Topics > Writing

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	Author Marketing Success
	$59.00 (1 section available)
	This intense, informative course covers the basics of marketing, advanced marketing techniques, author marketing time management, and the creative process that helps authors create successful book sales.

	Breakthrough Writing-Your First Novel
	$59.00 (1 section available)
	Students will learn how to start a novel (or if applicable, finish one), and to revise and self-edit with clarity and honesty. But, most importantly, students will learn to unfurl the story in their head and put it on paper in a cohesive way. Topics include developing plot, characters, conflict and pacing. Finer points such as naming your characters, will also be discussed. Feedback from the instructor (a published author) and fellow students will be provided.

	Creative Writing
	$79.00 - $89.00 (5 sections available)
	Students will develop and hone their creative writing skills in this class. Both beginners and advanced writers are welcome. Topics include memoirs, poetry, essays, short stories and novels. Individual development will be stressed and workshops will be used to encourage class participation.

	Flash Fiction
	$59.00 (1 section available)
	In this generative 4-session writing workshop, participants will learn the ins and outs of super short fiction. Flash is rapidly gaining popularity, and is a great starting place for writers looking to publish. We'll cover how to compress character, plot, and setting into 1,000 words or less; read and study contemporary examples; write our own flash fiction from prompts and exercises; and cover the submission process from drafting to publication.

	Getting Personal: A Memoir and Essay Workshop
	$69.00 (1 section available)
	Celebrities can assume readers of their biographies will be seduced by fame; but when the rest of us write about our personal lives, we need to grab hold of a reader by the powers of our expression, our ideas, and our storytelling charms. Learn to sculpt your selected memories so that their inherent power can be brought to the page. Focus on the crafting of short, concise memoir pieces, with prompts and assignments meant to jump-start your writing.

	How to Build an Author Platform
	$39.00 (1 section available)
	Authors frequently hear that they need a platform, but what does that mean? In this workshop, students will learn what an author platform is, why they need one, and how to build it.

	How to Find a Writer's Agent
	$39.00 (3 sections available)
	Do you have a book manuscript you'd like to sell? Do you want to get your manuscript out of the slush pile and into the hands of an editor? You can do this if you have the right agent. However, finding someone to represent you can be almost as difficult as selling your book. In this 3-hour workshop you will learn how to select and contact agents. You will also learn how to write query letters.

	How to Write for Magazines and Other Publications
	$39.00 (1 section available)
	If you ever wanted to write for local, regional, or national publications, this course will teach you how to pitch your ideas and get published. Students will learn how to find story ideas, target appropriate publications, write query letters and write a great article. We'll discuss current trends in publishing, realistic payment expectations, and tips on how and where to get started.

	Introduction to Children's Book Illustration
	$89.00 (1 section available)
	A comprehensive overview covering aspect of illustrating for children's publishing. Students will explore the process of book publishing, example of market genres and trends, self-publishing, discussion of promotional strategies and creating portfolio pieces geared toward children's publishing however specific illustration techniques and writing manuscripts will not be taught. Students are encouraged to bring sketchbooks, paints, pencils to work on projects in-class.

	Memoir Writing Workshop
	$39.00 (2 sections available)
	Everyone has a story to tell. In this workshop, students will learn what it takes to write a memoir, including tips on how to get started and practical advice on publishing options.

	Playwriting
	$89.00 (2 sections available)
	Learn about the craft of writing for the stage, including elements of dramatic dialogue, the breakdown of scenes into measurable units, and how to engage an audience through the written word. We'll read and study a successful one-act play, and interpret scripts through dramatic readings. By the end of the class, you'll complete either an original one-act play or the first act for a longer stage play.

	So, You Want to Write a Children's Book?
	$39.00 (1 section available)
	When you think about children's books, what comes to mind? Picture books? Early Readers? There's so much more to it than the books you remember from childhood. Join an award-winning YA author, for an overview of Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction. You'll learn the characteristics of each, how to develop your writing style, and what resources are available to assist you on your writing journey.

	The Art of Character Creation
	$59.00 (1 section available)
	Characters are the driving force of fiction. They are complex creatures that reflect real people and real experiences yet are not real. Without them, our novels and stories would be skeletons with no muscle or skin. This 4-session workshop will cover everything from the basics of developing backstory, appearance, and biographical details to the nuances of background characters, motivation, and tension. We will deconstruct famous fictional figures like James Bond and Darth Vader to find out what makes them so compelling. We will use exercises to create new characters and strengthen existing ones. Regardless of where you are on your writing journey, this workshop will help you develop irresistible, lovable (or hateable!), round characters.

	Writers Support Group
	$59.00 - $89.00 (3 sections available)
	This course will provide an opportunity for writers of all genre to set goals, be accountable and have their work evaluated in a constructive supportive environment.

	Writing the Short Story
	$99.00 (1 section available)
	A short story is a slice of life and it's the best place for new writers to hone their craft. Stories capture particular people and places, memories and images, and ideas and emotions that make up daily lives. Get started (or to get going again) and tap into thoughts, memory and imagination. Topics include developing structure, narrative, voice, plot and character; creating dialogue; and examining the work of key contemporary short story writers. Writing exercises and discussion will round out class sessions. The aim is to complete a short story by the end of the course. No previous writing experience is required.

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