winter/spring 2012 creative & creative writing classes

The Muse Writers Center Classes

When you take a class at The Muse Writers Center, you'll find yourself part of a diverse community of writers in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Classes range from those geared for novice writers or those with some writing experience who are looking for a structured environment in which to bloom to those geared for intermediate, advanced, or professional writers.

No matter what kind of class you take, you will be a vital part of the class. Attendance and class participation is critical, as you will be helping both yourself and your classmates develop your craft.

General Classes and Writing Workshops

Some classes are seminars where you will be learning a specific aspect of craft. In general, classes combine creative exercises designed to inspire, readings selected to support your work, and discussions to stimulate that work within an encouraging and nurturing environment. Most classes include a workshop component--based on the undergraduate and graduate-level workshop model, where current work is distributed to all members of the group for helpful criticism and advice. In a workshop, students are expected to both produce work for group critique and take time to provide feedback to other class members. Deadlines and guidance from our experienced instructors encourage participants to produce their finest work.

Writing Studios

Continuing from the Intermediate Writing Workshop model, Muse Writing Studios are open to advanced and professional writers who are looking for a community and guidance while working on a project or refining their craft. Writing Studios are generally closed to open registration. Permission by the Studio's teacher and a submission of a writing sample is required for admittance into the Studio Group.

Introduction to Writing Poetry

This course, for beginners and all interested in writing poetry, is designed to help you write and respond to poetry through creative exercises, readings and discussions. Each member of the group will write and revise original poems. Together, we will explore your handling of voice, imagery, structure, word choice and line in a stimulating and supportive workshop environment. Sign up today and join our talented and friendly writing community.

Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning February 5

Instructor: Noah Renn
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 2

The Poetry Workshop

This continuing course, for poets with some experience, is designed to help you compose and respond to poetry through creative exercises, readings, and discussions. Each member of the group will write and revise original poems; together, we will explore your handling of voice, imagery, structure, word choice, and line in a stimulating and supportive workshop environment. Work will be submitted prior to the start of each meeting. All poems will be critiqued during that meeting.

Mondays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 13

Instructor: Patti Hinson
Open to: continuing members and new members with some workshop experience
Meets: February 13, 27, March 12, 26, April 9, 23
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 1

A Little Fire, A Little Salt, A Little Need: Transformations in the Poem

Heat yokes the chemistry of various ingredients and renders them into the food and drink that passes our lips to give us not only sustenance but also marks us indelibly. In the same way, the most memorable poems work to powerfully transform our deepest sensory experiences so that our hungers are both opened, and deeply fed. In this workshop we will focus on reading a selection of works that fulfill these criteria and use them as guides to generating new work. We will also examine techniques to help lift writing to a higher level of artistry and craft.

Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m.
a 4 week session beginning April 15

Instructor: Luisa Igloria
Open to: poets with some workshop experience
Meets: April 15, 22, 29, May 6
Session cost: $155 ($145 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3

Intensive Poetry Studio

The studio continues! Members of the group will actively write and revise original poetry, with a special emphasis on the careful review of members' work, the examination of the literary and commercial marketplace, and the submission of work for publication. Work may be submitted in advance of each meeting. All poems submitted will be critiqued during that meeting.

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (monthly)
a 4 week session beginning February 28

Facilitator: Michael Khandelwal
Open to: advanced and professional poets
Meets: February 28, March 27, April 24, May 23

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

The Fiction Workshop: Thursday Evening Session

In this section of the Fiction Workshop, writers will be invited to submit work for every meeting, making the most of our bi-weekly deadline. Flash fiction, short stories, chapters of novels, revisions, and even fragments are all welcome. Submissions will be exchanged in advance via email, printed, read, and thoughtfully annotated to be shared in our workshop.

NEW START DATE!
Thursdays 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 23

Instructor: Lisa Hartz
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: February 9, 23, March 8, 22, April 5, 19, May 3
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3

The Fiction Workshop: Wednesday Evening Session

The Fiction Workshop continues with returning writers and new members with writing experience. Members of the group will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels. All members of the group will have the opportunity to submit material for the workshop. You will have at least two to three opportunities to be critiqued during the session.

Wednesdays 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 15

Instructor: Leslie Clements
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: February 15, 29, March 14, 28, April 11, 25
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 2

The Daytime Fiction Workshop: Section A

The Fiction Workshop continues with returning writers and new members with writing experience. Members of the group will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels. All members of the group will have the opportunity to submit material for the workshop. You will have at least two to three opportunities to be critiqued during the session.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 7 week session beginning February 1

Instructor: Tim Farrington
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: February 1, 15, 29, March 14, 28, April 11, 25
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 1

Writing Young Adult Fiction Workshop

Young Adult (YA) fiction is literature written for adolescents generally between 12 and 18. While the audience is young (or young at heart), YA is an increasingly popular genre. Think Hunger Games, Harry Potter, A Wrinkle in Time, and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. The YA workshop explores both the richness of storytelling and the craft of fiction. Whether you're working on a short story, a novel, or a trilogy, you'll have the opportunity to submit pages at every meeting.

Sundays, 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 19

Instructor: Mae Lynn Walker
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: February 19, March 4, 18, April 1, 22, May 6
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 4

World Building Seminar

A world is a terrible thing to waste. Whether your story is set in modern-day America, medieval Europe, or in an entirely fictional world, bringing the setting to life will enrich the characters, affect the plot, and capture a reader's attention. Learn by doing in this seminar; bring your work-in-progress or a blank notebook, and come prepared to think about the details that you may have been taking for granted.

Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m.
a 2 week session beginning April 22

Instructor: Leona Wisoker
Open to: writers of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Meets: April 22, 29
Session cost: $80 ($75 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8 of 11

Introduction to Fiction Writing: Daytime Session

We all have stories to tell, whether we are aiming for short stories or novels, and in this class we will begin to explore both the fundamentals of craft and the even more crucial challenge of carving out a space for yourself as an artist. We will work at every level with your stories, from the mystery of the creative impulse itself to the logistics of getting a character from one end of the room to another. We will study excerpts from the fiction masters to see what we can learn and what we can copy. With any luck, we'll also have some fun getting to know each other and ourselves along the way. Come join us! Your instructor will make every effort to tailor the submission schedule to your goals.

Mondays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning February 6

Instructor: Tim Farrington
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Introduction to Fiction Writing: Evening Session

We all have stories to tell, whether we are aiming for short stories or novels, and in this class we will begin to explore both the fundamentals of craft and the even more crucial challenge of carving out a space for yourself as an artist. We will work at every level with your stories, from the mystery of the creative impulse itself to the logistics of getting a character from one end of the room to another. We will study excerpts from the fiction masters to see what we can learn and what we can copy. With any luck, we'll also have some fun getting to know each other and ourselves along the way. Come join us! Your instructor will make every effort to tailor the submission schedule to your goals.

Mondays, 7-9:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning February 6

Instructor: Rich Santoro
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12, 19, 26
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

The Daytime Fiction Workshop: Section B

The Fiction Workshop continues with returning writers and new members with writing experience. Members of the group will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels. All members of the group will have the opportunity to submit material for the workshop. You will have at least two to three opportunities to be critiqued during the session.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 7 week session beginning February 8

Instructor: Tim Farrington
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: February 8, 22, March 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

The Fiction Studio

Returning writers and new members with workshop experience will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels as well as consider various elements of fiction writing. All members of the group will have the opportunity to submit material for the workshop, with at least two to three opportunities to be critiqued during the session.

Mondays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 7 week session beginning February 6

Instructor: Michael Khandelwal
Open to: advanced and professional writers.
Meets: February 6, 20, March 5, 19, April 2, 16, 30
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Breaking Into Magazine Writing

Learn from a writer who has contributed to publications like Smithsonian, National Wildlife, The New York Times, This Old House and others how to analyze print and online magazines as markets, find ideas that sell, pitch them, and then write a query in magazine style. This will be an intensive three-session course designed to kick start your magazine writing career. Assignments will be turned in prior to each meeting and critiqued during the workshop. So please have time to complete work between meetings. The goal of the course will be to get a magazine assignment, and the instructor will be available to critique a completed first draft at a later point.

Wednesdays, 7-9:30 p.m.
a 3 week session beginning February 8

Instructor: Jim Morrison
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: February 8, 15, 22
Session cost: $135 ($125 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 2

Writing Personal Narratives: Daytime Session

Personal narratives are the work of memory and craft, style and substance. In this workshop we will move toward uncovering the stories within ourselves which most need telling. Through writing exercises, readings, and constructive discussions of our short essays-in-progress, we’ll explore the ways in which language, voice, and literary techniques can bring the truth of our experiences to vibrant life on the page.

Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning February 9

Instructor: Claudia Isler Mazur
Open to: continuing members and writers of all levels of experience
Meets: February 9, 16, 23, March 1, 15, 22, 29, April 5
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3

Personal Narratives: An Introduction to Memoir: Wednesday Session

Personal narratives are the work of memory and craft, style and substance. In this workshop we will move toward uncovering the stories within ourselves which most need telling. Through writing exercises, readings, and constructive discussions of our short essays-in-progress, we’ll explore the ways in which language, voice, and literary techniques can bring the truth of our experiences to vibrant life on the page.

Wednesdays 7-9:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning February 8

Instructor: Patti Hinson
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: February 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 1

The Memoir Studio

It is said that memoir is a blend of fiction and fact, the fiction from the prism of memory, the fact from photos and records and the daily data of our lives. A successful memoir blends both to paint the writer’s truth. In this studio we’ll do a small amount of flash writing in class but most of our time will be spent sharing and critiquing each other’s work in a safe, supportive environment, led by memoirist and long-time teacher Janine Latus. Studio members must have workshop experience and must submit a writing sample to the teacher in advance of enrollment, with the goal of limiting this studio to experienced writers.

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 21

Instructor: Janine Latus
Open to: advanced and professional writers. Students must apply by submitting a writing sample to the instructor
Meets: February 21, March 6, 20, April 3, 17 and May 1
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 2

Personal Narratives: An Introduction to Memoir: Monday Session

Personal narratives are the work of memory and craft, style and substance. In this workshop we will move toward uncovering the stories within ourselves which most need telling. Through writing exercises, readings, and constructive discussions of our short essays-in-progress, we’ll explore the ways in which language, voice, and literary techniques can bring the truth of our experiences to vibrant life on the page.

Mondays 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly, mostly)
an 8 week session beginning February 20

Instructor: Patti Hinson
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: February 20, March 5, 19, April 2, 16, 30, May 7, 14
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Journaling for Personal Development

Often the simplest way to gain clarity in life is to write your way through it. In this structured and safe, 90 minute journaling workshop, we will develop tools to maintain a lasting, daily practice in writing for personal growth and awareness. More than "telling our stories," we’ll explore and consider our thoughts around our feelings, experiences and relationships. Together, we’ll begin a careful conversation with ourselves that we will continue both inside and outside of class.

Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m.
a 6 week session beginning February 7

Instructor: Mira Boykin
Open to: writers of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Meets: February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13
Session cost: $125 ($115 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3 of 10

Reading for Writers: The Novel

In this class we will study novels as writers, cracking open the fictional dream to uncover techniques of plot, point-of-view, character and setting. For the winter/spring semester, we will study three prize-winning novels: National Book Award winner Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, and Pulitzer prize winners Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout and Tinkers by Paul Harding. Additionally, we will begin the series with a craft discussion based on Aristotle's Poetics, which first articulated the "ground rules" of writing that these modern books both challenge and exemplify. The authors will be our teachers, as we read these books not so much as great novels, but as textbooks on how to write.

Fridays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (monthly)
a 4 week session beginning February 3

Instructor: Andrea Nolan
Open to: writers of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Meets: February 3, March 2, March 30, April 27
Session cost: $155 ($145 returning students). Students will need to purchase or borrow copies of the required texts.

Seats Remaining: 3

A Grammar Refresher

(Who, whom) do you think should take this workshop? Each of the writers who (has, have) problems with grammar. Everyone who writes should know (his/her, their) grammar rules. This session will help you refresh your grammar knowledge and polish your writing skills, so you will make (less, fewer) mistakes. (Answers: who, has, his/her, fewer)

Sunday, April 22, 1-4:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting seminar

Instructor: Linda Carol Cobb
Open to: writers (and non-writers) of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8 of 11

Oral Interpretation: Public Reading for Writers

Learn to bring your writing to life at public performances. This interactive workshop will focus on simple oral and physical techniques to teach you the skills to read like a pro.

Sunday, April 1, 1-3:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting seminar

Instructor: Linda Carol Cobb
Open to: writers (and non-writers) of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8 of 11

Collage: Visual Art for Writers

In this workshop writers will discover a whole new world of artistic possibility while enjoying the traditional method of cut and glue. We will create a palette composed of a variety of materials including your own writing and others: prose, poems, newspapers, old books, song lyrics, as well as artistic papers, photographs, magazine images, fabric and found material. We will release our "creative spirit" while ripping and tearing paper, using a repeated process of arranging, rearranging, adhering materials. Michal will guide you through the process and you will leave with a finished one-of-a-kind collage for yourself or as a gift. If you are "not artistic" this workshop is for you. Materials provided, bring images and texts to create with.

Sunday, February 12, 1-3:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting seminar

Instructor: Michal Mahgerefteh
Open to: writers (and non-writers) of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 4 of 11

The Open Studio

Sometimes we begin a short story and discover a novel, or a memoir mysteriously evolves into a poetry collection. This multi-genre studio welcomes ongoing projects in poetry, fiction, non-fiction and memoir. Allow the work to become what it is and share it with a group of experienced writers. Writers will submit work to all members in advance (via e-mail). All submissions will be critiqued at the following meeting.

Sundays, 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 12

Instructor: Lisa Hartz
Open to: advanced writers only. Students must apply by submitting a writing sample to the instructor
Meets: February 26, March 11, 25, April 15, 29, May 20
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3

Write Now

Writing isn’t always work. Sometimes it’s unplugging your pen and letting the words flow (no muss, no fuss, no tinkering and re-tinkering your way into a creative cul-de-sac, reworking the same sentence, the same word, until both the idea and the joy disappear). In this workshop we’ll write longhand to cues, a timer ticking away, and then read our work out loud (you can always opt out) in a safe, positive environment. You can write in whatever form inspires you, from prose (memoir, fiction) to poetry. Each writer also can bring a longer form, out-of-class piece for group critique, under the guidance of Janine Latus.

Thursdays, 7-9:30 p.m.
a 7 week session beginning February 16

Instructor: Janine Latus
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: February 16, 23, March 1, 15, 22, 29, April 5
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Introduction to Songwriting

Before the invention of the printing press—and even before the invention of writing—men and women told stories, created community, probed existence, and proclaimed love through song. Join noted songwriter and performer, Lewis McGehee, as he introduces songwriting in a fun and enriching course. Students will learn the basics of composition with the goal of creating original lyrics that can be set to music, both individually and in collaboration with other students, with the goal of performance. While basic instrument/musical proficiency is helpful, the course is also open to those who wish to compose songs for others to perform.

Saturdays, 1-3:30p.m.
a 4 week course beginning March 31

Instructor: Lewis McGehee
Open to: continuing members and persons of all levels of experience
Meets: March 31, April 7, 14, 21
Session cost: $155 ($145 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 6 of 10

Screenwriting 101

Get a real glimpse "behind the camera" from someone who has been there. This session will explore the craft of screenwriting—its art and design. We will cover the three-act structure and alternative structures, plot, and proper industry formatting, as well as delve into character motivation, with an emphasis on the heroic journey and universal archetypes and themes. Emphasis will be given to the art of the pitch and what producers look for in a script. Script submissions are welcome.

Wednesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 8

Instructor: Kip Watson
Open to: writers of all levels and experience
Meets: February 8, 22, March 7, 21, April 4, 18
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 1

Standup Comedy 101

Learn the secrets of being a Standup Comic from one of the top professionals in the business. Learn the art of writing Standup, performing, and everything you have always wanted to know about Standup Comedy. Hone your comedic writing skills and develop your standup routine. At the end of the 8 week course you will perform a 5 minute standup comedy routine, at by a comedy venue in Hampton Roads.

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning February 7

Instructor: Ken Phillips
Open to: persons of all levels of experience
Meets: February 7, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3 of 12

Standup Comedy 202

In this level of standup, students will continue to develop their comedic writing and performance skills, polishing their first 5 minutes and creating another 5 minutes of comedy. This six week course will culminate in a performance at a comedy venue in Hampton Roads.

Saturdays, 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 11

Instructor: Ken Phillips
Open to: persons who have completed "Standup Comedy 101" or have instructor approval to register
Meets: February 11, 25, March 10, 24, April 7, 21
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8 of 10

Standup Comedy 303

In this advanced level course, students will learn how to emcee a show and polish their 10-15 minutes of material. This six week course will culminate in a performance at a comedy venue in Hampton Roads.

Saturdays, 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 18

Instructor: Ken Phillips
Open to: persons who have completed "Standup Comedy 202" or have instructor approval to register
Meets: February 18, March 3, 17, 31, April 14, 28
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8

Improv Comedy 101

Introduction to Improv: Learn the basics of Chicago-based, long form improv. Students will learn how to create scenes from audience suggestions. They will learn the fundamentals of "yes and," supporting your scene partner’s ideas and energy, and how to make strong character choices.

Saturdays 1-3:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 11

Instructors: Sean Devereux & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons of all levels of experience
Meets: February 11, 25, March 10, 24, April 7, 21
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Improv Comedy 202

Game of the Scene: Improv 202 builds upon the fundamentals and skills learned in 101. Students will learn the beginnings of the Harold. They will start to learn how to identify the game of the scene and how to heighten and develop second beats.

Saturdays 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 7 week session beginning February 4

Instructors: Sean Devereux & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons who have completed "Improv Comedy 101" or have instructor approval to register
Meets: February 4, 18, March 3, 17, 31, April 14, 28
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Improv Comedy 303

Harold Structure: This course introduces students to the long form improvisation structure known as "The Harold," developed by Del Close. Students will begin by learning "Group Games" and a variety of "Openings," which are stylized methods of using an audience’s suggestion to generate enough content to support a half hour long improvised performance piece. From there we will focus on third beats, finally putting all the pieces together for a fully formed Harold.

Saturdays 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 7 week session beginning February 11

Instructors: Sean Devereux & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons who have completed "Improv Comedy 202" or have instructor approval to register
Meets: February 11, 25, March 10, 24, April 7, 21, May 5
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Sketch Comedy Writing 101

Students will learn to write a variety of common sketch formats, how to develop ideas and how to collaborate with other writers. We’ll learn how to create characters and how to heighten situations. At the end of this course, students will be able to see their sketches performed by some of Hampton Road’s finest actors and comedians.

Thursdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 9

Instructors: Ed Carden, Sean Devereux, & Brad McMurran
Open to: writers of all levels and experience
Meets: February 9, 23, March 8, 22, April 5, 19
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Sketch Comedy Writing 202

Students will work together as a group to write and produce their own sketch comedy show. Emphasis will be placed on honing a writer's voice, editing and rewrites, as well as writing for deadlines. Collaboration with other students will be encouraged. As a group, students will determine the unique style and format for their show, then work together to make that goal happen.

Thursdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 2

Instructors: Ed Carden, Sean Devereux, & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons who have completed "Sketch Comedy Writing 101" or have instructor approval to register
Meets: February 2, 16, March 1, 15, 29, April 12
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Introduction to Blogging & Social Networking for Writers

A blog is one of the best ways to keep your website fresh. This seminar will include suggestions on what blogging platforms to try, tips on how to increase readership and ideas for keeping it all as simple as possible while also sharing just enough of your work and yourself with readers. Think Facebook is just for kicks? Find out how to market your work and knowledge using the most popular social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. Not only will we talk about how to share, but how to protect yourself and your work while working the public online.

Sunday, March 11, 1-3:15 p.m.
a 1 meeting seminar

Instructor: Deb Markham
Open to: writers of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 10 of 11

Memoir Workshop for Teen Writers: Life Stories

In this class, we will look for ways to uncover the stories within ourselves which most need telling. Through in-class writing exercises, short readings, and supportive discussions of our works-in-progress, we will learn how to shape our true-life experiences so that they are compelling and entertaining for others to read. Our stories are important, and well-crafted memoir and personal essays allow us to share what matters to us with our readers.

Saturdays 1-3:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 4 week session beginning February 11

Instructor: Patti Hinson
Open to: persons ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: February 11, 25, March 10, 24
Session cost: $155 ($145 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

Improv Comedy Workshop for Teens

Discover the fundamentals of improvisational comedy! We'll play numerous games to help sharpen your mind and quicken how fast you think on your toes. We'll explore the key tools behind long and short form improvisation. Learn how to be a hilarious improviser, not only on stage, but in your everyday life. We’ll show you the basics Chicago-based improvisation that will never leave you. Who doesn't want to make people laugh?

Saturdays 1-3:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 4

Instructors: Sean Devereux & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: February 4, 18, March 3, 17, 31, April 14
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 1 of 12

Fiction Workshop for Teen Writers: Section D

In this class we will focus on the joy of telling our stories, the fascination of the writing process, and the ways in which the craft of fiction can both set us free and ground us in a deeper reality. Spelling optional. Some writing will be in class, with the opportunity to bring in out of class writing to share.

Saturdays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 11

Instructor: Lauren Hurston
Open to: writers ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: February 11. 25, March 10, 24, April 7, 21
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 6

Fiction Workshop for Teen Writers: Section A

This class we will focus on the joy of telling our stories, the fascination of the writing process, and the ways in which the craft of fiction can both set us free and ground us in a deeper reality. Spelling optional. Some writing will be in class, with the opportunity to bring in out of class writing to share.

Saturdays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 4

Instructor: Tim Farrington
Open to: writers ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: February 4, 18, March 3, 17, 31, April 14
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3
This class is currently only registering returning students by calling or emailing the office

Fiction Workshop for Teen Writers: Section B

This class we will focus on the joy of telling our stories, the fascination of the writing process, and the ways in which the craft of fiction can both set us free and ground us in a deeper reality. Spelling optional. Some writing will be in class, with the opportunity to bring in out of class writing to share.

Saturdays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 11

Instructor: Tim Farrington
Open to: writers ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: February 11, 25, March 10, 24, April 7, 21
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 1
This class is currently only registering returning students by calling or emailing the office

Fiction Workshop for Teen Writers: Section C

In this class we will focus on the joy of telling our stories, the fascination of the writing process, and the ways in which the craft of fiction can both set us free and ground us in a deeper reality. Spelling optional. Some writing will be in class, with the opportunity to bring in out of class writing to share.

Saturdays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 4

Instructor: Lauren Hurston
Open to: writers ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: February 4, 18, March 3, 17, 31, April 14
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 2
This class is currently only registering returning students by calling or emailing the office

Expressions in Food

All folks eat, few truly dine. Join award-winning food journalist Patrick Evans-Hylton in an exploration of the essence of eating, and learn how to express your thoughts on the experience in a clear, concise and compelling way. We will be eating—and imbibing—and getting the most from all of our senses to fully appreciate food and drink; an emphasis will be put on painting a complete picture thorough imagery. We will create a blog (or adding to your already existing blog) to share these word pictures. From this class, you will learn how to effectively write about dining at restaurants and dining at home for (1) journals and blogs, (2) online critique sites like Yelp and Urbanspoon, (3) short magazine and newspaper pieces and (4) parts of a larger food writing project. Information on posting and publicizing your expressions in food will also be covered as well as brief elements of food photography.

Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning February 5

Instructor: Patrick Evans-Hylton
Open to: writers of all levels and experience
Meets: February 5, 19, March 4, 18, April 1, 15
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION