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
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Open House
The Connecticut Institute for Psychosynthesis is offering an Open Sunday on March 9th. Starting at 10:30, there will be a connecting circle, guided imagery & writing, and networking. Bring a sandwich and join us around the table at noon. We serve coffee and dessert.
The afternoon class is "Creativity & Play." The suggested contribution is $20. (We also have a sliding scale for those in need.) We continue to raise money for wounded vets.
For more information, contact CT IWWG member Cynthia Pincus Russell, Ph.D. at psynnie@aol.com, or call 203-377-2421.
The afternoon class is "Creativity & Play." The suggested contribution is $20. (We also have a sliding scale for those in need.) We continue to raise money for wounded vets.
For more information, contact CT IWWG member Cynthia Pincus Russell, Ph.D. at psynnie@aol.com, or call 203-377-2421.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Cape Cod Writers' Retreat
From Jessica Bram:
Have you been wishing for some quiet time to yourself ... to write? Then treat yourself to a peaceful and productive
CAPE COD WRITERS' RETREAT
@ the Inn at Cook Street
WHAT: Four days and peace and quiet at the luxurious Inn at Cook Street in Provincetown, Mass., on the eastern tip of Cape Cod. Along with workshop leaders Jessica Bram and Suzanne Hoover, and a small, exclusive group of writers, you will spend the days at your leisure writing in your private room at the Inn, the Inn garden, the beach, or any of the other beautiful locales in Provincetown.
Every evening the group will meet for a 3-hour workshop to share and critique each others' work. Late afternoon optional activities will include poetry readings, writing skills workshops, and informal conversations about writing.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Choose from among 6 beautiful rooms with private bath at the Inn at Cook Street (www.InnatCookStreet).
WHEN: 5 pm Sunday, April 20 through 12 noon Thursday, April 24, 2008
COST:$1,145 per person. This includes:
HOW TO REGISTER: Registration is limited to 6 participants, and reservations will be accepted first come, first served.
(Only 2 spots remain in our Spring 2008 Retreat.)
To reserve your space mail a $450 deposit to Jessica Bram, 32 Webb Road, Westport, CT 06880. Balance due by April 1.
For information contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@jessicabram.com.
ABOUT JESSICA BRAM
Jessica Bram is a writer whose commentaries are regularly heard on the National Public Radio station WSHU during NPR's "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." Her personal essays have been published and syndicated in national and regional newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Child Magazine Women's Journal, Country Accents and the Gannett Newspapers. Jessica Bram has taught courses in memoir, essay, and creative nonfiction writing at the Lifetime Learners Institute, Norwalk Community College's Extended Studies and Workforce Education program, and Westport Continuing Education.
ABOUT SUZANNE HOOVER, Ph.D.
Suzanne Hoover holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in English and Comparative Literature. The author of two novels and a highly experienced teacher of fiction and essay writing, Suzanne was for 25 years, until her recent retirement, a full-time member of the Literature faculty of Sarah Lawrence College. Among the courses she taught at Sarah Lawrence was a very popular course for students in the prestigious Graduate Writing Program, in narrative craft and story structure. Prior to teaching at Sarah Lawrence, Suzanne taught literature at Wellesley College. In 1977 she delivered the Shakespeare lectures at SUNY, Purchase. In addition to her full time teaching, for over 20 years Suzanne taught evening courses in writing at the non-credit Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute.
Have you been wishing for some quiet time to yourself ... to write? Then treat yourself to a peaceful and productive
CAPE COD WRITERS' RETREAT
@ the Inn at Cook Street
WHAT: Four days and peace and quiet at the luxurious Inn at Cook Street in Provincetown, Mass., on the eastern tip of Cape Cod. Along with workshop leaders Jessica Bram and Suzanne Hoover, and a small, exclusive group of writers, you will spend the days at your leisure writing in your private room at the Inn, the Inn garden, the beach, or any of the other beautiful locales in Provincetown.
Every evening the group will meet for a 3-hour workshop to share and critique each others' work. Late afternoon optional activities will include poetry readings, writing skills workshops, and informal conversations about writing.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Choose from among 6 beautiful rooms with private bath at the Inn at Cook Street (www.InnatCookStreet).
WHEN: 5 pm Sunday, April 20 through 12 noon Thursday, April 24, 2008
COST:$1,145 per person. This includes:
- 4 nights accommodation, including all taxes.
- Continental breakfast daily.
- Dinner at the Inn at Cook Street Sunday, April 22.
- All workshops and retreat activities.
HOW TO REGISTER: Registration is limited to 6 participants, and reservations will be accepted first come, first served.
(Only 2 spots remain in our Spring 2008 Retreat.)
To reserve your space mail a $450 deposit to Jessica Bram, 32 Webb Road, Westport, CT 06880. Balance due by April 1.
For information contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@jessicabram.com.
ABOUT JESSICA BRAM
Jessica Bram is a writer whose commentaries are regularly heard on the National Public Radio station WSHU during NPR's "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." Her personal essays have been published and syndicated in national and regional newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Child Magazine Women's Journal, Country Accents and the Gannett Newspapers. Jessica Bram has taught courses in memoir, essay, and creative nonfiction writing at the Lifetime Learners Institute, Norwalk Community College's Extended Studies and Workforce Education program, and Westport Continuing Education.
ABOUT SUZANNE HOOVER, Ph.D.
Suzanne Hoover holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in English and Comparative Literature. The author of two novels and a highly experienced teacher of fiction and essay writing, Suzanne was for 25 years, until her recent retirement, a full-time member of the Literature faculty of Sarah Lawrence College. Among the courses she taught at Sarah Lawrence was a very popular course for students in the prestigious Graduate Writing Program, in narrative craft and story structure. Prior to teaching at Sarah Lawrence, Suzanne taught literature at Wellesley College. In 1977 she delivered the Shakespeare lectures at SUNY, Purchase. In addition to her full time teaching, for over 20 years Suzanne taught evening courses in writing at the non-credit Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Upcoming IWWG Conferences
Note: If you'd like to carpool to any of the following, e-mail Prill (prill@prillboyle.com) with your contact information, including the town where you live, and she'll put you on the ride-share list.
BIG APPLE CONFERENCE
Workshop + Meet the Authors/Meet the Agents
Weekend of April 12-13
Scandinavia House
58 Park Avenue (@ 38th Street)
New York City
Saturday: Workshop with Liz Alshire and Zita Christian: Fiction and Nonfiction: Writing and Selling on Both Sides of the Aisle
Sunday: Open House: Meet the Authors/Meet the Agents
To download a brochure, click here.
CONFERENCE AT SMITH COLLEGE
Saturday, April 26
Seelye Hall, Room 207
Northampton, MA
Finding the Me in Memory: Tools for Women in Transition
with Judy Huge
To download a brochure, click here.
31st ANNUAL "REMEMBER THE MAGIC" WRITING CONFERENCE
June 13-20 (Full Week)
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, New York
For the workshop calendar and more information, click here.
SKIDMORE CONFERENCE RETREAT
June 21-22 (weekend)
Clausen Farms
Sharon Springs, New York
For more information on all of the above programs and to register via Pay Pal, visit www.iwwg.org.
BIG APPLE CONFERENCE
Workshop + Meet the Authors/Meet the Agents
Weekend of April 12-13
Scandinavia House
58 Park Avenue (@ 38th Street)
New York City
Saturday: Workshop with Liz Alshire and Zita Christian: Fiction and Nonfiction: Writing and Selling on Both Sides of the Aisle
Sunday: Open House: Meet the Authors/Meet the Agents
To download a brochure, click here.
CONFERENCE AT SMITH COLLEGE
Saturday, April 26
Seelye Hall, Room 207
Northampton, MA
Finding the Me in Memory: Tools for Women in Transition
with Judy Huge
To download a brochure, click here.
31st ANNUAL "REMEMBER THE MAGIC" WRITING CONFERENCE
June 13-20 (Full Week)
Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, New York
For the workshop calendar and more information, click here.
SKIDMORE CONFERENCE RETREAT
June 21-22 (weekend)
Clausen Farms
Sharon Springs, New York
For more information on all of the above programs and to register via Pay Pal, visit www.iwwg.org.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
New Class: Column Writing & Blogging
From CT IWWG member Jessica Bram:
Column Writing & Blogging: Speak Your Mind!
(starts March 8th)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Have you ever read a column in the local newspaper, or maybe on the last page of your favorite magazine, or a blog that really caught your attention, and said to yourself, "I could do that!" ? When something outrageous/thought-provoking/ infuriating/ hysterically funny happens to you, do you automatically think to yourself, "Now that would be great material for a column!"? Does the reflective nature - and short length - of the column or blog format appeal to you?
Let Westport News columnist Hank Herman ("The Home Team") help you turn your inclination into action - and turn those inspirations into finished pieces. He'll show you how to brainstorm for material; how to overcome your fear of the blank page or screen; how to edit yourself - in other words, how to get from a rough idea to a polished piece. Whether your goal is publication, writing your own blog, or simply personal satisfaction, he'll show you how to achieve it.
This workshop is for writers, or would-be writers, who have columns or blogs in them and are looking for a way to bring them out.
WHEN:
8 Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.:
March 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 23, 30, May 7, 14
WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport
COST:
$390 for 8-week session.
MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8
How To Register:
Your check for the full registration amount will reserve your spot. Please enclose name and contact information, including email address, to receive confirmation of your registration.
Mail a check payable to the Westport Writers' Workshop for the full registration amount to 32 Webb Road, Westport, CT 06880.
About Hank Herman:
Hank Herman Hank Herman is an award-winning columnist who writes the bi-weekly Home Team column for the Westport News. He is also the author of Super Hoops (Bantam Doubleday Dell), a prize-winning series of sports novels for children. His latest book, Accept My Kid, Please! A Dad's Descent into College Application Hell (Da Capo Press, 2005) is a humorous memoir about the college admissions process. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Outside, Men's Health, Family Fun, Parenting, Ladies' Home Journal, and McCall's. He also teaches writing courses and seminars at Trinity College's Academy of Lifelong Learning, the University of Pennsylvania's Kelly Writers House, and Westport Continuing Education. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in English.
For questions or more information, visit www.westportwritersworkshop.com or contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@jbram.com
Column Writing & Blogging: Speak Your Mind!
(starts March 8th)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Have you ever read a column in the local newspaper, or maybe on the last page of your favorite magazine, or a blog that really caught your attention, and said to yourself, "I could do that!" ? When something outrageous/thought-provoking/ infuriating/ hysterically funny happens to you, do you automatically think to yourself, "Now that would be great material for a column!"? Does the reflective nature - and short length - of the column or blog format appeal to you?
Let Westport News columnist Hank Herman ("The Home Team") help you turn your inclination into action - and turn those inspirations into finished pieces. He'll show you how to brainstorm for material; how to overcome your fear of the blank page or screen; how to edit yourself - in other words, how to get from a rough idea to a polished piece. Whether your goal is publication, writing your own blog, or simply personal satisfaction, he'll show you how to achieve it.
This workshop is for writers, or would-be writers, who have columns or blogs in them and are looking for a way to bring them out.
WHEN:
8 Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.:
March 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 23, 30, May 7, 14
WHERE:
32 Webb Road, Westport
COST:
$390 for 8-week session.
MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 8
How To Register:
Your check for the full registration amount will reserve your spot. Please enclose name and contact information, including email address, to receive confirmation of your registration.
Mail a check payable to the Westport Writers' Workshop for the full registration amount to 32 Webb Road, Westport, CT 06880.
About Hank Herman:
Hank Herman Hank Herman is an award-winning columnist who writes the bi-weekly Home Team column for the Westport News. He is also the author of Super Hoops (Bantam Doubleday Dell), a prize-winning series of sports novels for children. His latest book, Accept My Kid, Please! A Dad's Descent into College Application Hell (Da Capo Press, 2005) is a humorous memoir about the college admissions process. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Outside, Men's Health, Family Fun, Parenting, Ladies' Home Journal, and McCall's. He also teaches writing courses and seminars at Trinity College's Academy of Lifelong Learning, the University of Pennsylvania's Kelly Writers House, and Westport Continuing Education. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in English.
For questions or more information, visit www.westportwritersworkshop.com or contact Jessica Bram at (203) 227-3250 or jessica@jbram.com
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