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.

DEBWE: WELCOMING OTHERS IN In the Ojibwe language “debwe” means “to tell the truth.” Writing impactful nonfiction begins with a commitment to truth-telling and having the courage and narrative skills to let others in, especially if the work is deeply personal. In this one-day writing intensive, participants who are intersted in writing creative nonfiction–memoir, biography,…

AFTER THE INITIAL DRAFT: REVISION AS POETRY PRACTICE Sometimes poems arrive as if sent from somewhere else, leaving poets to feel as though they’re lucky transcribers. Usually, our process includes revision. Revision is seen as many things — practical process, spiritual practice, a private interrogation, a community affair. In this workshop we will focus on…

Do you have a novel inside you waiting to be written? Is there a memoir you’ve felt called to create for years but have yet to complete a chapter or even a paragraph? Is there a poetry or short story collection deep in your heart that you have yet to manifest? Join us for a…