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, an 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 writing 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
Writers will be encouraged to read, re-read, experiment, revise, tinker, and craft their writing until they reach a “publishable” form. This “workshop” 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.
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, an 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 writing 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
Writers will be encouraged to read, re-read, experiment, revise, tinker, and craft their writing until they reach a “publishable” form. This “workshop” 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.
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, word 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.
This class is meant to provide novelists of all ages 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, settings, and themes. 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 pieces 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, and entertain your audience-- maybe even make the world a better place. This class will help you craft performance pieces that are as enjoyable on the page as the stage! We will write and craft until your 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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