WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS Most workshops are 1/2 day sessions, although we do have ongoing (i.e. weekly or monthly) courses.  All are small group sessions.  We also offer workshops by request.   NEW: Putting the Creative in Creative Non-Fiction:  This genre is wildly popular (think of Jon Krakauer's best-selling Into Thin Air) but very misunderstood.  We'll cut through the confusion to get a solid understanding of what creative non-fiction is, including its strengths and pitfalls.  Then we'll get some hands-on experience in writing creative non-fiction.  With Maura Hanrahan.     Write That Novel/Five-Week Novel-Writing Course:  Get a serious start on the novel you’ve been planning for so long (with Paul Butler). This is an intensive five-week course which will help you create a synopsis, and identify key scenes drafts of which you will write during the length of the course. Each week you will receive detailed, constructive feedback and a writing challenge for the following week. You may have some of the novel written already, or you may wish to start from scratch with an idea. Our aim is that by the end of the five weeks you will be past the point of no return, too excited about your story to abandon it.  In a relaxed atmosphere, you'll gain experience with: methods for getting started problem-solving weaving an absorbing plot giving characters a life of their own clarifying themes Participants will get a chance to discuss their ideas during the workshop. Professional writing experience is not required. Creative Writing for Beginners: Get your creative juices flowing (with Paul Butler) through brainstorming, developing descriptions that work, and making it fun.  If you want to write but feel a little intimidated, this enjoyable workshop is for you!  In a relaxed atmosphere, participants will get a chance to exchange and discuss ideas during the workshop.   The Exploding Language Poetry Workshop: With guest facilitator Kevin Hehir.  An afternoon of language games, poetry exercises, exploring sound and form, and writing experiments.  A very structured hands-on workshop in which participants will experiment with a variety of approaches to poetry and acquire the license to trust themselves.  There will be some discussion of publication opportunities and local resources available to poets.

Research and Writing: Dos and Don'ts: what to do and what not to do with an emphasis on practical tips (with Maura Hanrahan).  (Professional writing experience is not required.) fiction vs non-fiction and how & why both require background research examples of common pitfalls when research is not considered writing time and place (accuracy re metaphors, sensate experiences, etc.) sources (secondary, primary, and information on the many local archives and other research resources) cross-referencing material and making related decisions oral, written, heresay evidence, etc. -- how do we use these? how do we balance research information with narrative, plot, characterization, etc. so that we produce compelling well-written material?   Edit like an Expert: fine-tuning your work and the work of others (with Paul Butler).  All genres will be covered. say more with less make prose fluent and readable detect and fix structural problems

Historical Fiction: (with Paul Butler) Bringing the past to life through discussions and extensive feedback.  (Professional writing experience is not required.) reasons for setting your story in the past creating a plot and synopsis that take advantage of a historical setting themes; how these can be a commentary both upon the past and the present how images and metaphors have changed using the senses to root your description in a certain era The Screenplay and the Novel: (with Paul Butler) Find out how screenwriting techniques can enhance and streamline your novel project. Examine the uses of the "pitch," the one-page synopsis, and scene sampling in an informal, small-group workshop.   Writing from Life/Writing from Experience: (with Maura Hanrahan) turning anecdotes and experience into compelling narrative through writing exercises.  (Professional writing experience is not required.) 1. writing in different genres: fiction, creative non-fiction, memoir & biography 2. real life challenges when writing from life 3. turning anecdotes into narrative 4. turning your experience into narrative 5. turning feelings into actions

The Business of Writing: what you need to know as a writer-entrepreneur (with Maura Hanrahan). deductible expenses making HST work for you invoicing royalties Public Lending Rights & Access Copyright record-keeping This is a very practical two-hour workshop, normally given as a tutorial with a focus on the participant's own situation as a writer-entrepreneur.  Contact Maura to arrange a time.   Prepare to Publish: how to approach a publisher to maximize your chances of getting a contract (with Paul Butler) knowing when your manuscript is ready identifying your manuscript's genre; finding pubishers who would give it a sympathetic reading how to approach a publisher (submission guidelines) how to create a synopsis and a biography that impress This workshop is not limited to people with completed manuscripts.  Participants will get a chance to discuss their individual projects.