In this workshop, we will explore the relationship between people and houses. How does a house reveal the hopes and disappointments of a human life? How can a house become a source of personal pride, the symbol of a relationship, the focus of a dream, or a memory of the past? What is contained, or…

Whether writing prose or poetry, memory adds detail, authenticity, and drama. Memoirist Denise Low shares storytelling strategies to focus on real events and ways to explore deeper understanding. Be ready to listen, share, and write old memories in exciting new forms. 

Both forms — prose poetry and short short fiction — require close attention to language, imagery, and sound. There are certainly similarities. This workshop will explore the thin line between the two forms with examples and short exercises. Let’s raid the borders of poetry and prose. In flash fiction there are visual immersions, or abstract…

SPACE FOR THE UNEXPECTED The unexpected in our reading as well as in our writing can bring great joy. Join our cast of award-winning and acclaimed writers to explore the unexpected. Participants are invited to take part in all three days or may choose to attend just one or two days. We are proud to…

As formal grammar instruction has fallen out of fashion, many writers feel unsure of their grammar — or simply never learned the rules. In Session One, we will think about grammar as both “rules” and “tools,” explain the four basic sentence patterns, and address common punctuation foibles. In Session Two, we will review some commonly…

In order for memoir to reach a broad audience, the writer’s personal experience must be relatable to the reader. In this class, writers will look at their own experiences and dig deeper to find the kernels of truth that make personal stories memorable. I will share my basic framework for memoir, which I call the…

As formal grammar instruction has fallen out of fashion, many writers feel unsure of their grammar — or simply never learned the rules. In Session One, we will think about grammar as both “rules” and “tools,” explain the four basic sentence patterns, and address common punctuation foibles. In Session Two, we will review some commonly…

Join author Joanne Nelson as she walks you through the publication process as she lives it. Over seven months as her publishing company, Vine Leaves Press, prepares her book, My Neglected Gods, for publication, Joanne will talk about the process step by step. This month, Joanne wraps up the series with a conversation about how the…

It has sometimes been said that Character = Plot, that interesting characters on their own will drive the narrative of a story. We know that the best books make us feel deeply invested in the characters. That dull books leave you wondering, why should I care? So, how do you do it? How can you describe…

Due to a family emergency, this session has been cancelled.