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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260120T190000
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UID:10005006-1768935600-1796160600@writer.org
SUMMARY:The Novel Year w/ Susan Coll
DESCRIPTION:Bring your novel to life with best-selling author Susan Coll!\nWhether you have been thinking about writing a novel for years but are not sure how to get started\, or are already published but embarking on a new project\, this year-long workshop is intended to help get the next book off the ground. \n\nWatch the Virtual Info Session\nMeet Susan Coll\, instructor for our Novel Year workshop\, and have all your questions about the program answered! \nWATCH NOW >>>\n\nOver the course of twenty sessions\, we will:\n\ncreate a fun\, warm\, and supportive writing community\ndiscuss and engage in exercises focused on various aspects of craft including dialogue\, setting\, plot\, point of view\, character development\, tense\, and much more\nworkshop one hundred pages per student\, broken into four submissions of 25 pages each (*students are also welcome to use their allotted workshop time to discuss their work and/or writing dilemmas rather than submit pages).\ndiscuss publishing\, including drafting sample query letters and elevator pitches\nhear from guest speakers including published novelists and industry experts\nread two novels (tbd) to discuss and deconstruct as a group with an eye toward both craft and publishing trends\nthe instructor is happy to schedule individual follow up sessions as requested following critique sessions\, as well as a six-month or one-year check in after the class concludes.\n\n*Students should be prepared to read and offer comments on the work of other participants. Detailed guidance will be provided at the first class about how this process will work. \n\nSchedule\nThis class will meet virtually every other Tuesday\, with a two-month reading and writing break over the summer.  Workshop dates run from January 20\, 2026 – December 1\, 2026\, 7–9:30pm ET\, with a month-long break over the summer for students to focus on writing.  \nJan. 20\nFeb. 3\nFeb. 17\nMarch 3\nMarch 17\nMarch 31\nApril 14\nApril 28\nMay 12\nMay 26\nJune 9\nJune 23 \nSUMMER BREAK \nAugust 25\nSept. 8\nSept. 22\nOct. 6\nOct. 20\nNov. 3\nNov. 17\nDec. 1 \n\n1:1 Mentoring\nAll workshops will be held over Zoom\, with additional opportunities to meet 1:1 with Susan upon request. All enrolled students will have the option to schedule an individual follow-up meeting (1 hour) with Susan approximately 6 months after the conclusion of the workshop.\n \n\nTo Apply\nApplication Deadline: Friday\, January 9\, 2026 \nTo apply\, please submit a cover letter describing your background and the project that you have in mind. The first five pages of the novel you will be working on are welcome as part of the application\, but not required. The class will be limited to ten students. Send your submission to emily.holland@writer.org by Friday\, January 9th\, 2026. Admissions will be on a rolling basis so participants are encouraged to submit early. \nAcceptance into the workshop is required before registering. \n\nAbout Book Farm @ The Writer’s Center\nThe Writer’s Center hosts a series of workshops for serious writers to complete book-length projects\, generate new work for publication\, or master the elements of craft within a specific genre. You’ll work with an acclaimed author\, guiding you through 4-12 months of lessons\, workshops\, and revisions. Our instructors are all accomplished educators with a track record of student success. Limited enrollment with rolling admission up to the application deadline\, so apply right away to secure your spot! \nAll Book Farm participants receive an exclusive tote bag\, a craft book recommended by the instructor\, and a $100 gift certificate good toward future TWC workshops. Participants also receive exclusive access to The Writer’s Center staff\, all of whom are accomplished writers with extensive experience in editing and publishing.
URL:https://writer.org/event/novel-year/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Fiction,Master Level,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/writing-bookshelves.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261230T220000
DTSTAMP:20260211T184513Z
CREATED:20251218T180033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T184513Z
UID:10005139-1772654400-1798668000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Novel Club w/ Lisa Ko
DESCRIPTION:Jumpstart your novel and writing practice in this ten-month intensive!\nIf you’re wondering how to write a novel and sustain a writing practice in the midst of everything\, Novel Club is for you. Together\, with the guidance of an experienced mentor and author and the camaraderie of your Novel Club cohort\, this is the year we will write and revise our novels. Through craft talks\, workshops\, and generative exercises\, you’ll experiment\, look at your blocks\, and define your creative process\, building a regular writing practice that works for your project and busy life. You’ll find a clear path forward for your manuscript and actionable next steps. \n\nWatch the Virtual Info Session\nMeet Lisa Ko\, instructor for our Novel Year workshop\, and have all your questions about the program answered! \nWATCH NOW >>>\n\nOver these ten months\, you will learn:\n\nStorytelling techniques and craft strategies and how to apply them: building scenes; developing characters; and elements of structure\, plot\, dialogue\, voice\, and perspective\nUncover what your novel is about\, clarify your writing intentions\, and develop a plan for how to achieve them\nOpportunities to workshop and thoughtfully engage with each other’s novels in progress in a supportive environment\nPractical skills for the writing life and demystifying the publication process\n\nStudents may read and prepare written comments on up to 50 pages of their peers’ writing for each class meeting. You may also read an excerpt of published work in preparation for craft discussions. \n\nYou should take this workshop if:\n\nYou have a story you want to tell\, but don’t know where to start\nYou’re at the beginning stages of writing a novel and unsure of how to proceed\nYou’ve started writing a novel\, but need a road map and more consistent structure to get to the finish line\nYou’re a serious writer who is open to rigor and play and ready to show up with curiosity and consistency\n\n\nSchedule\nThis class will meet virtually every other Wednesday\, with 20 total sessions. Workshop dates run from March 4\, 2026 – December 30\, 2026\, 8 – 10 pm ET. Full dates TBD. \n\n1:1 Mentoring\nAll workshops will be held over Zoom\, with additional opportunities to meet 1:1 with Lisa upon request. All enrolled students will have the option to schedule an individual follow-up meeting (1 hour) with Lisa approximately 6 months after the conclusion of the workshop.\n \n\nTo Apply\nApplication Deadline: Monday\, February 16\, 2026 \nTo apply\, send a brief cover letter explaining why you want to take this class and\, if applicable\, what your book in progress is about and where you are in your project (e.g.\, in the beginning/brainstorming stages\, in the middle of writing a first draft\, on your second round of revisions). A 5-10 page writing sample is encouraged\, but not required. Send your submission to emily.holland@writer.org by Monday\, February 16th\, 2026. Admissions will be on a rolling basis so participants are encouraged to submit early. \nAcceptance into the workshop is required before registering. \n\nAbout Book Farm @ The Writer’s Center\nThe Writer’s Center hosts a series of workshops for serious writers to complete book-length projects\, generate new work for publication\, or master the elements of craft within a specific genre. You’ll work with an acclaimed author\, guiding you through 4-12 months of lessons\, workshops\, and revisions. Our instructors are all accomplished educators with a track record of student success. Limited enrollment with rolling admission up to the application deadline\, so apply right away to secure your spot! \nAll Book Farm participants receive an exclusive tote bag\, a craft book recommended by the instructor\, and a $100 gift certificate good toward future TWC workshops. Participants also receive exclusive access to The Writer’s Center staff\, all of whom are accomplished writers with extensive experience in editing and publishing.
URL:https://writer.org/event/novel-club-w-lisa-ko/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Fiction,Master Level,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Lisa-Ko-Novel-Club-h.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260904
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260926
DTSTAMP:20260901T201325Z
CREATED:20260814T210255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T201325Z
UID:10005341-1788480000-1790380799@writer.org
SUMMARY:(Wet Ink) Creating Novel Characters
DESCRIPTION:Bring your characters to life on the page.\nWhen writing a novel\, we must know our primary characters inside and out. We need to understand their desires\, motivations\, and frustrations\, their histories and their futures. This workshop will focus on the development of authentic characters. Participants will examine character as both autonomous and residing within the context of the other novelistic elements\, and we will examine the challenge of creating and integrating these various elements into a cohesive and credible whole. Participants will explore the main character(s) in their novels-in-progress. \n\nLearn at your own pace: This workshop will take place over Wet Ink\, which is an asynchronous creative writing platform. The instructor will post a lesson and assignment at the beginning of each week\, and participants can log in and read the lessons/post assignments/comment on other classmates’ work at their convenience. Shortly before the start date\, participants will receive an invite from Wet Ink to create their login info and access the class. Please check your spam if you don’t see it. \n\nIn this workshop you’ll learn:\n\nYour character’s past and future\nYour character’s motivations\nHow the plot will bring about your character’s arc\nHow to reveal your character on the page\n\nTime requirements\n\n3-5 hrs/week\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis workshop is designed for writers looking to add dimension to their fictional characters.\n\n\nIf you need an accommodation for this workshop\, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests\, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
URL:https://writer.org/event/wet-ink-creating-novel-characters/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,All Levels,Fiction,Wet Ink,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writing-Pen-Shadows.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260904
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261024
DTSTAMP:20260901T201204Z
CREATED:20260814T210255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T201204Z
UID:10005340-1788480000-1792799999@writer.org
SUMMARY:(Wet Ink) Intro to the Novel
DESCRIPTION:Have you always wanted to write a novel but didn’t know where to start?\nThis workshop will help you understand the process of writing a novel so you can get started putting pen to paper. The workshop will focus on everything from generating ideas to developing characters to establishing point of view. Participants will discuss many elements of fiction (dialogue\, scene\, etc.) but the emphasis will be on discovering the writing process that works best for each writer. \n\nLearn at your own pace: This workshop will take place over Wet Ink\, which is an asynchronous creative writing platform. The instructor will post a lesson and assignment at the beginning of each week\, and participants can log in and read the lessons/post assignments/comment on other classmates’ work at their convenience. Shortly before the start date\, participants will receive an invite from Wet Ink to create their login info and access the class. Please check your spam if you don’t see it. \n\nIn this workshop you’ll learn how to:\n\nDevelop your Premise\nEstablish Point of View/Narrative Voice\nCreate authentic Characters\nOrganize Plot and Structure\nCreate good writing habits\nDetermine your personal Process\n\nTime requirements\n\n3-5 hrs/week\n\nMaterials\n\nHooked by Les Edgerton\nPlot & Structure by James Scott Bell\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis workshop is designed for those who have never written a novel before – or for those who are looking for a strong foundation in the basic components of novel-writing.\n\n\nIf you need an accommodation for this workshop\, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests\, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
URL:https://writer.org/event/wet-ink-intro-to-the-novel/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:8 Sessions,Beginner/Intermediate Level,Fiction,Wet Ink,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/writing-bookshelves.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260914
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261006
DTSTAMP:20260901T203131Z
CREATED:20260814T210258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T203131Z
UID:10005349-1789344000-1791244799@writer.org
SUMMARY:(Wet Ink) Experimentation in Flash Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Discover how creative constraints can unlock surprising new possibilities in your writing.\nIn this four-week generative workshop\, we will explore how playing with time\, form\, and omission can change stories and move them beyond the familiar. Through close reading\, discussion\, and in-class exercises\, participants will experiment with techniques to play with their stories. By the end of the workshop\, participants will have several new drafts as well as a toolkit of exercises and strategies for future work. Participants should come prepared to write and to read a small selection of flash fiction between sessions; no advance preparation is required for the first class. \n\nLearn at your own pace: This workshop will take place over Wet Ink\, which is an asynchronous creative writing platform. The instructor will post a lesson and assignment at the beginning of each week\, and participants can log in and read the lessons/post assignments/comment on other classmates’ work at their convenience. Shortly before the start date\, participants will receive an invite from Wet Ink to create their login info and access the class. Please check your spam if you don’t see it. \n\nIn this workshop you’ll learn:\n\nCompression as a creative tool\nForm as a generator of story\nTime and narrative movement\nThe power of omission\nReimagining drafts through revision\n\nTime requirements\n\nParticipants should expect to spend approximately 1–2 hours between sessions reading a small selection of flash fiction. Time for completing optional generative writing exercises is dependent on individual writers. Writers will be encouraged to share their drafts with the workshop.\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis workshop is designed for writers who want to expand their creative practice through experimentation. It will be especially useful for writers who find themselves relying on familiar approaches and are interested in generating new work through constraint\, play and formal innovation. Writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome.\n\n\nIf you need an accommodation for this workshop\, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests\, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
URL:https://writer.org/event/wet-ink-experimentation-in-flash-fiction/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,All Levels,Fiction,Wet Ink,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writing-Paper-Stacks.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270622T130000
DTSTAMP:20260817T151525Z
CREATED:20260714T160403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T151525Z
UID:10005314-1789470000-1813669200@writer.org
SUMMARY:One Year to Your YA Novel w/ Betsy Cornwell
DESCRIPTION:Write your YA novel over the course of a school year with bestselling author Betsy Cornwell!\nIn this intensive ten-month course\, you’ll take your young adult novel from concept to complete manuscript with guidance from New York Times bestselling author Betsy Cornwell\, as well as mutual support from fellow participants. \n\nWatch the Virtual Info Session\nMeet Betsy Cornwell\, instructor for our yearlong YA novel workshop\, and have all your questions about the program answered! \n \n  \n\nWhat to expect:\nLive classes every two weeks will focus on craft talks\, close reading\, and the development of a practical “tool box” of writing and storytelling skills\, as well as group workshop time. You’ll also have access to one-on-one mentorship sessions with Betsy\, as well as the option to be matched with a classmate for critique partnership and accountability. \nThe best books for young people are both timely and timeless\, and require at least as much creative scope and rigor as writing for adults. Newbery-winning young adult author Madeleine L’Engle wrote that “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups\, then you write it for children.”   \nIn this course\, we’ll consider examples of brilliant books for young readers\, and read through these texts together from a craft perspective with the goal of writing young adult books that are vivid\, honest\, and complex—never condescending or “less than” adult novels. If you have an idea for a YA novel that you’re ready to take seriously\, this is the course for you! \n\nStructure\nThis course is designed to mirror the school year\, from September to June\, and is offered during lunch hours Eastern time to give parents of school-age children the best chance to participate. That said\, you absolutely don’t have to be a parent to join us! \nClasses will begin with a short warm-up writing exercise\, followed by individual check-ins and discussion of the current assigned book (see below). For the first part of the course\, from September through December\, the rest of the class will focus on specific\, actionable tools for planning and completing your first draft. In the second part of the course\, from December through April\, the focus will shift to group workshopping and feedback. The final two months of the course\, in May and June\, will look at the publication process and assist students in developing query packages for their books. \nA YA novel will also be assigned for reading and discussion every two months\, for a total of five books. Participants are encouraged to nominate their own favorite YA novels for inclusion. \n\nSchedule\nThis class will meet virtually twice a month on Tuesdays\, for 20 total sessions. Workshop dates run from September 15\, 2026 – June 22\, 2027\,  11am–1pm ET. \nSept. 15\nSept. 29 \nOct. 6\nOct. 20 \nNov. 3\nNov. 17 \nDec. 1\nDec. 15 \nJan. 5\nJan. 19 \nFeb. 2\nFeb. 16 \nMarch 2\nMarch 16 \nApril 6\nApril 20 \nMay 4\nMay 18 \nJune 8\nJune 22 \n\n1:1 Mentoring\nAll workshops will be held over Zoom\, with additional opportunities to meet 1:1 with Betsy upon request. All enrolled students will have the option to schedule an individual follow-up meeting (1 hour) with Betsy approximately 6 months after the conclusion of the workshop.\n \n\nTo Apply\nApplication Deadline: Friday\, September 4\, 2026 \nTo apply for the course\, please submit the following via email to emily.holland@writer.org: \n\nA ten- to twenty-page sample of your creative writing\, in any genre\nA brief cover letter including your reasons for wanting to join the class\, a summary of your book idea and where you are in the writing process\, and a YA book you’d like to nominate for the group to read.\n\nWe are thrilled to offer one scholarship to a single parent. In your cover letter\, please indicate if you would like to be considered for this scholarship. We kindly ask that those who are able to register for the workshop without scholarship assistance refrain from applying for the scholarship. The scholarship will be available once we have met the required threshold for students in the class. \nAcceptance into the workshop is required before registering. \n\nAbout Book Farm @ The Writer’s Center\nThe Writer’s Center hosts a series of workshops for serious writers to complete book-length projects\, generate new work for publication\, or master the elements of craft within a specific genre. You’ll work with an acclaimed author\, guiding you through 4-12 months of lessons\, workshops\, and revisions. Our instructors are all accomplished educators with a track record of student success. Limited enrollment with rolling admission up to the application deadline\, so apply right away to secure your spot! \nAll Book Farm participants receive an exclusive tote bag\, a craft book recommended by the instructor\, and a $100 gift certificate good toward future TWC workshops. Participants also receive exclusive access to The Writer’s Center staff\, all of whom are accomplished writers with extensive experience in editing and publishing.
URL:https://writer.org/event/one-year-to-your-ya-novel-w-betsy-cornwell/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Adults Write for Children,All Levels,Fiction,Kid Lit,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/one-year-to-your-ya-novel-1880-x-1576-px-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T210000
DTSTAMP:20260901T205152Z
CREATED:20260814T210259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T205152Z
UID:10005352-1789585200-1792616400@writer.org
SUMMARY:From Novice to Novelist
DESCRIPTION:A bird’s eye view of all the moving parts involved in the novel-writing process.\nThis workshop deconstructs and demystifies the novel-writing process for struggling and/or aspiring writers. We’ll go all the way from getting the nub of an idea to getting your book into the hands of expectant fans. Along the way\, you’ll learn how to stay organized\, write in the voice of other genders\, the art of rewriting\, and how to overcome your writing and marketing fears. By the end of our time together\, you’ll be prepared to begin work on a novel and will be equipped with the skills to perfect it. The sessions will include time for writing and for being critiqued. \n\nLive video conference: This workshop will be held via our online video conferencing platform\, Zoom. You can view brief tutorials on using the platform here. On the start date or the day before\, participants will receive an email with login info (please check your spam if you don’t see it). \n\nIn this workshop you’ll learn:\n\nHow to tap into your creative subconscious\nCharacter Creation\nStory Structure\nHow to Stay Organized\n\nTime requirements\n\nWriting assignments will be optional; there is no required work outside of the classroom.\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\n\nIf you need an accommodation for this workshop\, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests\, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
URL:https://writer.org/event/from-novice-to-novelist-4/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:6 Sessions,Beginner/Intermediate Level,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Writing-Open-Book-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261111T213000
DTSTAMP:20260901T214547Z
CREATED:20260814T210304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T214547Z
UID:10005368-1790190000-1794432600@writer.org
SUMMARY:The Extreme Novelist
DESCRIPTION:Discover how to write your novel no matter how busy your life feels.\nCan’t find the time/energy/inspiration to get your novel written? This popular course\, developed by the author of the book by the same name\, will help you complete a rough draft in record time. During the 8 weeks of the course\, students will receive encouraging guidance from professional writing coach Kathryn Johnson. Each author will commit to an aggressive writing schedule and learn the tricks pros use to create a productive working environment and meet their deadlines\, despite life’s distractions. Each class will include accountability and progress reports from each student\, live troubleshooting discussions\, a brief lecture on a key skill of fiction writing\, and the opportunity to submit a portion of the students’ works-in-progress to the instructor for individual feedback and guidance. (Note: This is not a work-shopping course. Further information will be sent to registered students\, in advance of the first class.) \n\nLive video conference: This workshop will be held via our online video conferencing platform\, Zoom. You can view brief tutorials on using the platform here. On the start date or the day before\, participants will receive an email with login info (please check your spam if you don’t see it). \n\nIn this workshop you’ll learn:\n\nTime Management\nStructure Concepts\nPacing\nDeveloping writing stamina\nPlot Development\n\nTime requirements\n\nStudents will be expected to write every day\, eventually working toward 90 minutes with the instructor’s guidance.\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nNovelists wishing to break writer’s block\, master fiction techniques\, learn time management techniques for authors\, and work toward commercial publication of their novels.\n\n\nIf you need an accommodation for this workshop\, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests\, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
URL:https://writer.org/event/the-extreme-novelist-7/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:8 Sessions,Fiction,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Writing-Pencil-Sharper.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T120000
DTSTAMP:20260901T214948Z
CREATED:20260814T210305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T214948Z
UID:10005371-1790416800-1790424000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Novel Premise & Pitch
DESCRIPTION:Craft amazing premises for your novels and practice pitching your ideas.\nIn a world where so much is vying for our attention\, writers must hook agents\, editors\, and readers with an initial premise and be able to pitch their ideas succinctly. In this workshop you’ll learn three ways to create exciting ideas for novels and brainstorm a list of premises that are sure to get attention. You’ll then craft short written pitches—for your completed novel\, work-in-progress\, and/or one of your new premises—and practice pitching your ideas to the class. This workshop is perfect for anyone who is starting to write a novel\, querying a completed manuscript\, or preparing for an agent/editor meeting. The next time you find yourself in an elevator with an agent\, editor\, or potential reader\, you’ll be ready when they ask\, “so\, what’s your book about?” \n\nIn-person class: This workshop will take place at The Writer’s Center\, 4508 Walsh St\, Bethesda MD. \n\nIn this workshop you’ll:\n\nWhat a premise is\, and why a strong premise is so important (no matter your genre).\nThree ways to craft a stand-out premise.\nHow to write a short pitch for your novel.\nHow to succinctly communicate what your novel is about and make people want to read it.\n\nTime Requirements\n\nN/A\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis workshop is for you if you are starting or working on a novel\, querying a completed manuscript\, or preparing for an agent/editor meeting.\n\n\nIf you need an accommodation for this workshop\, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests\, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
URL:https://writer.org/event/novel-premise-pitch/
LOCATION:The Writer’s Center\, 4508 Walsh Street\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20815\, United States
CATEGORIES:1 Session,Beginner/Intermediate Level,Fiction,The Writer's Center,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writing-Handmade-Paper-Notebook.jpg
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T203000
DTSTAMP:20260903T191811Z
CREATED:20260903T191105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T191811Z
UID:10005439-1790879400-1792701000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Novel 101: How to Craft the Story
DESCRIPTION:If you’ve always wanted to create your own exciting novel then this is the class for you.\nThis class offers the key concepts of plotting and pacing while delving into different genres. Beginners have the opportunity to share their works with the class while also building confidence in their craft. Short homework assignments will encourage practice outside of assigned class hours. Students will leave with an evolved sense of fiction and the tools necessary to continue writing their own story. \n\nLive video conference: This workshop will be held via our online video conferencing platform\, Zoom. You can view brief tutorials on using the platform here. On the start date or the day before\, participants will receive an email with login info (please check your spam if you don’t see it). \n\nIn this workshop you’ll learn:\n\nSetting\nPacing and Plotting\nCharacter Development\nExposure to Multiple Genres\n\nTime requirements\n\nAbout one hour outside of class per week.\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nBeginners interested in creating their own novel\, come say hi! This workshop encourages individuals to start thinking about their own stories in relation to key story building blocks.\n\n\nIf you need an accommodation for this workshop\, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests\, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
URL:https://writer.org/event/novel-101-how-to-craft-the-story-5/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,Beginner Level,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261002
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261024
DTSTAMP:20260814T210306Z
CREATED:20260814T210306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210306Z
UID:10005374-1790899200-1792799999@writer.org
SUMMARY:(Wet Ink) Plotting Your Novel
DESCRIPTION:Whether you are an organized planner or a writer who flies by the seat of their pants\, a novel still needs structure. In this workshop\, participants will study the architecture of a novel and devise plans for plotting their novels. Using the three-act structure as a map\, we will explore the basic components of a novel’s plot.
URL:https://writer.org/event/wet-ink-plotting-your-novel/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,All Levels,Fiction,Wet Ink,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261003T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261003T123000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210306Z
CREATED:20260814T210306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210306Z
UID:10005375-1791021600-1791030600@writer.org
SUMMARY:Creating Conflict and Tension
DESCRIPTION:Strengthening the conflict in any type of fiction will bump up the tension and turn limp\, ordinary fiction into an extraordinary tale that will keep readers turning pages. Whether you choose to write literary fiction\, mysteries\, family sagas\, thrillers\, historical fiction\, sci-fi or fantasy—you can learn techniques for drawing readers into your tales through action\, dialogue\, setting details\, and plot twists that make your work stand out from the crowd. Join us and leave with ideas to apply to your stories.
URL:https://writer.org/event/creating-conflict-and-tension/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261006T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261006T210000
DTSTAMP:20260915T205630Z
CREATED:20260915T203609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T205630Z
UID:10005446-1791313200-1791320400@writer.org
SUMMARY:Writing as Revelation in Poetry and Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Is our writing smarter than we are?\nHow might poetry and fiction help us access parts of ourselves—memories\, desires\, fears\, contradictions\, possibilities—that we can’t reach otherwise? In this cross-genre generative workshop\, we’ll explore how both poetry and fiction can reveal something about who we are and who we are becoming. Through craft lessons and playful generative exercises across both genres\, we’ll use writing as a way to discover and understand our own transformations. \nBy the end of the session\, participants will have generated new material in both poetry and fiction\, experimented with techniques for writing toward discovery\, and considered what their writing might reveal about themselves.
URL:https://writer.org/event/writing-as-revelation-in-poetry-and-fiction/
LOCATION:The Writer’s Center\, 4508 Walsh Street\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20815\, United States
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,Mixed Genre,Poetry,Workshop
GEO:38.97949;-77.090791
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street Bethesda MD 20815 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=4508 Walsh Street:geo:-77.090791,38.97949
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261212T130000
DTSTAMP:20260910T135341Z
CREATED:20260814T210256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T135341Z
UID:10005345-1791628200-1797080400@writer.org
SUMMARY:Preparing Your Work for Submission
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to revise your manuscript with confidence\, recognize when it is truly ready for submission\, and navigate the path from polished draft to publication with agents\, query letters\, and other routes to getting your work into the world.\nEach week\, participants will focus on a different stage of the revision and publishing process\, including structural and line-level revision strategies\, identifying common problems in manuscripts\, understanding the role of agents and editors\, and exploring different paths to publication. The workshop will combine discussion of craft principles\, practical publishing guidance\, and analysis of participant work in a supportive\, workshop-based setting. By the end of the course\, participants will have a clearer\, more polished manuscript excerpt\, a realistic understanding of its readiness for submission\, and a practical toolkit for querying agents and navigating publication options with greater confidence. Participants should submit a draft of a short story or novel excerpt up to 3000 words to the first class. \n\nLive video conference: This workshop will be held via our online video conferencing platform\, Zoom. You can view brief tutorials on using the platform here. On the start date or the day before\, participants will receive an email with login info (please check your spam if you don’t see it). \n\nIn this workshop you’ll learn:\n\nRevision Strategies for Structure & Story Shape (identifying what to cut\, expand\, and reorder for maximum narrative impact)\nLine-Level Editing & Style Refinement (strengthening voice\, clarity\, imagery\, and rhythm in prose)\nDiagnosing Manuscript Problems (common issues in pacing\, character development\, stakes\, and cohesion—and how to fix them)\nPublication Pathways & Industry Navigation (understanding agents\, editors\, presses\, and different routes to publication)\nQuery Letters & Submission Readiness (how to evaluate when a manuscript is ready and how to pitch it effectively to agents and publishers)\n\nTime requirements\n\napproximately about 3hrs\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nAny writer who hopes to publish his or her work.\n\n\nIf you need an accommodation for this workshop\, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests\, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
URL:https://writer.org/event/preparing-your-work-for-submission/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:10 Sessions,Fiction,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Writing-Open-Book.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261027T200000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210310Z
CREATED:20260814T210310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210310Z
UID:10005387-1791914400-1793131200@writer.org
SUMMARY:Shaping Beginnings & Endings in Your Stories
DESCRIPTION:In this class\, we will look at what makes effective openings in stories\, how we draw readers in\, introduce characters and begin creating their world\, and how we develop resonant endings. We’ll also discuss how beginnings set the tone for endings. Each week\, looking closely at a few short story openings or endings\, we’ll discuss style\, setting\, characterization\, and answer the often asked questions how to show and what to tell. Classes include generative exercises writing openings and endings\, and guidance on developing a daily writing practice.
URL:https://writer.org/event/shaping-beginnings-endings-in-your-stories/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:3 Sessions,All Levels,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T213000
DTSTAMP:20260916T024135Z
CREATED:20260916T024135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T024135Z
UID:10005447-1792090800-1792099800@writer.org
SUMMARY:(Re)constructing Detailed Scenes
DESCRIPTION:Whether you’re a fiction or non-fiction writer\, evoking scenes in sensual detail is critical for holding readers’ attention. But  knowing what to include and omit is difficult\, especially when you’re deeply caught up in the story yourself. Using samples from fiction and non-fiction literature\, this workshop will coach students on how to “think like a movie camera” when writing scenes that aim to immerse readers in the story without overwhelming them. We’ll learn how to choose the best entry point into a scene\, how to keep the right elements in focus throughout\, and how to gracefully transition out.
URL:https://writer.org/event/reconstructing-detailed-scenes/
LOCATION:The Writer’s Center\, 4508 Walsh Street\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20815\, United States
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,The Writer's Center,Workshop
GEO:38.97949;-77.090791
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street Bethesda MD 20815 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=4508 Walsh Street:geo:-77.090791,38.97949
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T130000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210311Z
CREATED:20260814T210311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210311Z
UID:10005390-1792234800-1792242000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Writing About Mental Health Topics in Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Learn techniques to write about mental health with intention. Along with general guidelines\, examples from popular media will be reviewed so you can learn how to avoid clichés and dig deeper into what shapes people’s various experiences with mental health. Participants will apply psychological concepts to plot and character development.
URL:https://writer.org/event/writing-about-mental-health-topics-in-fiction-5/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,Beginner/Intermediate Level,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261019T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261019T210000
DTSTAMP:20260729T232114Z
CREATED:20260603T163755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T232114Z
UID:10005298-1792432800-1792443600@writer.org
SUMMARY:Reading Your Work Out Loud
DESCRIPTION:Practice sharing your story and yourself\nSpend an evening practicing and learning about the art of public speaking. This in-person coaching session will give you the opportunity to bring your voice– and self– to the words you’ve written. You’ll learn how to become a more genuine and effective communicator of your work\, which will in turn fuel a more authentic writing process and outcome. You’ll leave the workshop with an experience of camaraderie\, community\, and a more deeply rooted sense of your creative and expressive self. Please have on hand a number of pieces you’d be comfortable sharing during the meeting. There will be a break; please also bring a snack and water.
URL:https://writer.org/event/out-loud-with-jennifer-hamady/
LOCATION:The Writer’s Center\, 4508 Walsh Street\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20815\, United States
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,Mixed Genre,Nonfiction,Poetry,Professional Writing,Stage and Screen,The Writer's Center,Workshop
GEO:38.97949;-77.090791
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street Bethesda MD 20815 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=4508 Walsh Street:geo:-77.090791,38.97949
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261021T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270728T210000
DTSTAMP:20260709T214727Z
CREATED:20260709T203107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T214727Z
UID:10005315-1792609200-1816808400@writer.org
SUMMARY:The Art of the Short Story w/ Rita Bullwinkel
DESCRIPTION:Write new short stories with award-winning author and editor Rita Bullwinkel!\nWriting is a unique art medium in that it is both made and\, generally\, consumed in isolation. Through the space of the writers’ workshop\, an author can escape the isolation in which they made their work\, understand their work from a consciousness other than their own\, and procure insight into how to further their creative projects into their fullest\, most complex and potent\, forms. In this year-long short story intensive\, students will read and discuss the work of their peers\, and have the opportunity to submit four of their own short stories for group discussion. Students will also read the work of contemporary short story writers alongside the work of their peers in order to identify how their own work\, and the work of their peers\, is situated within the contemporary literary landscape.  \n\nAttend the Virtual Info Session\nMeet Rita Bullwinkel\, instructor for our yearlong short story workshop\, and have all your questions about the program answered! \nJoin us on ZOOM\, Wednesday September 16\, 7-8pm ET. \nFREE RSVP >>>\n\nWho is this course for?\nThis course is for anyone who loves reading and writing short stories. If you are working on a short story collection: fantastic. If you are just beginning\, and have only a few drafted stories under your belt\, that is great\, too. It is likely best if you come to the first class with at least one complete short short you are interested in workshopping. Over the course of the year you will workshop four short stories. It is my great hope that you will find the workshop generative\, and that our conversations will draw you to the page to start new work. \n\nLearning Outcomes:\n\nWrite and workshop four short stories\nMeaningfully engage with the work of one’s peers through verbal feedback\nGain a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary literary landscape\nSituate one’s own creative practice within the contemporary literary landscape\n\n\nRequired Books:\n\nMcSweeney’s Quarterly Issue 79\nMcSweeney’s Quarterly Issue 80\nMcSweeney’s Quarterly Issue 81\nMcSweeney’s Quarterly Issue 82\nMcSweeney’s Quarterly Issue 83\nMcSweeney’s Quarterly Issue 84\n\nNote: I\, the instructor\, am the editor of McSweeney’s Quarterly\, a literary magazine that primarily publishes short stories. Over the course of the year each student will be asked to select and present on one short story of their choosing from the above issues. More details about this aspect of the class will be provided on the first day of instruction. \n\nWorkshop Submissions:\nYou will submit four short stories over the course of the year. Submissions should be between 10 and 20 pages\, Times New Roman\, double spaced. Your submission should be a self-contained story\, or a series of self contained stories. We will not be looking at excerpts in this workshop. If your submission is slightly longer or shorter than these guidelines\, please discuss with me ahead of submitting. Include your last name and page numbers on all pages. Your submissions are due by upload to our class google drive the week before your submission is scheduled to be discussed. We cannot workshop stories that are turned in late. Please do not use one of your four submission opportunities to submit a revision of a story that has been previously workshopped. \nThe Questioning:\nOur group discussions of student work will utilize a pedagogical method called the questioning\, which was first outlined by Jesse Ball in his craft book Notes on My Dunce Cap. In our group discussions I\, the instructor\, and all students whose work is not being discussed\, will ask the author questions about their work. We may only ask the author questions. The only person allowed to make declarative statements is the author. If someone in the class other than the author uses a declarative sentence such as\, “I liked this part” or “this was confusing” I will ask the student to rephrase their sentiment to the author as a question. The author will speak freely. The author need not know the answers to all of the questions posed to them. Knowing the limits of their knowledge of their own narrative is useful information. This method of questioning the author about their work\, and the experience the author gains from having to verbally formulate answers to these questions\, openly leads the author to understanding and viewing their work from a perspective other than their own. It also frees the conversation from the superficial “good/bad” binary and provides a more nuanced and generative and in depth engagement with the work. For the last ten minutes of each group discussion the author will have an opportunity to ask their peers questions about any content of the work that they feel has not already been addressed. During this section of workshop anyone may use declarative sentences. \n\nSchedule\nThis class will meet virtually every other Wednesday\, with brief winter and spring breaks. Workshop dates run from October 21\, 2026 – July 28\, 2027\, 7pm-9pm EST (4pm-6pm PST). \n\nOctober 21st\nNovember 4th\nNovember 18th\nDecember 2nd\nDecember 16th\n\nWINTER HOLIDAY BREAK \n\nJanuary 6th\nJanuary 20th\nFebruary 3rd\nFebruary 17th\nMarch 3rd\n\nSPRING BREAK \n\nMarch 24th\nApril 7th\nApril 21st\nMay 5th\nMay 19th\nJune 2nd\nJune 16th\nJune 30th\nJuly 14th\nJuly 28th\n\nAttendance Policy:  \nThree unexcused absences will result in being dropped from the course. \n\n1:1 Mentoring\n1:1 meetings will occur with each student twice during the year: one after the student’s second story is workshopped\, and one after the student’s fourth and final story is workshopped.  \n\nTo Apply\nApplication Deadline: Monday\, October 5\, 2026 \nAdmissions are on a rolling basis. Participants are encouraged to apply early. Acceptance into the workshop is required before registering. To apply to the program please submit: \n\nA 10 to 20 page writing sample (can be any genre).\nA brief cover letter (no more than 250 words) explaining why you want to take this class.\nA list of 10 short stories that you love. Please format the list as simple bullet points\, with just the title and the author noted. Please do not elaborate on why you love the stories.\nPlease sign and date the following statement: “I\, _____________\, understand that it is not possible to “collaborate” with a word prediction machine and hereby attest that no AI or LLMs were or will be used in any part of my workshop submissions.”\n\nPlease send your application to emily.holland@writer.org. \nAcceptance into the workshop is required before registering. \n\nAbout Book Farm @ The Writer’s Center\nThe Writer’s Center hosts a series of workshops for serious writers to complete book-length projects\, generate new work for publication\, or master the elements of craft within a specific genre. You’ll work with an acclaimed author\, guiding you through 4-12 months of lessons\, workshops\, and revisions. Our instructors are all accomplished educators with a track record of student success. Limited enrollment with rolling admission up to the application deadline\, so apply right away to secure your spot! \nAll Book Farm participants receive an exclusive tote bag\, a craft book recommended by the instructor\, and a $100 gift certificate good toward future TWC workshops. Participants also receive exclusive access to The Writer’s Center staff\, all of whom are accomplished writers with extensive experience in editing and publishing.
URL:https://writer.org/event/the-art-of-the-short-story-w-rita-bullwinkel/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:All Levels,Fiction,Master Level,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/The-art-of-the-short-story-1880-x-1576-px-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261022T210000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210314Z
CREATED:20260814T210314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210314Z
UID:10005400-1792695600-1792702800@writer.org
SUMMARY:Crafting Compelling Characters
DESCRIPTION:Fictional characters are the entry point for readers to engage with the worlds that writers create. In this class\, we will explore three facets of character—tragic flaws\, contradictory behavior\, and backstory—and reveal how you can combine them to create characters readers will love. Come ready to write! This class includes hands-on writing exercises. Attendees will walk away with the tools they need to craft compelling characters.
URL:https://writer.org/event/crafting-compelling-characters-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,Beginner/Intermediate Level,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261030
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261121
DTSTAMP:20260814T210316Z
CREATED:20260814T210316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210316Z
UID:10005407-1793318400-1795219199@writer.org
SUMMARY:(Wet Ink) Fiction POV Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Do the multitude of Point of View options elude you? We will look at everything from the first person point of view to the editorial omniscient\, as well as some of the less traditional points of view\, to help you choose the best voice to tell your story.
URL:https://writer.org/event/wet-ink-fiction-pov-workshop/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,All Levels,Fiction,Wet Ink,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261030
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261219
DTSTAMP:20260814T210316Z
CREATED:20260814T210316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210316Z
UID:10005406-1793318400-1797638399@writer.org
SUMMARY:(Wet Ink) Intermediate Novel Writing: The 8 Cs
DESCRIPTION:Are you serious about writing a novel but struggling? This intermediate course will examine the eight fundamental elements of the novel to help you find the strengths and weaknesses of your work-in-progress. From Concept to Conclusion\, we will study the key components of a novel\, with generative and evaluative exercises along the way. Written lessons\, curated online resources\, and targeted exercises (along with instructor and peer feedback) will help guide you as you continue to draft your novel. (Note: This course is a good follow-up to Tammy Greenwood’s Intro to the Novel workshop.)
URL:https://writer.org/event/wet-ink-intermediate-novel-writing-the-8-cs/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:8 Sessions,Fiction,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Wet Ink,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261031T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261031T143000
DTSTAMP:20260915T174305Z
CREATED:20260915T173256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T174305Z
UID:10005445-1793451600-1793457000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Lessons and Inspiration from a Literary Life
DESCRIPTION:Reframe your understanding of the joys\, purpose\, struggles\, and successes associated with being both a writer and a member of the wider literary community. \nIn a presentation that spans my 40+-year career as a writer and literary advocate\, I will share the hard-earned insights that have informed and inspired my life and work. Together\, we’ll explore everything from balancing writing and work in late stage capitalism to membership in (and service to) the literary community. After the presentation\, I’ll answer questions from attendees\, who will also be able to sign up for one-on-one consultations at a later date. \n  \nThis presentation and discussion is intended for anyone living a literary life in 21st century America: writers at all career stages\, editors\, and students of writing.
URL:https://writer.org/event/lessons-and-inspiration-from-a-literary-life/
LOCATION:The Writer’s Center\, 4508 Walsh Street\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20815\, United States
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,Kid Lit,Mixed Genre,Nonfiction,Poetry,Professional Writing,Publishing,Stage and Screen,The Writer's Center,Workshop
GEO:38.97949;-77.090791
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street Bethesda MD 20815 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=4508 Walsh Street:geo:-77.090791,38.97949
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T210000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210317Z
CREATED:20260814T210317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210317Z
UID:10005409-1793905200-1793912400@writer.org
SUMMARY:Revising Through Generative Prompts
DESCRIPTION:This workshop introduces a revision strategy that uses interconnected generative prompts to re-enter an existing draft\, uncover hidden emotional dynamics\, and reveal new possibilities for character\, conflict\, and story. Through visual presentation\, brief craft discussions\, guided writing exercises\, and opportunities to reflect and share\, participants will use these prompts to push both themselves and their characters in unexpected directions\, breathing new life into stalled scenes and rediscovering the emotional momentum of their work. By the end of the workshop\, participants will have generated new material\, uncovered fresh insights into their characters\, and developed a practical revision technique they can return to whenever a draft loses momentum. Participants are invited to have work-in-progress—a draft\, scene\, chapter\, or story they’d like to revisit.
URL:https://writer.org/event/revising-through-generative-prompts/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261110T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261215T213000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210318Z
CREATED:20260814T210318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210318Z
UID:10005413-1794337200-1797370200@writer.org
SUMMARY:Crafting Flash Fiction
DESCRIPTION:This course focuses on writing and reading *very* short fiction. Together\, we’ll investigate the following questions: what can a story accomplish in a single page? In a single paragraph? How can we\, as writers\, create character\, place\, plot\, or voice in such a compressed form? What techniques are helpful for drafting and revising a super-short story? How does contemporary “flash fiction” or “micro fiction” relate to older forms—like the fable—and other genres\, like poetry? What makes a piece of very short prose a “story” at all? Each week\, we will workshop participants’ fiction and do writing exercises to learn about this form. We’ll also read a range of published flash fiction from a craft perspective. By the end of the workshop\, each participant will have written and received feedback on at least one very short story (under 2\,000 words). The course will conclude with a discussion of strategies for submitting very short fiction to literary magazines.
URL:https://writer.org/event/crafting-flash-fiction/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:6 Sessions,All Levels,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261121T123000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210321Z
CREATED:20260814T210321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210321Z
UID:10005420-1795255200-1795264200@writer.org
SUMMARY:Plot Like a Pro
DESCRIPTION:Learn the methods professional writers use to come up with winning plots for their fiction.
URL:https://writer.org/event/plot-like-a-pro-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261219
DTSTAMP:20260814T210321Z
CREATED:20260814T210321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210321Z
UID:10005421-1795737600-1797638399@writer.org
SUMMARY:(Wet Ink) DIY Novel Revision
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a finished draft of a novel but don’t know what to do next? This workshop will take you through the revision and editing process step-by-step. From large-picture issues like plot and structure\, characterization\, etc… to line editing\, we will look at what it takes to revise your own novel without the assistance of a professional editor.
URL:https://writer.org/event/wet-ink-diy-novel-revision/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,All Levels,Fiction,Wet Ink,Workshop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261205T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261205T123000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210321Z
CREATED:20260814T210321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210321Z
UID:10005422-1796464800-1796473800@writer.org
SUMMARY:Your First (or Next) Novel
DESCRIPTION:Writing a novel takes commitment\, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. Learn how to generate a handful of plots to choose from\, methods for effectively planning your story\, and simple hacks for fine tuning your basic fiction skills. Students will initiate a flexible writing plan that will keep their writing flowing. This is a great half-day session for the beginning long-form fiction writer\, or for the more experienced author in need of a quick strategy brush-up.
URL:https://writer.org/event/your-first-or-next-novel-8/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20270205T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270205T163000
DTSTAMP:20260909T163639Z
CREATED:20260908T170152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T163639Z
UID:10005441-1801825200-1801845000@writer.org
SUMMARY:The Writer's Center CraftCon - Now Accepting Panel Proposals!
DESCRIPTION:The Writer’s Center CraftCon now accepting panel proposals!\nDo you have new ideas about the art and methods of writing that you can’t wait to share? If so\, The Writer’s Center is now accepting panel proposals for CraftCon\, a one-day virtual conference on the future of the craft of creative writing. \nWe’re looking for writers and/or educators with ideas for new approaches to the craft of writing in and across all genres. Panel proposals should highlight new conceptualizations of craft or new angles on the old standards. We’re also interested in panels that propose new approaches to creative writing pedagogy. In short\, we want topics that we haven’t quite encountered before. \nCraftCon offers a unique opportunity for writers to create and present rigorous panels\, build their CVs\, and refine their understanding of literary writing. \nPanel Details: \n\nPanels should consist of 3-5 panelists\, including a moderator.\nPanels will be scheduled for 60 minutes\, with the final 10 minutes open for audience Q&A.\nWe’re looking for presentations of topics that are artistically and academically rigorous\, including but not limited to literary analysis\, methods and pedagogy\, and historical context.\nWe want panels that advance how we think about craft.\nPanels that present diverse viewpoints are strongly encouraged.\nThis conference is not for discussions about publishing.\nPanels will be selected by qualified TWC staff and volunteers\, and will be evaluated based on merit and the specific needs of the conference.\nCurrent MFA students\, faculty\, and alumni are encouraged submit proposals.\nTo submit\, please complete the Google form\, linked below.\n\nSample Topics: \nThere’s no one topic/approach we’re looking for\, but we want new\, forward-looking ideas. We want topics that surprise us (and maybe surprise you\, too!). Here are a few sample panel titles that would get our attention: \n\nNew Shapes for Plots\nRecursive Writing for Forward Motion\nAlternative Models for the Creative Writing Workshop\n\nThe panel proposal should include: \n\nPanel Title\nOne paragraph describing the topic and scope of the panel.\nOne paragraph explaining how the topic is a new approach to craft or a new angle on a standard concept of craft.\nBios for all panelists (80-word maximum/each)\nModerator name and email.\n\nClick Here for the Panel Proposal Form »\n\nProposal Deadline: Monday\, October 26\nProposal Acceptances announced by Friday\, November 20\nAccepted panel moderators will be required to provide supplementary digital documents (to be distributed to attendees) that outline the basic information to be presented in the panel.\n\nPlease note that to participate\, accepted panelists will be required to register for the conference at the early-bird rate of $100. Submitting a panel proposal is free. \nHave questions? Email zach.powers@writer.org \n\nAbout CraftCon\nCraftCon brings together dozens of featured writers on 16 innovative panels that aim to advance the craft of writing and the methods used to teach it. This first-of-its-kind conference combines artistic and academic rigor\, investigating the practices\, history\, and pedagogy of literary craft. As an attendee\, you’ll encounter brand new conceptualizations of craft and new angles on the old standards. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your own writing practice and\, hopefully\, come away feeling inspired to approach your work in fresh ways. \nConference Schedule\nFriday\, February 5\, 2027\nAll Times Eastern \n11am-12:15pm – Session A (Welcome & 4 Concurrent Panels) \n12:30pm-1:30pm – Session B (4 Concurrent Panels) \n1:45pm-2:45pm – Session C (4 Concurrent Panels) \n3:00pm-4:15pm – Session D (4 Concurrent Panels & Closing Remarks) \n\nEarly bird registration now open for The Writer’s Center CraftCon!\nRegister now for a $25 DISCOUNT through December 15. After that\, the total registration price will increase to $125. \nRegistrants will get live access for the 4 panel sessions (with 4 concurrent panels per session) and access to all 16 panel recordings. \nFull panel details will be posted to the website the first week of December. \n\nIf you need an accommodation for this event\, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests\, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.
URL:https://writer.org/event/craftcon/
LOCATION:The Writer’s Center\, 4508 Walsh Street\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20815\, United States
CATEGORIES:Advanced Level,Advanced/Master Level,Fiction,Intermediate Level,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Master Level,Nonfiction,Poetry,Workshop,Zoom
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