102 events found.
Events
Genre*
Location*
Level*
October 14 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 8:00 PM EDT
Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry journal and The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Taylor Byas to our monthly Virtual Poetry Book Club for a discussion of her collection, Resting Bitch Face. Taylor is joined by Book Club Host, Hannah Grieco. We encourage you to order a copy of the book from your local, independent bookseller or online […]
October 14 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 9:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Prose, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 4-5 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 6:45pm, and readings begin promptly at 7pm. Limited to 20 readers, so arrive early if you plan to read. Sponsored by Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry magazine. […]
October 15 @ 6:00 PM EDT - 8:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Whether you're a fiction or non-fiction writer, evoking scenes in sensory detail is critical for holding readers' attention. But knowing what to include and omit is difficult, especially when you're deeply caught up in the story yourself. Using samples from fiction and non-fiction literature, this workshop will coach students on how to "think like a […]
October 15 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 8:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by author Kirsten Kaschock for a discussion of her poetry collection, AutoPortrait (as flotsam). Kirsten is in conversation with Brandon Johnson, poet and Events Director at The Writer’s Center. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via […]
October 17 @ 10:00 AM EDT - 12:30 PM EDT
At the core of every good tale is a character with whom the reader wants to spend time. Discover how to move beyond the superficial and cliché, crafting characters who invite the reader to explore the human condition. Illustrations and exercises will help you uncover your character's inner values (in memoir, that character is you), understand how flaws shape what a character wants and does, and recognize why a character must act—not just react—for a story to move forward. We'll examine techniques for depicting yearning, internal conflict, and transformation, and consider what's at stake if your character fails. This workshop will benefit those writing a novel, short story, or memoir.
October 17 @ 10:00 AM EDT - October 24 @ 12:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Everyone has a food history. Learn to write yours in this short, two-week beginner course. In week one, students will learn the basics about what food history is and the different ways that they can write about it. They will also delve into how to write and publish food history blogs and articles. In week two, learners will explore the ins and outs of writing and publishing books and memoirs on food history. Students will finish the class with the knowledge and confidence to write and publish these four types of prose online and in print.
October 17 @ 10:00 AM EDT - October 24 @ 12:30 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Draft and develop a series of micros (stories of 300 words or less) that are both standalone and/or link into a larger whole.
October 17 @ 11:00 AM EDT - 1:00 PM EDT
Learn techniques to write about mental health with intention. Along with general guidelines, examples from popular media will be reviewed so you can learn how to avoid clichés and dig deeper into what shapes people’s various experiences with mental health. Participants will apply psychological concepts to plot and character development.
October 17 @ 3:00 PM EDT - 6:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes the Washington Sculptors Group (WSG) for a discussion of their artwork while images and videos are being presented. The Annual Image Show is a great opportunity to discover/rediscover the talent and highly diverse work of Washington area sculptors. DC area gallerists, curators, collectors, and art supporters are invited to attend. Twenty […]
October 18 @ 1:00 PM EDT - 4:00 PM EDT
Jump-start your creativity with fun exercises in poetry, memoir and fiction. You’ll take home two original poems plus at least one short piece of fiction and a memoir scene or character. Opportunities to read your writing aloud and receive positive feedback can help you identify your specific writing talents. Please bring your favorite writing instruments to the workshop and check your email the night before to print out any handouts to bring with you the next day.
October 18 @ 1:00 PM EDT - 4:00 PM EDT
Traditional writing advice doesn't work for every writer. Created with neurodivergent writers in mind, this workshop is also for anyone whose writing process is shaped by a busy mind, limited time or energy, or the competing demands of everyday life. If you think in loops and layers, struggle with focus, overwhelm, or organizing ideas, or find yourself caught between bursts of inspiration and periods of resistance, you're not alone. Drawing from lived experience and years of teaching writers, we'll explore writing practices that honor the way different minds create. You'll learn to recognize your unique attention patterns, work with rather than against your creative process, and develop strategies for navigating common challenges such as idea overwhelm, perfectionism, non-linear thinking, executive dysfunction, and wavering motivation. You'll leave with practical techniques to support each phase of the writing process—from prewriting and drafting to revisin —in ways that are flexible and sustainable. Whether you're navigating ADHD or another form of neurodivergence, living with chronic illness, balancing caregiving responsibilities, experiencing burnout, or simply finding that traditional writing advice doesn't fit your life, this workshop offers adaptable tools that help you build a writing practice that works with your mind and circumstances, not against them.
October 18 @ 2:00 PM EDT - 3:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes author Hasan Dudar to our monthly Fiction Book Club for a discussion of his debut novel, Carryout, at The Writer's Center! Hasan is joined by Book Club Host, Hannah Grieco. We encourage you to order a copy of the book from your local, independent bookseller or online » FREE & open […]
October 19 @ 6:00 PM EDT - 9:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Practice sharing your story and yourself Spend an evening practicing and learning about the art of public speaking. This in-person coaching session will give you the opportunity to bring your voice– and self– to the words you’ve written. You’ll learn how to become a more genuine and effective communicator of your work, which will in […]
October 20 @ 10:30 AM EDT - December 15 @ 1:00 PM EST
Each session of Boot Camp for Writers will begin with a prompt followed by writing time. Participants will have the opportunity to share and discuss their work as well as receive in-class feedback. The workshop is designed so that participants will have the start of six new pieces by the end of class. Former Boot Camp participants are always (and happily) welcome. Note: No meeting November 3 and 24.
October 20 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 8:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of writing! We’re joined by editors Lauren Francis-Sharma and Jennifer Grotz for a discussion of their new anthology, Welcome to the Mountain: A Portable Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference. They are in conversation with Zach Powers, author and Executive & Artistic Director at The Writer’s […]
October 20 @ 7:00 PM EDT - October 27 @ 9:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Using quotes, poems and/or personal reflections, students will combine words with easy to follow art techniques to create an art journal reflecting their own personal style. *Students should bring to all classes a blank watercolor journal, 8x8 or larger. All other art materials used in class will be provided by instructor.
October 20 @ 7:00 PM EDT - November 17 @ 9:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
We all read for pleasure, but a writer also reads to learn. It feeds a writer’s writing practice. In this generative workshop, each week we will become familiar with the work of an established poet as a means to examine elements of craft and draft their own poems. This course also includes an optional workshopping element to receive feedback from your peers and the instructor.
10.21.2026 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 07.28.2027 @ 9:00 PM EDT
Write new short stories with award-winning author and editor Rita Bullwinkel! Writing is a unique art medium in that it is both made and, generally, consumed in isolation. Through the space of the writers' workshop, an author can escape the isolation in which they made their work, understand their work from a consciousness other than […]
October 22 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 9:00 PM EDT
Fictional characters are the entry point for readers to engage with the worlds that writers create. In this class, we will explore three facets of character—tragic flaws, contradictory behavior, and backstory—and reveal how you can combine them to create characters readers will love. Come ready to write! This class includes hands-on writing exercises. Attendees will walk away with the tools they need to craft compelling characters.
October 23 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 8:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
A Free Fitzgerald Festival Event Co-sponsored with The Writer’s Center The F. Scott Fitzgerald Festival and The Writer’s Center present a reading in tribute to legendary author Tobias Wolff. Featuring multiple award-winning author Richard Bausch, award-winning novelist Varun Gauri, PEN/Faulkner winner Mahreen Sohail, plus concluding remarks by Wolff. FREE and open to the public. RSVP required […]
October 25 @ 12:00 PM EDT - 2:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
QueryTracker is a powerful tool for finding literary agents, sending them queries, and tracking their responses. In this course we’ll cover the basics: search tools, the who-represents-whom tool, and data view options. We’ll look at cool features that are a little harder to find: pasting in agency/agent notes, flagging agents by priority, and setting alerts for when closed agents become open. We'll also discuss other resources like Publisher's Marketplace. Coupons for a free year of premium QueryTracker membership will be provided for up to 10 attendees. Bring your laptop to follow along.
October 25 @ 2:00 PM EDT - 5:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Looking for a writing group? We want to help you meet other interested writers! The Writer's Center and The Inner Loop invite you to Search Party, a social event connecting writers to other writers interested in forming/joining a writing group. Simply show up, fill out a nametag with your genres and other areas of interest, […]
October 26 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 8:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center and Politics and Prose welcomes writer Daniel Nayeri for a reading from his new book, This Is a Door. Daniel is in conversation with poet and Events Director at The Writer’s Center, Brandon Johnson. This is a PAID event. Your ticket to this event includes a copy of This Is a Door. Buy your ticket […]
October 27 @ 1:00 PM EDT - November 17 @ 4:00 PM EST
This advanced class will go beyond the basics of nonfiction writing to provide an extra focus on fleshing out characters, incorporating a narrative voice, and developing more sophisticated tools for narrative storytelling.
October 27 @ 6:00 PM EDT - 8:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Czech literature, Petra Hůlová, and her longtime translator Alex Zucker for a reading and conversation about her provocative new novel, The Long Version.Hůlová and Zucker will read from the novel and discuss the ideas behind the book, contemporary Czech literature, and the unique relationship […]
October 28 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 9:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Prose, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 4-5 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 6:45pm, and readings begin promptly at 7pm. Limited to 20 readers, so arrive early if you plan to read. Sponsored by Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry magazine. […]
October 28 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 9:00 PM EDT
Dialogue is essential to characterization storytelling, yet can be incredibly tricky to master. In this course, we’ll look at transcripts of conversations from life and published work to develop strategies to make your dialogue shine in your writing. Then we’ll do some targeted exercises to explore different types of dialogue strategies that go beyond direct quotation to create a symphony of distinct speaking voices for your characters. All genres welcome.
October 28 @ 7:00 PM EDT - November 18 @ 8:30 PM EST
Whether you are writing short pieces or are embarking on a full-length memoir, you need a roadmap. Over the course of four weeks, we will cover the tools you need to write a memoir from start to finish. We will discuss methods for starting a piece and getting content on the page. We’ll explore memoir structures and the relationship of form and content. We will learn editing techniques on both the sentence and big picture levels. Finally, we will talk about publishing options for memoir projects large and small. Participants will leave with the tools and confidence to start and complete a memoir project.
October 29 @ 9:00 AM EDT - November 5 @ 10:30 AM EST
In this workshop we’ll focus on how to prepare your pitch materials, how to get booked on podcasts, how to be a great guest, and even how to create a professional podcasting environment.
October 29 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 8:00 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by author Amber Blaeser-Wardzala for a discussion of her debut novel, Another Name for Red at the End. Amber is in conversation with Amy Freeman, author and Development Director at The Writer’s Center. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual […]
October 29 @ 7:00 PM EDT - 8:30 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Richard Hoffman for a reading from two New and Selected collection, Each Child a Disappearance and Mundus et Infans. Richard is joined in conversation by poet Richard Smith. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Richard Hoffman is the author of seven books of poetry: Without Paradise; Gold Star […]
October 30 - November 20
Do the multitude of Point of View options elude you? We will look at everything from the first person point of view to the editorial omniscient, as well as some of the less traditional points of view, to help you choose the best voice to tell your story.
October 30 - December 18
Are you serious about writing a novel but struggling? This intermediate course will examine the eight fundamental elements of the novel to help you find the strengths and weaknesses of your work-in-progress. From Concept to Conclusion, we will study the key components of a novel, with generative and evaluative exercises along the way. Written lessons, curated online resources, and targeted exercises (along with instructor and peer feedback) will help guide you as you continue to draft your novel. (Note: This course is a good follow-up to Tammy Greenwood’s Intro to the Novel workshop.)
October 31 @ 1:00 PM EDT - 2:30 PM EDT
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Reframe your understanding of the joys, purpose, struggles, and successes associated with being both a writer and a member of the wider literary community. In a presentation that spans my 40+-year career as a writer and literary advocate, I will share the hard-earned insights that have informed and inspired my life and work. Together, we'll […]
November 1 @ 11:00 AM EST - November 29 @ 1:30 PM EST
“Whole-Brain Poetry” is an opportunity to explore some of the many ways poetry interacts with the brain, and to enrich your writing with that knowledge. This includes but goes beyond the use of metaphor. Through writing exercises, close examination of time-honored and recent poems, workshopping of participant poems, and brief reading assignments, we will examine the neurology and psychology of poetry, the relationship between time and memory, how science has influenced well-known poets, how poetry can help to heal trauma and prevent PTSD, and more.
November 5 @ 5:30 PM EST - 7:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Are you a writer who identifies as LGBTQ+? Let’s hang out and talk writing! Come join us for an informal gathering at The Writer’s Center. Please bring a drink or an appetizer that serves six. You’re welcome to bring a friend, too. FREE & open to all DMV writers who identify as LGBTQ+. RSVP required […]
November 5 @ 7:00 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST
This workshop introduces a revision strategy that uses interconnected generative prompts to re-enter an existing draft, uncover hidden emotional dynamics, and reveal new possibilities for character, conflict, and story. Through visual presentation, brief craft discussions, guided writing exercises, and opportunities to reflect and share, participants will use these prompts to push both themselves and their characters in unexpected directions, breathing new life into stalled scenes and rediscovering the emotional momentum of their work. By the end of the workshop, participants will have generated new material, uncovered fresh insights into their characters, and developed a practical revision technique they can return to whenever a draft loses momentum. Participants are invited to have work-in-progress—a draft, scene, chapter, or story they'd like to revisit.
November 7 @ 10:30 AM EST - December 19 @ 12:30 PM EST
This workshop will offer a lecture each week, followed by workshoping participants’ poems. The class will focus on the elements of story, musicality, figuration, and most of all feeling. Open to all poets at all levels, who are curious about poetry and its craft and tools for revision.
November 7 @ 6:00 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
This year The Writer's Center turns 50! No writer succeeds alone. For fifty years, The Writer's Center has been a place where writers gather, learn, revise, encourage, and inspire one another. This anniversary celebrates the relationships that make writing possible. For three hours, we'll look back on our history with a building-wide scavenger hunt and […]
November 8 @ 1:00 PM EST - 4:00 PM EST
There is no "right" or "wrong" when it comes to deciding how a poem should end. But there are some options that might be more effective than others. This workshop will focus on closure—the strategies that poets have traditionally used to bring their poems to a clear, resonant conclusion. We will also discuss anti-closure—the resistance that so many feel toward poems that “click shut.” By looking at the work of several contemporary poets, we will discuss what worked best for their poems and might help yours.
November 9 @ 6:30 PM EST - 8:30 PM EST
Ever wanted to learn more about the self-publishing process? Then this workshop might be the right fit for you! Discover the core steps of self-publishing from a 40-time bestselling author. Explore editing, writing, and publishing tips intended to expedite the drafting journey. Delve into the core tools necessary to turn a strong draft into a […]
November 10 @ 7:00 PM EST - 8:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes writer John DeDakis for a reading from his new book, Plot Twists: A Memoir on Writing and Living. John is joined by writer Austin S. Camacho. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis, a former […]
November 10 @ 7:00 PM EST - December 15 @ 9:30 PM EST
This course focuses on writing and reading *very* short fiction. Together, we’ll investigate the following questions: what can a story accomplish in a single page? In a single paragraph? How can we, as writers, create character, place, plot, or voice in such a compressed form? What techniques are helpful for drafting and revising a super-short story? How does contemporary “flash fiction” or "micro fiction" relate to older forms—like the fable—and other genres, like poetry? What makes a piece of very short prose a "story" at all? Each week, we will workshop participants' fiction and do writing exercises to learn about this form. We’ll also read a range of published flash fiction from a craft perspective. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have written and received feedback on at least one very short story (under 2,000 words). The course will conclude with a discussion of strategies for submitting very short fiction to literary magazines.
November 11 @ 7:00 PM EST - 8:00 PM EST
Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry journal and The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Melanie McCabe to our monthly Virtual Poetry Book Club for a discussion of her collection, All The Signs Were There. Melanie is joined by Book Club Host, Hannah Grieco. We encourage you to order a copy of the book from your local, independent bookseller […]
November 11 @ 7:00 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Prose, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 4-5 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 6:45pm, and readings begin promptly at 7pm. Limited to 20 readers, so arrive early if you plan to read. Sponsored by Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry magazine. […]
November 12 @ 7:00 PM EST - 8:00 PM EST
A History of Existing Life is The Inner Loop’s Author’s Corner spotlight. The Inner Loop cultivates and promotes the distinctive literary culture of Washington, DC. Author’s Corner supports local authors’ independently published books by spotlighting them in community programming and collaborations. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom). FREE and open to the public, all times Eastern We encourage […]
November 14 @ 10:00 AM EST - 12:00 PM EST
In this one-night introduction, historian/biographer Ken Ackerman shares the tricks of the trade for investigating our family roots, going back generations, using archives, interviews, internet sources, family records, and memories - and ideas to organize and share our heritage with children and grandchildren.
November 14 @ 10:00 AM EST - 12:30 PM EST
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for story structure. Let’s discuss a plan that works for you. We’ll examine your story’s strengths and weaknesses, focusing on both the destination and the journey. Does your narrative feature a compelling character arc, a strong point of entry, well-placed flashbacks, and a transformative, resonant ending? Will readers care? We will use maps, sketches, and diagrams, emphasizing the importance of revising your initial plan as your story evolves. Bring your specific idea for a short story, memoir, or novel.
November 14 @ 2:00 PM EST - 5:00 PM EST
This intensive one-day workshop will offer all poets—whether they have yet to submit their first poem to a literary journal or are ready to present a publisher with a book-length manuscript—hands-on advice on how to achieve their publishing goals.
November 14 @ 6:00 PM EST - 8:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes the Ole’ Blue Claw Maryland Anthology for a reading a celebration of a new anthology featuring twenty-three distinctive works, a mix of flash and short fiction, by writers from across Maryland. Join Maryland writers Preston Ford, Greta Ehrig, Ritchie Porter, Rhonda Zimlich, Cathy Tsang, and Theodore Carter for a reading of their […]
November 15 @ 2:00 PM EST - 3:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center welcomes author Caroline Bock to our monthly Fiction Book Club for a discussion of her most recent collection, The Other Beautiful People, at The Writer's Center! Caroline is joined by Book Club Host, Hannah Grieco. We encourage you to order a copy of the book from your local, independent bookseller or online […]
November 17 @ 7:00 PM EST - 8:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes editors, poets and prose writers featured in recently published anthologies from Bordighera Press, June Rose Press, and Motina Books to read from those anthologies and to discuss the publication process. Books will be available for sale and signing. Get started on your holiday shopping! FREE & open to the public. RSVP […]
November 18 @ 7:00 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST
“Show, Don’t Tell” is an interactive writing workshop designed to help participants bring their stories, ideas, and experiences to life on the page. Through guided prompts, sensory exercises, and creative writing activities, participants will practice moving beyond explanation and into vivid, specific, emotionally engaging writing. This workshop invites writers to explore how detail, dialogue, action, setting, and perspective can create stronger connections with readers. Participants will have opportunities to write, reflect, share, and revise in a supportive environment. Whether they are working on personal essays, fiction, professional storytelling, or simply looking to strengthen their creative voice, this workshop offers practical tools to make writing more immediate, memorable, and alive.
November 18 @ 7:00 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST
In this one-night introduction, historian/biographer Ken Ackerman shares the tricks of the trade for investigating our family roots, going back generations, using archives, interviews, internet sources, family records, and memories - and ideas to organize and share our heritage with children and grandchildren.
November 19 @ 6:30 PM EST - 9:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
You’ve drafted your picture book, what’s the next step? Learn to revise and polish your picture book manuscript before submitting to an agent or publisher. A widely published author and an acclaimed illustrator will lead discussions in pacing, page turns, storyboarding, and visually dramatic storytelling. During this hands-on workshop, writers will be editing their own manuscripts and enhancing their skills as picture book creators. Bring your questions and two double-spaced copies of a picture-book manuscript that you’ve revised. Workshop may most benefit those who have taken Writing Picture Books or another picture book class.
November 19 @ 7:00 PM EST - 8:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of nonfiction! We’re joined by author Mathangi Subramanian for a discussion of her new publication, Our Periods, Ourselves: An Empowered Teen's Guide. Mathangi is in conversation with Amy Freeman, author and Development Director at The Writer’s Center. RSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events […]
November 21 @ 10:00 AM EST - 12:30 PM EST
Learn the methods professional writers use to come up with winning plots for their fiction.
November 14 @ 2:00 PM EST - 4:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Carolyn Joyner for a reading from her debut collection, Imagine His Mother Witnessing. Carolyn is joined in conversation by poets Joseph Ross and Abdul Ali. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Carolyn Joyner is the author of Imagine His Mother Witnessing (2026) which considers themes of loss, an epic battle with […]
November 22 @ 2:00 PM EST - 3:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes 1455 to celebrate the launch of 1455 first annual book contest winner Melanie Hatter. This event features a reading by the author followed by a Q&A with 1455 Executive Director Sean Murphy. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Melanie S. Hatter is the author of Malawi’s Sisters, which was selected by Edwidge […]
November 27 - December 18
Do you have a finished draft of a novel but don’t know what to do next? This workshop will take you through the revision and editing process step-by-step. From large-picture issues like plot and structure, characterization, etc… to line editing, we will look at what it takes to revise your own novel without the assistance of a professional editor.
December 1 @ 7:00 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST
This workshop is a two-hour seminar for those who want to better understand the genre of memoir and the craft elements required to write it well. In this course we will: Explore the tensions inherent in being author, narrator, and subject all at once; Unpack the subjectivity of truth; Commit to treat all characters fairly; […]
December 5 @ 10:00 AM EST - 12:30 PM EST
Writing a novel takes commitment, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. Learn how to generate a handful of plots to choose from, methods for effectively planning your story, and simple hacks for fine tuning your basic fiction skills. Students will initiate a flexible writing plan that will keep their writing flowing. This is a great half-day session for the beginning long-form fiction writer, or for the more experienced author in need of a quick strategy brush-up.
December 5 @ 2:00 PM EST - 3:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Manav Sachdeva for a reading from his collection, Sufi's Garland. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. Manav Sachdeva Maasoom (also known as Maasoom Shah, and MS Maasoom) is a poet, diplomat, chief international officer with McCann Kyiv, and writes literature in Urdu and English, with some contributions in […]
December 6 @ 1:00 PM EST - 4:00 PM EST
How poets handle syntax—the arrangement of words in a sentence—is crucial to everything from establishing the voice of a poem to evoking a particular response from the reader. In this workshop, we will take a close look at how sentences are put together and how changing their structure can send a poem off in a new direction. We will also examine the relationship between the sentence and the line and how to control the tension between them.
December 7 @ 7:00 PM EST - 8:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes the Café Muse Literary Salon for a reading featuring writers from Washington Writer's Publishing House reading from the America’s Future Anthology. The evening begins at 7 PM with Michael Davis live on classical guitar. The readings begin at 7:30 PM with opening remarks by a Café Muse co-host. FREE & open […]
December 8 @ 7:00 PM EST - 8:00 PM EST
Meet Susan Coll, instructor for our Novel Year workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand, too, to address any logistical questions. Register below! About the Program Application Deadline: January 12th, 2027 Workshop Dates: Begins January 26th, meeting biweekly for ~10 months Cost: $5,400 | Members […]
December 9 @ 7:00 PM EST - 8:00 PM EST
Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry journal and The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Kelly Grace Thomas to our monthly Virtual Poetry Book Club for a discussion of her collection, Future Tense. Kelly is joined by Book Club Host, Hannah Grieco. We encourage you to order a copy of the book from your local, independent bookseller or online […]
December 9 @ 7:00 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Prose, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 4-5 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 6:45pm, and readings begin promptly at 7pm. Limited to 20 readers, so arrive early if you plan to read. Sponsored by Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry magazine. […]
December 9 @ 7:00 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST
Lead with the future — not background — for lead-ership, especially in a crisis. That’s the most important of eight journalism skills that will transform your writing. The others: write your readers’ language, be positive (to be both clear and upbeat), lay out logically, be consistent, be precise, be concise and choose strong verbs. (Plus a Speak Like the News skill: avoid “uptalk?”) Emulate the vivid news examples you’ll see in this workshop, and you’ll strengthen your writing voice with lively, engaging news style. At 7 sharp, we’ll critique TheWallStreetJournal.com, seeing how to communicate your main point in just a few words. To cover as much ground as possible, we’ll have just a few writing exercises and most of them will take less than a minute each.
December 12 @ 10:00 AM EST - 12:30 PM EST
You may think you don't have the time, energy, or inspiration to write because of your hectic lifestyle. Wrong! We'll share methods many professional writers use to complete their books in months instead of years, their short stories in mere weeks. Become the dedicated author you've always dreamed of being. (Ideal for writers who don’t have 8 weeks to dedicate to the Extreme Novelist course.)
December 12 @ 10:00 AM EST - 12:30 PM EST
Guided by an award-winning and internationally published author of sonnets, villanelles, and other metrical poems, you’ll first read time-honored sonnets to see how and why they work. Next the class will write a group sonnet, and then -- with or without shortcuts -- you’ll start one of your own. You’ll leave with at least one new (draft) or improved sonnet, as well as insights about how writing poems in form can unlock deeper meaning and enhance everything you write.
December 12 @ 2:00 PM EST - 3:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes writer John R. Edwards for a reading from his debut memoir, Polly: Takes Me on the Ride of her Life. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. John R. Edwards is a Navy veteran, who retired as Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center deputy chief engineer, then became a hip […]
December 13 @ 2:00 PM EST - 3:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center welcomes author Diana Rojas to our monthly Fiction Book Club for a discussion of her most recent novel, They Hold Grudges, at The Writer's Center! Diana is joined by Book Club Host, Hannah Grieco. We encourage you to order a copy of the book from your local, independent bookseller or online » […]
December 13 @ 4:30 PM EST - 6:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center welcomes graduate students of the American University MFA Program for a reading and discussion of their findings this semester. These graduate students are joined by poet, essayist, translator, musician, and American University professor, David Keplinger. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. About the Event In this reading featuring ten graduate […]
December 15 @ 7:00 PM EST - 8:00 PM EST
Meet Nicole Chung, instructor for our Memoir Year workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand, too, to address any logistical questions. Register below! About the Program Application Deadline: January 30th, 2027 Workshop Dates: Begins February 9th, meeting biweekly for 10 months Cost: $5,400 | Members […]
December 16 @ 7:00 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST
Everyone has stories worth telling, they just don't always recognize them. This interactive workshop helps participants uncover meaningful moments from their everyday lives and transform them into engaging pieces of writing. Through guided reflection, creative prompts, and interactive writing exercises, participants will explore memory, emotion, and observation to discover the stories hiding in ordinary experiences. Rather than focusing on perfect prose, this workshop encourages curiosity, authenticity, and play. Writers will experiment with different ways of approaching personal storytelling while gaining practical tools they can use long after the workshop ends. Participants will leave with new writing, a collection of prompts to inspire future work, and greater confidence in their ability to find stories wherever they go.
01.26.2027 @ 7:00 PM EST - 11.30.2027 @ 9:30 PM EST
Write your novel in a year with bestselling novelist Susan Coll! Whether you have been thinking about writing a novel for years but are not sure how to get started, or are already published but embarking on a new project, this year-long workshop is intended to help get the next book off the ground. Attend […]
02.05.2027 @ 11:00 AM EST - 4:30 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Writer’s Center CraftCon now accepting panel proposals! Do you have new ideas about the art and methods of writing that you can't wait to share? If so, The Writer's Center is now accepting panel proposals for CraftCon, a one-day virtual conference on the future of the craft of creative writing. We’re looking for writers […]
02.07.2027 @ 3:00 PM EST - 5:00 PM EST
The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The Washington Writers’ Publishing House celebrates the 2027 winners of its annual book contests! Jason Gebhardt will read from Washington Writers' Publishing House's 50th Anniversary Editor's Prize winning, Dictionary of Air. Yael Kiken will read from the Washington Writers' Publishing House's Translation Prize winning, Zarpamos. Emily Holland will read from the Washington Writers’ Publishing House the […]
02.09.2027 @ 7:00 PM EST - 11.16.2027 @ 9:00 PM EST
Work on your book with bestselling author Nicole Chung! This intensive workshop is open to writers working on a memoir, memoir-in-essays, or essay collection. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in lively craft discussions, reflection/writing exercises, and in-depth workshops designed to help you identify and hone your strengths as a writer. If you have an […]