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Peter Occhiogrosso

PETER OCCHIOGROSSO has written, co-authored, or ghostwritten over a dozen books, most of them having to do with spirituality and world religions. A member of the Authors Guild, his 1996 book The Joy of Sects: A Spirited Guide to the World's Religious Traditions, has become an underground favorite on college campuses and Web sites around the world. He began his writing career as a jazz critic and reviewer in 1970, writing for numerous publications in the U.S., England, and Japan. He published articles, reviews, and columns in down beat, the Village Voice, Different Drummer, Playboy, New Times, Melody Maker of London, and the Soho News in Manhattan, where he served as Music Editor and Associate Editor from 1976 to 1982. A series of his articles and interviews with Yoko Ono was internationally syndicated by the New York Times. He also conducts a forum on spiritual issues on his Web site, www.joyofsects.com.

His published books include:

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Comments from Students



Mark, since taking Peter's first class, I am so busy with my freelance writing assignments that I don't have time for a follow-up!! Seriously, I leapt into the freelance writing arena shortly after taking Peter's class and the results, due in large part to Peter's help, have been terrific. I'd recommend his class to anyone who really wants to write for publication. Please keep me on your update list. -- Denise Wolf

His lectures were extremely thoughful and comprehensive. He took the writing of them seriously, too, as if he was writing a piece for publication. His lectures, suggestions, and editting of our work felt like sitting at the side of a guru who generously shares his personal and professional experience in the field. I'd like to take more classes with Peter when they are offered. -- M. D.

This was an excellent class! One of the best teachers I've had, writing or otherwise. The time he took with each of our assignments as well as what he put into the email "lectures" was invaluable. I have recommended your classes to several people. Really great experience. Thank you. -- Felicia Libo

I was very happy with this class.... I liked that we worked on one piece for the whole eight weeks and that Peter took us through each step of the process. For me this was much more helpful than having someone give a thumbs up or thumbs down and then not tell me how to shape the piece so that it is ready for publication. Peter, of course, made all the difference. He said he was going to be tough but really, he was very kind and helpful. I also felt Peter was totally approachable and open to any questions we had about writing. He also treated us all the same no matter what level we were at and was encouraging at every step of the way. I thought of him as a mentor as much as a teacher. -- Suzan Tessier

Overall, I found the class to be a rewarding experience -- having never taken a course over the Internet I wasn't sure what to expect, but I feel I got my money's worth and will very likely take another class or two in the near future. ... Peter Occhiogrosso was excellent - the structure of his class was laid out comprehensively and was challenging enough to get the juices flowing, but not daunting. He was fluid and articulate with the assignments and he responded succinctly to questions we had. Give the man a hearty cheer and some organic apples! I came away from the course with sharper skills and new knowledge that will undoubtedly help me with all areas of my writing... And lastly, yes I would recommend your classes to friends (and family too!) And have done so... Thank you all for an excellent effort and for providing quality instructors to teach valuable courses available to mere mortals on the fringes of cyberspace. I look forward to joining another class soon. -- Mel Bearns

I took a magazine writing class from Peter Occhiogrosso this fall with Writers on the Net. My piece that came out of that class is being published. I wanted to share that news with Peter and thank him. -- Amanda LeBrun



The lessons for each week were well written, fun to read, and covered the full range of topics related to magazine writing. Peter is a wonderful teacher. As it turns out, my query letter to AARP magazine got me a phone call from the health editor and an assignment to write an article on heart surgery for the November/December issue. Peter's editorial help was instrumental in getting my query letter polished, and his encouragement was equally valuable in convincing me to take the risk of rejection and send the query letter to the magazine. I'll continue to spread the good word about your website and classes to the aspiring writers I know. -- Kelly Griffin

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