Spring Classes with Mary Carroll Moore

HOW TO PLAN, WRITE, AND DEVELOP A BOOK
A six-week class on all aspects of creating a longer manuscript in fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, and all other genres with Mary Carroll Moore, award-winning author of 12 books

Hudson Valley Writers Center, Sleepy Hollow, NY (an easy commute from CT)
Mondays beginning April 14, 1:30-4:30 p.m., no class April 21 and May 26
Fee: $355 Returning Moore students deduct $15

Topics include theme, story arcs, the process of writing images, character change and plot, the balance of rhythm, structure, and passion in your writing life--tools and insights to make your writing really work for you. Whether you’re a nonfiction author, memoirist, or novelist, and whether you have a book almost finished or merely a concept for one, this 6-week class will help you get to know your project at its current stage and how to take it toward publication. Each week we discuss different aspects of book writing—what a book is really about, how to structure it via storyboarding and story arcs, how to structure your life so you can actually finish writing it. Exercises in class and at home help you explore ways to write sections of chapters, flow the sections into workable chapters, find holes in the material, edit and revise your drafts, organize your research, and explore the underlying concepts and themes your book presents.

Past attendees said:

"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." "Best use of money, time, and engagement I've experienced in a long time!" "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."

TELLING OUR STORIES: Exploring the Personal Essay
with Mary Carroll Moore
Hudson Valley Writers Center, Sleepy Hollow, NY (an easy commute from CT)
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.

Past attendees said:

"We need more classes like this. Very interactive. Most writers learn more this way."
"Her classes always get me going. She turns problems into possibilities and opportunities."
"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.

Mary Carroll Moore is the published author of eight cookbooks, two medical books, one self-help/inspirational book, and a memoir. For twelve years she was a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, and over 300 of her articles, essays, poems, and short stories have appeared in publications such as Quay, Pitkin Review, Boston Globe, American Artist, Baltimore Sun, and American Health. A chapter from her second novel (in process) won an honorable mention in the 2005 McKnight Awards and was a top-ten finalist in the Loft Mentor Series Awards judged by Amy Bloom, and her first novel, Qualities of Light, is circulating to publishers. She was recently featured in an article in the New York Times about her painting and writing. As a writing coach, editor, and book doctor for publishing houses since 1986, she has taught over 2000 writers what it takes to write a successful book. Her website features her art and writing: www.marycarrollmoore.com