BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//The Writer's Center - ECPv6.17.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://writer.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Writer's Center
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260722T210000
DTSTAMP:20250918T015743Z
CREATED:20250902T182412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T015743Z
UID:10004964-1759345200-1784754000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Novel Mill w/ Kristen Arnett
DESCRIPTION:Write your novel in a year with bestselling author Kristen Arnett!\nAre you looking for an exciting\, fun\, collaborative way to get your writing brain into gear? Are you ready to finally sit down and write that novel that you’ve been thinking about forever? Do you wish you had a confident\, cheerful writing coach to guide you to the finish line? If so\, then this is definitely the course for you! \nStudents of this generative workshop will share their work with others in the class\, learn to edit their own writing effectively\, become naturals at crafting powerful openings\, and will learn to stick the landing when it comes to novel endings. Place-writing techniques\, craft capsules on injecting humor into your work\, and myriad other learned skills will guide students through the sticky patches that often crop up in the middle of a project. \nRegardless of the fact that we often write alone\, novels are not formed completely in a silo. Crafting a novel with the help of a supportive community can mean the difference between finally drafting your dream project or leaving behind yet another empty word document. Students will have the opportunity to further develop their projects both inside of class and outside of it: we will read and comment on everyone’s work. Writers participating in this workshop will discover how to spot successful techniques already loaded in their arsenal. They will learn what engages readers\, and how to effectively keep that engagement. Students will learn to ask questions of their work that will help them analyze tone\, POV\, structure\, characterization\, and much more. We will work toward developing processes that are the correct fit for each individual project. Every novel is like a thumbprint: perfectly unique. \n\nVirtual Info Session Recording\nMeet Kristen Arnett\, instructor for our Novel Mill workshop\, and have all your questions about the program answered! \nWatch the recording on YouTube >>> \n\nThis course will include:\n\nInformation of intros and how to make them sizzle\nHow to draft compelling ends to your work\nPlotting/Planning/Shaping– determining pace\, finding what works for your particular project\nLists of tips and techniques to employ when you’re feeling stuck in a scene\nInstructive readings that will help students fine tune their work\nHow to develop momentum to keep a project moving forward\nA clear sense of process\nDeeper understanding of the underpinnings of the novel\nDetermining the proper voice and perspective for your project\nHow to develop compelling characters\nMaster crafting finely detailed place writing\nA clear discussion of writing difficulties when it comes to crafting a longform project\nHow to create and maintain reasonable writing goals\nAn assortment of helpful writing prompts\n\n\nSchedule\nThis class meets via Zoom every other Wednesday beginning October 1\, 2025\, for a total of 21 sessions\, with breaks for holidays and dedicated writing periods. Between Zoom meetings\, participants can expect readings and assignments. Exact class dates subject to change at the discretion of the instructor and in collaboration with participants. \nOctober 1\, 15\nNovember 5\, 19\n\nDec 3\, 17\nJan 7\, 21\nFeb 4\, 18\nMarch 4\, 18\nApril 1\, 15\, 29\nMay 13\, 27\nJune 10\, 24\nJuly 8\, 22\n\n\n1:1 Mentoring\nEach student will have the chance for a private mentoring sessions with Kristen\, including a 6-month follow up after completion of the workshop. \n\nTo Apply\nApplication Deadline: September 19\, 2025 \nSend a cover letter and writing sample of 5-20 pages to laura.spencer@writer.org by September 19th. 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-mill/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Fiction,Master Level,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writing-Paper-Curves.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260120T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261201T213000
DTSTAMP:20251229T180846Z
CREATED:20251106T210852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T180846Z
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:20260515
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260704
DTSTAMP:20260512T171405Z
CREATED:20260504T214125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T171405Z
UID:10005290-1778803200-1783123199@writer.org
SUMMARY: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 you 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 hours/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/intro-to-the-novel-2/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:8 Sessions,Fiction,Wet Ink,Workshop
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:20260610T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260715T210000
DTSTAMP:20260519T205546Z
CREATED:20260427T234847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T205546Z
UID:10005220-1781118000-1784149200@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 will offer a practical plan that takes you from the mere germ of an idea all the way through the creative process\, with an eye on getting a finished book into the hands of potential fans. We’ll discuss how to transform the nub of an idea into a book-length project\, populated with interesting characters\, a twisty-turny plot\, snappy dialogue\, and an interesting setting. We’ll also look at strategies for finding an agent and marketing the finished product. You’ll come away from the class with the encouragement to begin and perfect your project. \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\n How to tap into your creative subconscious\nCharacter Creation\nStory Structure\nHow to Stay Organized\n\nTime requirements\n\nNo outside “requirements\,” but students will be given homework writing suggestions.\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nIntended Audience: This class is best suited for a beginner who has thought about writing a novel\, but hasn’t done so for any number of reasons (excuses?) 1. I don’t have enough discipline\, 2. I don’t have enough time\, 3. I don’t know where to start. It’s also for intermediate writers who have begun\, or even finished a manuscript\, but feel like they’re stuck\, or want to take their writing to a higher level.\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-3/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:6 Sessions,Beginner Level,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writing-Books-side.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260706
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260728
DTSTAMP:20260706T170522Z
CREATED:20260427T234849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T170522Z
UID:10005224-1783296000-1785196799@writer.org
SUMMARY:The Art of Description
DESCRIPTION:Learn the secret to engaging readers with your writing!\nThis four-week interactive class is designed to give you the skills to write rich descriptive sentences and paragraphs that infuse life into your characters and the worlds you create. During this course\, you will strengthen your powers of observation through a variety of assigned weekly readings and writing exercises. You’ll also share some of your own writing and enjoy reading the work of other participants. A new lesson will open on Mondays and assignments will be due by the end of each week. After the completion of this course\, you’ll have new material that may springboard future stories. \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\nHow to write rich and varied descriptive sentences\nHow to incorporate the five senses into your writing\nConcrete details\n\nTime requirements\n\n2-4 hours/No reading required in advance\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis workshop is designed for any writer hoping to improve their description skills.\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-art-of-description-2/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,All Levels,Fiction,Wet Ink,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writing-Hands.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260710
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260829
DTSTAMP:20260609T165325Z
CREATED:20260427T234849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T165325Z
UID:10005225-1783641600-1787961599@writer.org
SUMMARY:Intermediate Novel Writing: The 8 Cs
DESCRIPTION:Let’s finish that novel you started!\nAre 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.) \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\nConcept\nCharacter\nCircumstances\nConflict\nComplications\nCrisis\nClimax\nConclusion\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 for writers looking to deepen their understanding of the major 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/intermediate-novel-writing-the-8-cs-5/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:8 Sessions,Fiction,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Wet Ink,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writing-Pile-of-Pens.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260711T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260711T123000
DTSTAMP:20260609T165512Z
CREATED:20260427T234850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T165512Z
UID:10005226-1783764000-1783773000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Creating Conflict & Tension
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to build tension in virtually every scene…and keep readers turning pages.\nStrengthening 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. \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\nCharacters’ Motivation\nStructure\nEmotion\nSensory Details\nAction\n\nTime requirements\n\nN/A\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nAny fiction author who worries that their stories lack the necessary tension to hold readers’ attention\, or whose past submissions for publication have not met with success.\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/creating-conflict-tension-7/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writing-in-Notebook-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260723T203000
DTSTAMP:20260609T171640Z
CREATED:20260605T170146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T171640Z
UID:10005299-1784228400-1784838600@writer.org
SUMMARY:Chapter One Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to hook a reader in the opening pages of your book. \nEvery week we will go over the elements of what makes a good first chapter and what you can leave out and save for the middle of the book. We’ll talk tone\, genre\, pacing\, and reader expectations. By the end of the workshop\, you should have the skills to write a first chapter that will have readers eager for more. Participants can come to class with a finished first chapter (or the first 2000 words of one) to be critiqued\, but it’s not necessary. \n  \n• Hook the reader: How to grab the reader’s attention by starting in the middle of a high-stakes situation.\n• Introduce your Main Character: Give your reader a protagonist they can root for or identify with right away and clarify the point-of-view.\n• Establish Setting: Make sure the physical space your character is in sets the tone\, heightens tension\, underscores the mood\, and adds to the story.\n• Conflict: Set up a problem or dilemma early on that fits within your genre’s expectations.\n• Learn What to Avoid: Starting the story too early\, information dumping (too much backstory too soon)\, too many characters to keep track of\, and rushing into action without establishing who your protagonist is and why we should care.\n \n  \nParticipants are welcome to bring in a first chapter (up to 2000 words) for critique. \n\nIn-person class: This workshop will take place at The Writer’s Center\, 4508 Walsh St\, Bethesda MD. \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/chapter-one-workshop/
LOCATION:The Writer’s Center\, 4508 Walsh Street\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20815\, United States
CATEGORIES:2 Sessions,Beginner Level,Beginner/Intermediate Level,Fiction,Intermediate Level,The Writer's Center,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writing-Books-Gritty.jpg
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:20260721T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260825T213000
DTSTAMP:20260609T172307Z
CREATED:20260427T234850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T172307Z
UID:10005227-1784660400-1787693400@writer.org
SUMMARY:Advanced Fiction Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Refine your accomplished stories in a supportive atmosphere.\nDeep reading and insightful questions are the hallmarks of this course. If you have previous workshop experience and are well along on your fiction-writing journey\, this 6-week workshop might be for you. Participants of the class should come in with a well-honed understanding of point of view\, character\, and narrative tension. We’ll explore such questions as: Does your story hook readers in? Do your characters live and breathe? If the course sounds like a good fit\, please apply by submitting a one-page summary outlining your previous fiction experience\, plus the first fifteen pages (double-spaced\, 12 pt. font\, pages numbered) of a piece of fiction you’ve written. Send these by June 22\, 2026 to laura.spencer@writer.org. Participants will be notified within five days of the submission deadline and should register for the course upon notification. \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 be sure your characters are realistic and complex.\nHow to make your dialogue reveal character and sound natural.\nHow to structure a story to increase narrative tension.\n\nTime requirements\n\nYou’ll need to set aside approximately 2-4 hours outside of class each week to develop your own stories and to give thorough feedback to your fellow authors.\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis course is designed for advanced fiction writers with previous workshop experience and a well-honed understanding of point of view\, character\, and narrative tension. Participants will have the opportunity to bounce their stories-in-progress off other writers in preparation for polishing and sending the work out for publication.\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/advanced-fiction-workshop/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:6 Sessions,Advanced Level,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writing-in-Notebook.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260725T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260725T123000
DTSTAMP:20260609T172404Z
CREATED:20260427T234850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T172404Z
UID:10005228-1784973600-1784982600@writer.org
SUMMARY:Plot Like a Pro
DESCRIPTION:Think you can’t plot? Join us for this course\, and we’ll show you how!\nYou have a great idea for a story. Do you dive in and just begin writing\, or start by drafting an outline? Are you a born planner or a writer who loves to discover stories organically (i.e.\, a pantser)? Understanding how to structure a well-conceived story around a main character and central conflict\, while paying attention to pacing\, can make the difference between a finished\, publishable manuscript and an abandoned work-in-progress. Plotting provides a safety net that never robs the author of the joy of writing and always reduces revision time. \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\nBeating Writer’s Block\nHow to Find Ideas\nPainless Plot Outlines\nFlexible Plans that Grow Themselves\nWhere Inspiration Comes From\n\nTime requirements\n\nN/A\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nAny writer of short stories\, novels\, creative nonfiction or memoir who finds themself “stuck\,” unsure of how to start\, or searching for the missing parts of their project.\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/plot-like-a-pro-4/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Writing-Pens-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR