June 2019
Having 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 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 a slew of surprises! Featuring nationally renowned authors Stephanie Allen, Tyrese Coleman, Philip Dean Walker, Kayla Rae Whitaker, and Vonetta Young. Hosted by Amy Freeman, Emily Holland, and Zach Powers, with music by Ralvell Rogers II. Book sales courtesy of [...]
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.
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The 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 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 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 moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
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 moreJoin The Writer's Center and instructor Alexandra Viets to learn more about our upcoming year-long screenwriting workshop! This info session will allow interested screenwriters to meet Alexandra and ask questions about the program. Please see the complete program details below. Screenwriting Intensive: A Year of Film Fall 2019- Summer 2020 Overview: This year-long workshop will [...]
Find out moreJoin The Writer's Center and instructor Alexandra Viets to learn more about our upcoming year-long screenwriting workshop! This info session will allow interested screenwriters to meet Alexandra and ask questions about the program. For complete program details and how to apply, . Screenwriting Intensive: A Year of Film Fall 2019- Summer 2020 Overview: This [...]
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 moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreThe best way to decipher the truth about yourself is by setting about the sometimes grueling, always revealing, usually embarrassing task of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). How else to process your childhood fear of dolls (guilty as charged), make sense of your obsession with Victorian hair jewelry (guilty again), or wonder [...]
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 moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
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 moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreAs you've hopefully noticed, we've made a lot of changes at The Writer's Center in the past year or so. We're committed to transparency and communication. Which means we want to hear how about your experiences, as a workshop participant, at TWC. What have we done well? Where do we need to do better? Please [...]
Find out moreAs you've hopefully noticed, we've made a lot of changes at The Writer's Center in the past year or so. We're committed to transparency and communication. Which means we want to hear about your experiences, as a workshop participant, at TWC. What have we done well? Where do we need to do better? Please join [...]
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 moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
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 moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
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 moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
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 moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
Find out moreHubert Henry Davies' "The Mollusc" July 12 - August 4, 2019 Directed by Jack Sbarbori Purchase tickets » "You are guaranteed to leave 'The Mollusc' with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart," raved DC Theatre Scene about QTC's "spot-on" 2008 production of Davies' Edwardian comedy of ill manners. A decade later, [...]
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 [...]
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The Word Works, the DC-Area Literary Translators Network (DC-ALT), and The Writer’s Center present Barbara Goldberg reading from her poetry anthology Transformation and Katherine E. Young reading work by Akram Aylisli (prose) and Inna Kabysh (poetry). Café Muse opens at 7 pm with refreshments and classical guitar by Michael Davis; readings begin at 7:30. BARBARA [...]
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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Fall 2019- Summer 2020 Overview: This year-long workshop will provide participants a structured setting to complete, revise, and workshop a feature-length screenplay under the direction of an award-winning professional screenwriter. Each participant will have the opportunity to present a total of 250 pages, to include an original draft and the completed revision of a feature [...]
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Find your readers! Saturday, September 14, 2019 8:15am - 6pm Registration: $150 Register at the bottom of this page! 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, [...]
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