Press Release
Writers’ Workshop
These one-day intensive classes, for any level writer, meet on Saturdays, 10-4, at 387 Beaucatcher Rd. Registration is in advance only, by mail or online at www.twwoa.org. Financial aid in exchange for volunteering is available. For more information, please contact writersw@gmail.com/828-254-8111.
May 24: Writing your Memoirs with Karen Ackerson
Participants will learn how to turn personal and family experiences into a compelling memoir for family and friends, or for publication. In-class writing exercises will help to identify life-changing events, to be used as the backbone of one’s memoirs. Discussion will include creating a sense of place, dialogue, and enhancing one’s writing style. Ackerson, a biographer and Senior Editor at The Renbourne Editorial Agency, has taught workshops throughout the Southeast for over twenty years..
June 14: Pitching Publishers and Agents with Laine Cunningham
This class will provide essential information for fiction and nonfiction book authors: writing query letters that capture attention; researching agents and publishers; creating universal pitch elements; traditional vs. self-publishing; and how to present a formidable platform to sell your book. Cunningham is an award-winning author and publishing consultant at Writer’s Resource. She has helped authors write, revise and pitch their books to publishers. Students may submit a query and synopsis for review (by June 7).
June 21: Fiction Writing Workshop with Dale Neal
Students will learn techniques for crafting the short story or novel – developing characters, conflict or plot, dialogue, and tension. Publishing information will also be given, and students may bring up to five pages and a synopsis for in-class review. Neal holds an MFA in creative writing from Warren Wilson College. His short stories have appeared in Arts & Letters, NC Literary Review, Carolina Quarterly et al. His novels include The Half-Life of Home and Cow Across America, winner of the Novello Literary Award.
July 12: Dialogue and Characterization with Giles Carwyn
Participants will learn practical tips for creating characters with their own unique dialogue and personalities. Discussion will cover archetypical personality profiles, shortcuts for sketching minor characters, driving plot with dialogue, and using action and tension to spice up exposition. Carwyn is a novelist, screenwriter, and manuscript consultant. He co-authored the Heartstone Trilogy and worked as script analyst for Phoenix Pictures.
July 19: Screenplay Writing with Nathan Ross Freeman
Participants will receive an overview of writing for the screen, and how to produce a film of your script. Various formats, structures and techniques will be discussed, as well as tips on creating interesting characters and realistic dialogue. Students may bring a screenplay idea or synopsis to the class for review. Freeman has written and produced independent feature films, and won the N.C. Arts Council Fellowship and the Great Lakes Film Festival Screenplay Contest.
Aug. 2: Creating and Publishing the Poetry Chapbook with Richard Krawiec
This workshop will explore poetic revision strategies, and ways to identify themes and organize poems into a collection for submission. Information on submitting to literary publishers will also be discussed. Students may bring up to ten poems to the class for review. Krawiec is the author of two chapbooks, Breakdown and She Hands Me the Razor. He has been published inShenandoah, Witness, NC Literary Review, Florida Review, Cream City Review, et al.
Aug. 16: Writing for Magazines, Journals & Newspapers with Jodi Helmer
Writers will learn how to develop ideas for articles, and turn life experiences into essays for national magazines, newspapers and literary journals. Discussion will cover the elements of a successful article, what editors are looking for, how to submit your work, and where to find the best markets for publishing stories and essays. The class includes writing exercises and review. Helmer has been published in National Geographic, Woman’s Day, Family Circle, Traveler, et al.
The Writers’ Workshop
387 Beaucatcher Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
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