Aspiring writers can learn how to put ideas into book form from an established author who has published nine books with Harlequin’s SuperRomance line and is at work on her 10th.

Janice Macdonald, a freelance travel writer who has contributed to The Los Angeles Times and Westways magazine, teaches three writing courses for Peninsula College in Port Angeles and Port Townsend this winter.

The Port Angeles classes are Fiction Writing, from Jan. 7-Feb. 11; and Romance Writing Marathon, Feb. 7 and 14.

Macdonald also teaches Romance Writing in Port Townsend from Feb. 5-March 12.

In Fiction Writing, Macdonald helps students create a blueprint for their novels using essential building blocks, such as sense of place, strong dialogue and pacing. She also teaches students how to go from concept to first draft. Cost for the course is $49.

In the Romance Writing Marathon, Macdonald shows how to take one’s romance novel from idea to outline in a special romance writing workshop spread over two Saturdays. In just 12 hours, students learn how romance differs from other genres and how to create exotic settings, sizzling conflict and exciting heroes through lecture, in_class exercises and discussion. The workshop is appropriate for beginning writers as well as those with unfinished manuscripts. Cost for the workshop is $89.

In the Port Townsend Romance Writing class, students discover why romance novels account for more than half of all fiction paperback sales in America and offer the aspiring writer an exciting opportunity to publish. Macdonald helps students to develop voice, create compelling characters and add plot through the use of storyboard techniques. Cost for the class is $89.

To register or for more details, call Peninsula College at 452-9277.