Oct. 3-6, 2019: WRITERS’ RETREAT at FOLLY BEACH, SC DISCOUNTED RATES!! Our retreat is informal, friendly and supportive. We usually limit to about 8 people of various writing backgrounds, and will meet twice a day to talk about writing fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and self-editing. The DISCOUNTED all-inclusive rate, excepting meals, is $495 private room/$425 shared. The commuter rate is $55 per day. Please register ASAP by emailing writersw@gmail.com.
OCT. 12: WRITING THE SCIENCE FICTION STORY with Nicole Kurtz
Do you love Science Fiction but don't how to begin your own story? This course will teach you the basic elements of science fiction stories and its subgenres to help you get started on the journey to writing your own story. The class will also cover dialogue, tropes, and reader expectations for the genre. Kurtz's short stories have appeared in over 40 anthologies of science fiction and fantasy. Her novels have been finalists for the EPPIEs, Dream Realm, and Fresh Voices in science fiction awards. Her work has appeared in Stoker Finalist, Sycorax's Daughters, and The Endless Ages Anthology. Meets Saturday, 10-4 pm. $75/ $70 members.
OCT. 26: WRITING the YOUNG ADULT NOVEL with CONSTANCE RENFROW Participants will learn how to shape plot, character, and voice suitable for a Young Adult audience. Other topics include how to write a compelling first chapter, common clichés to avoid, and more. This class will include writing exercises and a Q&A. You may bring up to 3 pages and a synopsis for review. Renfrow’s stories have appeared in Litro, Red Earth Review, Mud Season Review, Two Cities Review, and elsewhere. Her first book, Songs of My Selfie, an anthology of millennial fiction, was a 2016 IndieFab finalist. Meets Saturday, 10-4 pm. $75/ $70 members.
NOV. 2: WRITING YOUR MEMOIRS with Karen Ackerson The class will learn how to turn personal experiences into a compelling memoir for family and friends, or for publication. In-class writing exercises will help to identify life-changing events, to be used as the backbone of a memoir. Discussion will include creating a sense of place, dialogue, and enhancing one's writing style. Students may bring up to five pages to the class for review. Ackerson has taught memoirs writing for over 25 years. As Senior Editor at The Renbourne Editorial Agency, she has edited over 500 novels and memoirs. Meets Saturday, 10-4 pm. $75/ $70 members.
NOV. 16: CRAFTING THE SHORT STORY with Elizabeth Genovise This introductory short story writing workshop is for both novice and seasoned writers looking to cultivate their craft. We’ll cover the basics of finding story triggers, developing interesting and believable characters, and creating strong dialogue. We’ll look at some American short stories as models for writing techniques, and do in-class writing exercises which we'll share for practice and enjoyment. Students should bring a notebook and pen to the class. Genovise is the author of three short story collections: A Different Harbor; Where There Are Two or More; and Posing Nude for the Saints. She is an O. Henry Prize winner and a 2019 inductee in the East Tennessee Writers' Hall of Fame. Meets Saturday, 10-4 pm. $75/ $70 members.
Dec. 7: Creative Non-Fiction Writing with Glenn Proctor Being able to write about life's challenges and successes is cathartic, and for many, an opening to a new understanding of self, family and circumstances. Prior to the workshop, participants should write a short mission statement: what you want out of the class, and the type of writing you’re interested in. Please email by Nov. 20 to writersw@gmail.com.
Proctor teaches writing at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. He has taught journalism at Kent State, Washington & Lee and Northwestern, and shared the Pulitzer Prize at the Akron Beacon Journal.
Dec. 14: THE NEW "MUSTS" of SELF-PUBLISHING with Gayle Trent
Self-publishing is ever evolving, but the process—and its reception by readers—has recently undergone some radical changes. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to take an honest look at your goals, what steps are involved in creating your book and your brand, and the process of finding your audience. Trent is the author of numerous works, both traditional and self-published. Her latest publication is Designs on Murder, with Berkley Publishers. Her self-published book, Killer Wedding Cake, won the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Award. Meets Saturday, 10-4 pm. $75, or $70 Workshop members.
Non-member workshop registration
Member workshop registration
Monthly Potluck & Writer's Group
Members who are interested in monthly meetings (social, literary or critique) are invited to a potluck on the last Friday of each month, 6-8:30 pm, at The Writers' Workshop. Members' guests, as well as prospective members, are welcome. The potlucks are free, but please bring a covered dish to share. You are also welcome to bring a piece of writing you have been working on to share with the group for critique. Please RSVP at least 24 hrs. in advance.