FOR WRITERS
An award-winning writing instructor, John loves supporting writers! He teaches online classes, leads in-person workshops and writing retreats, and consults one-on-one with writers to strengthen their manuscripts.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & RETREATS
TABLE ROCK WRITERS WORKSHOP August 25 - 29, 2025
A week-long workshop in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina on writing Speculative Fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, horror) for the adult, YA, and children’s markets. This will be John’s 12th year teaching at Table Rock Writers Workshop. To learn more or to register, visit the link above.
WRITING RETREAT IN FRANCE October 26 - November 1, 2025
Fiction writers of all genres are welcome for this week-long retreat in a grande maison in the heart of Provence, France. Join John for a dream-come-true experience that will transform your writing.
ONLINE CLASSES
If you’re looking for a four-week online course to transform your skills and knowledge, register for one of John’s courses at Authors Publish. He regularly teaches three courses:
Writing for Young Readers
The Art of Novel Writing
Plot Your Novel, Plot Your Scene.
Sign up for the Authors Publish free newsletter to learn when John’s next workshops will be available.
MANUSCRIPT CONSULTATIONS
John works one-on-one with writers — many who are now published! — to help them make their stories more captivating for publishers and readers. He works with writers of all genres of fiction whether for the adult, YA, or children’s marketplaces.
Consultation packages:
Full or Partial Manuscript Critique — John provides specific guidance on what’s working and what needs to be improved with your manuscript. Services include manuscript notes, an editorial letter, and a Zoom follow-up to discuss next steps.
Zoom Consultation— Need help with a particular challenge you’re facing with your writing or the submission process? John works with writers on an hourly-basis over Zoom offering practical support and guidance.
For more information about John’s consultation services or to get a quote:
“Whether you have an MFA in creative writing or just grabbed a laptop and started tapping out your first novel, your writing could be better. John Bemis can help you get there.” — John Klekamp, Wicked South: Secrets and Lies
“John is a master at helping writers develop story ideas into clear and compelling plots with deeply-drawn characters and captivating narratives. His enthusiasm is purely infectious.” —Michelle Leonard, Brave New Girls
"John's editing services are terrific. With his help, I was able to eliminate key flaws in my manuscript. I went from being unagented to getting published by one of the majors." —Andrew S. Chilton, The Goblin's Puzzle
“John has a special focus on creativity - ways to tap into it and mine it for ideas in your own work. John brings to his classroom a combination of professionalism and big-heartedness that keeps me coming back to his classes year after year." —Amy Kurtz Skelding
“John is one of the most prepared writing teachers I’ve ever known – I guarantee students will come away with tangible results and ideas around their work. And, perhaps most importantly, John’s classes are just plain fun!” —Dee Stribling, Poet Laureate of Hillsborough