNE: (Fiction & Nonfiction)
Dianne Despain changed my life. That's what I always say! My husband knows her on a first name basis because I talk about her so much, even two years after having taken her class. I had been attending writers’ conferences for twenty years, working up my nerve to write a novel and actually wrote a romantic suspense. I finally joined RWA® and signed up for my first online class: Beginning Romance with Dianne Despain. She led us through all of the basics, encouraged us, and covered every aspect of the craft in a non-intimidating manner. I still refer to her notes very often as I write. Dianne is a gifted, patient teacher and one whose credits are indisputable. All you have to do is read one of her many wonderful books to see example after example of her lessons in action. -- Nia Fishler
"JJ DeSpain knows her way around the wide world of magazines. She's successful because she understands what editors are looking for and delivers - - and then some." -- Karen English, Senior Editor, Tomorrow
"If you want your work published, heed JJ DeSpain's advice. She's a talented wordsmith with great ideas. Not only does she tackle a topic with consummate skill, she markets her wares with true professionalism." -- Pamela Cottrell, Editor-in-Chief, Oxygen
“It was my first contest and I had no clue what I was doing. If Dianne Despain hadn't encouraged me about my voice, I probably would have quit. Dianne took the time to say that, yes, a few things needed work, but also that I had a very strong voice...that the things that needed fixing were easy. It's probably the reason I sold that article to American Libraries Magazine” -- Chrystina Martinez
"Ms. Drake gives her characters’ personality and innate human flaws, really bringing them to life for her readers." -- Coffee Time Romance
I consider Dianne Despain my mentor. Kind and generous with her advice and her time, Dianne has shown me the difference between average and exceptional when it comes to my writing. I also followed in her footsteps when I became the coordinator of the Daphne. Year after year, the scoresheets she created to surround the craft of writing help us iron out Daphne finalists and winners. Congratulations to beginning writers who start their writing careers on such firm footing. -- Donnell Ann Bell
"Amazing, how much I learned in just 10 classes, and although I read several
books on self-editing and numerous articles on how to create a query
letter/synopsis, your course is priceless. I made a rewrite of my query
letter and synopsis based on what I have learned from you."-- Marina Osipova
"Thanks for your timely class. I meant to submit my manuscript just before
your class started, but now have taken your lessons and completely re-written the first two chapters. They are more of everything...a good 'hook', a more timely 'meet' between my hero and heroine, and I cut about 1,000 words! I can't wait to finish the rest of this ms and get to the next. My work is "SO" much better and I got a request for three chapters from Harlequin Mills & Boon recently after re-editing using your course!" -- Nancy Badger
"Thank you so much for an interesting and informative class. Because of
your words of wisdom, I've been going through my chapters cleaning out
unnecessary words and scenes. I appreciate your time and expertise." -- Merrily Boone
"Thank you for the information-packed lectures and for taking the time to
critique our blurbs and queries. The feedback was very helpful." -- Rae Ann
Parker
I know I speak for many contest coordinators when I say Lois Winston’s industry advice is a staple among writing competitions out there. Her articles, In Defense of the Much Maligned Was and So You want to be a Contest Judge are required reading when The Daphne committee recruits new judges. I judge the Wisconsin Fabulous V where Ms. Winston is often quoted. To beginning writers, I wish I would have had access to Lois’s sterling advice when I was starting out. It would have saved me months of going back to unlearn bad advice. -- Donnell Ann Bell