Designed for both new and returning writers, A Novel Idea will follow the once-a-month format that worked successfully in the first series of classes. These classes will be held from 9:30 to 12:30 on the second Saturday of each month at the Landis House, 67 North Fourth Street in Newport.

Meet the Faculty

Laurie J. Edwards is the founder of Leap Books, a publisher for twins and teens. She has worked as a freelance editor and is the author and/or illustrator of more than 20 published books for adults and children.

Laurie Edwards’s website

Don Helin draws from his military experiences to craft the story lines for his thriller novels. He has published three novels and his fourth is due out later this Spring. Don writes for The Burg magazine in Harrisburg.

Don Helin’s website

Heather Heyford sold her debut novel in 2014 to Kensington Publishing’s digital imprint, Lyrical Press. Her eighth book and first mass-market paperback series will launch early 2018 with The Sweet Spot, a contemporary love story set in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. For more information visit HeatherHeyford.com or follow Heather on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Latest news

Heather Heyford’s website

Catherine Jordan is the author of the horror novels, Seeking Samiel, and The Bookseller’s Secret. She edits and writes in different genres, and is a contributor to The Burg magazine. Catherine has been a judge for the Bram Stoker Award and for the ITW Young Adult Award. She also facilitates writing courses and critique groups.

Catherine Jordan’s website

U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Navy veteran Geri Krotow is the best selling, award winning romance novelist of 14 novels to date, penning both the Whidbey Island and Silver Valley PD series for Harlequin. Her Bayou Bachelor series will debut from Kensington Publishing in 2018.

Geri Krotow’s website

Lori Myers is an award-winning writer of creative nonfiction, fiction, essays and plays, as well as a Pushcart Prize and Broadway World nominee. Lori writes for The Burg magazine in Harrisburg, and other publications. Her book, Crawl Space, will be published this year.

Maria V. Snyder is a New York Times best-selling fantasy and science fiction novelist, who has published 13 novels and 17 short stories for young adult and adult readers. Her books are popular in the United States as well as in England and Australia.

Maria V. Snyder’s website

Ann Stewart received a fellowship in fiction from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, teaches creative writing and has published a novel that explores Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Guest faculty members include Harvey FreedenburgMichelle Herrin and Lawrence Knorr.