creative writing CLASSES
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WORKSHOPS CONSIST OF:
Learning and honing the elements of vivid and effective writing across all genres
Our primary focus will be on writing and exploring poetry, short stories, creative essays, novels, speeches, monologues, performance pieces/SLAM, spoken word, scripts, screenplays, and song lyrics. Each week writers will be exposed to both modern and classic authors/poets, who exhibit excellent writing, lyrical language, memorable images, effective figurative language, authentic/original voice, compelling dialogue, and inventive characterizations.
Writing prompts and jumping off points
During each workshop writers will be presented with a variety of uniquely designed prompts to stimulate creativity, and generate new ideas. These exercises get writers thinking “outside the box” and can be utilized time and again as a tool to break through writer’s block.
Journaling
Writers are encouraged to keep a notebook for daily writing and compiling new work. Writers are asked to choose topics that they can write honestly and passionately about.
Editing
Two times per month students will bring back edited versions of newly written pieces, as well as a copy for each member of the class. These copies will be used for peer and instructor editing. Writers will be encouraged to read, re-read, experiment, revise, tinker and craft their pieces until they reach a “publishable” form. This “work shop” experience will help participants become more effective writers and editors who take pride in their work.
Publication
Writers will be encouraged to have their work published in literary magazines and anthologies. At the end of the semester each student will design and self-publish a hand bound “Chapbook” which will include a combination of 10-15 original pieces of poetry, short stories, prose and/or creative essays.
Learning and honing the elements of vivid and effective writing across all genres
Our primary focus will be on writing and exploring poetry, short stories, creative essays, novels, speeches, monologues, performance pieces/SLAM, spoken word, scripts, screenplays, and song lyrics. Each week writers will be exposed to both modern and classic authors/poets, who exhibit excellent writing, lyrical language, memorable images, effective figurative language, authentic/original voice, compelling dialogue, and inventive characterizations.
Writing prompts and jumping off points
During each workshop writers will be presented with a variety of uniquely designed prompts to stimulate creativity, and generate new ideas. These exercises get writers thinking “outside the box” and can be utilized time and again as a tool to break through writer’s block.
Journaling
Writers are encouraged to keep a notebook for daily writing and compiling new work. Writers are asked to choose topics that they can write honestly and passionately about.
Editing
Two times per month students will bring back edited versions of newly written pieces, as well as a copy for each member of the class. These copies will be used for peer and instructor editing. Writers will be encouraged to read, re-read, experiment, revise, tinker and craft their pieces until they reach a “publishable” form. This “work shop” experience will help participants become more effective writers and editors who take pride in their work.
Publication
Writers will be encouraged to have their work published in literary magazines and anthologies. At the end of the semester each student will design and self-publish a hand bound “Chapbook” which will include a combination of 10-15 original pieces of poetry, short stories, prose and/or creative essays.
COURSE CATALOG
ESSAYS
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ESSAY WRITING IS EASIER THAN ORDERING A HAMBURGER IN A ZEN GARDEN.
For five weeks we will focus on the composition of the five-paragraph essay, developing a strong thesis statement, mind mapping, simple outlining, editing and developing skills for timed writing tests.
Students should bring the following supplies:
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effective writing |
Essentials of Effective Writing
Students will learn the essentials of effective writing as we edit, proofread and prepare their short stories, creative essays, poetry and prose for publication. During the editing process students will learn the basic principles of grammar and punctuation, words choice, sentence flow, and paragraph construction. Students will also learn how to use words and expressions in their proper form and context and how to avoid common mistakes. In addition, students will be guided to find their voice and their particular style while learning to identify their strengths as writers. We will reflect on areas for improvement and strategies they found most helpful at different stages in the writing process. |
NOVEL WRITING |
This is an all ages workshop for people who love to write. (And by "love to write", I mean....The type who won't eat breakfast until after they re-write the ending of the Star Wars fan fiction they stayed up till 2 am working on. Or, the kind that would rather write a short story about the Zombie Apocalypse then play Angry Birds while waiting at the DMV.) And, for those who have never written really anything before, but have this great idea for a story that they just can't stop thinking about.
This class is meant to provide novelists of all ages and sill levels the support and accountability they need to meet their individual word count goal. |
SHORT STORY WRITING |
“Good writing is essentially rewriting. I am positive of this.” - Roald Dahl
In this class we will be studying and discussing the art and craft of Short Story Writing. Students will be given several techniques for developing, writing, editing and crafting original stories with powerful themes and messages. By using poetic and literary devices writers will learn to artfully employ strong characters, setting, and theme. This class will emphasize the importance and effectiveness of editing and re-writing. Students will be encouraged to submit their short stories for publication in literary journals and personal writing portfolios. Classes will consist of:
Some things to keep in mind
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WRITING FOR THE PAGE AND STAGE |
I believe that all performances peices should have a reason for being: A Call to action. If you have the attention of an audience you have an obligation to use your time to inform, motivate, inspire or entertain your audience. Maybe even make the world a better place. This class will help you to craft performance peices that are as enjoyable on the page as well as the stage as well as a purpose, which means excellent writing! We will write and craft until our work is good enough to be performed on any stage.
Each week students will be writing, editing, crafting, and performing original spoken word poetry, stand-up comedy, "TED" Talks, SLAM, and monologue pieces for live performance. Students will learn techniques for performance as well as tips for memorization. It is important that students bring in hard copies of performance pieces for peer editing and intensive critique, every week. This will allow students to refine their work for performance and publication. We will be filming 2-3 pieces throughout the course so that students can critique their own performance. Students have the opportunity to participate in a “SLAM” or give a "TED Talk" on the last day of class. Parents are invited to attend. Students should bring the following supplies:
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