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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260120T190000
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DTSTAMP:20251229T180846Z
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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:20260201T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261227T000000
DTSTAMP:20260113T232517Z
CREATED:20251118T181440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T232517Z
UID:10005010-1769904000-1798329600@writer.org
SUMMARY:The Artist's Way: A Year of Creative Reawakening w/ Lindsey Van Wagner
DESCRIPTION:Through reflection\, community\, and practice\, you’ll awaken the artist within and build a creative life that feels aligned and alive.\nThis year-long journey through The Artist’s Way offers a sustained path for creative reawakening and artistic growth. Writers\, artists\, and creative seekers will move chapter by chapter through Julia Cameron’s classic text\, reconnecting with their sense of purpose and play. The course offers the freedom to move at your own pace on Wet Ink\, while regular virtual gatherings provide structure\, engagement\, and a sense of shared creative energy. Participants will receive guidance\, accountability\, and community support as you nurture your creative practices. Each session weaves reflection\, discussion\, and inspiration to help build consistency\, courage\, and joy in your work. \n\nWatch the Virtual Info Session\nMeet Lindsey Van Wagner\, instructor for The Artist’s Way: A Year of Creative Reawakening\, and have all your questions about the program answered! \nWATCH NOW >>>\n\nFormat\n\nZoom sessions every month (11 total) for guided discussion and exercises. Full schedule for meetings TBD.\nWeekly engagement on Wet Ink through prompts\, reflections\, and peer feedback.\nOptional “Creative Partner” pairings for accountability.\nMonthly themes (e.g.\, Courage\, Flow\, Abundance\, Trust) to anchor growth.\nYear-end community celebration and sharing of work.\n\nParticipants should plan to spend 1–2 hours per week on reading\, journaling\, and completing creative exercises from The Artist’s Way. Engagement on Wet Ink will support this rhythm through short reflections\, prompts\, and check-ins. Because the course combines self-paced work with monthly live meetings\, students will benefit from both flexibility and community accountability. \nThis workshop is designed for writers\, artists\, and creative seekers at any stage who want to rekindle inspiration\, develop consistency\, and strengthen trust in their creative process. It’s especially well-suited for those feeling creatively blocked\, in transition\, or craving a supportive community to hold them throughout the year. Whether you’re returning to your art after time away or seeking to deepen your connection to your voice\, this journey offers both structure and spaciousness to help you rediscover your creative rhythm. \nRequired text: The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron \n\nStudents Can Expect To:\n\nComplete The Artist’s Way with structured accountability and community support.\nReconnect with creative intuition\, curiosity\, and confidence.\nDevelop sustainable creative habits and rituals.\nBuild lasting connections with fellow artists and writers.\nLeave with tangible work—such as written reflections\, short pieces\, a portfolio\, and a Creative Manifesto—that embodies your year of transformation.\n\n\nTo Apply\nApplication Deadline: Sunday\, January 11\, 2026 \nPlease submit responses to the application questionnaire via this Google Form. We accept students on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply early! If you do not hear back from us with a confirmation that we received your application or you have any questions\, please reach out to Emily Holland at emily.holland@writer.org. \nAPPLY HERE >>>\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-artists-way/
LOCATION:Wet Ink
CATEGORIES:All Levels,Mixed Genre,Wet Ink,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writing-Pen-Notebooks.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261117T210000
DTSTAMP:20251209T181901Z
CREATED:20251106T193955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T181901Z
UID:10005003-1770145200-1794949200@writer.org
SUMMARY:Memoir Year w/ Nicole Chung
DESCRIPTION:Work on your memoir with bestselling author Nicole Chung!\nThis intensive workshop is open to writers working on a memoir or memoir-in-essays. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in lively craft discussions\, generative exercises\, and in-depth workshops designed to help you identify and hone your strengths as a writer. If you have an idea for a memoir and are looking to jumpstart it—or are already underway\, but want some help to maintain your momentum—this class will help you take concrete next steps and deepen your craft in a supportive community. \n\nWatch the Virtual Info Session\nMeet Nicole Chung\, instructor for our Memoir Year workshop\, and have all your questions about the program answered! \nWATCH NOW >>>\n\nFormat\nThrough in-class readings\, craft talks\, and guided writing prompts\, we’ll explore book openings\, plot structure\, characterization\, setting\, writing the self\, and more. We’ll spend time reflecting and brainstorming\, learning how to identify and pursue the stories that matter most to you. You will have the opportunity to generate new pages throughout the course and have at least two memoir excerpts (10 – 20 pages each) workshopped by your instructor and peers. \nWe’ll discuss the different types of memories\, the role imagination can play in personal storytelling\, and whether and how to bring research and reportage into your memoir. We’ll read excerpts from both classic and recent memoirs\, examining how other writers have organized and explored their personal stories. We’ll consider the ethics of writing about real people and events\, and how to establish the boundaries you may need. We’ll address your questions about book proposals\, pitching\, and the publishing industry. We’ll hear from visiting authors and literary agents who will share tips and talk about the writing and publication processes.  \nThis course will allow you to focus on and grow in your craft in community with your fellow writers\, helping you build the sustainable writing practice you want—one that will allow you to continue showing up for your work\, and telling the stories you need to tell\, long after our workshop ends. \nWriters are expected to read and respond to their peers’ work outside of class\, and generate new writing at their own pace.  \n\nSchedule\nThis class will typically meet twice per month from February 3\, 2026 – November 17\, 2026\, 7–9pm ET\, although there may be one or two longer breaks over the summer for students to focus on writing. Full schedule TBD. \n\n1:1 Mentoring\nAll workshops will be held over Zoom\, with additional opportunities to meet 1:1 with Nicole upon request. All enrolled students will have the option to schedule an individual follow-up meeting (1 hour) with Nicole during the first quarter of 2027.\n \n\nTo Apply\nApplication Deadline: Saturday\, January 24\, 2026 \nPlease share 1-2 paragraphs detailing your writing goals and/or intentions and a writing sample of 10-20 pages (double-spaced). You may also choose to include a one-page résumé or CV. Send your submission to emily.holland@writer.org by Saturday\, January 24th\, 2026. Admissions will be on a rolling basis so participants are encouraged to submit early. \nAcceptance into the workshop is required before registering. \n\nStudent Testimonials\n“Working with Nicole was like getting an ultra-engaged MFA professor\, an eagle-eyed editor\, and an ever-supportive writing coach all in one. I am a much better writer (not to mention critical reader!) as a result of her teaching\, and I would absolutely recommend her to any writer who’s seeking to take their work and creative journey to the next level.” —Nik Chang Hoon \n“Nicole is an exceptional teacher whose superpower is nurturing her students’ creativity\, empowering their growth\, and building community. Through craft talks\, readings\, writing prompts\, and insightful comments\, she supports each student in finding their stories and bringing them to life.” —Enid K. \n“Nicole’s class was one of the first I took after spending more than 10 years away from creative writing. I felt like she opened this whole world up to me by sharing her expertise not only on the craft of writing but also on the business of publishing. The lessons I learned in her class have paid immense dividends for me—I would not have the writing community and career that I have today without learning from her example. I consider Nicole a role model for her generosity toward her students and fellow writers in general\, and I couldn’t recommend her classes more enthusiastically!” —Hannah Bae \n“Nicole’s class is terrific for both novices to the genre and experienced writers. She creates an ideal mix of workshops\, craft lectures\, and guest speakers that teaches students new skills and keeps them inspired about their own work. Nicole is also warm\, supportive\, and brings out the best in her students. She curates a supportive cohort of students who strive to bring out the best in each other. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate!” —Anne Kim \n“It was truly a life-changing experience getting the opportunity to learn about memoir writing under the guidance of Nicole Chung. She was so thoughtful and generous with her enlightening ideas and exercises\, as well as feedback on my writing. The boundless empathy and encouragement she showed her students brought us all closer together as a cohort\, where we felt free to truly express ourselves and grow as writers and people in the process. I highly recommend Nicole’s workshops to anyone looking to evolve in their writing craft.” —Jean Trinh \n“I feel very fortunate to have taken Nicole’s memoir class. She offers the perfect blend of workshopping opportunities\, craft discussions\, and guest author/agent appearances\, all while coaching\, cheering\, and nudging participants along in a low-key but highly effective manner. Perhaps what I appreciate most about Nicole is the great care she takes with each participant’s story. Her class has been transformational for my writing.” —Ruth Berg \n“Nicole is a thoughtful and skilled facilitator. I love that she uses a clear and consistent strengths-based philosophy. Working from strengths creates an environment of safety for memoirists to share\, critique\, and revise our most personal stories. In our memoir workshop\, Nicole facilitates skillfully to bring out the shared wisdom of the group and ensure that writers feel empowered to generate and revise our work. Highly recommend working with her if you have the chance!” —Alex Shevrin Venet \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/memoir-year/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Master Level,Nonfiction,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writing-Books-side.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;TZID=America/New_York:20260709T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T210000
DTSTAMP:20260609T165206Z
CREATED:20260427T234912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T165206Z
UID:10005285-1783623600-1789074000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Writing the Feature-length Screenplay
DESCRIPTION:Write a feature-length screenplay from idea to first draft in this supportive workshop that teaches the essential principles of story structure\, character goals\, and meaningful conflict while guiding you step by step through drafting and workshopping your script.\nIn this 10-week intermediate to advanced workshop\, writers will complete a feature-length screenplay from outline to first draft. Participants are expected to arrive with a developed idea they are ready to write. The course begins with a brief review of key screenwriting principles—premise questions\, structure\, and character—before quickly moving into reviewing written pages the second week. Writers will be expected to generate approximately 10 pages per week\, building toward a complete 90-page screenplay by the end of the course. Class sessions will focus on reading and discussing student work\, with guided feedback designed to strengthen narrative momentum\, deepen character arcs\, and support each writer through the challenges of finishing a full draft. By the end of the workshop\, participants will have a completed feature-length screenplay and a clearer understanding of how to sustain and execute a cohesive cinematic 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\nScreenplay Structure & Plot Points – Learn the foundational structure of a feature-length screenplay and how to build a story that sustains audience engagement.\nProtagonist Goals & Character Development – Create compelling protagonists with clear motivations\, obstacles\, and character arcs.\nMeaningful Conflict – Develop conflict that naturally arises from your character’s goals and the pressures they face.\nScene Construction & Visual Storytelling – Write cinematic scenes that move the story forward through action\, dialogue\, and visual detail.\nWorkshopping & Revision Techniques – Receive guided feedback and learn how to revise pages to strengthen clarity\, pacing\, and emotional impact.\n\nTime requirements\n\n5-8 hours per week writing outside of class.\n\nMaterials\n\nThe Secret of Life Through Screenwriting by Joy Cheriel Brown\nWriting for Emotional Impact by Karl Iglesias\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis workshop is designed for beginning writers who want to learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and develop their first feature-length screenplay. It is ideal for writers who have an idea for a film but need guidance on story structure\, character goals\, and conflict\, as well as those interested in learning the craft of cinematic storytelling.\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/writing-the-feature-length-screenplay/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:10 Sessions,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Stage and Screen,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writing-Pen-Shadows.jpg
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:20260803T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260824T203000
DTSTAMP:20260730T140551Z
CREATED:20260427T234851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T140551Z
UID:10005229-1785781800-1787603400@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-4/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,Beginner Level,Fiction,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Writing-Handmade-Paper-Notebook.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T210000
DTSTAMP:20260630T193651Z
CREATED:20260427T234906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T193651Z
UID:10005270-1785956400-1787173200@writer.org
SUMMARY:Poetry Potluck: 5 Forms in 3 Weeks
DESCRIPTION:Want to learn about a handful of fun poetic forms and practice writing a few?\nBuild your literary muscles by practicing a mix of five contemporary and traditional forms: sonnets\, golden shovels\, abecedarians\, villanelles\, and sestinas. Classes are a mix of instruction\, reading sample poems\, lots of tips\, Q&A\, and sharing what we write (optional\, but encouraged). Struggling to find time to write? Each class will include 20-30 minutes of writing time to begin drafting your own poem. \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\nthe rules for\, and examples of\, five poetic forms: sonnets\, golden shovels\, abecedarians\, villanelles\, and sestinas\nhow to find the best topics that fit best with certain forms\nhow to write in rhyme and keep your poems from sounding sing-songy\nhow writing in form can provide great practice with line breaks and repetition\, and building compelling stories in your poems\n\nTime requirements\n\n20-60 minutes\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis class is for poets\, and prose writers\, with some experience who want to write poems i a variety of forms.\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/poetry-potluck-5-forms-in-3-weeks/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:3 Sessions,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Poetry,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:20260820T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260820T210000
DTSTAMP:20260630T194313Z
CREATED:20260427T234909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T194313Z
UID:10005276-1787252400-1787259600@writer.org
SUMMARY:Write Like the News
DESCRIPTION:Become concise as news\, precise as law.\nLead with the future — not background — for lead-ership\, 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. \n\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“Lead with the future — not background” for lead-ership\, especially in a crisis.\nChoose between raw numbers and a ratio.\n“Equal writes”: choose an egalitarian\, engaging\, non-clunky alternative to generic “he.”\nBreak bad news the good way — and keep your readers reading.\nPlus a “Speak Like the News” skill: avoid “uptalk?”\n\nTime requirements\n\nN/A\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nWriters (business writers especially) who’d like to learn by emulating or improving excerpts from diverse sources — here news of course\, but also the Supreme Court\, Charles Dickens and the Ronettes.\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. \n\n\n\n\n Add to calendar
URL:https://writer.org/event/write-like-the-news-7/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Professional Writing,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Writing-Keyboard.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T113000
DTSTAMP:20260630T194349Z
CREATED:20260427T234912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T194349Z
UID:10005282-1787392800-1787398200@writer.org
SUMMARY:Cover Letters and Agent Queries
DESCRIPTION:There is a way to be yourself in writerly business communications–and doing so usually yields the best results!\nYour query letter is your first introduction to a potential agent–which is to say\, your first introduction to a potential champion of your work\, professional advocate\, and friend. How do we create a query letter that has that right mix of professionalism\, candor\, and kindness? How can we explain the book we’ve worked so hard to finish in just a few paragraphs? Author and teacher Diane Zinna will help to demystify the process of cover letters for literary magazine submissions and agent queries! We’ll also look at how to craft a perfect third-person bio and explore the four things an agent query must do. You’ll leave with real tools to help you find the literary champions looking for you. \n\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\nLiterary Magazine Cover Letters\nLiterary Agent Query Letters\nThird-Person Bios\n\nTime requirements\n\nN/A\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis class will be excellent for any writer wishing to add oomph to their cover letters\, bios\, and agent queries. All levels of experience 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. \n\n\n\n\n Add to calendar
URL:https://writer.org/event/cover-letters-and-agent-queries/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Publishing,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writing-Holding-Notebook.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260823T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260823T133000
DTSTAMP:20260630T194428Z
CREATED:20260427T234908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T194428Z
UID:10005273-1787482800-1787491800@writer.org
SUMMARY:Subtleties of Meter
DESCRIPTION:Take your mastery of meter to the next level.\nTo explore some of the fine points of meter\, we will examine how metrical patterns can vary between poets\, do exercises to generate new poem drafts\, practice scansion\, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring a metrical poem they’ve already written\, for feedback at the end of the workshop. \n\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\nMetrical substitutions and other variations\nStrong and weak stresses\nHeadless lines\, descending meter\, and caesuras\nEnjambed and end-stopped lines\nHow rhyme interacts with meter\n\nTime requirements\n\nN/A\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nPoets who have taken “Natural Meter Crash Course” and/or who have some experience in writing metrical poems.\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. \n\n\n\n\n Add to calendar
URL:https://writer.org/event/subtleties-of-meter/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Poetry,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writing-Pen-Mark-CU.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260825T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260825T200000
DTSTAMP:20260805T134124Z
CREATED:20260713T200629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T134124Z
UID:10005324-1787684400-1787688000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Info Session for Your Narrative\, Your Year w/ Edgar Gomez
DESCRIPTION:Meet Edgar Gomez\, instructor for our yearlong memoir workshop\, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand\, too\, to address any logistical questions. \nRegister below! \n\nAbout the Program\nApplication Deadline: September 21\, 2026\nWorkshop Dates: Begins October 6\, meeting twice a month for ~10 months\nCost: $5\,400 | Members $5\,300 \nWrite your memoir with award-winning author Edgar Gomez! \nIn this intensive ten-month course\, you will learn about the art of creative nonfiction and be given the tools to ready your memoir or memoir-in-essays for publication. \nFind the full details and apply here »
URL:https://writer.org/event/virtual-info-session-for-your-narrative-your-year-w-edgar-gomez/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Nonfiction,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Your-Narrative-Your-Year-1880-x-1576-px-4.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T120000
DTSTAMP:20260810T165551Z
CREATED:20260709T191344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T165551Z
UID:10005316-1787999400-1788004800@writer.org
SUMMARY:A Beginner's Guide to Lit Mags and Submitting
DESCRIPTION:What exactly is a tiered rejection? How does Submittable work? How do I learn about different literary journals? \n \nThis pop-up is for writers who are new to submitting\, as well as more experienced writers who want to improve their odds of acceptance. We’ll discuss all the basics of submitting your fiction\, creative nonfiction\, and poetry to literary journals. You’ll learn the submission vocabulary\, how to write a cover letter\, how far to cast your net\, methods to improve your acceptance rate\, and how to connect with other writers (and editors!) in the literary community to help you learn and grow as a writer. We’ll finish with a fast and furious Q&A to ensure all your questions get answered!
URL:https://writer.org/event/a-beginners-guide-to-lit-mags-and-submitting/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Mixed Genre,Publishing,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260829T150000
DTSTAMP:20260630T194525Z
CREATED:20260427T234858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T194525Z
UID:10005248-1788008400-1788015600@writer.org
SUMMARY:The Eerie Twinship Between the Haunted and the Nostalgic
DESCRIPTION:Explore how haunting and nostalgia can reshape narrative perception and deepen your fiction.\nThis craft talk and generative workshop examines how absence\, memory\, and longing operate in fiction through the twin lenses of haunting and nostalgia. Through close readings of writers such as Carmen Maria Machado\, Angela Carter\, and Helen Oyeyemi\, alongside ideas from thinkers like Mark Fisher and Svetlana Boym\, participants will explore how these forces reshape narrative perception and atmosphere. Handouts with selected excerpts will be provided\, and short generative writing exercises will allow participants to immediately apply these concepts and build new material on the page. By the end of the session\, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how haunting and nostalgia function as structural tools in storytelling\, as well as new pages generated during the workshop. \n\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\nThe Eerie\, the Haunted & Nostalgia as Narrative Tools\nUsing Memory & Absence to Build Narrative Tension\nClose Reading for Craft Insight\nApplying These Tools Through Generative Writing\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 designed for fiction writers\, creative nonfiction writers\, and hybrid writers who are interested in exploring how atmosphere\, memory\, and perception shape narrative. It is well suited for writers looking to experiment with new ways of building tension and emotional resonance in their work. Writers at all 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. \n\n\n\n\n Add to calendar
URL:https://writer.org/event/the-eerie-twinship-between-the-haunted-and-the-nostalgic/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,All Levels,Mixed Genre,Workshop,Zoom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writing-Back-Pencil.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260930T210000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210254Z
CREATED:20260814T210254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210254Z
UID:10005339-1788375600-1790802000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Honoring Reuben Jackson: Music as Muse
DESCRIPTION:This workshop is a celebration and study of the life and work of Reuben Jackson who mentored generations of writers and taught at The Writer’s Center for over a decade. During the course of five sessions together\, we will write vignettes about our interactions with this top-shelf teacher\, poet\, and jazz scholar. In addition\, we will carefully read his poetry and use them as generative prompts to create new work. We will culminate this workshop at The Writer’s Center in a public reading/celebration to honor Mr. Jackson and keep his literary legacy alive on October 4.
URL:https://writer.org/event/honoring-reuben-jackson-music-as-muse/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:5 Sessions,All Levels,Poetry,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T200000
DTSTAMP:20260331T164936Z
CREATED:20260331T164936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T164936Z
UID:10005194-1788462000-1788465600@writer.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Craft Chat w/ Poet Diana Cao
DESCRIPTION:The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by author Diana Cao for a discussion of her debut poetry collection\, Slipstream. Diana is in conversation with Brandon Johnson\, poet and Events Director at The Writer’s Center. \nRSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom). FREE and open to the public\, all times Eastern \nWe encourage you to order a copy of the book from your local\, independent bookseller or directly from the publisher \n\nDiana Cao is the author of the chapbook Relational. Her work has appeared in Ploughshares\, The Kenyon Review\, The Yale Review\, The Threepenny Review\, and elsewhere. She has received support from MacDowell\, the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference\, and the Just Buffalo Literary Center. \n\nAbout Slipstream\nThe poems in Slipstream deal with the slippery concept of home\, with robots and the internet and other human inventions\, and with what we can learn from the natural world around us.  \nWinner of the Berkshire Prize\, Slipstream is a bracing\, intimate\, and formally adventurous debut that moves with equal grace through personal memory\, inherited history\, myth\, and the ambient technologies of contemporary life. Diana Cao’s poems braid ancient Chinese legend\, family migration\, illness\, love\, and grief with moon landers\, algorithms\, privacy policies\, and online ritual\, creating a lyric field where the ancestral and the digital speak fluently to one another. The book is formally restless and assured. Sonnets\, sestinas\, villanelles\, fables\, and linked sequences feel conversational rather than ornate\, their intelligence worn lightly\, their music precise and unforced. Throughout\, Cao writes with a clarity that never flattens complexity: humor and vulnerability coexist with philosophical rigor. Tenderness is sharpened\, not softened\, by attention to politics\, history\, and care. \nWhat emerges is a voice attuned to relational life in all its registers—daughterhood\, friendship\, desire\, citizenship\, species—asking how to live\, love\, and remain lucid inside systems that both sustain and estrange us. Slipstream is a book of uncommon range and emotional intelligence\, one that feels fully of this moment while remaining in deep\, living conversation with the past. \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. \n\nEnjoying our free events? Help us offer more programs to support writers with a $10 donation »
URL:https://writer.org/event/diana-cao/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Diana-Cao-Event-Header-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260908T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260929T160000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210255Z
CREATED:20260814T210255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210255Z
UID:10005342-1788872400-1790697600@writer.org
SUMMARY:Writing the Truth: Lessons in Nonfiction Writing
DESCRIPTION:The workshop is designed for beginning writers looking to gain a footing in non-fiction writing of different length and format\, from first-person essays to long-form magazine writing and even book-length projects. You’ll learn both by reading and by writing.
URL:https://writer.org/event/writing-the-truth-lessons-in-nonfiction-writing-3/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,Beginner/Intermediate Level,Nonfiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T180000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210256Z
CREATED:20260814T210256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210256Z
UID:10005343-1788969600-1791396000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Archival Research for Creative Writing
DESCRIPTION:An introduction to archival research through narrative writing and experimentation. Learn how to work with and historical resources\, interpret gaps\, and reconstruct your own story as a public history tool. The workshop will include a presentation of examples from the instructor’s current research process\, featuring archival imagery\, documents and story iterations. Participants will engage in exercises to think and write through their own narrative projects\, whether meant for personal memoir or public scholarship. Designed for emerging scholars\, writers\, and community members interested in recovering underrepresented histories.
URL:https://writer.org/event/archival-research-for-creative-writing/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:5 Sessions,All Levels,Nonfiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T200000
DTSTAMP:20260618T164146Z
CREATED:20260618T162941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T164146Z
UID:10005307-1788980400-1788984000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Poetry Book Club w/ Chet'la Sebree!
DESCRIPTION:Poet Lore\, America’s oldest poetry journal and The Writer’s Center welcomes poet Chet’la Sebree to our monthly Virtual Poetry Book Club for a discussion of her collection\, Blue Opening. Chet’la is joined by Book Club Host\, Hannah Grieco. \nWe encourage you to order a copy of the book from your local\, independent bookseller or online »  directly from the publisher\, Zando. \nFREE & open to the public. RSVP below. \n\nAn essayist and poet from the Mid-Atlantic\, Chet’la Sebree is the author of the debut essay collection TURN (W)HERE: A Geography of Home as well the poetry collections Blue Opening\, longlisted for PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry and a finalist for both the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the Lambda Literary Award for Bisexual Poetry; Field Study\, winner of the 2020 James Laughlin Award from the Academy of American Poets; and Mistress\, nominated for an NAACP Image Award. She’s an assistant professor at the George Washington University and serves as a faculty mentor in Randolph College’s MFA in Creative Writing program. \n\nAbout Blue Opening\n“A profound poetic talent.”—Ada Limón \nBlue Opening\, Chet’la Sebree’s brilliant\, illuminating poetry collection\, grapples with origins—of illness\, of language\, of the universe—as the speaker contemplates whether she\, too\, can be a site of origin through motherhood. Navigating chronic health challenges alongside grief and questions about the nature of knowledge and religion\, she searches personal history and the cosmos for answers to the unknowable. \nWith startling clarity and vivid tenderness\, Blue Opening calls into question not only where to begin\, but how to create\, across thirty-two poems that press the fluid boundaries of form through sonnets\, prose poems\, odes\, and two unforgettable poetic sequences. As the speaker traverses loss\, possibility\, and the choice\, or often the lack of choice\, in the direction of her future\, she determines to press forward even as she is “unsure of what shape this language should take / and hulling\, from blue rock\, faith.” \n\nAbout Book Club\nThis is no run-of-the-mill book club. Visiting writers will read excerpts\, join the discussion\, and answer your questions about craft\, process\, the publishing industry\, and getting advice for our own writing! We’ll hang and eat snacks with the authors and escape your doomscrolling. \nPoetry Book Club will meet on Zoom every second Wednesday of the month with a new poet. \nFiction Book Club will meet every third Sunday of the month in person at The Writer’s Center with a new author. \nCome build community and read amazing books that the Big 5 didn’t have the sense to publish! \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. \n\nEnjoying our free events? Help us offer more programs to support writers with a $10 donation »
URL:https://writer.org/event/poetry-book-club-w-chetla-sebree/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Blue-Opening-bu-Chetla-Sebree-h.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T200000
DTSTAMP:20260616T194052Z
CREATED:20260616T194052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T194052Z
UID:10005303-1789066800-1789070400@writer.org
SUMMARY:Inner Loop Author's Corner w/ Hasan Dudar!
DESCRIPTION:Carryout is The Inner Loop’s Author’s Corner spotlight. The Inner Loop cultivates and promotes the distinctive literary culture of Washington\, DC. Author’s Corner supports local authors’ independently published books by spotlighting them in community programming and collaborations. \nRSVP below to receive login information (our virtual events are held via Zoom). FREE and open to the public\, all times Eastern \nWe encourage you to order a copy of the book from your local\, independent bookseller or online from Bookshop.org » \n\nHasan Dudar is the author of Carryout\, a short story collection out with the University of Iowa Press in May 2026. He is originally from Toledo\, Ohio\, and currently lives in Washington\, DC.\n \n\nAbout Carryout \nIn the late 1970s\, Ziad Idilbi\, a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon\, marries Salma\, a Lebanese refugee escaping the war in Beirut. Resolving to start over for the very last time\, the couple opens a corner store in Toledo\, Ohio\, across from the General Motors factory\, where Toledo’s Arab community intermingles with the working class. Over the decades\, whether it’s bigotry (pre- and post-9/11)\, financial ruin\, or terminal illness\, the Idilbis find themselves on life’s outskirts\, attempting to build something new. \nAchingly poignant and slyly funny\, the linked stories in Carryout follow the Idilbis and their children as they teeter on the brink of catastrophe. Walid\, the youngest child of Ziad and Salma\, navigates the heartbreaks of youth as well as the colorful characters who haunt his parents’ corner store. As he grows up into a writer\, Walid’s gaze fixes on his father and the long shadow of displacement and occupation. Mustafa\, the eldest son\, is forever trying to outrun the disasters that seem to seek him out\, while Nawal\, the only daughter\, is dumped by a friend and hatches a scheme to win her back. Unsure whether to run toward each other or away from each other\, the characters in Dudar’s exquisite debut suffer the absurdities and indignities of life in America with wry obstinance and striking wisdom. \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. \n\nEnjoying our free events? Help us offer more programs to support writers with a $10 donation »
URL:https://writer.org/event/inner-loop-hasan-dudar/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writer.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hasan-Dudar-Event-Header-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T210000
DTSTAMP:20260609T164423Z
CREATED:20260427T234845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T164423Z
UID:10005213-1789066800-1790888400@writer.org
SUMMARY:The First 50 Pages: Craft a Submission-Ready Opening
DESCRIPTION:The first fifty pages of a manuscript can make or break your book’s success on submission!\nThis course is designed to help writers shape those YA Novel pages into an unputdownable introduction that is ready for consideration by industry professionals. Over four weeks\, participants will focus on the essential elements that make for strong opening pages\, including narrative momentum\, character and voice\, and line-level clarity—with each session combining craft discussion and targeted revision strategies. The final session will function as a guided workshop in which participants exchange and discuss their first ten pages\, applying the tools from earlier sessions while learning how to give and receive productive\, professional feedback. By the end of the course\, each writer will have a stronger\, more polished opening and a clear understanding of how to continue refining their manuscript for submission. To effectively participate in this course\, writers should have already written at least fifty pages of their manuscript and be ready to begin working with those pages on day one. \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\nShape an opening that establishes momentum\, stakes\, and narrative direction\nDevelop compelling character presence and a distinctive\, consistent voice\nIdentify and strengthen the key structural elements expected in the first 50 pages\nApply line-level revision techniques to produce clear\, polished\, submission-ready prose\nGive and receive focused\, constructive feedback in a professional workshop setting\n\nTime Requirements\n\nN/A\n\nMaterials\n\nAll reading materials will be provided.\n\nWho should take this workshop?\n\nThis course is ideal for young adult writers preparing a novel or book-length manuscript who want to strengthen\, refine\, and polish their opening pages for agent submission\, publisher consideration\, or other forms of professional review.\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-first-50-pages-craft-a-submission-ready-opening/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,All Levels,Kid Lit,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:20260910T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T210000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210256Z
CREATED:20260814T210256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210256Z
UID:10005344-1789066800-1790888400@writer.org
SUMMARY:The First 50 Pages: Crafting the YA Novel
DESCRIPTION:Over four weeks\, participants will focus on the essential elements that make for strong opening pages in a YA novel\, including narrative momentum\, character development\, and line-level clarity—with each session combining craft discussion and targeted revision strategies. The final session will function as a guided workshop in which participants exchange and discuss their first ten pages\, applying the tools from earlier sessions while learning how to give and receive productive\, professional feedback. By the end of the course\, each writer will have a stronger\, more polished opening and a clear understanding of how to continue refining their manuscript for submission. To effectively participate in this course\, writers should have already written at least fifty pages of their manuscript and be ready to begin working with those pages on day one.
URL:https://writer.org/event/the-first-50-pages-crafting-the-ya-novel/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,Beginner/Intermediate Level,Kid Lit,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261114T130000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210256Z
CREATED:20260814T210256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210256Z
UID:10005345-1789209000-1794661200@writer.org
SUMMARY:Preparing Your Work for Submission
DESCRIPTION:Each 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.
URL:https://writer.org/event/preparing-your-work-for-submission/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:10 Sessions,Fiction,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T130000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210257Z
CREATED:20260814T210257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210257Z
UID:10005346-1789210800-1789218000@writer.org
SUMMARY:Pushing Genre Boundaries: More Than Memoir
DESCRIPTION:This workshop considers how big the genre of creative nonfiction can be by looking at the ways writers expand\, explore\, and break open different forms and sub-genres. We’ll read a few short samples of contemporary writers who are pushing boundaries\, then get into some prompts that lead us toward our own innovations in telling true stories.
URL:https://writer.org/event/pushing-genre-boundaries-more-than-memoir/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,Beginner/Intermediate Level,Nonfiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T140000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210257Z
CREATED:20260814T210257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210257Z
UID:10005347-1789210800-1789221600@writer.org
SUMMARY:Ekphrastic Fantastic: Responses and Conversations with Art
DESCRIPTION:Ekphratic Poetry or poetry in conversation with art can seem formulaic; see a piece of art and use elements of it in a poem I am making. But why stop there? In this generative workshop\, participants will be encouraged to embody their piece of art (visual\, music\, or dance) as a means of saying what only they can say about that piece of art. Students will learn many different approaches to ekphrasis and will leave with a draft of a new poem.
URL:https://writer.org/event/ekphrastic-fantastic-responses-and-conversations-with-art/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:1 Session,Intermediate/Advanced Level,Poetry,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260913T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260920T153000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210257Z
CREATED:20260814T210257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210257Z
UID:10005348-1789304400-1789918200@writer.org
SUMMARY:Turning Your Writing Practice into a Creative Offering
DESCRIPTION:In this two-part workshop series\, you’ll first explore how to build a restorative\, sustainable writing practice rooted in your values\, interests\, and natural creative rhythms. Then on day two\, you’ll learn how to thoughtfully shape your writing into a creative offering\, identifying the messages you want to share\, the audience you hope to reach\, and the platforms or projects that best align with your goals. Whether you’re beginning your writing journey\, returning after time away\, or looking for fresh direction\, you’ll leave with practical tools\, greater creative clarity\, and a deeper sense of purpose for both your writing practice and your creative life. Please note: If you’ve previously taken GG’s standalone workshop\, Writing as a Restorative Practice\, the first day of this series covers much of that same material. The second day offers new content focused on shaping your writing into a creative offering and sharing it with intention.
URL:https://writer.org/event/turning-your-writing-practice-into-a-creative-offering/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:2 Sessions,All Levels,Nonfiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20270622T130000
DTSTAMP:20260714T160938Z
CREATED:20260714T160403Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T160938Z
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\nAttend the Virtual Info Session\nMeet Betsy Cornwell\, instructor for our yearlong YA novel workshop\, and have all your questions about the program answered! \nJoin us on ZOOM\, Tuesday August 11th\, 11am – 12pm ET. \nFREE RSVP >>>\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:20260915T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261103T220000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210258Z
CREATED:20260814T210258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210258Z
UID:10005351-1789502400-1793743200@writer.org
SUMMARY:Writing Song Lyrics
DESCRIPTION:We all practice the results of the lyricist’s trade whenever we sing a song we know\, but in this course we’ll look into how those choices are made\, and get some practice at generating our own lyrics.This course starts the participant on the practice of putting words together with music. Writing a song lyric requires matching syllables in words with melody notes to be sung in time over a rhythm. We start with short phrases and build up to complete lyrics. By the end participants will have generated a lyric for a familiar existing song\, and at least one lyric which can be set by a composer to produce a complete work.
URL:https://writer.org/event/writing-song-lyrics-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:8 Sessions,Intermediate Level,Mixed Genre,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T200000
DTSTAMP:20260805T134129Z
CREATED:20260709T203425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T134129Z
UID:10005318-1789585200-1789588800@writer.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Info Session for The Art of the Short Story w/ Rita Bullwinkel
DESCRIPTION:Meet Rita Bullwinkel\, instructor for our yearlong short story workshop\, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand\, too\, to address any logistical questions. \nRegister below! \n\nAbout the Program\nApplication Deadline: October 5\, 2026\nWorkshop Dates: Begins October 21\, meeting twice a month for ~10 months\nCost: $5\,400 | Members $5\,300 \nWrite new short stories with award-winning author and editor Rita Bullwinkel! \nIn 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. \nFind the full details and apply here »
URL:https://writer.org/event/virtual-info-session-for-the-art-of-the-short-story-w-rita-bullwinkel/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Fiction,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:20260916T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T210000
DTSTAMP:20260814T210259Z
CREATED:20260814T210259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260814T210259Z
UID:10005353-1789585200-1791406800@writer.org
SUMMARY:The Art of Family Narrative
DESCRIPTION:“The histories of families cannot be separated from the histories of nations\,” writes Susan Griffin at the beginning of a book that sets her family’s story into the context of the Second World War. Workshop participants will learn about different nonfiction forms that feature robust\, compelling family narratives. Each session will include writing prompts and in-class time to respond to the prompts.By the end of the workshop\, participants will be able to identify and use narrative elements that render a story vivid\, concerned\, and fulfilled.
URL:https://writer.org/event/the-art-of-family-narrative/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:4 Sessions,All Levels,Nonfiction,Workshop,Zoom
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR