Past Workshops
May 6-8, 2011
Fiction instructor: Janet Skeslien Charles
Do you have a great idea for a novel, but aren’t sure where to begin? Have you already begun, but struggle to continue? This two-day intensive course will cover important elements of fiction such as strong beginnings, plot and turning points, and characterization. Reading assignments and writing exercises will be given. Feedback will be given on work submitted. We will also talk about the nuts and bolts of getting published, from writing a strong query, to finding an agent, landing a book deal, and creating publicity for your writing. This workshop is for new and established writers interested in developing the skills to write a novel.
Non-fiction instructor: Susan Jane Gilman
Do you have a personal story you’re dying to tell? Do people often say, “You should write a book”? This intensive, two-day workshop is designed as an informative and inspiring introduction to memoir writing. Susan Jane Gilman will illuminate how to best put your experiences into words. She’ll address practical issues – such as how to structure a story, make a narrative compelling, and deploy imagery and humor to full advantage. She’ll also highlight what not to do as a writer. She’ll talk about editing and criticism, hold a workshop of student writing, and discuss the practical aspects to publishing, such as getting an agent, landing a book deal, and generating publicity. As an expat, Gilman will also touch upon the benefits – and challenges – of being a writer abroad.
October 1-3, 2010
Fiction instructor: Amal Chatterjee
Themes, plots, conflict, character, details: how can a writer convey these? And, how can they be blended into a satisfying narrative? This day and a half course will explore each of these elements and how they can be balanced, leading up to a detailed outline, a short story or an extract from a novel to be shared and discussed in the group and with the course leader.
Non-fiction instructor: Susan Jane Gilman
Do you have a personal story you’re dying to tell? Do people often say, “You should write a book”? This intensive, two-day workshop is designed as an informative and inspiring introduction to memoir writing. Susan Jane Gilman will illuminate how to best put your experiences into words. She’ll address practical issues – such as how to structure a story, make a narrative compelling, and deploy imagery and humor to full advantage. She’ll also highlight what not to do as a writer. She’ll talk about editing and criticism, hold a workshop of student writing, and discuss the practical aspects to publishing, such as getting an agent, landing a book deal, and generating publicity. As an expat, Gilman will also touch upon the benefits – and challenges – of being a writer abroad.