Saturday, February 2, 2008

Feb/March: One-Day Writing Workshops

One-day writing workshops in February and March, with award-winning author Mary Carroll Moore. For all levels of writers, to help you jump-start your creativity and your writing. At the Hudson Valley Writers' Center in Westchester County--an easy commute from CT. Please join us!

THE WHEEL OF TEN: Essential Tools to Make Memoir and Fiction Come Alive
Friday, February 29, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $120 Returning Moore students deduct $5
Spend a lively day exploring the ins and outs of ten essential writing tools that professional writers never leave home without. Even one, well used, will bring new vibrancy to a not-quite-there-yet memoir, short story, or novel. Fun writing exercises, short readings, discussion will help us see new levels of these basic tools—how to use them, how they influence a writer’s voice and the success of a piece of writing, and why they must be considered for any good storytelling (true tales, faction, or fiction): action, dialogue, pacing, point of view, backstory, chronology, setting, motive, closeness/distance, and change. Bring a bag lunch and short piece of writing in progress to use during the exercises or start something new in class. For all skill levels.

What past attendees said:
"Enlightening. Totally changed the way I think."
"Amazing. Mary was very attentive and gave each student feedback applicable to what meant something to them. I'd recommend this workshop to anyone. My writing now makes sense to me in a different light."
"Best writing instruction I've ever had."

TELLING OUR STORIES: Exploring the Personal Essay
Friday, March 28, 2008, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $120 Returning Moore students deduct $5

A good essay opens a window and invites the reader into a writer’s beliefs about the world. But it also takes the reader on a journey of discovery—as the writer finds out more about these beliefs. So good essays start with strong feeling, thoughtful questions--and this desire to explore uncharted territory. Within this “risk on paper,” your essay can take multiple forms (linear, snapshot, collage, narrative) and endless subjects (from illness, loss, or trauma to nature to a neighborhood’s disappearing culture). In this one-day workshop we’ll learn the steps to explore, craft, and develop a personal or opinion essay. Using short pieces by well-known essayists, we’ll practice writing exercises to discover what our own essay really is about—what's the theme? the seed idea that will speak most clearly to the reader and deliver our point? Be prepared to explore deeply, write a lot, and go home with an essay to finish. Bring an essay-in-progress or an idea for one, as well as a bag lunch. For all levels of writers.

What past attendees said:
"Her classes always get me going. She turns problems into possibilities and opportunities."
"We need more classes like this. Very interactive. Most writers learn more this way."
"In an interactive environment, Mary breaks down the writing process--and the process of the writer. Just what I needed."

For more information or to register, please call the Hudson Valley Writers' Center at 914-332-5953, email info@writerscenter.org, or visit www.writerscenter.org. Mary Carroll Moore's web site is www.marycarrollmoore.com.

No comments: