Winter Writing Classes & Workshops

How to Plan, Write & Develop a Book
offered by author, editor, & fellow IWWG member Mary Carroll Moore

6 Mondays, starting January 28-March 10 (no class Feb. 18)
Morning session: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Afternoon session: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
$355 for 6 weeks (deduct $15 if you're a returning student to Mary's classes or workshops)
Hudson Valley Writers' Center

Join fellow book writers for a weekly class on getting to know your book—what it is about, how to structure it, how to plan to finish it! Each week we cover different aspects of book structuring and development--islands versus outlines, chapter grids, storyboarding, pacing, emotional development, and important storytelling tools for both fiction and nonfiction authors (characters, conflict, and backstory). You’ll look at ways to flow chapters, find holes in your material that need filling, organize research and concepts, construct plots, and bring your book into manifestation. You’ll also learn what editors and agents look for and gain essential tips on editing and evaluating your book in all its stages. Designed for writers who have a book concept or a work in progress or anyone who needs a fresh look at their material.

Here's what other writers have said about this class:

"Best use of money, time, and engagement I've experienced in a long time!"
"I needed structure help and Mary delivered the exact tools to help me."
"I love the idea of islands--I've been stuck writing my book chapter by chapter."
"Learned a lot about what to expect from writing a book."
"Wonderful positive energy here; people share ideas and concepts freely. Very inspiring with honest ups and downs." "This was extremely helpful--I had several breakthroughs!"
"Very instructive, inspirational, and clear; exceeded my wildest expectations."

As of today, the morning session is sold out, but there are three places open in the afternoon session.
For more information, call 914-332-5953, visit www.writerscenter.org or email Maureen at info@writerscenter.org. The Hudson Valley Writers' Center is located in Sleepy Hollow, NY near Tarrytown--an easy commute from western and coastal CT.

For more information on Mary Carroll Moore, visit her web site at www.marycarrollmoore.com.


Saucy Stories: The Art of Desire with Jamie Cat Callan

1 day-workshop, Feb. 2nd, 1-4 p.m.
Green Street Arts Center, Middletown, CT
Tuition: $60 ($50 members)

Writing a sexy story is a lot like a strip tease. You have to slowly undress the narrative, take your time, add all the details, and use your senses. This one-day course is designed for beginning as well as advanced writers who want to explore a variety of techniques for writing erotic fiction or for adding a sensual element to any style or genre.

Jamie Cat Callan's fiction has appeared in Best American Erotica, The Missouri Review, American Letters & Commentary, and The Baffler. She is the author of three novels for young adults. Her writing exercises, The Writers Toolbox, was published by Chronicle Books in spring 2007. Jamie has been published in The New York Times Modern Love column and her dating book Hooking Up or Holding Out has just been released.

The Green Street Arts Center in Middletown is also offering several other events for writers and readers in the coming weeks. For reservations, call 860-685-7871 or email gsac@wesleyan.edu. Green Street is a major initiative of Wesleyan University launched in collaboration with city officials and the North End Action Team. To be added to a mailing list for future writing workshops, contact Assistant Director Lex Leifheit, lleifheit@wesleyan.edu.


Fiction Writing Workshop

CT IWWG Member Jessica Bram runs the Westport Writers' Workshop. (Scroll down this blog to see a sampling of her wonderful classes.) She has just opened up a new section of Suzanne Hoover's popular fiction writing class running 8 Mondays from 2-4:30 p.m. in Westport from January 21st through March 17th. For more information, visit www.westportwritersworkshop.com or contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@jbram.com.