Kathryn Johnson
Kathryn Johnson’s 40+ popular novels (nominated for the Agatha Award, winner of the Heart of Excellence and Bookseller’s Best Awards), include historical fiction (e.g., The Gentleman Poet, wherein Shakespeare escapes to the New World aboard a ship bound for disaster) and contemporary suspense. The Extreme Novelist (nonfiction) is the text based on her courses at The Smithsonian Associates and The Writer’s Center. More about her at: https://KathrynJohnsonLLC.com.
Teaching style: Kathryn Johnson’s classes are lecture-based, information rich. Her courses are not of the workshopping variety (in which, participants critique one another) but, rather, offer practical advice on writing and publishing in the 21st century, based upon her ongoing experiences in the publishing world. Handouts on talking points provide an outline for each class. Kathryn enjoys answering students’ individual questions and concerns, and offering career guidance whenever possible. Her mentoring service is available to supplement course work.
May 2019
When writing a novel, we must know our primary characters inside and out. We need to understand their desires, motivations, and frustrations, their histories and their futures. This workshop will focus on the development of authentic characters. Participants will examine character as both autonomous and residing within the context of the other novelistic elements, and [...]
Find out moreHow do you develop that most elusive of elements for a writer--your own voice? What are the elements of craft that go into voice? What creates vivid, distinctive narratives? Whether you are writing fiction or creative nonfiction, this one-day workshop will focus on several in-class prompts and writing samples designed to experiment with "voice" in [...]
Find out moreJune 2019
Writing a novel takes commitment, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. Learn how to generate a handful of plots from which to choose, methods for effectively planning your story, and simple hacks for fine tuning your basic fiction skills. Participants will initiate a flexible writing plan that will keep their writing flowing. This is [...]
Find out morePoetry is, in part, high emotion in language. Cultures throughout the world use poetry to share their histories, shape their stories, and express ideas in lyric form. In this workshop, participants will look at inner language and life experiences to explore writing from personal and cultural memory. Through writing prompts and mini-lectures on craft, formal [...]
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Your Words. Like You've Never Heard Them Before. All New Open Mic Coaching Workshop 1-1:45 PM First time reading your work at our Open Mic? Frantic about paring it down to 3-4 minutes? Presentation coaches from Eloquential will lead this pre-open mic workshop to help you rehearse and refine your prose, poem, or spoken word [...]
Find out moreThis 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. Participants will learn how to place poems in print and online journals, why anthologies are such [...]
Find out moreProse, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic at The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 3-4 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 1:30, and readings begin promptly at 2. FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Amy Freeman, Emily Holland, & Zach Powers. Sponsored by Poet Lore. [...]
Find out moreIf you’ve dabbled in flash fiction, but need a spark of inspiration for new stories, this four-week online course is for you. After a brief review of the techniques of flash, participants will spend the bulk of the time writing to prompts, generating new ideas, and workshopping their stories. Writers will also discuss revision strategies [...]
Find out moreIt’s poetry in motion! In this workshop, participants will explore the history and techniques of video poetry, develop poems and storyboards through a series of easy and meditative exercises, and transform ideas into short experimental video poems and animations. By the end of the workshop, you will have an inspiring portfolio and a solid platform [...]
Find out moreThis four-week workshop will focus on the vital fiction elements of dialogue and description through a series of fun and varied exercises geared toward cultivating inventive, thought-provoking, and narratively efficient writing. Together, we will look at what makes for successful dialogue and description and how they can be used to further plot, character development, and [...]
Find out moreDo you have a memoir, novel, or chapbook trapped inside of you? Set it free with this course about the basic elements of creative writing. Every week, participants will read creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry, and apply their reading to exercises designed to generate pieces that effectively utilize character, setting, and plot. Participants will leave [...]
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The Word Works and The Writer’s Center present poets Lisa Lewis and Margaret Mackinnon. Café Muse opens at 7pm with refreshments and classical guitar by Michael Davis; readings begin at 7:30, followed by a poetry open mic. LISA LEWIS is the author of six poetry collections, among them Silent Treatment (Viking/Pinguin, 1998, winner of the [...]
Find out moreRevising is the most exciting part of writing. It's the chance to shape and focus your work. This class is designed for participants who have a short story or a personal essay and want to polish it to a shine. Participants will receive reading assignments via email before the class begins.
Find out moreBlogging is an easy yet powerful platform-building tool! Come learn how to use your blogs to find readers and build your author platform. You'll learn the components of a good blog, including how to write a headline that'll attract readers, techniques that'll keep them reading down the page, and tools that will have them clicking [...]
Find out moreDo you read the New York Times "Tiny Love Stories" and think: I have a big, tiny love story? Can you imagine writing your life story in 100 words, or less? This workshop will focus on the exploding writing genre of micro fiction and non-fiction. Through prompts, writing samples, and in-class discussion, participants will write [...]
Find out moreThis class of mini-lectures and short exercises will take us through some of the following questions: who sees (when, how, and where), who knows (what, when, and how), and who speaks? There will be assigned readings emailed before class (check your email), and short exercises in class. Come ready for a lively, interactive time.
Find out moreThese are exciting times to be a screenwriter. With more shows and television channels than ever, the opportunities for inventive ways of storytelling increase daily. This hands-on workshop will guide beginning and intermediate screenwriters through the process of crafting a professional-grade screenplay and/or TV pilot. Participants will examine proven methods for adapting fiction and narrative [...]
Find out moreThis one-day presentation will educate writers on the world of self-publishing. Specifically, it will examine and compare the leading digital or print-on-demand publishers, reveal the costs and benefits to writers in the printing packages offered, recommends how to select a publisher, and warn writers to stay away from the costly and unproven marketing packages – [...]
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This workshop is currently sold out. Please email amy.freeman@{{{{homeurl_non_www}}}} to be added to the waiting list. Intended for autistic writers, this workshop will introduce reportage to nonfiction writing, as well as addressing how to best convey and portray autistic people in media. This workshop is a part of Autism through a Literary Lens, a symposium [...]
Find out moreThis workshop is currently sold out. Please email amy.freeman@{{{{homeurl_non_www}}}} to be added to the waiting list. If you're neurotypical, writing autistic characters credibly (e.g. with nuance) takes education. If you're autistic, it takes practice. This workshop will introduce ways in which writers can create, with sensitivity and respect, authentic neurodivergent characters. This workshop is a [...]
Find out moreThis workshop is currently sold out. Please email amy.freeman@{{{{homeurl_non_www}}}} to be added to the waiting list. This workshop for neurotypical parents and other family members will explore writing respectfully and honestly about our experiences supporting our autistic loved ones. The class will focus on how to write and publish our stories without falling into stereotypes, [...]
Find out moreThe Writer's Center presents a groundbreaking symposium addressing the subject of autism in literature and popular culture. This is the first event of its kind, offering free creative writing workshops followed by a panel discussion, featuring autistic and neurotypical writers. Featured writers include Eric Garcia, Hannah Grieco, Jen Malia, Shanon Lee, and New York Times [...]
Find out moreScroll to the bottom of the page to complete registration for the panel discussion. The Autism through a Literary Lens symposium concludes with a discussion on the way the literary community addresses autism, how we get it right, and where we need to do better. Autistic and neurotypical writers address some of the primary concerns [...]
Find out moreIn this workshop, participants will examine the qualities of good writing and good storytelling. After a recap on the constituent elements of short fiction, participants will take a fresh look at contemporary and classic stories alike. Each week, writers will craft a new piece and offer feedback to fellow participants. By the course's end, writers [...]
Find out moreSometimes it is easier to write than it is to talk, especially when dealing with sensitive issues involving family members. This workshop will explore when writing a letter might be appropriate and the best way to do it. Expressing love, concern, regret, compunction, gratitude, appreciation, or another highly charged feelings can be challenging. Participants will [...]
Find out moreConnect with the natural world as a reader and a writer, from the species level to the larger landscape of place. Participants will read and discuss contemporary nature writing, engage in nature-writing exercises and activities in class and on their own, and share and discuss samples of participant writing. Participants will acquire tools and skills [...]
Find out moreThis workshop will allow writers of all genres to think and ‘write’ on their feet, using verbal and non-verbal warmups, and new original games to stimulate perspective, generate cognitive flexibility, and gain creative flow. Get rid of the negativity blocking your creativity in a judgement free zone. Gain a multifaceted perspective knowing that all answers [...]
Find out moreExplore the deep roots and traditions of women’s literature. The workshop will include discussion of some of the most important themes and techniques of women’s writing down the millennia; guided writing time to create your own poetry and prose in touch with these traditions; and the chance to share your work with our group. Suggested [...]
Find out moreSo you've always thought of yourself as a prose writer, but maybe, just maybe, there's a poet inside, too? This class is designed to show you how reading and writing poetry can help strengthen your work as a prose writer. Participants will receive reading assignments via email before the class begins.
Find out moreThe purpose of this course is to instruct aspiring magazine and newspaper freelancers in how to construct a destination or hotel article, pitch it, write effective query letters, and find appropriate outlets. Each week, participants will work on a feature of their choosing, with some classroom reading. They will be encouraged to bring in exemplary [...]
Find out morePitching personal essays is quite different from submitting travel stories, journalism, and many other types of writing. In this workshop, you'll learn about hundreds of places to submit your work, how to discern which ones might best fit your essay, where to find the best writers’ guidelines, and what you should include (and omit) from [...]
Find out moreLife is beautiful. It's also messy. In this personal essay writing workshop, writers will use the messiness of real life for inspiration. Participants will practice drawing from experiences, asking hard questions, and diving in deep to reveal their true selves through their creative work.
Find out moreCalling all alums of Kathryn Johnson's Extreme Novelist workshops! Share your writing adventures. Renew friendships. Who has published, or is soon to be? Wine reception with yummy eats. Door Prizes, including a chance for a free Critical Read by Kathryn RSVP: laura.spencer@{{{{homeurl_non_www}}}} The celebration can’t possibly be complete without you!
Find out moreJust as in life, difficult and complicated people inhabit both fiction and personal essays. But how do we create interest in and empathy for the least likable? What is the leap of imagination that's required? There will be pre-class reading assignments and a writing assignment emailed ahead of time to jump-start our time together.
Find out moreWriting poems is discovery on paper, and good poems surprise and delight the poet as much as anyone. In this workshop, designed for new friends of poetry, you will try on a variety of styles and forms on the way to finding your own poetic voice. Participants will read poems together and use them as [...]
Find out moreHaving a children's book published in today's tough market may seem like an impossible dream. But, in reality, getting your book idea into shape and into print can hinge on just the right advice from a pro. Do you need an agent? Should you connect with an artist? What about self-publishing? In a DC-area exclusive [...]
Find out moreWriting a book and getting it published is hard enough--however the work doesn’t end there. Both traditionally and self-published authors are expected to do their own promotion, and it can be hard to know which ones are most effective, let alone which ones are out there before publication. Author and Assistant Director of Publicity and [...]
Find out moreJumpstart a winning college essay that reflects your strengths and authentic voice. With guidance from seasoned college essay coach, Pamela Toutant, students will learn the attributes of successful essays, brainstorm essay topics, get feedback, and develop an essay outline.
Find out moreImprove your ear for meter, and fine-tune your understanding of how meter works in poetry. Have you ever wondered how scanning the lines of your first draft can make for a better poem? Do you know why listening for the natural rhythms of speech can strengthen your writing? Guided by an internationally published author of [...]
Find out moreWant to submit your work to magazines but don't know how? This one day workshop will explore what literary magazines are, what editors are looking for in submissions, have a “translation” exercise, tips on how to get the most out of a lit mag, and the secrets to writing a great cover letter to get [...]
Find out moreFind the starting point for your memoir, book, or essay that will set the story in motion and reveal direction for you and the reader. In this two week immersion course participants will study the first pages of exemplary memoirs to see how—and why— writers chose the material they do to begin their work. Participants [...]
Find out moreThis interactive workshop provides writers of all levels with techniques that reveal the patterns, themes, and stories that shape their lives. Participants will practice writing with beginner’s mind, thought labeling to identify hidden ideas and beliefs, and storytelling as a creative path to healing. In this three-hour session, you will write, share, and discuss your [...]
Find out moreIn this workshop, participants will look closely at the uses of metaphor, image, and concrete detail, as well as rhythm and inflection, in prose writing (both fiction and nonfiction). This will be an exercise-based class with mini-lectures from the instructor. Participants will receive reading assignments via email before the class begins.
Find out more“I am amazed by the amount I learned!” is what participants say about this popular class. This workshop is for writers looking to begin, or deepen, their exploration of poetry with a focus on craft. Each session is devoted to one aspect of craft (imagery, line, form, revision, etc.) and begins with a chance to [...]
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The Writer's Center presents a literary variety show, featuring readings, live music, antics, beer and Bugles, and a slew of surprises! Featuring nationally renowned authors Stephanie Allen, Tyrese Coleman, Philip Dean Walker, Kayla Re Whitaker, and Vonetta Young. Hosted by Amy Freeman, Emily Holland, and Zach Powers, with music by Ralvell Rogers II. Book sales [...]
Find out moreRevision is a dirty word to some writers. But you needn’t fear the challenges of polishing a manuscript before submission and publication. This fast-paced, half-day class focuses on the ten most common mistakes and concerns, often overlooked by authors before they send their story out into the world. Everything you do to your manuscript after [...]
Find out moreMaybe you've toyed with the idea of writing a business book and sharing what you've learned with others around you. The fact is, anyone can write a book. The problem is, most people are stopped before they even start by the size of the project, and more importantly, the lack of a clear process. With [...]
Find out moreJuly 2019
Do you ever find yourself filling pages with rambling, wandering, plotless nonsense? In this workshop, we’ll turn those pages to gold! For five weeks, participants will discover ways of relaxing our minds and writing from the subconscious, then explore methods of focusing and organizing the stream-of-consciousness into a variety of forms such as poetry, micro-fiction, [...]
Find out moreAre you ready to go beyond your blog and publish your work? Learn how to tell your parenting stories -- from the funny to the heartbreaking -- in a way that speaks to others and gets noticed by editors! This workshop will offer online exercises and discussions with group critiques and feedback by the instructor. [...]
Find out moreIn this workshop, participants will learn about how to make first lines do the heavy lifting, how to build unforgettable worlds and characters who will stay with your reader long after the story is done! In this five-week, online course, participants will be given writing prompts, outside reading, direct instruction, and peer review/workshop.
Find out moreThe Word Works and The Writer’s Center present poets Irene Fick and Kevin McLellan. Café Muse opens at 7pm with refreshments and classical guitar by Michael Davis; readings begin at 7:30, followed by a poetry open mic. All Café Muse programs are free to the public and handicapped accessible. IRENE FICK is the author of [...]
Find out moreVampires, zombies, and halflings with swords! Participants will build a world and write in it. The first session of this workshop will be devoted to the basics of fiction and story construction. In the second session, participants will do a start-up exercise to help get them started on a possibly longer work.
Find out moreWhether you are an organized planner or a writer who flies by the seat of their pants, a novel still needs structure. In this four-week online workshop, participants will study the architecture of a novel and devise plans for plotting their novels.
Find out moreIf you have always wanted to write a novel but didn't know where to start, this workshop will help you understand the process of writing a novel so you can get started putting pen to paper. The workshop will focus on everything from generating ideas to developing characters to establishing point of view. Participants will [...]
Find out moreAre you new to writing and interested in potentially publishing about your experiences as a parent? This class is an introduction to finding your story, distinguishing it from others, and avoiding clichés and stereotypes. Exercises and group critiques in a safe space, with a focus on digging in and writing bravely and honestly. Great for [...]
Find out moreWhat do Harry Potter, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and your children’s book all have in common? They all began as unpublished manuscripts searching for the right home. While you may have written the next great children’s book, you may also find the submission process daunting and confusing. In this workshop you will learn where to [...]
Find out moreExplore imaginative forms of writing in a supportive environment. Fun prompts will help circumvent the analytic brain and give creativity a chance to thrive. Free up memories and use them as inspiration for memoir, fiction, poems, creative nonfiction, journal-writing, scrap-booking, etc. Features of this two session workshop include in-class assignments, opportunity to read your writing—or [...]
Find out moreLearn how to write proposals to request grants from funders. This workshop will cover how to research prospective funders, the elements of a good proposal, and how to approach funders. Proposal writing is a practical skill that applies to those who work or volunteer for non-profit organizations and can be a good source of freelance [...]
Find out moreIn 1903, Ida Tarbell was "the most famous woman in America." How did this journalist research and write her balanced and compelling series on Standard Oil? How did she decide the storyline for her narrative about the power of this trust? How did she verify the accuracy of her reporting? What did she do that [...]
Find out moreThis five day (one week) workshop is for writers of fiction or memoir who want to focus on strengthening their characters. An emphasis will be placed on the use of dialogue (direct, indirect, and internal) as one means to develop characters. The workshop is interactive and lively, with opportunities for discussion, sharing, Q&A, reading, writing, [...]
Find out moreWhat makes a story engaging for young readers? How do you tell a captivating story in less than 800 words? Jacqueline Jules, author of forty books for young readers, including the Zapato Power series and the Sofia Martinez series, will share tips on writing stories for children with an eye toward publication. Workshop will cover [...]
Find out moreLooking for interesting discussions about poetry to inspire your own writing? Join us as we explore and enjoy Tracy K. Smith’s Wade in the Water. We’ll discuss the book as a whole, as well as spend more concentrated time on individual poems. Participants will receive weekly writing prompts based on the book’s poems and themes [...]
Find out moreThis class offers the chance to focus on a particular piece of writing that you are passionate about drafting and then revising over the course of three weeks. There will be pre-class readings and assignments explained in an email that will be sent out before class.
Find out moreIn this workshop, participants learn how to write bright, specific, ambitious poems that electrify the page. Each workshop leads off with a guided close reading of contemporary poets. Bring in drafts of 1-2 pages for three of the six sessions, each of which will receive written feedback from the instructor. Missing sessions is fine; advance notice is [...]
Find out moreCan't find the time/energy/inspiration to get your novel written? This popular course, developed by the author of the book by the same name, will help you complete a rough draft in just eight weeks. Participants receive the encouraging guidance of professional writing coach Kathryn Johnson. Each author will commit to an aggressive writing schedule and [...]
Find out moreGetting your fiction, non-fiction, and poetry out into the world can be a daunting and difficult business, whether you're trying to land a book contract or get your work into the literary journal of your dreams. However, there are things you can do to increase your odds and make the process more efficient. This workshop [...]
Find out moreIt's often said that without conflict there is no story. It also holds true that strengthening the conflict in any type of fiction will bump up the tension and turn limp, ordinary fiction into an extraordinary tale that will keep readers turning pages. Whether you choose to write literary fiction, mysteries, family sagas, thrillers, historical [...]
Find out moreThis workshop will focus on how autobiography mediates and revivifies past events that surface in some perfected, universalized form. Through writing prompts and mini-lectures on poetic craft and history of the genre, participants will learn how the very construction of the poem is a means to contain—and often transform—subjective material so that self-revelation can take [...]
Find out moreProse, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic at The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 3-4 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 1:30, and readings begin promptly at 2. FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Amy Freeman, Emily Holland, & Zach Powers. Sponsored by Poet Lore.
Find out moreThis workshop offers a practical 16-point plan that takes you from the mere germ of an idea all the way through the creative process, with an eye on getting a finished book into the hands of potential fans. Participants will discuss how to transform the nub of an idea into a book-length project, populated with [...]
Find out moreThis four-week course is for writers who want to expand their private writing practice and establish an online presence through blogging and social media. Creating a platform for the work you want to share with the world requires a combination of storytelling, style, and strategy. In this course, you will work on leveraging your life [...]
Find out moreWhether you want to write a memoir, blog, letter to your granddaughter, or use your own life as the basis for fiction, life story writing requires that we tell where we come from and who we are. Learn to identify your story's essence and to engage the reader through fictional techniques. Participants will leave inspired [...]
Find out moreThis day-long workshop will deconstruct and demystify the novel-writing process for struggling and/or aspiring writers. Go all the way from getting the start of an idea to getting your book into the hands of expectant fans. Along the way you'll learn how to stay organized, write in the voice of the opposite sex, the art [...]
Find out moreImprove your villanelle skills, or write your first one. Guided by an internationally published author of villanelles, sonnets, and other metrical poems, you'll first read classic and contemporary villanelles to see why they work. Then, with or without shortcuts, you’ll write one of your own. Next you'll see how your new poem can be improved [...]
Find out moreThis week-long workshop invites participants to draft one short memoir utilizing the elements of memoir presented in class. Class time will be spent on discussion, exercises, and sharing, following the arc of a story as a guide. Most writing will be completed at home and then shared during the last class.
Find out moreThere seems to be no limit to the sales potential for mystery-related fiction. But do you know the differences between traditional mysteries and cozies? Between Dan Brown-style thrillers and psychological suspense? If your aim is to write anywhere within the mystery genre, it pays to know what elements work (or don’t) for your audience…and therefore, [...]
Find out moreAugust 2019
Both the prose poem and flash fiction/nonfiction have a long tradition, and are fun and engaging to read and write. Participants should bring 15 copies of either one original prose poem or one piece of flash fiction/nonfiction to the workshop to share with others. Participants will receive reading assignments via email before the class begins.
Find out moreWhen writing a novel, we must know our primary characters inside and out. We need to understand their desires, motivations, and frustrations, their histories and their futures. This workshop will focus on the development of authentic characters. Participants will examine character as both autonomous and residing within the context of the other novelistic elements, and [...]
Find out moreDialogue is the playwright’s primary tool for conveying a story that ultimately becomes a visual, aural and emotional experience for an audience. In this workshop, we will look at various functions of dialogue and we will discuss how actors, designers, and directors use dialogue as a basis for transforming words on the page to life [...]
Find out moreMaybe you have toyed with the dream of increasing your book sales and generating additional revenue by building a speaking business, perhaps you have just thought about addressing occasional requests to speak that have come your way, or maybe you just want to find better ways to market your book. Participants in this workshop will [...]
Find out moreImprove your sonnet skills, or write your first one. Guided by an internationally published author of sonnets, villanelles, and other metrical poems, you’ll first read classic and contemporary sonnets to see how and why they work. Then -- with or without shortcuts -- you’ll write one or more of your own. Next you'll see how [...]
Find out moreBoost your writing and reading productivity through bullet journaling! In this workshop, we’ll use adapted forms of Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journaling process to create our own personalized systems of journaling and note-taking. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid start on a beautiful writer’s journal and tons of pages ready to fill [...]
Find out moreSooner or later, you will need to write a query letter and plot synopsis of your story, if you want to be traditionally published. But synopses also help the author stay confident and on track while writing, while still allowing for creative changes. Learn how to write an effective query letter for literary agents, and [...]
Find out moreProse, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic at The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 3-4 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 1:30, and readings begin promptly at 2. FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Amy Freeman, Emily Holland, & Zach Powers. Sponsored by Poet Lore.
Find out moreWhat does your audience need to know and when do they need to know it? In this workshop we will consider various strategies for managing exposition in the context of process in writing a play (getting started, exploring a first draft, analysis, and revisions). We will look at examples to better understand how to handle [...]
Find out moreCharacters set in motion a series of events and actions that become the engine of your play. In this workshop we will look at strategies for exploring and developing characters in the early stages of writing your play and discuss ways to assess the potential of the characters to drive action in your story. In [...]
Find out moreTo capture a reader's attention and hold it, an author needs a great first sentence, paragraph...chapter. How do we provide the hook that will draw readers into our stories, no matter the genre? This fun workshop will reveal tried-and-true techniques for launching your novel, short story, or memoir that will make your story's opening irresistible. [...]
Find out moreJumpstart a winning college essay that reflects your strengths and authentic voice. With guidance from seasoned college essay coach, Pamela Toutant, students will learn the attributes of successful essays, brainstorm essay topics, get feedback, and develop an essay outline.
Find out moreLead with the future -- not background. 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 brief, and choose strong verbs. Highlights: communicate in a crisis, correct errors the [...]
Find out moreSeptember 2019
Note: Acceptance to the course is required before registration This intensive workshop is geared toward writers with either a draft of a novel ready for revision, or a novel substantially under way (approximately 75 pages already written). Novel Year participants will experience the rigor and structure of an M.F.A. program, but with less of an [...]
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Find your readers! SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 14, 2019, 8:15am-6pm The Writer’s Center presents a one-day seminar dedicated to helping you take the next steps toward publication. Join more than twenty industry professionals as they share the ins and outs of publishing articles, essays, stories, books, and more. Panels will cover publishing, marketing, self-publishing, [...]
Find out moreFebruary 2019
Revision is a dirty word to some writers. But you needn’t fear the challenges of polishing a manuscript before submission and publication. This fast-paced, half-day class focuses on the ten most common mistakes and concerns, often overlooked by authors before they send their story out into the world. Everything you do to your manuscript after [...]
Find out moreMarch 2019
Writing a novel takes commitment, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. Learn how to generate a handful of plots from which to choose, methods for effectively planning your story, and simple hacks for fine tuning your basic fiction skills. Participants will initiate a flexible writing plan that will keep their writing flowing. This is [...]
Find out moreIt's often said that without conflict there is no story. It also holds true that strengthening the conflict in any type of fiction will bump up the tension and turn limp, ordinary fiction into an extraordinary tale that will keep readers turning pages. Whether you choose to write literary fiction, mysteries, family sagas, thrillers, historical [...]
Find out moreYou may think you don't have the time, energy, or inspiration to write because of your hectic lifestyle. Wrong! Join us for coffee and pastries, and learn what professional writers know about organizing their time, establishing a productive writing routine, and getting their stories written. The class will highlight methods that many professional writers use [...]
Find out moreApril 2019
You have a great idea for a story. Do you dive in and just begin writing, or start by drafting an outline? Are you a born planner or a writer who loves to discover stories organically (i.e., a pantser)? Understanding how to structure a well-conceived story around a main character and central conflict, while paying [...]
Find out moreTo capture a reader's attention and hold it, an author needs a great first sentence, paragraph, and chapter. How do we provide the hook that will draw readers into our stories, no matter the genre? This fun workshop will reveal tried-and-true techniques for launching your novel, short story, or memoir that will make your story's [...]
Find out moreMay 2019
Graduates of The Extreme Novelist I and Extreme Novelist II (Revision) courses are invited to apply for a place in this advanced writers’ workshop. Other proficient writers of book-length fiction and short story collections may also apply, if there is room. (Only 10 seats are available.) The goal is to gather valuable feedback from other [...]
Find out moreYou may think you don’t have the time, energy, or inspiration to write because of your hectic lifestyle. Wrong! Learn what professional writers know about organizing their time, establishing a productive writing routine, and getting their stories written. The class will highlight methods that many professional writers use to complete their books in months instead [...]
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