When we read good stories they tend to endure in our hearts as touchstones that enrich our understanding of the world. We’ve all had the experience of reading something we like and wondering how the author developed such a breathtaking idea, with such compelling characters, and brought it to fruition
“So many of us think we should be able to sit down and write perfectly crafted sentences, paragraphs and stories without writing those raw first drafts,” says instructor Elaine Beale. “But the fact is that our ‘raw writing’ is not only necessary, it’s actually a lot of fun
“As screenwriters, we tend to work alone for protracted amounts of time in silence, but when we’re hard at work on a script, it’s invaluable to hear how our words hit the air,” says instructor Kerry Muir
“Each of us has a story to tell, but finding the words and voice for that story is an art and craft specific to each individual,” says instructor Kathy Garlick. “This class is designed for writers who may be uncovering and sharing that story for the first time
Picture books provide one of the most exciting and innovative spaces for play in the book world today. Genres collide, stories become graphic novels, and nonfiction dances from the page in lyrical twists and twirls
Big things can come in small packages—their own perfect beauty tied to their size. The short short story is literary proof that great fiction can come in a small package
“Combining observation and contemplation, inner and outer worlds, wit and heart, a compelling sonnet shines like a tiny jewel,” says instructor Kathleen McClung
This class will focus on creating a community space for writers to reimagine their own material, to read contemporary and classic poems, to discuss elements of poetic craft, and most importantly to generate “new” work by way of revision
"It’s one thing to tell a funny story to your friends over drinks, but to be funny on the page is an art unto itself," says comedy writer Kate Montgomery. “Comedy is fragile and demanding. With drama, you can get away with so much. With comedy, one extra word can ruin the laugh
In this class, you'll develop concrete skills and narrative techniques through fun writing exercises designed to help you master your craft. At the end of five weeks, you'll have a better grip on how to use these techniques (for developing character, setting, and plot) as tools for building your story