Most of us who write want to do more than simply entertain our readers. We want to move them emotionally, open their minds, transform their attitudes, and possibly inspire them to change the world.
To achieve this in memoir, we must be honest and vulnerable. In fiction, we must create characters who are flawed and complex. And in all genres we must avoid sentimentality and pat answers, instead exploring themes and issues that really matter to the reader.
Instructor Elaine Beale says, “The best writers create stories that resonate long after a reader has finished the final page. To do this, you have to be willing to go the places that may feel uncomfortable or complicated, to be both brave and curious. Above all, you need to leave behind the inner critic or perfectionist and allow yourself to take risks on the page.”
In this class, we’ll create a supportive and inclusive environment where participants can take risks and go deeper. Using prompts and exercises, you’ll be invited to explore what might challenge or scare you. You’ll be encouraged to embrace your own voice and your own unique perspective. Quirky, different, raw, and experimental are all welcome here.
There’ll be weekly homework to inspire you to keep writing between classes, and opportunities for both in-class and written feedback from the instructor.
“At the end of this five-week class,” says Elaine, “it’s my goal that participants get far more comfortable with literary risk-taking so that they can put their most authentic voice and stories on the page.”
About The Writing Salon's In-Person Classes
Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about your class. If you have any questions about in-person learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.
Elaine Beale has published two novels, the most recent of which, Another Life Altogether, was featured in Oprah Magazine and received praise from the Boston Globe, Lambda Literary, and Publishers Weekly, among others. Elaine was the winner of the 2007 Poets & Writers California Writers Exchange Award and has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. Her latest book is Write for Wellness, a guide to using expressive writing to promote emotional and physical health.
- Tuesday, April 22, 7:00pm-9:30pm
- Tuesday, April 29, 7:00pm-9:30pm
- Tuesday, May 06, 7:00pm-9:30pm
- Tuesday, May 13, 7:00pm-9:30pm
- Tuesday, May 20, 7:00pm-9:30pm
I am a big fan of Elaine's classes. She immediately puts the novice at ease and her enthusiastic love of the craft is contagious.
Elaine knows her stuff, obviously, and articulates her insights in an inspiring style. She respects how challenging writing is and accentuates that by constantly providing positive support. She is warm, honest, and helpful for fledgling fiction writers!
Elaine is a gifted instructor. She set an inspiring & encouraging tone that allowed me to take risks and be courageous in my writing. I loved that Elaine had a syllabus and set the expectations for the class very clearly. Also, she shared a number of techniques that I know I will continue to use in my writing life. I would recommend Elaine Beale's classes to any writer who wants to take their writing to the next level.
Elaine was a wonderful instructor! I learned so much about myself during the process and some valuable tools I have incorporated in writing. I look forward to taking future classes- in particular, courses offered by Elaine!