Name: How Do You Pronounce That? A Panel on Non-English Words in English Language Poetry
Start: 2026-05-06T19:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-05-06T20:30:00-04:00
Location: The Writer’s Center

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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Are you a writer who identifies as disabled? Join us for an informal gathering at The Writer’s Center to hang out and talk writing! Please bring a drink or an […]

John DeDakis

Zoom

Pain is part of life, whether it’s the loss of a job, a pet, a friendship, your innocence, your health, or a loved one. In my case, I've lost a sister to suicide and a son to a heroin overdose. Even though death is a part of life, it need not be crippling or debilitating. In this session, we’ll look at strategies -- including journaling and storytelling -- to help you move forward, through and beyond the pain and into a future that can once again be filled with hope—and even joy. The session includes short writing exercises.

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The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of nonfiction! We’re joined by author Steve Majors for a discussion of his new collection of essays, Man Made. […]

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer's Center welcomes the Graduate students from the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Maryland to a dialogue with Professor Laura Demaría about her recent book, […]

Kathryn Johnson

Zoom

This quick-take session focuses on ways to get yourself unstuck when a story’s middle gets thorny, or you lose your way. A relaxed, informative 90 minutes chockful of information from a multi-published author who often has to fight her way out of the middle of a manuscript…and onward to a completed novel. Loads of tips and tricks for you to take away!

Claudia Gary

Zoom

Have you ever wondered how scanning the lines of your first draft can make for a better poem? Here’s an opportunity to improve your ear for meter—a major element of poetic prosody—and to fine-tune your understanding of how it works. Guided by an internationally published author of sonnets, villanelles, and other metrical poems, this one-day workshop includes scansion of well-known poems, writing exercises, and, if you like, close examination of a poem you’ve drafted prior to class. You’ll leave with new insights about improving the auditory qualities of all your poems and prose.

Sue Ellen Thompson

Zoom

Diction, or word choice, is crucial to poetry, where every word matters. In this workshop, we will examine what diction is "appropriate" in a poem and why understanding where certain words come from is essential to using them effectively. We will discuss the relationship between diction and tone, the difference between idiom and cliché, and the role that ambiguity can play. We will also talk about “poetic diction” and how to avoid it.

GG Renee Hill

Zoom

Do you ever think to yourself: “Why is it so hard to get my ideas out of my head and onto the page?” This workshop offers a variety of techniques that help writers develop their ideas and break down barriers to writing. Whether you are a plotter or a pantser, neurotypical or neurodivergent, you will come away understanding your creative process on a deeper level so you can work with it and not against it. You will experiment with different approaches to idea generation, prewriting, outlining, drafting and revising so when you get stuck, you can reach into your toolbox and try a different method. Writers will come away with a rough draft of a personal narrative and a new appreciation for each stage of the writing process.

Nicole Chung

Zoom

Meet Nicole Chung, instructor for our Memoir Year workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand, too, to address any logistical […]

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center welcomes writer Francene Hill for a reading from her new publication, Tiny Tots in Tiaras and Tuxedos. Francene is joined in conversation with Pamela Barnes-Monroe. FREE & […]

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Lee Woodman for a reading from her new collection, Colorscapes. Lee is joined by Emily Holland, poet and editor of Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry journal. […]

Susan Coll

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Meet Susan Coll, instructor for our Novel Year workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand, too, to address any logistical […]

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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Prose, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 4-5 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 6:45pm, and […]

Hank Wallace

Zoom

Lead with the future — not background — for leadership, especially in a crisis. That’s the most important of eight journalism skills that will transform your writing. The others: write your readers’ language, be positive (to be both clear and upbeat), lay out logically, be consistent, be precise, be concise and choose strong verbs. (Plus a Speak Like the News skill: avoid “uptalk?”) Emulate the vivid news examples you’ll see in this workshop, and you’ll strengthen your writing voice with lively, engaging news style. At 7 sharp, we’ll critique TheWallStreetJournal.com, seeing how to communicate your main point in just a few words. To cover as much ground as possible, we’ll have just a few writing exercises and most of them will take less than a minute each.

No Kisses Bar 3120 Georgia Avenue Northwest
Washigton, DC 20010 United States

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Join us for cocktails at No Kisses Bar to mingle with friends of The Inner Loop, The Writer's Center, DC Writers Room and PEN/Faulkner! Register here »

Laura J. Oliver

Zoom

A dynamic workshop on the single most important skill any writer can have. Skilled writers make readers feel and intuit precisely what they want them to by using the technique of showing writing. No other element of craft promises this immediacy and power to bring a work to life. This is how to make a flat passage sing, how to gain your readers’ trust and emotional participation. Through exploration of compelling published examples, exercises, lively discussion, and inspiring instruction, you will learn to elevate your stories to submission-quality prose.

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center welcomes author Peter Mountford for a reading from his new collection, Detonator. Peter is joined by novelist Karin Tanabe. FREE & open to the public. RSVP below. […]

Claudia Gary

Zoom

Guided by an award-winning and internationally published author of sonnets, villanelles, and other metrical poems, you’ll first read time-honored sonnets to see how and why they work. Next the class will write a group sonnet, and then -- with or without shortcuts -- you’ll start one of your own. You’ll leave with at least one new (draft) or improved sonnet, as well as insights about how writing poems in form can unlock deeper meaning and enhance everything you write.

Lacey N. Dunham

Zoom

This class pulls back the curtain on the ins and outs of publishing by walking participants through the component parts of the publishing industry. From the role of literary agents to the dreaded query letter to what an editor’s job is to the different types of publishers (big 5, indie, small press, vanity press, self-publishing) to how authors are paid, this jam-packed class takes a practical approach that will focus on the business side of writing with lots of time for Q&A. Whether you want to know how books come to exist or are simply curious about how this notoriously opaque industry works, this class is for you.

Please note: This class will touch on what query letters are and the purpose they serve but this is not a class on how to write query letters.

PRIOR PARTICIPANTS SAY:
— “A remarkable two hours. That was the very best—and most helpful—presentation on publishing I've ever experienced.”

— “Outstanding seminar. Lacey was well prepared, organized, knowledgeable, experienced & responsive. She engaged attendees & provided ample yet structured time for questions.”

— “Very helpful and I learned a lot. I liked how she was realistic but hopeful.”

— “It’s totally worth the time and money.”

— “Absolutely do it if you’re able. I absolutely loved the class and got a ton out of it.”

Lindsey Van Wagner

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Meet Lindsey Van Wagner, instructor for The Artist's Way: A Year of Creative Reawakening, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on […]

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The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by author Marisa Kashino for a discussion of her new novel, Best Offer Wins. Marisa […]

Tammy Greenwood

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When writing a novel, we must know our primary characters inside and out. We need to understand thei...

Tammy Greenwood

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Kathryn Johnson

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You have a great idea for a story. Do you dive in and just begin writing, or start by drafting an ou...

Lyzette Wanzer

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Being invited to read your creative work at a conference is a huge feather in your literary cap. Thi...

María Fernanda

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Participants will be prompted to create literary works inspired by Federico García Lorca’s concept o...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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Ever wonder who else is taking classes at The Writer’s Center? Want the chance to hear the work being made in other classes? Meet with Instructors of the coming season’s […]

GG Renee Hill

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In this workshop, participants will receive guidance on writing about family relationships, dynamics...

Afabwaje Kurian

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Jade Song

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When asked about her creative process, the writer Can Xue said: "Emotions are completely unleashed. ...

Michael Chorost

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

QueryTracker is a powerful tool for finding literary agents, sending them queries, and tracking their responses. In this course we’ll cover the basics: search tools, the who-represents-whom tool, and data […]

Al Basile

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Imagine your poem as though you held a camera and planned a sequence, choosing what to include “in t...

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Poet Lore and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by Ally Ang to discuss their debut collection, Let the Moon Wobble. […]

Bo Kaprall

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You'll not only learn how to write your own television pilot, but the ins and outs of the entire tel...

Laura J. Oliver

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Agents say it all the time. What sells a manuscript? A standout voice. Acquire the tools you need fo...

Melanie Figg

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This class is for writers who are exploring the idea of writing a memoir. Maybe you have an idea, or...

Marija Stajic

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Transform your draft into a polished, publishable work and learn how to confidently navigate the pat...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center welcomes novelist Nancy Garruba for a reading and discussion of her new debut novel, The Vanishing of Rose B. Nancy is in conversation with Katherine Gekker. FREE […]

Claudia Gary

Zoom

Trauma can shut us down; writing poems can help free us to open up again. This workshop will present...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center welcomes author Eric Lichtblau for a reading from his new novel, American Reich: A Murder in Orange County, Neo-Nazis, and a New Age of Hate. FREE & […]

Susan Coll

Zoom

Bring your novel to life with best-selling author Susan Coll! Whether you have been thinking about writing a novel for years but are not sure how to get started, or […]

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center welcomes Kim Roberts, David Nicholson, and David Taylor for a conversation and practical creative exercises on how to research in your writing. This event will also include […]

Zoom

The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of nonfiction! We’re joined by author Mai Serhan for a discussion of her new memoir, I Can Imagine It […]

Courtney Sexton

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

When Mary Oliver tells us to let the soft animal of love what love, we know exac...

Sheila Wenz

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Now’s your chance to find out! In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics and comedy ti...

Kathryn Johnson

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Chioma Urama

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How do we turn the fragments of memory into writing that resonates? In this workshop guided by award...

Ariel Katz

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In this generative fiction writing workshop, we'll confront the blank page head-on. Our emphasis wil...

Lisa Jan Sherman

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Prompts will spark memories, characters, and places, turning them into poems, scenes, dialogues, and...

Natasha Oladokun

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Revising can be very intimidating territory for all of us, but in this workshop we will take a diffe...

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The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by author Tayyba Kanwal for a discussion of her new story collection, Talking with Boys. […]

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center is pleased to present SUTRA, an exhibition of drawings and paintings by artist Deborah Tomlin, on display in the Center’s Joram Piatigorsky Gallery, January 29–March 23, 2026. […]

Kathryn Johnson

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Scenes are the building blocks of fiction. They convey the vision of the story in the author’s head ...

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Think now of poetry as a school for emotions, and the lyric has had a revelatory power evoked throug...

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Write about mental health with intention. Along with general guidelines, examples from popular media...

Lindsey Van Wagner

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Patricia Gray

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If you’re not a poet, or even a writer, no worries. This workshop jump-starts your creativity with f...

Nicole Chung

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Work on your memoir with bestselling author Nicole Chung! This intensive workshop is open to writers working on a memoir or memoir-in-essays. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in lively […]

James Alexander

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This workshop will help you transform your brilliant opinions into "ink on the pages" of some of the...

Beth Kanter

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Each session of Boot Camp for Writers will begin with a prompt followed by writing time. Participant...

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The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of advocacy! We’re joined by former Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi and author/attorney Mark A. Cymrot for a […]

Mary Quattlebaum

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Learn how to write a picture book from a successful author of thirty award-winning books for childre...

Tammy Greenwood

Wet Ink

Whether you are an organized planner or a writer who flies by the seat of their pants, a novel still...

Eva Langston

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Have you been working and reworking the beginning of your manuscript but can’t seem to push past a c...

Claudia Gary

Zoom

Guided by an award-winning and internationally published author of sonnets, villanelles, and other m...

Ofelia Montelongo

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Food carries the stories of who we are and where we come from. In this workshop, we’ll explore how t...

Sue Ellen Thompson

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The autobiographical impulse has always been a strong one in American poetry, but it wasn’t until th...

GG Renee Hill

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Writing can be both a creative act and a path toward healing. In this workshop, we’ll explore the pr...

Aaron Hamburger

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In this one-session workshop we'll dive into the creative writing workshop buzzword "interiority" so...

Elizabeth Poliner

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By studying basic craft elements of fiction, participants will build a strong foundation for their w...

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The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by author Chelsea Sutton for a discussion of her debut novella, Krackle’s Last Movie. Chelsea […]

Camille Cabrera

Zoom

Learn how to differentiate the unique mystery tropes while gaining a better understanding of the exp...

Golden Angel

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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Learn to Captivate a Reader in a Romance Novel USA Today Bestselling Author Golden Angel presents her tricks and tips on writing steamy scenes that stick with readers long after […]

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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Keep the Valentine's Day spirit going by spending an afternoon hearing Steamy Scenes written with the guidance of USA Today Bestselling Author Golden Angel. This reading will be followed by […]

Kelly Sather

Zoom

What makes a scene stay in your mind, is it rhythmic language, a character’s gesture, or that line o...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center welcomes novelist Virginia Pye for a reading from her new novel, Marriage and Other Monuments. Virginia is joined by award winning writer, Mary Kay Zuravleff. FREE & […]

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“Make it New” is a writer’s taunt and requirement as they return to the page, and oftentimes the har...

Kathryn Johnson

Zoom

If you struggle to get your novel written, you aren't alone. Most novelists never complete the story...

Jesse Jae Hoon

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Write your first (or newest) play, break that writers’ block, and unlock your theatrical voice! Duri...

Rob Jolles

Zoom

You’ve written, or are writing your book; now it’s time to fight for it! In this workshop you’ll dis...

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The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by author for a discussion of her new collection of stories, But Where's Home? Toni […]

Kathryn Johnson

Zoom

You may think you don't have the time, energy, or inspiration to write because of your hectic lifest...

Claudia Gary

Zoom

Here’s an opportunity to shed any misconception that poetic forms are only constricting. Inspired by...

Lindsey Van Wagner

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Do you feel called to write a book? Is there something important that you have always wanted to say ...

Melanie S. Hatter

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Description is an important element in fiction to orient the reader to setting and characters. But h...

Aaron Hamburger

Zoom

Literary agents play a crucial role in the publishing world, yet authors are often in the dark about...

Zoom

The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of nonfiction! We’re joined by Pulitzer Prize Winning author Jonathan Eig for a special Black History Month discussion of […]

Donald Illich

Zoom

This class aims to teach students how to write poems that surprise with imagery and ingenuity. Sever...

Zoom

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Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry journal. and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by Dora Malech to discuss her latest collection, […]

Katherine Pickett

Zoom

Fictional characters are the entry point for readers to engage with the worlds that writers create. ...

Laura J. Oliver

Zoom

With ten crucial tips and in-class writing prompts, learn how to capture your life on the page scene...

Lynn Auld Schwartz

Zoom

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for story structure. Let’s discuss a plan that works for you....

Melanie Figg

Zoom

What makes a good title? How can a title expand a poem’s meaning and impact? How can a weak one hold...

Claudia Gary

Zoom

“Whole-Brain Poetry” is an opportunity to explore some of the many ways poetry interacts with the br...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

You’ve drafted your picture book, what’s the next step? Learn to revise and polish your picture boo...

Tammy Greenwood

Wet Ink

Are you serious about writing a novel but struggling? This intermediate course will examine the eigh...

Mariah Barber

Zoom

Drawing from the textures of newspaper headlines and the tenderness of novel pages, we’ll explore ho...

Joan Waites

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Using quotes, poems and/or personal reflections, students will combine words with easy to follow art...

James Alexander

Zoom

Learn how to pack a powerful punch when writing persuasively! This four-week workshop covers the pro...

John DeDakis

Zoom

This workshop deconstructs and demystifies the novel-writing process for struggling and/or aspiring ...

Melissa Webster

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Using various writing prompts will invite ourselves into new stories, and explore new ways to tell f...

Zoom

Poet Lore and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by poets Asa Drake to discuss her debut poetry collection, Maybe The Body […]

Sue Ellen Thompson

Zoom

Although we associate the term "volta" with the traditional sonnet form, it has been used with great...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Google Map

The Writer’s Center is pleased to present SUTRA, an exhibition of drawings and paintings by artist Deborah Tomlin, on display in the Center’s Joram Piatigorsky Gallery, January 29–March 23, 2026. […]

Sam Cameron

Wet Ink

Romance is a booming market. Although maligned as “fluff,” writing a compelling romance requires ser...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Music in poetry can be difficult; insist on it too much and the music can overtake meaning, too litt...

Emily Barrosse

Zoom

Once your book is out in the world, how do you ensure it works for you? This session demystifies pub...

Zoom

The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by author Luke Kennard for a discussion of his new novel, Black Bag. Luke is […]

Lindsey Van Wagner

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

As the world tilts toward renewal, this workshop invites writers to align with the energy of the Spr...

GG Renee Hill

Zoom

We will explore the complexities of writing about sensitive topics with vulnerability and creative c...

Nikki Frias

Zoom

Show, Don’t Tell is a hands-on writing workshop designed to help participants transform plain prose ...

Kathryn Johnson

Zoom

Writing a novel takes commitment, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. Learn how to generate a handfu...

Zoom

Poet Lore and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by Cortney Lamar Charleston to discuss his new collection, It's Important I […]

Tammy Greenwood

Wet Ink

Do you have a finished draft of a novel but don’t know what to do next? This workshop will take you ...

Claudia Gary

Zoom

In the Persona Poem, or Dramatic Monologue, the poet writes in the voice of another real or imagined...

Camille Cabrera

Zoom

If you’ve always wanted to create your own exciting novel then this is the class for you. The class ...

D. M. Cross

Zoom

You have a story inside you, but how do you even start to bring it out? With so many crazy things go...

Peter Mandel

Zoom

Travel isn’t about mileage. It’s about the personal experiences and stories that bring a journey ali...

Emily Barrosse

Zoom

Writers today have more options than ever, but the choices can be overwhelming. Should you try to fi...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center welcomes novelist and former instructor Amin Ahmad for a frank discussion of writing with an eye on the market, writing in genre, how agents work and different […]

Laura J. Oliver

Zoom

Write your life story as you lived it, one moment at a time. This interactive workshop teaches write...

Kathryn Johnson

Zoom

Every character in your story has a past. The events that occurred in a character’s life before they...

Carol Mitchell

Zoom

Whether you’re in the midst of your manuscript or just starting out, in this workshop you will devel...

Sue Ellen Thompson

Zoom

Robert Frost said, "It's tone I'm in love with; that's what poetry is, tone." The ability to control...

Peter Mandel

Zoom

Having a children's book published in today's tough market may seem like an impossible dream. But, i...

Beth Kanter and Anna Kahoe

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

This class is designed for writers of all levels of experience to help them find the story tapping t...

Claudia Gary

Zoom

Have you ever wondered how scanning the lines of your first draft can make for a better poem? Here’s...

GG Renee Hill

Zoom

This workshop is about the pursuit of insight through writing personal memories. Whether you current...

Lacey N. Dunham

Zoom

Setting is the foundation for any story. Whether you’re thinking about character, motivation, obstac...

Lynn Auld Schwartz

Zoom

Whether you want to write a memoir, blog, letter to your granddaughter, or use your life as the foun...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

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The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Richard Smith for a reading from his new collection, Beyond Where Words Can Go. This reading will be followed by a Q&A and signing. FREE […]

Zoom

In this workshop, writers will consider end-times poems both ancient and contemporary in order to fi...

Hank Wallace

Zoom

Lead with the future — not background — for lead-ership, especially in a crisis. That’s the most imp...

The Writer’s Center 4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States

Google Map

The Writer’s Center welcomes three poets to discuss their use of non-English words in their English language poetry. Do they italicize? Translate? Footnote? Endnote? Through a craft discussion focused on […]

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