writers.com

Dennis Foley

DENNIS FOLEY, screenwriter/novelist, has been writing for the last twenty-three years and teaching writing the past sixteen. He started his writing career in Hollywood. There he worked as a screenwriter, staff writer and freelancer on many episodic dramatic television series. In the early nineties he broadened his writing to include novels and non-fiction books and was pleased to find a market for his work as well as great enjoyment in the process. With four books already published by Random House he continues to write novels and teach fiction writing. Dennis left Los Angeles in 1994 and is happy to tell other writers that not living in New York or Hollywood is not a serious impediment to making a living as a writer. Technology has allowed him to live in Montana and work on both coasts.

Dennis holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College and is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker at writers' conferences and writers' groups. He also conducts seminars at various colleges as well as teaching on-line. He has been an instructor in the UCLA Writers Program since 1993. He is a member of both the Writers Guild of America and the Authors Guild.

Dennis's Web site is www.dennisfoley.com.

Recent books:
Long Range Patrol (Ivy Books and Fawcett Books)
Night Work (Ivy Books)
Take Back the Night (Ivy Books)
Special Men (Ivy Books and Doubleday)

to Dennis Foley's classes | Complete List of Writers.com Classes

Comments from Students

This class was PERFECT, I've taken other writing classes via the Internet (not with Writers on the Net) and they don't hold a candle to this class! The class and instructor deserve a 5 Star, A+ rating... The class content is structured in a manner that gets you writing, gives you direction and focus. Dennis makes himself very available to his students, he is quick to respond and has great ideas. Dennis is very professional, thoughtful and creative. I feel priviledged to have been able to study with him. I would not hesitate to take another class with Dennis, as a matter of fact, if he starts teaching any other classes, sign me up! I want to be the first in line... Dennis has the ability to cut to the chase and explain things in a very direct and concise manner. He also knows how to critique work in a constructive manner. This class has helped me immeasureably, I have set goals, I have focus, I have direction and I think I know what I'm doing! Thanks a bunch to Writers on the Net and Dennis Foley for helping me to advance toward my dreams and goals!

Sherry Pence

I was very happy with the course -- I consider it to be one of the best moves I've ever made for myself. I have been very appreciative of Dennis' quick and perceptive responses to my questions and concerns. As I am not a "warm and fuzzy" instructor myself, I appreciated his style, and the flashes of humor that popped up from time to time. His refusal to bow to our "I'd really rather do it my way" whining early in the course forced me into trying things that were very uncomfortable for me at first. And his "permission to write absolute crap" message is posted in front of my face as I work on my novel... Dennis has had a serious impact on me as a writer, and I don't believe I'll ever forget him for that. The bottom line is, I'm a better writer now, and I'm producing a better novel, than I would have without the class. What more could I have asked for?

Linda Dwyer

Dennis -- a belated but very LARGE thank you for your well-run and extremely informative course. Your input has gotten me off my butt and into my story.... For a while I felt like I was stalling on the writing part - probably was - but I'd had my opening scene in my mind for a number of years, and when I finally faced the blank page, your instructions enabled me to sail blithely into Chapter 1... I would certainly recommend your classes to anyone and everyone! I think Dennis Foley did a SUPERB job! I don't know how else (or better) he could have done it. Many thanks again.

Trish Carter

to top of page | to Dennis Foley's classes

I was delighted with the lessons, all gems, and the assignments (of which there were not many). Dennis Foley was a great teacher, focusing on one thing and one thing above all else, to encourage his pupils to finish a novel in good shape.

Andres Kabel

Dennis' approach to teaching the subject was awesome. I have taken many writing classes, and I have dozens and dozens of "how to" writing books. I actually learned NEW techniques from him, not just the same vague methods packaged differently. I liked the assignments and his lecture material is something I printed and have kept in a folder along with all of the material for the class. It is proving to be an EXCELLENT reference for me.

Jane Hutchinson

This has been a fabulous course. I feel that I can actually complete this daunting work. Dennis's lessons are clear, strong and to the point. Class content was outstanding, Dennis made it quite plain we could contact him anytime... Great person... I would definitely recommend the class...

Ann McDonald

I truly enjoyed Dennis's class. He gave much invaluable information and much needed encouragement. I did drop out after about the fourth class because life decided to teach me other lessons. I do however, have all of Dennis's handouts and his promise to continue to help and will be sending him a chapter to review. I have recommended both classes I have taken to others and will be taking more myself in the future -once I'm back on track again. Dennis is full of nuggets of wisdom and is a very positive tutor. He is extremely encouraging and I would like to take another course if he offers it.

Gale Evans

I took the First Novel Course from Dennis Foley during the late summer of 2001. That course and encouragement from Dennis gave me the kick in the pants to start a book that I had been considering for years. Yesterday, I wrote the last sentence of the 175,500 word first draft... I would like to give a lot of credit to Dennis for getting me started on the right path. He is a great teacher and I was in school a long time so I have seen my share of teachers. Suggestions on the course? I really don't have any. For me it was just the right blend.

Dave Allan

to top of page | to Dennis Foley's classes

I would take another class with Dennis Foley anytime. He is (probably) the best writing teacher I have ever had. I was very, very happy with all his lessons (concise, wise, informative, powerful, helpful, inspiring) and the assignments were most helpful in understanding/realising the basics: Writing without further excuses and finally getting that novel down on paper. His comments were mostappropriate, in depth and helpful. I don't think I would ever have been able to finish a novel without the information and experience given in this class...

Peter Christian

This was a very useful class which surpassed my expectations. Dennis gave us concrete tools with which to work on our novels, and was always available with comments and support... I already have recommended this class to a friend and have signed up for another.

Nancy Nethery

I was very happy with the teacher and the assignments. Dennis' comments were both helpful and encouraging. "Writing the First Novel" was sort of a beginning, "get off your bum" class and I thought that the assignments were perfect: subtle, not time consuming, and always 2nd to the real goal of the class: writing your story. I really can't think of anything more that could have been done in the class to make it better. It far exceeded my expectations and left me with good writing habits.

Gina Badalaty

I couldn't have been happier with this class and instructor! I'd never taken any writing classes before, much less an online one, so I had no idea what to expect. It was a thoroughly invigorating experience! Dennis had some marvelous insights and never hesitated to let me know if I were just wheel-spinning or really working. :) Just what I needed... The structure of the class was well suited to the various levels of experience each student had. Dennis has given me some great techniques that have dramatically improved my ability to sit down and write daily and not be so concerned that it's not instantly publishable.

Carolyn Charron

to top of page | to Dennis Foley's classes

home:about:classes:enroll:services:instructors:newsletter:tips:store