Fall 2013 Workshop & Event Guide by The Writer's Center

The Writer’s Center Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

www.writer.org

DEPARTMENTS DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Editor

BOOK TALK

Mía R. Cortez mia.cortez@writer.org

EVENTS

DONORS

WORKSHOPS:

REGISTRATION

Virtually Detailed, Inc.

Schedule Descriptions

LAST WORD

Ad Design Contributors

Graphic Design

Anna Meleney Editorial Contributors

FEATURES

Joan Atchinson Chrissy Boylan

More than Pen Pals

Kim O’Connell While practicing their craft, TWC workshop participants often forge lasting relationships with fellow classmates.

Matthew J. Dick Stewart Moss Helle Slutz Photography

Mía R. Cortez Maria Enns Anna Meleny Selma Khenissi

TWC presents its annual self-publishing seminar, Publish Now! Partnership with Yellow Barn brings local art to TWC

Copyeditor

Chrissy Boylan Poet Lore: Sydney Wade reads at Turkish Embassy

4508 Walsh Street Bethesda, MD 20815

The Healing Art of Writing: TWC & the Veterans Writing Project

301-654-8664 (p) 240-223-0458 (f)

Photo Gallery Board Proﬁle: Wilson Wyatt

Writer.org Join the conversation:

Writing the Mystery

Facebook.com/writerscenter Twitter: @writerscenter

Cover Image: 2013 First Novel Prize submissions (Photo by Mía Cortez)

he riter’s enter cultivates the creation, publication, presentation and dissemination of literary work. We are an independent literary organization with a global reach, rooted in a dynamic community of writers. As one of the premier centers of its kind in the country, we believe the craft of writing is open to people of all backgrounds and ages. Writing is interdisciplinary and unique among the arts for its ability to touch on all aspects of the human experience. It enriches our lives and opens doors to knowledge and understanding. The Writer’s Center is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible. A copy of our current financial statement is available upon request. Contact The Writer’s Center at 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815. Documents and information submitted to the State of Maryland under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available from the Office of the Secretary of State for the cost of copying and postage. Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

ABOUT US

The Writer’s Center

Other Locations Annapolis Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts 801 Chase Street Annapolis, MD 21404 marylandhall.org

Arlington Cultural Aﬀairs Building 3700 South Four Mile Run Drive Arlington, VA 22206 arlingtonarts.org

Executive Director

Marketing & Publications Manager

Stewart Moss

Mía R. Cortez Managing Editor of Poet Lore

Assistant Director

Genevieve DeLeon

Sunil Freeman

Oﬃce Manager

Capitol Hill The Hill Center 921 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington, DC 20003 hillcenterdc.org

Associate Executive Director for Development

Laura Spencer

Jill Leininger

Business & Operations

Kyra Corradin Sarah Allen John Hamilton

Program Manager

Zachary Fernebok

Glen Echo Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812 glenechopark.org

Board of Directors Chair: Sally Mott Freeman Treasurer: Les Hatley

Leesburg Leesburg Town Hall 25 West Market Street Leesburg, VA 20176 leesburgva.com

Vice Chair: Neal P. Gillen Secretary: Ken Ackerman

Margot Backas • Sandra Beasley • Naomi Collins • Mark Cymrot Michael Febrey • Patricia Harris • John M. Hill • Jeﬀ Kosseﬀ • James Mathews • C.M. Mayo • Jim McAndrew • Ann McLaughlin

McLean

E. Ethelbert Miller • Joram Piatigorsky • Bill Reynolds

McLean Community Center 1234 Ingleside Ave McLean, VA 22101 mcleancenter.org

Mier Wolf, chair emer. • Wilson W. Wyatt, Jr.

Honorary Board

Poet Lore is the oldest continuously published poetry journal in the United States. We publish it semi-annually, and submissions are accepted year-round. Subscription and submission information is available at poetlore.com.

Kate Blackwell • Dana Gioia • Jim Lehrer • Kate Lehrer Alice McDermott • Ellen McLaughlin • Howard Norman

Supported in part by:

Book Gallery TWC’s book gallery carries an extensive collection of literary magazines and books on craft.

The Writer’s Center also gratefully acknowledges the support we receive from: The Tau Omega Foundation, The Kiplinger Foundation, The Bydale Foundation and Radar Collective.

4508 Walsh Street Bethesda, MD 20815

View online at www.writer.org/guide

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Photo by Kyle Semmel

exercise to meditation – it strikes me that writing can be a valuable means of achieving the state of well being psychologists describe. Here’s why:

Stewart Moss

n a letter sent by Sara Taber, one of our longtime workshop leaders, (see p. 47) she describes writers in a recent workshop of hers at The Writer’s Center who “left me particularly breathless.” They wrote about harrowing experiences from their own lives – including grief, illness and abuse – with a “sort of heroism” by “brav(ing) searing emotions to show the rest of us certain truths.” As I’ve learned from the writing workshops the Center administers for combat veterans who are being treated at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the writers in Sara’s workshop were externalizing their experiences through their writing and taking control of their narratives before their narratives took control of them. This is perhaps the first step toward achieving the wellness that psychologists tell us goes beyond the absence of illness and brings one closer to living productively, compassionately and able to meet the demands of everyday life. For the many individuals who have made lifestyle changes in the pursuit of wellness – from diet to

• – The experience of completing a poem or short story, novel, memoir or any genre of writing after a rigorous period of feedback and revision is exhilarating. As something that is solid and permanent in an otherwise ephemeral world, a well-crafted piece can engender a profound feeling of accomplishment. • – Keeping to a regular routine of writing enables one to structure one’s day more productively and know that, whatever else may happen, time has been spent doing something meaningful. • – Many members of The Writer’s Center have made life-long friendships through workshops they’ve attended (see p. 10). Being in a workshop setting and exchanging feedback with other writers around the table establishes a bond that can be enriching and sustaining. Our Open Door readings also provide occasions for community gathering and fellowship. • – For those who make their writing public through readings and publication, there is the opportunity to be recognized for what one has worked so hard to produce. Although writing for its own sake has many advocates, the affirmation that comes through recognition by others can be empowering and motivate a

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

writer to take on greater risks and push oneself to write at what poet and memoirist Li Young-Lee has called “the edge of one’s talent.” – Writing about what • lies deepest – and sometimes painfully, even traumatically – inside our experience, plus the challenge of translating these memories into honest and compelling language, has been shown by research scientists such as James W. Pennebaker to produce long-term improvements in mood and health. A writer friend who ultimately used writing to overcome severe posttraumatic stress after all other therapies had failed describes this process as “writing my way home.” In her eloquent letter, Sara Taber alludes to Adrienne Rich’s famous poem, Diving into the Wreck, to describe the courage one needs to explore one’s deepest anger, fears and frustrations. After donning “the grave and awkward mask,” the speaker descends into the ocean “rung after rung … to see the damage that was done and the treasures that prevail.” I hope you’ll try writing as a means of making this journey and then re-surface – like one imagines the diver does in Rich’s poem – to breathe fresh, sweet air.

PUBLISH NOW

The Writer’s Center

Publishing in the Digital Age Is self-publishing for you? Staﬀ Report

inding dependable truths from the turbulent publishing world is like trying to catch a bird from a roller coaster. By the time you reach up, publishing has flown by, in new directions. The best advice may be to climb aboard, enjoy the ride and focus on the track ahead. At The Writer’s Center annual Publish Now! seminar, set for October 26, seasoned and budding writers alike learn how to get on the right track and avoid many of the common errors - from a dependable, independent source. Writer’s Digest Publisher Phil

Sexton will open the seminar with “The Latest Trends of SelfPublishing.” “Self-publishing now stands on its own feet and competes head-to-head with traditional

Authors have a load of work to do. - Joe Fine, Amazon.com

publishing,” says Wilson Wyatt, one of 11 industry experts to present at the second annual seminar. “This is a sea change from only a year ago.” Whether you are working on a manuscript, already selfpublishing or just considering it, you’ll meet authors, editors, attorneys and marketing gurus with the know-how to steer you in the right direction. “Publish Now! gave me enough insight to pause and reconsider if I have the time, motivation or money to move forward,” said local writer Zame Kahn of last year’s seminar. “I imagined completing a manuscript would be the hardest part, and hadn’t given the publishing process enough thought.” View online at www.writer.org/guide

Barbara Esstman, award-winning author and TWC workshop leader, says it’s common for writers to underestimate the complexity of the process. Her presentation will underscore the importance of the editing process. “Now that publishing is in their grasp, writers often skip over the idea of learning editing as a skill,” she says. “The first thing they say is that they’re going to write a book. It’s like picking up a tennis racquet and saying, I’m going to Wimbledon.” Wyatt has attended numerous conferences and seminars on self-publishing in pursuit of the most accurate information on the topic. He’s self-published two photography books and will be presenting at Publish Now!. “I wanted to see, on a national or global scale, what is really happening in the ‘publishing’ and ‘self-publishing’ industries, from a writer’s perspective. I wanted to know what is honest and true, not opinion,” he says. Other presenters include award-winning authors Laura Ambler, C.M. Mayo, Margaret Meachem and Jennifer Miller; novelist and journalist Amy Abrams; writer/attorney Ken Ackerman; detective novelist

PUBLISH NOW Austin Camacho; self-published novelist and attorney Neal Gillen. In today’s digital publishing landscape, authors can control, for the first time, the entire process. “Authors have a load of work to do,” said Joe Fine, of Amazon.com, at a recent conference. The hardest part is learning how, says Publish Now! presenter Ken Ackerman. Ackerman, a local attorney who will present on business and legal issues, got the rights back to his commercially published hardcovers and self-published them as eBooks and print-on-demand. The good news is that once you invest the time to set up your business, “you can just sit back and let it work,” Ackerman says. Most authors would like to take control of their publishing experience. Now they can. They also need to consider providing editing, marketing, distribution and other functions once performed by traditional publishers. All this and more will be addressed at the seminar.

Publish Now! Topics • The Latest Trends in Self-Publishing • Preparing and Editing your Manuscript for Publication • Establishing a Publishing House: a Different Approach to Self-Publishing • The Self-Publishing Experience: Choices and Costs • Business and Legal Issues • Your Marketing Plan and Proven Techniques The seminar will also include the following writing and publishing break-out sessions: • Children & Young Adult • Memoir • Art & Photography • Travel & Interactive

Just the Facts • 70% of traditionally published authors who have also self-published, prefer the latter. (Source: WD survey of 5,000 authors) • Self-publishing can be more lucrative to authors than the 15% offered by traditional publishers. • While authors are more empowered by self-publishing, readers are also more empowered by online distribution. They have far more choices for books to read. • While self-publishing is no longer a stigma, some traditional writers and agents still hold onto remnants of the past. Why? Many self-published books are not as well written or carefully edited. • Marketing is up to the author, regardless of traditional or self-publishing. • Word-of-mouth is still the best way to reach readers. • A new category of ‘hybrid authors’ is emerging, those who combine self-publishing and traditional publishing for the same book project. • ‘Hybrid authors’ sell more books, on average, and receive 38% more book revenue than either traditional or self-published authors, and they are more aggressive in marketing. • Design is more important than ever, for eBooks and print. The cover art and layout are critical; authors are encouraged to seek an experienced book designer. • Understanding the ‘metadata’ is more important as we move toward an open source Web, worldwide (Web 3.0). Authors should keep tabs as their book travels through the distribution pipeline. • The role of the agent is changing…but not disappearing.

Ready to learn more? Register at writer.org/publishnow/enroll

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

VISUAL ARTS

The Writer’s Center

TWC & Yellow Barn Where the literary and visual arts meet Joan Atchinson

Some of Kessler’s students writing and visual art are creative rom a writer’s perspective, efforts. Our idea was that the two are not artists by training, and inspiration often stems from for many, this was their first could speak to each other.” artistic stimulation. “We’re all artists, just using The collaboration kicked off in opportunity to exhibit “in the real world,” as opposed to an a different canvas,” says TWC May 2012 with Natasha Karin-studio exhibit at Yellow workshop leader Jim Mathews. pinskaia’s show, Playing with Abstraction, a medley of contem- Barn. With three exhibits a year, Exhibiting at the venue gives porary pieces. TWC’s partnership with Yellegitimacy to their work. Some low Barn Studio & Gallery adds “Art is also a language,” says were unaware that their art an inspirational element to the Karpinskaia. “Good art is intelwas marketable, and were hundreds of writing workshops lectual, which makes TWC such thrilled when several pieces offered each year. a nice venue.” sold. On exhibit through Sept. “In any art, you have 20 is Flowing Watercolor, a to get out in front of an Art is also a language. diverse selection of works audience,” Kessler says. on paper created by the Good art is intellectual, which “At TWC, the work speaks students of Bonny Lundy. makes TWC such a nice venue. for itself. It’s not ‘just’ a Joram Piatigorsky, a student work.” - Natasha Karpinskaia, artist member of TWC’s Board For the Piatigorsky’s, of Directors, and his wife the collaboration between Lona, an art student at YelTWC and Yellow Barn is just the The second exhibit, Drawlow Barn, are the force behind beginning of a concept. ing From Life, was comprised of the collaboration. They hope to continue to enpieces by the students in Lida Following his retirement from courage partnerships between Stifel’s advanced figure class. the National Institutes of Health, artists and writers and reach out where he was a molecular bioloJust as writers draw from life to other studios. gist, Joram turned his attention to experiences, Stifel’s students Joram believes artists could writing and took a series of ficinjected their own story and give talks on the progression tion courses at TWC. At the same personality into drawings and from sketch to completed painttime, Lona was taking oil painting paintings. ing, and its relation to the writclasses with Yellow Barn founder Next came Life’s Impressions, ing process - from rough draft to Walt Bartman. About three years featuring the students of Glen final manuscript. ago, the couple approached YelKessler’s ‘Painting Through The low Barn about teaming up to “I dream of a way to put the Lens’ class. With more than exhibit an ongoing series of prowriting in the painting and the 100 pieces, the exhibit reflected fessional shows at TWC. painting in the writing,” says a mastery of the Impressionartist Carolina Correa, whose “We thought it would brighten ists’ techniques, embracing the pieces were exhibited in Life’s up the Center and give student vibrant spirit and vision of artartists the opportunity to exhibit ists Monet, Cassatt, Pissarro and Impressions. “Every medium has a beauty.” their work,” Joram says. “Both Manet.

View online at www.writer.org/guide

POET LORE

A Night of Poetry Sydney Wade reads at the Turkish Embassy

Helle Slutz ore than 100 people gathered at the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. on June11 for a reading by poet Sidney Wade. Wade’s translations appeared as the annual translation feature in the last issue of Poet Lore (available at poetlore.com). The reading was sponsored by the Turkish Embassy and The Writer’s Center/Poet Lore. Wade read from her translations of poems by Melih Cevdet

Anday, one of Turkey’s most celebrated poets. Turkish actress Gulgun Karamete accompanied Wade, expressively reciting the poems in their Sydney Wade and translator Gulgun Karamete original Turkish. 1998 book of poetry, Green, Poet Lore’s translation editor, Suzanne Zweizig, introduced inspired by her Fulbright trip to Turkey. Wade. Wade studied under Zweizig while pursuing an M.F.A. The evening concluded with a at the University of Florida. lively reception of wine and traditional Turkish hors d’ouevres Wade also read a selection of and wine. poems about Istanbul from her

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

Photo by Jill Leininger

CONNECTIONS

The Writer’s Center

More than Pen Pals Writing groups bond at TWC Kim O’Connell

week before our meeting so that a phone call from Susan Hlesou can expect several things we can comment intelligently.” ciak Hall toward the end of the from a writer’s workshop course. at The Writer’s Center (TWC): Today, nearly all the Wednesproductive insights on your writday Writers have completed their “The fact that we were all ing from a seasoned writer, new novels. working on novels, which recraft techniques and tips for get- quired more than just six to eight My own experience is similar ting your work published. weeks, motivated us to join a to the two groups above. DurBut many also find lasting rela- group,” Karamchetty says. “We ing one of Kathryn Johnson’s had all read one another’s first tionships. Extreme Novelist courses, which I’ve taken multiple times, Tami Lewis Brown, I met several writers with author of a middle-grade Our writing lives have taken whom I stay in touch. novel called The Map of different paths and life has moved on, Me and the picture book A shared experience but we’re still close... I know I can Soar, Elinor!, says that her with one particular classalways call on them. writing group, now more mate, Lisa Lipinski, led to than a decade old, grew a friendship that contin- Tami Lewis Brown, author out of a 2002 workshop. ues to this day. As we went around the room one day “As the years went by, chapters and critiqued them dur- to talk about the challenges we we welcomed grandchildren, ing the workshop, so we had an were facing with our novels-inlost parents and other close idea of each other’s writing style.” progress, Lisa shared that she had family members, went through Frost says that she has found lost her mother unexpectedly. a divorce and celebrated lots of the group, now numbering four birthdays together,” she says. I expressed my sympathies, as writers, to be invaluable to her Two group members went on I too had recently lost my father, to earn M.F.A.s and one earned a writing and editing process. and the bond was instant. We “I’ve just published my first Ph.D. continued to meet , which kept novel, Life in Spades, and this us focused on our writing goals “Our writing lives have taken group has read, re-read and while our friendship thrived. different paths and life has commented on almost every page moved on, but we’re still close,” “I’ve formed other writing in the book,” she says. Brown says. “I consider each of groups from workshops taken at Another Wednesday Writer, these women to be a sister as TWC, but the one I made with Marian Molinaro, says the group much as a friend. We don’t see Kim will continue as long as we each other often but I know I can is encouraging and helpful with- write,” Lipinski says. “It’s been out being judgmental. always call on them.” a great friendship and writing “Probably the best thing about partnership.” Then there’s the “Wednesday our group is that it gives us all Writers,” who grew out of Susan Students often find that they motivation to write,” she says. Coll’s 2010 workshop, A Novel bond with the instructor as well. “We meet twice a month and Lunch. Group member Santi Such was the case for Sharon Karamchetty remembers getting read each other’s submissions the Rainey, who took several poetry

View online at www.writer.org/guide

CONNECTIONS Photo by Anna Meleny

workshops with Reuben Jackson. The last course she took with Jackson, who now resides in Vermont, began three weeks after Rainey’s teenaged nephew committed suicide. “That class of nine people was a gift of survival for me,” Rainey says. “The love in that classroom was tangible. Reuben led the love and allowed it to flourish.” Whether you meet one new friend, a handful of others with whom to launch a writer’s group, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of a workshop in the moment, everyone who takes a workshop at TWC can expect to get more than you pay for; you can expect a writing community.

Left to Right: Lisa Lipinski, Kim O’Connell, Marian Molinaro, Beth Anderson, Frances Frost, Santi Karamchetty

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{ They all show up at our Mystery Writers of America dinners.} Where can you go o F2F with the e FBI, pore over a 20-year old file sit ne homicide cold case file, next to a sexy spy spy, pitch an agent or editor with your book idea, interview a vampire, or discuss ways to neutralize terrorists over coffee and dessert with a CIA agent? Only at Mystery Writers of America (MWA) dinners. Join readers and writers of award-winning mystery, suspense, and crime fiction on the second Tuesday evening of most months at 7:00 pm in the Embassy Suites Ballroom, Friendship Heights (Metro: Red Line). You don’t need to be a member off MWA. Dinner cost is still only $35.00 for everyone. In addition to the fascinating speakers you’ll meet, writers find that this is a great opportunity to network with other authors who are published or moving toward publication. Readers enjoy chatting with favorite guest authors and learning more about all that the broad mystery genre has to offer. Hope to see you soon. (Secret code: Pass the Rolls.) For additional details, please visit www.mwa-ma.org Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

OUTREACH

The Writer’s Center

The Healing Art of Writing How TWC & VWP promote wellness Chrissy Boylan

Today, VWP has provided more than a dozen id you know that Ernest Hemingway and E.E. free writing seminars and workshops to veterans, Cummings drove ambulances in World War I? Or that Kurt Vonnegut was a 22-year-old pris- service members (active and reserve), and their oner of war in World War II? American poet and immediate family. It also publishes 0-Dark-Thirty, an online and quarterly literary journal. The curnovelist James Dickey served in both World War II and the Korean War. Tobias Wolf, Tim O’Brien riculum, developed and written by Capps, Writing War: A Guide to Telling Your Own Story, was and Philip Caputo all completed tours of duty in recently made available online. Vietnam. TWC got involved with VWP after James Are these authors’ war experiences a coinciMathews, a board memdence? ber and longtime fiction Not according to The workshop leader, joined Writer’s Center newVeterans have a unique opportunity VWP as an instructor. est partner, the Veterans to see in a short window all aspects of Mathews, a Chief MasWriting Project (VWP). the human condition...These extremes ter Sergeant with 25 VWP contends that the allow us to tell stories that connect years of military expejuxtaposition of war with with each other. rience in the U.S. Air writing has produced Force and the District of some of the most im- James Matthews, Veterans Writing Project Columbia Air National portant literature of our Guard, remembers time. They believe that meeting Capps for the first time. every veteran has a story to tell, that writing can “I was already leading workshops at The Writhelp soldiers heal their psychic wounds of war, and er’s Center, including several veterans-only workthat the resulting literature is important to us all. shops, so I loved the idea immediately,” Mathews VWP was founded in 2011 by Ron Capps, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and combat veteran says. “Plus, our perspectives meshed really well.” Thanks to Mathews, TWC has been able to form of Afghanistan with 25 years of experience in the a working relationship with VWP, thereby exArmy and Foreign Service. Capps got the idea to tending our mission of cultivating literature so start VWP just before finishing his M.A. in writthat it may enrich lives and open doors to knowling at John Hopkins University. As he told Soldiers edge and understanding. magazine last year, he remembers thinking, “I’m learning a lot, I’m a working writer, I’m in graduIn honor of our commitment, the National Enate school…what can I do with it?” dowment for the Arts (NEA) invited TWC to enter into a cooperative agreement to provide proWith the belief that writing could help other grammatic writing support for military patients veterans manage their war trauma as much as it undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress helped him, Capps launched VWP and organized and brain injury at the Walter Reed National his first no-cost writing seminar for veterans through George Washington University’s Veteran’s Military Center. Capps and Mathews serve as coinstructors of the program. Service Office.

View online at www.writer.org/guide

OUTREACH During the pilot program, held onsite at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) at Walter Reed, Mathews was impressed by the quality of the work. He foresees in the community of returning veterans a new generation of writers, akin to the league of writers bred by WWII and the Vietnam War. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Veterans have a unique opportunity to see in a short window all aspects of the human condition, in the extra layer of war,â&#x20AC;? Mathews says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These extremes of the human condition allow us to tell stories that connect with each other.â&#x20AC;? For him, this goes beyond the battlefield. He believes that the dynamics encompassed within the military culture offer an allegory of how we as humans construct stories. He offers James Dickeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deliverance as an example. Though the novel has nothing to do with war itself, Mathews argues that only someone who had experienced war could have written that story. Though Mathews primary goal is helping these veterans write their way home from war, he

hopes some will discover or rediscover a love of writing. In fact, he hopes they learn to think of themselves not as veterans who write, but writers who happen to be veterans. Either way, The Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center will be right here to support them. For more information on the Veterans Writing Project, visit www.veteranswriting.org.

FREE FICTION WORKSHOP 6 Mondays, Sept. 23 - Oct. 28 6:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 p.m. Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE Washington, D.C This workshop focuses on intensive writing and revision, with some required reading. For military veterans, service members and adult family members. To register, email laura.spencer@writer.org.

Writing is a labor of love. Publishing doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be.

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Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

EVENTS

The Writer’s Center

EVENTS

We host more than 50 events annually, including free Sunday Open-Door readings and theatre productions in our historic black box theatre. For more information, visit our website www.writer.org/events.

OPEN-DOOR READINGS - FALL 2013 Poetry reading by Worth Bateman, 2 p.m. author of X and ed by Ira other poems from A to Z. He is join Thailand In from Sukrungruang, who reads aut , hor of It Is Night, and Katherine Riegel What the Mouth Was Made For.

AUGUST

Susan Hodara will read from 2 p.m. and discuss Still Here Thinking of You: A Second Chance With Our Mothers.

AUGUST

Katherine Hill reads from her debut novel, The Violet 2 p.m. Hour. She is joined by Elliott Holt, author of You Are One of Them.

SEPTEMBER

Susan Hodara

Katherine Hill

SEPTEMBER 2 PM Katherine Riegel

SEPTEMBER 2 p.m.

Iraq war veteran Dario DiBattista reads from his memoir, Go Now, You Are Forgiven. He is joined by authors published in O-Dark-Thirty, a literary journal published by the Veterans Writing Project.

7:30 PM

Poet Hailey Leithauser reads from Swoop. She is joined by novelist Clifford Garstang, who reads from om What the Zhang ang Boys Know.

2 PM

Splendid Wake: A Celebration of Poetry George Washington University: Gelman Library Ste. 702, 2130 H Street Washington, D.C.

The Writer’s Center will host a Fall for the Book reading, with authors John Pineda and Sarah Pleydell.

Yvette Neisser Moreno

Ismet Prcic

6:30 PM

7:30 PM

SEPTEMBER

Ismet Prcic, winner of the McLaughlin Esstman Stearns First Novel Prize, will read from Shards.

SEPTEMBER

Cliﬀord Garstang

Dario DiBatitista

SEPTEMBER

Elliott Holt

The Writer’s Center presents Interlinear, a panel discussion on literary translation. Panelists include Yvette Neisser Moreno, Danuta Kosk-Kosicka, Nancy Carlson and Katherine Young.

Danuta Kosk-Kosicka

View online at www.writer.org/guide

Nancy Carlson

Katherine Young

OCTOBER 1 - 4 p.m.

Writing About Music

AUG HLIN

We’re pleased to present a panel discussion with Willard Jenkins and additional writers to be announced. Admission: $15 ($10 for members and $5 for students and members of the military)

OCTOBER

Amy

Journeys through the MFA and Beyond.

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Reading by Joseph Bathanti, 2 p.m. whose most recent collection of poems is Anson County. He is joined by poet Steven Cramer,r, who reads from Clangings, his recent collection.

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Mary Kay Zuravleﬀ

26 Publish Now!

OCTOBER

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Participants will include Writer’s Digest Publisher Phil Sexton and others. A full program and list of speakers is at www.writer.org/publishnow. See story on page 6.

is required. Ackerman and Tom Tucker, Isothermal’s writ iters of all experience levels. ted some exceptional talents in a wide range ct of our participants having the chance to le instructor at Isothermal, is the author of Bo nstorm!: The Stories of Twenty American Kid as also written several other invention histor e Charlotte Observer. Isothermal’s dean of Arts and Sciences, is t rgan. She has also written three poetry chap t Takes. Her poetry has also appeared in sev brochure and registration form are availabl

Make Lit Happen:

Amy &

OCTOBER

Ann McLaughlin will read from her recent novel, Amy & George. She is joined by novelist Mary Kay Zuravleff, who reads from Man Alive! 2 p.m.

OCTOBER 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Panelists will include Joshua Weiner, David Everett, David Fenza and Tim Denevi. Admission: $50 ($35 for members Joshua Weiner and $20 for full-time students)

nformation, contact Ackerman at 828-286-36 presenters and their workshops include: thanti Josep

Joseph Bathanti

Steven Cramer

Reading by Washington Writers’ Publishing 5 p.m. House winners. Kathleen Weaver reads from Aliens and Other Stories. She is joined by poet Robert Herschbach, who reads from Loose Weather.

OCTOBER

Kathleen Weaver

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER 6:30 p.m.

Poetry & prose reading by William Hathaway, William Heath, Hope Snyder and Peter Stitt, authors recently published by Somondoco Press.

2 p.m.

House of Sweden 2900 K Street Washington, D.C. The Writer’s Center & the Swedish Embassy present Swedish writer Stig Dagerman. Panelists include Alice McDermott, Mark Kurlansky and translator Steven Hartman. Lo Dagerman will introduce a screening of Our Need for Consolation.

William Hathaway

Hope Snyder

NOVEMBER 2 p.m.

Reading featuring poets David Ebenbach (Autogeography), Chloe Yelena Miller (Unrest), Pia Taavila (Two Winters) and W.M. Rivera (The Living Clock)

NOVEMBER 2 p.m.

William Heath

Peter Stitt

Poetry and Prose reading by TWC workshop participants. Readers to be announced. David Ebenbach

Chloe Yelena Miller

Pia Taavila

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

EVENTS

EVENTS EVENTS

LEESBURG FIRST FRIDAYS 7:30 p.m. Leesburg Town Hall (Lower Level Meeting Room) 25 W. Market Street Leesburg, VA 20176 $4 TWC members, residents $6 General admission Leesburg Town Hall

NEW IN 2013!

More info at writer.org Join two experienced practitioners of short fiction for a panel discussion on the short story and short story form from practical writing tips to approaches on how to market short fiction. Time for Q&As will follow.

5-MINUTE MINI-WORKSHOPS New this year, in response to the demand for more personalized feedback, we will offer First Friday participants an opportunity to share their writing. Each month, three randomly selected attendees will have 5 minutes to share and receive feedback.

OCT. 4: CLOSING THE DEAL: SELLING LITERARY RIGHTS TO THE FILM BUSINESS

The Writer’s Center

Advertise in the Workshop & Event Guide! Reach an eclectic audience of writers, students, teachers & hobbyists. Our guide is published triquarterly & has a distribution of 17,000 throughout the D.C. a. The W Metro area. Wo rks hop INAUGURAL P OET

OET

riter’s Cen ter

& Eve nt Gu ide RICHARD BLANC

EVENTS 10

Sum mer 2013

RETURNS TO TWC MAY 18

WORKSHOPS 17 BOOK TALK 36

WORKSHOPS DECODED

E ULE ULE D DU ED E HE H WINTERR SCCHEDUL

ww w.w rite r.or g 30

BOOK TALK

ERIN AUSTIN Harvard Law School graduate Erin Austin, formerly with Artisan Entertainment and Warner Bros. motion pictures, is an independent general counsel with expertise in entertainment law.

SEPT. 6: THE ART OF WRITING SHORT FICTION LEONE CIPORIN & SUE ALLISON

e er t te nt er’’ss Cen The Writ Even t Guid e

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OPEN MIC READINGS Sign-up for readers begins at 1:30 p.m. Readings start at 2 P.M. OCTOBER 13

To reserve ad space, contact Mia Cortez at mia.cortez@writer.org

DECEMBER 15

Members receive an additional 10% discount!

DECEMBER 12 p.m.

Ad Rates (4-color included)

Join us for refreshments, readings, books, gift certificates and holiday cheer!

TWC members, workshop leaders, board members, small presses, literary journals and local authors will offer books for sale and read from their work.

View online at www.writer.org/guide

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WORKSHOP GUIDELINES WORKSHOP GUIDELINES Learning to write is an ongoing process that requires time and practice. Our writing workshops are for everyone, from novices to seasoned writers looking to improve their skills, to published authors seeking refinement and feedback, to professionals with an eye on the competition. Group settings encourage the writing process by teaching writers to prioritize and to help each other using many skills at once. From our workshops, participants can expect: • Guidance and encouragement from a published, working writer; • Instruction on technical aspects such as structure, diction and form; • Kind, honest, constructive feedback directed at individual work; • Peer readers/editors who act as “spotters” for sections of your writing that need attention, and who become your community of working colleagues even after your workshop is completed; • Tips on how to keep writing and integrate this “habit of being” into your life; • Tactics for getting published; • Time to share work with other writers and read peers’ work; • Help with addressing trouble areas and incorporating multiple, sometimes conflicting ideas into the revision.

discover the fundamentals of creative writing, such as: • Getting your ideas on the page; • Choosing a genre and the shape your material should take; • Learning the elements of poetry, playwriting, fiction, memoir, etc.; • Identifying your writing strengths and areas of opportunity and • Gaining beginning mastery of the basic tools of all writing, such as concise, accurate language, and learning how to tailor them to fit your style.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL These workshops will build on skills you developed in the beginner level, and are designed for writers who have: • Critiqued some published works; • Taken a beginner-level workshop; • Achieved some grace in using the tools of language and form and • Have projects in progress that they want to develop further.

ADVANCED LEVEL Participants should have manuscripts that have been critiqued in workshops at the intermediate level and have been revised substantially. This level offers: • Focus on the final revision and completion of a specific work; • Fast-paced setting with higher expectations of participation, and • Deep insight and feedback.

BEGINNER LEVEL

MASTER LEVEL

We strongly suggest that newcomers start with a beginner level workshop. They are structured to help you

Master classes are designed for writers who have taken several advanced workshops and have reworked their

manuscript into what they believe is its final form. Master classes are unique opportunities to work in smaller groups with distinguished writers on a specific project or manuscript. Workshop leaders select participants from the pool of applicants; selection is competitive.

REGISTRATION Workshop registration is available online at www.writer.org, in person at The Writer’s Center, via mail, online or by phone at (301) 654-8664.

REFUND POLICY To receive a credit, you must notify TWC by e-mail (post.master@writer. org) within the drop period. • Full refunds are given when TWC cancels a workshop. Participants who have already enrolled and paid for their class will receive a full refund or credit. • Workshop participants who have enrolled in and paid for a workshop and choose to withdraw from it within the drop period (see below) will receive full credit that can be used within one year to pay for another workshop and/or a membership.

Find Your Niche The Writer’s Center recognizes that all writers and styles are unique! Our staff can help you find the right course(s) for your level of experience, preferred genre and overall goals.

Call 301-654-8664

Drop Period for Credit 5 or more sessions: 48 hours notice required before the second meeting 4 or fewer sessions: 48 hours notice required before the first meeting Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

FALL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

The Writer’s Center LEVEL PAGE

SCHEDULE

FICTION

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

Short Story II

Mark Cugini

8/31 - 10/19

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. A

Short Story I

Sinta Jimenez

9/9 - 10/28

7-9 p.m.

Fiction I

Sinta Jimenez

9/4 - 10/23

7-9 p.m.

Fiction Master Class

Kathryn Johnson

9/4 - 9/25

7-9:30 p.m.

Fiction II

Sinta Jimenez

9/5 - 11/7

7-9 p.m.

Creating Conﬂict

Kathryn Johnson

9/7

10 a.m .- 12:30 p.m.

ALL

Short Story II

John Morris

9/16 -11/4

7-9:30 p.m.

ALL

Short Story II

Susan Land

9/19 - 10/10

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

I/A

Historical Fiction

Kathryn Johnson

9/21

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

Whodunit? Writing the Mystery

Alan Orloﬀ

9/21

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. ALL

Point of View

John Morris

9/28

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

Writing the Crime Novel

Alan Orloﬀ

9/28 - 11/16

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

B/I

The Extreme Novelist

Kathryn Johnson

10/2-11/20

7-9:30 p.m.

Starting Fantasy Fiction

Brenda Clough

10/3 - 10/10

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

50 Shades of Romance

Kathryn Johnson

10/5

10 a.m .- 12:30 p.m.

ALL

Let’s Talk About Sex: How to Use Eroticism Eﬀectively in Prose

Aaron Hamburger

10/8

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

ALL

Fiction II

Jim Mathews

10/8 - 11/26

7-9:30 p.m.

Is It A Story Or A Novel?*

Lynn Schwartz

10/19

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. ALL

6 Stories, 6 Weeks

Mark Cugini

10/21 - 11/25

7-9:30 p.m.

ALL

Writing Dialogue That Really Works

John Morris

10/26

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

4 Stories, 4 Weeks

Sinta Jimenez

11/4 - 11/25

7-9 p.m.

Come-Alive Fiction

Kathryn Johnson

12/14

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

MIXED GENRE

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

LEVEL PAGE

Freelance Writing for Print vs. Web

Mary McCarthy

8/29 - 10/2

7-9:30 p.m.

ALL

Subject and Voice: New Tips*

Laura Oliver

9/14

1:30 - 4 p.m.

ALL

Getting Started: Creative Writing

Liz Rees

9/19 - 11/7

7-9:30 p.m.

Memoir & Literary Fiction

Lynn Stearns

9/25 - 11/13

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. B/I

Getting Started: Creative Writing*

Patricia Gray

9/28 - 10/5

1-3:30 p.m.

ALL

Write Winning Articles for Magazines, Newspapers and Websites

Amy Abrams

9/28

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ALL

Food Writing Workshop*

Nani Power

10/5 - 10/12

1:30 - 4 p.m.

ALL

Revising Fiction and Memoir

Lynn Stearns

10/5

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

ALL

Transitions

Mary Carpenter

10/8 - 11/12

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

ALL

Advanced Novel & Memoir

Barbara Esstman

10/16 - 11/20

7-9:30 p.m.

Writing for Social Change

Zahara Heckscher

10/17

6:30-9 p.m.

ALL

Putting the Pieces Together: Weaving Research into a Narrative*

David Taylor

10/19

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

View online at www.writer.org/guide

MIXED GENRE (continued)

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

LEVEL PAGE

Life's Characters

Kathryn Johnson

10/19

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

Researching and Writing Family or Neighborhood Proﬁles*

David Taylor

10/23 - 11/13

7:30 - 10 p.m.

All

Getting Started: Creative Writing

Willona Sloan

10/26

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. B

Get Your Work Read and Noticed!

Dave Singleton

10/26

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. B

How to Write a Lot

Willona Sloan

11/2

9 a.m .- 12 p.m.

Building Dramatic Scenes That Work

Barbara Esstman & Khris Baxter

11/3

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ALL

Breaking Out of “I’m Stuck!”

Aaron Hamburger

11/5

6:30-8:30 p.m.

ALL

Getting Started: Creative Writing

Nancy Naomi Carlson 11/9

12-5 p.m.

ALL

How to Write For a Living

Willona Sloan

11/9

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. ALL

Writing Staycation

Zahara Heckscher

11/11 - 11/15

M-F

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. ALL

Show Don't Tell

Zahara Heckscher

11/12

6-9 p.m.

ALL

Powerful Beginnings

Kathryn Johnson

11/16

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

How to Pitch and Get Published

Dave Singleton

11/16

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. B/I

Writing the Holidays: Session 1

Kathryn Johnson

12/4

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

ALL

Writing the Holidays: Session 2

Kathryn Johnson

12/7

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

How to Pitch and Get Published

Dave Singleton

12/7

2-4:30 p.m.

B/I

NONFICTION

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

LEVEL PAGE

The Writer's Toolbox

Sara Taber

9/3 - 10/22

7-9:30 p.m.

8 Essays/Memoirs 8 Weeks

Sara Taber

9/3 - 10/22

1-3:30 p.m.

My Life in Stories

Danuta Hinc

9/3 - 9/26

T/Th

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

My Life, One Story at a Time

Pat McNees

9/11 - 10/16

7:15-9:45 p.m.

Life Stories

Lynn Schwartz

9/21

9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. ALL

Writing From Life

Ellen Herbet

9/25 - 10/30

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. B

A Personal Essay in a Day

Sara Taber

10/5

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ALL

Travel Writing for Fun and Proﬁt

Ellen Ryan

9/9 - 10/21

7-9:30 p.m.

B/I

Transcending the Memoir

Ann McLaughlin

10/12 - 11/9

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ALL

The Writer's Toolbox

Sara Taber

10/29 - 12/17

1-3:30 p.m.

8 Essays/Memoirs 8 Weeks

Sara Taber

10/22 - 12/10

7-9:30 p.m.

POETRY

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

LEVEL PAGE

Poetry Master Class

Sandra Beasley

8/22 - 9/12

7-10 p.m.

6 Poems, 6 Weeks

Marie Pavlicek-Wehrli

9/5 - 10/10

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. I

Writing Poems in Series & Sequence Sandra Beasley

9/7 - 9/8

S/Su

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. I/A

Formalism Lite

9/17 - 10/29

10:30 am - 1 pm

B—beginner

Nan Fry

I—intermediate

A—advanced

M—master

B/I

ALL—all levels

* Indicates workshops held at one of our satellite locations. Please see descriptions for more information. Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

SCHEDULE

FALL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

The Writer’s Center LEVEL PAGE

SCHEDULE

POETRY (continued)

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

The Force of Poetry

Liz Rees

9/21 - 11/9

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ALL

6 Poems, 6 Weeks

Mark Cugini

9/25 - 10/30

7-9:30 p.m.

ALL

Getting Your Poetry Published

Michele Wolf

10/6

2-5 p.m.

ALL

Reading Your Poetry Aloud to an Audience

Ellen Cole

10/12 - 10/19

10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

ALL

Formal Boot Camp

Melanie Figg

10/14 - 11/18

7-9:30 p.m.

I/A

How to End a Poem *

Sue Ellen Thompson

10/19

1-4 p.m.

ALL

The Line vs. The Sentence

Melanie Figg

10/19 - 10/26

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. ALL

Demystifying the Dash: Syntax & Punctuation for Poets

Yvette Neisser Moreno

10/26 - 11/2

1:30-4:30 p.m.

B/I

Memory as Muse

Nan Fry

11/2 - 11/9

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. B/I

All About Tone *

Sue Ellen Thompson

11/16

1-4 p.m.

ALL

What Sound Eﬀects Can do for your Poems

Sue Ellen Thompson

12/7

1-4 p.m.

ALL

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

LEVEL PAGE

Speechwriting 101

James Alexander

9/12 - 10/17

7-9:30 p.m.

B/I

Introduction to Marketing

Angela Render

9/28

12-2 p.m.

Blogging for Beginners

Angela Render

9/28

3-5 p.m.

Successfully Pitch Editors for Freelance Articles

Amy Abrams

10/12

10 a.m .- 4 p.m.

ALL

Blogging Tips & Tricks

Angela Render

10/26

12-2 p.m.

Social Networking

Angela Render

10/26

3-5 p.m.

SONGWRITING

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

LEVEL PAGE

Songwriting 101

Cathy Fink

10/1 - 10/29

7:30-9:30 p.m.

ALL

STAGE & SCREEN

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

LEVEL PAGE

Elements of Playwriting: Theatricality

Richard Washer

8/22

7:30-10 p.m.

ALL

Elements of Playwriting: Exposition

Richard Washer

9/7

12:30-3 p.m.

ALL

Elements of Playwriting: New Play Development

Richard Washer

9/12

7:30-10 p.m.

ALL

Screenwriting II

Lyn Vaus

9/14 - 11/1

7:30-10 p.m.

Screenwriting I

Jeﬀrey Rubin

9/17 - 11/5

7-9:30 p.m.

Playwriting I

Randy Baker

9/17 - 11/5

7-12 p.m.

The Art & Craft of Screenwriting*

Khris Baxter

9/14

10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

ALL

Advanced Playwriting

Richard Washer

9/28 - 11/16

12:30-3 p.m.

The Art & Craft of Screenwriting

Khris Baxter

10/19

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ALL

The Art & Craft of Screenwriting*

Khris Baxter

11/23

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ALL

A—advanced

M—master

B—beginner

I—intermediate

ALL—all levels

* Indicates workshops held at one of our satellite locations. Please see descriptions for more information.

View online at www.writer.org/guide

FALL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE WRITING FOR YOUNGER READERS LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

LEVEL PAGE

Fiction I: For the Middle Grade and Young Adult Readers

Judith Tabler

9/10 - 10/22

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

ALL

Creating Your Book for Children: Shape it, Submit it, See it in Print

Peter Mandel

12/3

7-9:30 p.m.

ALL

YOUNGER WRITERS

LEADER

DATES

DAY

TIME

LEVEL PAGE

Workshop for Kids 8-12 *

Adele Brown

10/12 - 11/16

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

ALL

View sample online workshops @ www.onlinetwc.org/workshops ONLINE

LEADER

DATES

SESSIONS

LEVEL

PAGE

Fiction I

T. Greenwood

9/7 - 10/26

B/I

The Contemporary Novel

Mark Swartz

9/9 - 10/28

ALL

Characterization in the Novel

T. Greenwood

9/28 - 11/16

ALL

Fiction III

T. Greenwood

10/26 - 12/14

I/A

Translation Studio Online

Yvette Neisser Moreno 11/4 - 12/6

ALL

Nonﬁction Toolbox: Research

Brook Wilensky-Lanford 9/3 - 9/24

Creative Nonﬁction I

Brook Wilensky-Lanford 9/3 - 10/8

Poetry Studio Online

Yvette Neisser Moreno

9/9 - 11/2

ALL

Online Poetry Workshop

Bernadette Geyer

9/16 - 11/11

ALL

Poaching for Poems

Lisa Fay Coutley

10/14 - 11/4

The Art of Revision

Bernadette Geyer

11/4 - 11/25

ALL

Silence & Sound: The Line

Lisa Fay Coutley

11/4 - 11/25

Blogging & Social Media 101

Mary McCarthy

10/1 - 11/5

Advanced Blogging & Social Media

Mary McCarthy

10/1 - 11/5

Write from the Comfort of Home With a growing selection of online workshops in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction, our online courses are ideal for busy writers of all genres. Online workshops offer 24-hour access to lectures, assignments & critique via Moodle, an online course management platform with customizable classrooms. Browse a free sample online workshops to get a feel for how they run.

onlinetwc.org/workshop Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

SCHEDULE

The Writer’s Center

Senator Mark Madaleno, Mark Hodge & Catherine Leggett

On May 16, The Writer’s Center’s spring benefit featured former instructor Richard Blanco in a wonderful evening filled with friends, music, food and poetry. Many thanks to those of you who came and celebrated the community that so many writers, including Richard, call “home.” We would also like to give special acknowledgment to the Beacon Hotel and to our event patrons: Kate Blackwell & Felix Jacob, Sally Mott Freeman & John Freeman, Neal Gillen, Jeffrey Kosseff & Crystal Zeh, Joram & Lona Piatigorsky.

o ard Blanc h ic R t e o P Inaugural

ding? e the rea be channel k a m ’t n Could on our YouTu clip er Watch a -Thewriterscent Sally Mott Freeman & Stewart Moss

Photos by Maria Enns

SPRING PHOTOS

Photos by Maria Enns

Rebecca Petillo, Raye Leith, Samantha Guerry, Kate Robinson & Alice Covington partake in Poet Loreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 124th birthday festivities.

Photo by Maria Enns

Photo by Selma Khenissi

Steve Goldman reads from his work at a TWC Open Mic.

Yellow Barn artists attend the opening of Flowing Watercolor.

Film reel (from left): Laura Spencer; Genevieve DeLeon; Jeanne Blackburn; Paula Stern, John Stern & Katie Mussolino

Photos by Selma Khenissi

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

WORKSHOPS

The Writer’s Center

FOR MORE DETAILED CLASS DESCRIPTIONS, PLEASE VISIT WRITER.ORG NOTE: TWC will be closed Sept. 2 for Labor Day & Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving Day.

FICTION

T. Greenwood

Short Story II Mark Cugini This advanced-level workshop will put a strong emphasis on sentence-level writing and revision. Students in this class will revise their stories, discuss contemporary authors and critique each other’s work. The goal of this course is to complete a polished draft of one short story and learn a variety of revision strategies. 8 Saturdays Bethesda

10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 8/31-10/19 Advanced $360

Short Story I WORKSHOPS

Sinta Jimenez Learn the basics of short story writing through in-class exercises, at-home writing and class workshopping. 8 Mondays Bethesda

7-9 p.m. Beginner

9/9-10/28 $300

Fiction I Sinta Jimenez In this beginning fiction class, learn the elements of fiction, such as character, plot, setting and dialogue. Through in-class exercises and group workshops, put your idea to paper and start your journey into strong fiction writing. 8 Wednesdays Bethesda

7-9 pm Beginner

9/4-10/23 $300

Fiction Master Class Kathryn Johnson You’ve written your short story or novel. It’s not perfect...yet. How do you self-edit, revise, polish your prose until it sparkles and make this story the best it can be? Whether you want to improve your chances of publication with a traditional publisher, or ready your manuscript for self-publication, this course is for you. Veteran novelist and developer of The Extreme Novelist workshops, Kathryn Johnson, will give you the tools and know-how to make your work stand out. 4 Wednesdays Bethesda

7-9:30 p.m. Master

9/4-9/25 $195

If you have always wanted to write a novel but didn’t know where to start, this workshop will help you understand the process of writing a novel so you can get started putting pen to paper. We will focus on everything from generating ideas to developing characters to establishing point of view. We will touch on many elements of ﬁction (dialogue, scene, etc...), but the emphasis will be on discovering the writing process that works best for you. 8 Saturdays Online

N/A 9/7-10/26 Beginner/Intermediate $360

In this intermediate ﬁction class, you’ll delve into your ﬁction works-in-progress and gain the tools to take your piece to the next level. The class will include workshopping of your work. There will be no session on 10/31. 7-9 p.m. Intermediate

9/5-11/7 $300

7-9:30 pm All Levels

9/16-11/4 $360

Short Story II Susan Land An intermediate level workshop for short story writers who have a completed or almost-completed story. 4 Thursdays Bethesda

10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 9/19-10/10 Intermediate $195

Historical Fiction Kathryn Johnson

Kathryn Johnson

Do you have a story set in ancient Rome, during the American Civil War or in more recent history (The 1960’s, for instance)? The rebirth of historical ﬁction has opened up exciting opportunities for ﬁction writers. Learn how to weave historical details into your stories and bring the past alive for your readers.

It is said that “without conflict there is no story.” Strengthening the conflict in a novel or short story will bump up the tension and turn a limp tale into one that grips readers and keeps them turning pages. Learn how to turn up the heat in this challenging one-day workshop. A Saturday morning coffee-and-pastry session with Kathryn Johnson. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10:00a.m.-12:30p.m. 9/7 All Levels $50

Mark Swartz How do novels capture the way that people live, think and talk today? In this course, we’ll explore ways that current events, technology, slang and the spirit of our times ﬁnd their way into ﬁction-and how to make a novel that’s relevant but not trendy, credible but not merely realistic. We’ll discuss reality TV and social media; read excerpts of novels by Megan Abbott, Jennifer Egan, Haruki Murakami, Ed Park and Gary Shteyngart; and try exercises in incorporating contemporary themes. Writers at any level are welcome, whether they’re starting a new work or revising an existing manuscript. 8 Mondays Online

N/A All Levels

1 Saturday Bethesda

10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 9/21 All Levels $50

Whodunit? Writing the Mystery Alan Orloﬀ

The Contemporary Novel

9/9-10/28 $360

John Morris

Sinta Jimenez

8 Mondays Bethesda

Creating Conflict

Short Story II

Fiction II

8 Thursdays Bethesda

will provide detailed written comments on all manuscripts.

Fiction I

Are you ready to take your short story draft to the next level? Need help completing the draft? Longing for motivation to begin? This workshop is designed to meet those needs, creating a helpful, supportive workshop atmosphere for all participants. The goal is for each writer to present a successful draft, with emphasis on encouragement, hard work and practical suggestions. The workshop leader

View online at www.writer.org/guide

If you’ve always wanted to write a mystery novel but didn’t know where to start, this workshop is for you. We’ll discuss writing fundamentals as they apply to the mystery. We’ll examine characteristics of the many subgenres (thrillers, too!) and learn about mystery-speciﬁc conventions and pitfalls such as TSTL syndrome, macgufﬁns, red herrings, killer twists, wacky sidekicks and smooth clue-dropping, among others. Fun, educational and… mysterious! 1 Saturday Bethesda

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 9/21 All Levels $40

Characterization in the Novel T. Greenwood When writing a novel, we must know our primary characters inside and out. We need to understand their desires, motivations, and frustrations, their histories and their futures. This workshop will focus on the development of authentic characters. We will examine character as both autonomous and residing within the context of the other novelistic elements, and we will discuss the challenge of creating and integrating these various elements into a cohesive and credible whole. Participants will explore the main character(s) in their novels-in-progress. 8 Saturdays Online

N/A All Levels

9/28-11/16 $360

WORKSHOPS John Morris To write good ﬁction, you must be able to create and sustain a convincing point of view. Sadly, what you learned about “point of view” back in English class isn’t enough — and may even hurt your style. This intensive two-and-ahalf-hour workshop introduces the simple but crucial skill set that successful writers need, and gives participants a chance to practice the techniques in a lively, supportive workshop environment. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 9/28-9/29 All Levels $50

Writing the Crime Novel Alan Orloff Working on a mystery? A thriller? A novel of suspense? If you answered yes (or maybe), then this workshop is for you. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the building blocks (plot, characters, setting, dialogue, conflict) and how they all fit together to create a solid foundation for compelling, page-turning fiction. We’ll examine characteristics of the many crime fiction subgenres and learn about specific conventions and pitfalls—what to include and what to avoid. Sessions will include instruction and writing exercises, with an emphasis on giving and receiving critiques of participants’ work. Oh, and it will be fun, too! 8 Saturdays Bethesda

10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 9/28-11/16 Beginner/Intermediate $360

The Extreme Novelist Kathryn Johnson Can’t ﬁnd the time/energy/inspiration to get your novel written? This popular course will help you complete a rough draft in just eight weeks, with the encouraging guidance of professional writing coach Kathryn Johnson (author of over 40 published books). You will commit to an aggressive writing schedule and learn the tricks pros use to create a productive working environment and meet their deadlines despite distractions. 8 Wednesdays Bethesda

7:00-9:30 p.m. Intermediate

10/2-12/20 $360

1 Saturday Bethesda

10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 10/5 All Levels $50

Let’s Talk About Sex: How to Use Eroticism Effectively in Prose Aaron Hamburger Writing about sex can cause many of us a lot of grief. Some of us try to dance around the topic, perhaps out of fear that if we include too much sex in our work or write about sex in the wrong way, we won’t be taken seriously. In this session, we’ll take a look at how writers have depicted eroticism in eﬀective and original ways. Speciﬁcally, we’ll examine how in their descriptions of erotic habits or behavior, writers have transcended simply. Others are eager to write about sexual subjects openly, but sometimes what seems erotic and authentic in the imagination can turn out childish and cringe-worthy when it appears on the page. 1 Tuesday Bethesda

6:30-8:30 p.m. All Levels

10/8 $40

Jim Mathews This workshop is designed for ﬁction writers at intermediate to advanced levels who have a short story or novel-in-progress. The class will include more detailed discussions on some basic elements of ﬁction but will concentrate on using those elements to infuse tension and forward movement in character and plot development. Each writer will be asked to submit up to 35 double-spaced pages for group critique. In addition, participants will be asked to complete writing exercises designed to appreciate the value of story-telling through dynamic dialogue and action. 7-9:30 p.m. Intermediate

10/8-11/26 $360

Lynn Schwartz

The ﬁrst session will be devoted to the basics of ﬁction and story construction. In the second session we’ll do a start-up exercise to help get you going. 2 Thursdays Bethesda

1 Saturday Annapolis

Brenda Clough

7:30-9:30 p.m. Beginner

10/3-10/10 $60

7:00-9:30 pm All Levels

10/21-11/25 $270

Writing Dialogue That Really Works John Morris Dialogue is a vital element of the fictional craft. In this intense two and a half hour workshop, we will explore the basics of ear, rhythm and pacing, along with an overview of how dialogue in fiction is and is not “how people really talk.” We will consider alternatives to quoted dialogue, and discuss how to pace a scene with a combination of speech and action. In-class exercises will be offered and discussed. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 10/26 All Levels $50

Fiction III What do published novelists do between that raw first draft and the final manuscript to make their plots sizzle and their prose sing? The key lies in reworking your manuscript until your writing jumps off of the page. If you have completed the first draft of a novel, this workshop will help you develop skills to shape your plot for maximum dramatic impact and give life and texture to characters, dialogue and setting. Prerequisite: Course is designed for writers who have completed the first draft of their novels. 8 Saturdays Online

N/A 10/26-12/14 Intermediate/Advanced $360

4 Stories, 4 Weeks Sinta Jimenez

Is It A Story Or A Novel? The short story is not just the novel’s poor relation, nor a chapter lifted from your longer writings. The short story form is pure and magical, standing on its own with power and economy. Let’s explore what constitutes a compelling short story. Why is it diﬀerent from the novel? How are characters depicted? Most of all, does the short story structure serve your narrative needs?

Starting Fantasy Fiction

6 Mondays Bethesda

T. Greenwood

Fiction II

8 Tuesdays Bethesda

the various elements of ﬁction, and writers will be given weekly prompts to “jumpstart” their writing. The goal of this course is to complete new work, and to receive speciﬁc feedback for revisions.

10-12:00 pm All Levels

10/19 $40

50 Shades of Romance

6 Stories, 6 Weeks

Kathryn Johnson

Mark Cugini

Of all the ﬁction read today, romance far outsells all others. Discover how you can weave romantic

Class, students will write, workshop and critique six new stories. In class discussions will focus on

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

For the beginning short story writer, work on four short stories in a guided process that covers the elements of ﬁction and short story writing. 4 Mondays Bethesda

7-9:00 p.m. Beginner

11/4-11/25 $145

Come-Alive Fiction Kathryn Johnson Winning the trust of your reader, through scenes that spring to life, is a challenge. But you can use characters’ dialogue and active scenes to make readers believe in your story. Learn the skill of writing natural dialogue and believable action in this entertaining Saturday morning coﬀee klatch. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10-12:30 pm All Levels

12/14 $50

WORKSHOPS

elements into your ﬁction, regardless of the genre. A fun and relaxing coﬀee-and-pastries session with Kathryn Johnson.

Point of View

WORKSHOPS MIXED GENRE

Getting Started: Creative Writing Liz Rees

Getting Started: Creative Writing Patricia Gray

WORKSHOPS

Enjoy writing while finding the types of writing that suit you best. Intrigued by fiction, journals, memoir, and poetry—or just interested in new ways to get it down on paper? Come stick your toe in the water at the Hill Center. Receive tips on how to free up your personal experiences for retelling or speak in a character’s voice or learn that anyone can write a poem. You’ll find ways to begin that memoir or autobiography or journal you’ve been planning. Some of the hallmarks of this workshop are in-class assignments, a chance to read your writing aloud (but only if you choose) and positive, helpful feedback. For more information, please see a copy of the June 2013 Hill Rag (p. 101) for a poem by the instructor that reflects her attitude about teaching writing. What better time to start writing than early fall, when everyone is eager to learn something new? 2 Saturdays Capitol Hill

1-3:30 pm All Levels

9/28-10/5 $80

If you have always wanted to write but haven’t known how to begin, this is the workshop for you! We will explore journals, short stories, poems (and prose poems) and memoirs in order to “jump start” your writing. Exercsies done in the workshop will focus on transforming a creative idea into actual words on a page. Goals: loosening up, generating new material and enjoying the excitement of writing. 8 Thursdays Bethesda

7-9:30 p.m. Beginner

9/19-11/7 $360

Memoir and Literary Fiction Lynn Stearns We will use writing prompts, published work and truthful but tactful critiques as well as discussions about the various components of writing (point of view, language, setting, etc.) to learn how to tell the story you really want to tell, the way you want to tell it. Each participant may have up to 15 pages critiqued. 8 Wednesdays Bethesda

10 am-12:30 pm 9/25-11/13 Beginner/Intermediate $360

Freelance Writing for Print vs. Web

Write Winning Articles for Magazines, Newspapers and Websites

Mary McCarthy

Amy Abrams

This course is for professional freelance writers looking to earn income from their work. Writing is a business, and it should be run like a business. Taught by a writer with two decades’ experience in newspaper, magazine and web writing, this class will help writers learn to navigate the murky waters of selling work in print versus on the web, the diﬀerences between approaching print versus. web editors and the diﬀerences in writing style necessary to create writing that sells in the various media. 8 Wednesdays Bethesda

7-9:30 p.m. All Levels

8/29-10/2 $360

Learn to write ﬁrst-rate articles so editors will hire you—not just once—but again and again. Many components comprise compelling stories. You’ll ﬁnesse story angles, acquire professional interviewing techniques for strong quotes and hone your voice to develop a recognizable style in this one-day intensive, but enjoyable, workshop. Tricks of the trade are taught by a former publishing executive, now a professional freelance writer with hundreds of articles published in national and regional magazines, as well as newspapers. One-on-one feedback will help you cultivate your craft and create stories that sell. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10 a.m.-4 p.m. All Levels

9/28 $100

Subject and Voice: New Tips

Food Writing Workshop

Laura Oliver

Nani Power

(Tip One: Bad choices make spectacular stories.) Are you at heart an essayist? A novelist? A memoirist? Experimenting with genre, subject and voice is the continuing work of new and experienced writers.Using published examples, writing exercises and lively discussion, this one-day workshop will distill from memory and imagination the story you want to tell and provide techniques for ﬁnding the authorial voice in which to tell it. Perfect for new writers wishing to explore and for more advanced writers seeking fresh inspiration to energize new and existing work.

Food is a powerful story telling device in any format you choose, whether it is fiction or non-fiction. This workshop will explore the many methods for utilizing your food tales and memories. We will explore food as a catalyst for powerful fiction as well as a starting point for an essay.

1 Saturday Annapolis

1:30-3:30 p.m. All Levels

2 Saturdays Hill Center

1:30-4 p.m. All Levels

10/5-10/12 $60

Revising Fiction and Memoir Lynn Stearns We’ll start with the big picture and go through components, one by one, to be sure they work together to present a compelling story. Handouts

9/14 $50

View online at www.writer.org/guide

The Writer’s Center will include information about agents and markets. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10 a.m.-1 p.m. All Levels

10/5 $60

Transitions Mary Carpenter For writers who are beginning, those who want to move beyond a professional style, those who are stuck and anyone else, this workshop will focus on the process of writing: on how to free up personal experiences, discover voices and personas, choose the best words, etc. In each class, we will write on assigned subjects, listen to these pieces and comment on what we like and why. In addition, participants may bring in work written or rewritten at home for us to critique. The goal of the class is to create a greater awareness of what it takes to turn life into stories, and a familiarity with creating and working with writing groups. 6 Tuesdays Bethesda

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. All Levels

10/8-11/12 $270

Advanced Novel & Memoir Barbara Esstman For serious writers with a book-length project and hopes for publication. Learn technical skills: character/scene development, language, dialogue, conﬂict and plot. Discuss the psychological aspects: how to locate and stay with the emotional core of the story and keep going to the end. We’ll also touch on rewriting and the directions for getting an agent. Each writer will submit up to 35 double-spaced pages. Permission of the instructor or previous completed workshop required. 6 Wednesdays Bethesda

7-9:30 p.m. Advanced

10/16-11/20 $270

Writing for Social Change Zahara Heckscher Many writers have an interest in social justice –only natural for a tribe of people who are often underpaid and marginalized. Some writers have justice in the very marrow of every bone. But writing is largely a solitary practice and social change often requires collective action-usually through nonprofit organizations and social movements. So what’s a writer to do? Here’s the good news: thousands of writers have created paths that to combine a passion for writing and a hunger for justice. As a writer, finding the right intersection can help you survive financially, forward your craft, sooth your spiritual angst, promote causes you are passionate about, create valuable networks and build community that breaks down the isolation of the writing life. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll also gain experiences worth writing about. This workshop will be an exploration, using tons of examples, of possible paths, from grant proposals and ethical day jobs to cause-related book marketing, muckraking journalism, and poetry slams. 1 Thursday Bethesda

6:30-9 p.m. All Levels

10/17 $50

WORKSHOPS

David Taylor Often a book or essay emerges from a process more like quilting than a single piece of cloth. Writers can draw on many resources available locally— from manuscript or photography collections at Sandy Spring or the Library of Congress, to recent interviews and walking tours—to create rich narratives. This half-day workshop will explore the process with exercises, discussion and examples from the instructor’s articles and books. The research process can also inform poetry and ﬁction. 1 Saturday 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sandy Spring Museum All Levels

10/19 $50

noticed? This workshop will lay it all out for you. You’ll learn basic skills such as how to brand yourself and promote your work. You’ll also get an overview of the many inexpensive and free resources available to writers on the web. This include introductions to promoting on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other emerging social media. Publishers want you to come with a platform and an active, established marketing presence. This workshop will explore what a platform is and how you can create one for yourself. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 10/26 Beginner $50

How to Write a Lot Willona Sloan

Life’s Characters Kathryn Johnson One-dimensional, inconsistent or implausible characters weaken ﬁction and rob a story of its ability to convince readers to come along for the ride. Learn how to build true-to-life characters your readers will bond with, root for and want to follow to the very end your short story, novella or novel. Join us for another relaxing weekend morning chat over coﬀee and pastries. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All Levels

10/19 $50

Researching and Writing Family or Neighborhood Profiles

Do you find it impossible to squeeze time for creative writing into your hectic life? Well, you can’t publish if you’re not writing. Writing requires discipline and commitment. Whether you are working on a novel, a short story or blog, in this class you will learn how to develop the habits of a successful writer, including how to set and track your writing goals, create a schedule and project plan and use writing prompts to advance your story or generate new work. We will also do in-class fiction and non-fiction writing exercises designed to show you how to make the most of your writing time. There are no good excuses! If you are a busy writer, this class is for you. 1 Saturday Bethesda

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Beginner

11/2 $60

David Taylor D.C. has a wealth of hidden stories. This course helps you to research and write family or neighborhood profiles like those produced in the 1930s by the Federal Writers’ Project. The workshop will explore research, interviews, reporting and outreach, guided by a published author/ filmmaker. We’ll use examples and exercises; the workshop includes a session on how to share profiles interactively. Students can choose topics guided by the instructor. 4 Wednesdays Hill Center

7:30-10 p.m. All Levels

10/23-11/13 $195

Getting Started: Creative Writing Willona Sloan Learn how to write what you know. Using guided and independent writing exercises you will practice writing non-ﬁction stories and experiment with literary techniques such as crafting dialogue, writing conﬂict and developing threedimensional characters in order to create short stories based on your own experiences. 1 Saturday Bethesda

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Beginner

10/26 $60

Get Your Work Read and Noticed! Dave Singleton Getting published is hard-so how can you make sure your writing ﬁnds an audience and gets

Breaking Out of “I’m Stuck!” Aaron Hamburger So many of us want to write and don’t for various reasons. Some of us have great ideas but just can’t seem to begin. Others find themselves excited at the start of a project and then fall short of energy midway through or just as the finish line seems within reach. And still others feel the urge to write but have trouble finding just the right subject. In this course, we’ll explore a range of strategies for all writers to break through that mythical state popularly known as “writer’s block.” We’ll also do individual exercises targeted at determining what’s holding you back from becoming the writer you’ve always wanted to be. Finally, we’ll do some in-class writing, so bring your pens or laptops! 1 Tuesday Bethesda

6:30-8:30 p.m. All Levels

11/5 $40

Getting Started: Creative Writing Nancy Naomi Carlson If you have always wanted to write but haven’t known how to begin, this is the workshop for you! We will explore journals, short stories, poems (and prose poems) and memoirs in order to “jump start” your writing. Exercises done in the workshop, as well as multi-media “prompts” will focus on transforming a creative idea into actual words on a page. Goals: loosening up, generating new material and enjoying the excitement of writing. 1 Saturday Bethesda

12-5 PM All Levels

11/9 $80

Building Dramatic Scenes That Work

How to Write For a Living

Barbara Esstman & Khris Baxter

Learn how to ﬁnd work as a professional writer or editor with businesses and nonproﬁt organizations; how to pitch stories to newspapers, magazines or blogs; and how to submit your work to literary journals and other publications. We will look at the skills and knowledge you need to develop to build and manage your career as a writer, and how to use professional development opportunities, writing workshops and artist residencies to network, increase your skills and advance your career.

Events may be mentioned in summary but it’s in scene that you capture the hearts and imaginations of your readers. Strong scenes are the building blocks of any good novel, short story or screenplay. Learn the elements of writing effective scenes and how to avoid useless scenes that flatten the dramatic arc. Screenwriter Khris Baxter and fiction writer Barbara Esstman compare scenes from film and prose and show what works, and doesn’t, in each genre. For all genres. One hour lunch break. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10 a.m.-4 p.m. All Levels

11/3 $100

Translation Studio Online Yvette Neisser Moreno

Willona Sloan

1 Saturday Bethesda

9 a.m.-12 p.m. All Levels

11/9 $60

Writing Staycation Zahara Heckscher

Have you been wanting to try your hand at literary translation? Are you working on translating some poems or a story and want feedback? Then this workshop is for you. The class will function like a creative writing workshop, with participants’ translations serving as workshop material. In addition, we will discuss weekly readings on the art of translation.

Do you dream of participating in a writing retreat, but can’t get out of town? Join us for an intensive, supportive, exhilarating, focused week of writing. Each day begins with a short reading and brief discussion. Then tons of time for working on your own writing - of any kind. The week also features speakers and one-on-one meetings with local authors. Also provided are coﬀee, tea, healthy snacks, handouts and resources.

4 Mondays Online

1 Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm Bethesda All Levels

N/A All Levels

11/4-12/6 $195

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

11/11-11/15 $360

WORKSHOPS

Putting the Pieces Together: Weaving Research into a Narrative

WORKSHOPS Show Don’t Tell Zahara Heckscher Have you even been told to “Show, Don’t Tell” in your writing? Do you want to learn to bring your writing to life through action, dialogue and sensory detail, rather than exposition? What can Hemingway and J.K. Rowling teach us about powerful writing that masters the Show Don’t Tell rule? Learn all this and more in this interactive workshop that will use theory, examples and lots of practice. 1 Tuesday Bethesda

6-9 p.m. All Levels

11/12 $60

Powerful Beginnings Kathryn Johnson

WORKSHOPS

Readers, agents and publishers test-read the opening of a story to determine whether or not to invest time in reading the rest of it. A weak or ﬂawed opening that doesn’t grab and hold their attention dooms a story to the discard pile. Learn techniques for pulling your readers into a story. A fun and inspiring Saturday coﬀee-and-pastries session. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All Levels

11/16 $50

How to Pitch and Get Published Dave Singleton How to pitch and who to pitch to…a primer on how to get your work in front of the people who can publish it. Come prepared to share your ideas and learn tips on how to package and present them so you can get them published. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 11/16 Beginner/Intermediate $50

Writing the Holidays Session 1 Kathryn Johnson The emotions we connect with holidays provide classic themes for short stories and poignant scenes for novels and memoirs. Learn how to use holiday memories and colorful details to enhance your ﬁction and articles. You’ll see why editors beg for holiday stories, year round. Choose from one of two sessions and get into the holiday spirit. BYO lunch to the Wednesday session, and instructor Kathryn Johnson will supply dessert; or come to Saturday’s session and enjoy coﬀee and pastries, compliments of your instructor. 1 Wednesday Bethesda

11 a.m.-1 p.m. All Levels

12/4

one of two sessions and get into the holiday spirit. BYO lunch to the Wednesday session, and instructor Kathryn Johnson will supply dessert; or come to Saturday’s session and enjoy coﬀee and pastries, compliments of your instructor.

Time for the sharing of work and a free-write are included each week.

1 Saturday Bethesda

8 Essays/Memoirs 8 Weeks

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All Levels

12/7 $40

2-4:30 p.m. 12/7 Beginner/Intermediate $50

Kathryn Johnson The emotions we connect with holidays provide classic themes for short stories and poignant scenes for novels and memoirs. Learn how to use holiday memories and colorful details to enhance your ﬁction and articles. You’ll see why editors beg for holiday stories, year round. Choose from

8 Tuesdays Bethesda

7-9:30 p.m. Beginner

9/3-10/22 $360

Sara Taber Sandwiches, truth, the day you wanted to kick your brother… come receive stimulating prompts each week—or come with your own idea. Workshop time will be spent writing, sharing work, and discussing craft. By the end of four weeks, eight pieces will be on their way to completion! 8 Tuesdays Bethesda

1-3:30 p.m. Intermediate

9/3-10/22 $360

My Life in Stories

NONFICTION

Danuta Hinc

Nonfiction Toolbox: Research Brook Wilensky-Lanford If you’re telling a true story, whether memoir, essay or journalism, you need the facts. But where do you find the necessary history, background and quotations to keep your reader informed? This class will introduce nonfiction writers to fruitful sources and basic research strategies. We will also practice ways to incorporate the facts into narrative without weighing down the story. Great for writers with a specific topic of interest, no matter how far along you are in the writing process. 4 Tuesdays Online

N/A Intermediate

9/3-9/24 $195

Creative Nonfiction I Brook Wilensky-Lanford Everyone has a story to tell. This class will give writers a chance to test out and reﬁne your nonﬁction writing, whether it is a personal memoir or an exotic travel history, or anywhere in between. We will discuss basic storytelling, how to grab readers’ attention and keep it, how to describe something you know very well to someone who doesn’t and what it means to be “creative” without making things up. Great for beginning writers new to the workshop experience. 6 Tuesdays Online

N/A Beginner

9/3-10/8 $270

The Writer’s Toolbox Sara Taber

Writing the Holidays Session 2

The Writer’s Center

Writing is “a careful act of construction,” William Zinsser notes. “You must know what the essential tools are and what job they are designed to do.” This is a workshop for those who wish to sharpen the tools in their writer’s toolbox to create fine literary nonfiction. We examine published essays and memoirs, and practice aspects of the writer’s craft such as: concrete detail; use of the senses; figurative language; characterization; dialogue; and scene, summary and musing.

View online at www.writer.org/guide

If you ever wanted to use your own life experience to create compelling stories, this workshop is for you. In the course of eight classes in four weeks you will learn how to generate ideas, build compelling characters, construct convincing plots and develop engaging dialogue. We will focus on the individual writitng process to discover your unique strengths. 4 T/Th Bethesda

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All Levels

9/3-9/26 $195

My Life, One Story at a Time Pat McNees The goal in this workshop is to capture your legacy in short personal writing (especially stories) for those who will survive you. Knowing that you are writing not for publication but to set the record straight (in your own mind, if nothing else) may liberate you, allowing you to frankly explore your life choices and experiences, achievements and mistakes, beliefs and convictions. 6 Wednesdays Bethesda

7:15-9:45 p.m. Intermediate

9/11-10/16 $270

Life Stories Lynn Schwartz Whether you want to write a memoir, blog, college essay, letter to your granddaughter or use your own life as the basis for ﬁction, life story writing requires that we tell where we come from and who we are. Learn to identify your story’s essence and to engage the reader through ﬁctional techniques. Participants will leave inspired to begin or improve a work-in-progress. 1 Saturday Bethesda

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. All Levels

9/21 $50

Writing From Life Ellen Herbet How trustworthy is memory? How do we cull the stories we need to tell from the complicated tangle of memory? This workshop will explore “true writing,” creative nonﬁction in the

WORKSHOPS form of personal narratives, employing literary techniques such as recreated dialogue, time compression and “stimulus and response.”

shop time will be spent writing, sharing work and discussing craft. By the end of four weeks, eight pieces on their way to completion!

6 Wednesdays Bethesda

8 Tuesdays Bethesda

9/25-10/30 $50

A Personal Essay in a Day The personal essay is a wonderfully hospitable form. Drawing on a range of literary traditions and styles—memoirs and portraiture, nature writing, letters and diaries, philosophy and humor—the personal essay lends itself to a variety of voices and topics. The day will be spent listening to recordings of published essays, learning about the building blocks of the personal essay and doing writing exercises. By the end of the class, each participant should have a strong sense of the personal essay form as well as the makings of a personal essay. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All Levels

10/5 $100

Travel Writing for Fun and Profit Ellen Ryan Learn how professionals get their magazine and newspaper travel articles published. No meeting 9/23. 6 Mondays Bethesda

7-9:30 pm Beginner/Int

9/9-10/21 $270

Transcending the Memoir Ann McLaughlin In this workshop members will shape memoirs or notes they have written on travel, relationships, childhood experiences or other topics 6 Saturdays Bethesda

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All Levels

10/12-11/9 $270

Sandra Beasley Clarity, humor, unexpected images and arresting points of view—these values can make the diﬀerence between a good poem and a great one. Our sessions, designed for dedicated writers, will pay close attention to line and phrase not only for the sake of improving those drafts we consider in class, but to build your revision skills going forward. Each meeting will include a craft component, with guided discussion of exemplars from the contemporary poetry world. For consideration, please submit 3-4 poems to zach@writer.org by August 12. 7-10 p.m. Advanced

8/22-9/12 $270

6 Poems, 6 weeks Marie Pavlicek-Wehrli Honoring William Stafford’s dictum: “Writer’s block? Lower your standards!” In this workshop we’ll put together a toolbox of exercises and strategies for jumping into the poem’s first draft without hesitancy or over-thinking. Revising these drafts toward finished poems to be shared in workshop will open up discussion on matters of craft and the often mysterious and unpredictable ways that language itself works to lead the making of the poem forward. 6 Thursdays Bethesda

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Intermediate

9/5-10/10 $80

Sandra Beasley

Sara Taber Writing is “a careful act of construction,” William Zinsser notes. “You must know what the essential tools are and what job they are designed to do.” This is a workshop for those who wish to sharpen the tools in their writer’s toolbox to create fine literary nonfiction. We examine published essays and memoirs, and practice aspects of the writer’s craft such as: concrete detail; use of the senses; figurative language; characterization; dialogue; and scene, summary, and musing. Time for the sharing of work and a free-write are included each week. 1-3:30 p.m. Beginner

Poetry Master Class

4 Thursdays Bethesda

10/29-12/17 $360

8 Essays/Memoirs 8 Weeks Sara Taber Sandwiches, truth, the day you wanted to kick your brother… Come receive stimulating prompts each week—or come with your own idea. Work-

Some poems come alive when harnessed together, clarifying the narrative and heightening the lyric energy. How do you recognize when you’re ready to write in sequence or series? What revisions might this require to individual poems? We’ll look at diverse examples, classic and contemporary, and brainstorm in regards to your work. If you have a series or sequence in progress, bring a representative sample (3-4 sections or poems) on Saturday, to be discussed on Sunday. 2 S/Su Bethesda

8 Mondays Online

N/A All Levels

9/9-11/2 $360

Online Poetry Workshop Bernadette Geyer

Writing Poems in Series & Sequence

The Writer’s Toolbox

8 Tuesdays Bethesda

10/22-12/10 $360

POETRY

Sara Taber

1 Saturday Bethesda

7-9:30 p.m. Intermediate

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 9/7-9/8 Intermediate/Advanced $80

Poetry Studio Online Yvette Neisser Moreno In a supportive, collaborative atmosphere, we will strive to bring each poem to the highest level (publication-ready) by seeking the “heart” of the poem and the best form and diction to convey it. Aspects to be discussed may include

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

Don’t just sit around waiting for the muse. For eight weeks, this workshop will provide inspiration for generating new poems as well as ideas for resuscitating and refreshing old drafts. New “lessons” will be posted weekly, featuring example poems and links to additional reading. Participants will share and comment on each other’s work and will receive individual feedback from the workshop leader. 8 Mondays Online

N/A All Levels

9/16-11/11 $360

Formalism Lite Nan Fry Some poems, as Ezra Pound noted, “have form as a tree has form, some as water poured into a vase.” In this workshop, we’ll explore forms that allow a poem to develop organically and also provide some structure. We’ll experiment with riddles, chants, lists, syllabics and other ﬂexible forms in order to generate poems that develop as ﬂuidly as a tree and yet have a compelling structure. 7 Tuesdays Bethesda

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 9/17-10/29 Beginner/Intermediate $315

The Force of Poetry Liz Rees Open to poets of all levels, we will focus on workshopping poems, in-class writing and discussion of contemporary poems. Speciﬁc exercises will be given to free the imagination and quiet the inner censor. We will explore formal considerations, stylistic choices and those moments when the poem catches its own voice. Bring 15 copies of a poem you love (not your own) to the ﬁrst session, as well as 15 copies of one of your own. 8 Saturdays Bethesda

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All Levels

9/21-11/9 $300

6 Poems, 6 Weeks Mark Cugini In this beginner’s level class, students will write, workshop, and critique six new poems. Class discussions will focus on poetic techniques and devices, and writers will be given weekly prompts to “jumpstart” their writing. The goal of this course is to complete six new poems. 6 Wednesdays Bethesda

7-9:30 pm All Levels

9/25-10/30 $270

Getting Your Poetry Published Michele Wolf Whether you have yet to submit your ﬁrst poem to a literary journal or are ready to oﬀer a publisher a book-length manuscript, this intensive

WORKSHOPS

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Beginner

a poem’s trajectory, line/stanza breaks, syntax, word choice, imagery and titles.

WORKSHOPS one-day workshop will give you advice on how to succeed, tailored to your work’s strengths. Get tips on placing poems in print and online journals, why anthologies are such an appealing platform, how to publish chapbooks and books the pros and cons of contests, the etiquette of poetry submission, how to develop your poetry network and how to keep your morale high while facing rejection in a highly competitive ﬁeld. Magazine handouts will be provided. 1 Sunday Bethesda

2-5 p.m. All Levels

10/6 $60

Ellen Cole

WORKSHOPS

This workshop covers the beneﬁts of reading aloud, ways of rehearsing and preparing and how to read to bring out the musicality and meaning of your poems. We’ll do exercises for controlling and projecting your voice, and practice with a mic. We’ll cover stage fright, choosing what to read and how to respond to a particular audience. Participants will be coached on reading work that they bring to the workshop and receive information on opportunities to perform poetry at local venues. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m 10/12-10/19 All Levels $80

Formal Boot Camp Melanie Figg Don’t be daunted! You will be amazed at what you can do and what working in form will teach you. This class will boost your knowledge of and comfort with formal verse and hone your skills with language. Students will learn and practice a variety of forms while exploring how issues of craft (line, rhythm, rhyme, diction, voice) inform both formal verse as well as free verse. 6 Mondays Bethesda

7-9:30 p.m. 10/14-11/18 Intermediate/Advanced $270

Poaching for Poems Lisa Fay Coutley In this workshop we will discuss poems that intersect disciplines, generating two, original poems/week. Students will select a discipline outside the self (e.g. limnology, nephology) to augment their subjects, probing texts in order to appropriate jargon and concepts, building poems that explore persona, found imagery, metaphor, etc. By the workshop’s end, you’ll have a sampling of polished pieces from which to assemble a series or launch a larger project. 4 Mondays Online

N/A Intermediate

1 Saturday Annapolis

1-4 p.m. All levels

10/19 $60

The Line vs. The Sentence Melanie Figg

Reading Your Poetry Aloud to an Audience

2 Saturdays Bethesda

used to bring their poems to a clear, resonant conclusion. We will also discuss anti-closure— the resistance that so many contemporary poets feel toward poems that “click shut.” Bring a poem of your own and get feedback on your approach. Open to poets at all levels.

10/14-11/4 $195

How to End a Poem Sue Ellen Thompson Is there a right or wrong way to end a poem? A better way? This workshop will focus on closure—the strategies that poets have traditionally

This double session class will look at the craft of lineation--how to break the lines of your poem’s sentences into illuminating nuggets of meaning and startling sourballs of surprise. We’ll re-line some of our own poems to see some fresh new options, and look at the many ways poets use line breaks to better understand this essential tool that helps articulate your message and expand the power of your poem. 2 Saturdays Bethesda

10 a.m.-12 p.m. All Levels

10/19-10/26 $80

Demystifying the Dash: Syntax and Punctuation for Poets Yvette Neisser Moreno Once mastered, sentence structure and punctuation can be manipulated to create powerful eﬀects in poetry. When should you use a dash versus a semi-colon? When is a sentence fragment eﬀective? Can line breaks be substituted for commas? We will address these questions and more by reviewing key grammar rules, examining sample poems and workshopping participants’ poems. 2 Saturdays Bethesda

1:30-4:30 p.m. Beg/Inter

10/26-11/2 $100

Memory as Muse Nan Fry Even if we can’t remember what we had for lunch, memory can be an inexhaustible source for creative writing. In our ﬁrst session, we’ll do some generative exercises to help us access the treasures hidden in our memories. Through group sharing, we’ll welcome and celebrate the results and explore approaches to shaping them into poems and prose pieces. In our second meeting, participants will bring in and discuss that new work with feedback from the instructor. 2 Saturdays Bethesda

10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 11/2-11/9 Beginner/Intermediate $80

The Writer’s Center them and ultimately as Samuel Taylor Coleridge said put “the best words in the best order.” 4 Tuesdays Online

N/A All Levels

11/4-11/25 $195

Silence & Sound: The Line Lisa Fay Coutley In this workshop we will discuss and craft poems that break the line—a segment of sound and meaning punctuated and bracketed by silence—in order to create suspense, surprise and make genuine discoveries. The tension between silence and sound will be at the heart of our discussions and our pursuit as we prewrite, draft and revise using various prompts and methods to test the full capacity of the line. 4 Mondays Online

N/A Intermediate

11/4-11/25 $195

All About Tone Sue Ellen Thompson Robert Frost said, “It’s tone I’m in love with; that’s what poetry is, tone.” The ability to control tone in a poem is what makes the poet credible and his or her intention clear. But tone has not always been easy to deﬁne, let alone control. In this workshop we will attempt to distinguish tone from voice, style and mood. We will explore what contributes to a poem’s tone and how these elements can be used to convey attitude and emotion. 1 Saturday Annapolis

1-4 p.m. All levels

11/16 $60

What Sound Effects Can Do for Your Poems Sue Ellen Thompson Assonance, consonance, internal rhyme, alliteration, onomatopoeia—there are countless ways to underscore meaning in your poems by paying more attention to the way words sound. In this workshop we will look at the emotions associated with certain vowel and consonant sounds and how other poets have used various “sound eﬀects” to make their poems more musical as well as meaningful. We will also examine the difference between strategies involving sound that work and those that are merely clever. 1 Saturday Annapolis

1-4 pm All levels

12/7 $60

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Speechwriting 101 James Alexander

The Art of Revision Bernadette Geyer Poets often have folders full of poem drafts they’ve abandoned because, while they believe the draft has promise, they can’t seem to ﬁgure out how to move the draft in the right direction. In this workshop, we will explore ways to “rethink” stubborn drafts in order to breathe new life into

View online at www.writer.org/guide

How do you write a speech? Where do you start? What are the components of a good speech? Learn the fundamentalsof speechwriting from learning the speaker’s “voice” to messaging, research and structuring a speech. Hands-on experience. 6 Thursdays Bethesda

7-9:30 p.m. Beg/Int

9/12-10/17 $270

WORKSHOPS Angela Render Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business person, or a writer, if you want to succeed you need to know your market, know how what you have appeals to them, have some connections, and a plan: a platform. This workshop discusses what a marketing platform is and when to start building it. It also gives a brief overview of the tools available for building a platform and discusses Internet privacy and copyright. Participants will brainstorm what types of internet media might be right for them to use. 1 Saturday Bethesda

12-2 p.m. Beginner

9/28 $40

Blogging for Beginners Angela Render This introductory class explains what a blog is and what it can do for fun or for professional development. It will cover several blogging software options, the basics on how to set up a blog and choose a domain name, how to post and how to insert images. Participants will get a feel for what sort of content should be included in a post, how to organize their content, how to invite comment and how to promote themselves on other people’s blogs. Participants will brainstorm topic ideas for participants’ own blogs. 1 Saturday Bethesda

3-5 p.m. Beginner

9/28 $40

Blogging and Social Media 101 Mary McCarthy So you want an Internet presence? This course, taught by a leading blogger with ten years’ experience writing on the web, will cover how to start a blog from scratch or increase readership to a new blog using social media. We will compare and contrast trends in use of social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and others to determine how each can best promote your blog. 8 Tuesdays Online

N/A Beginner

10/1-11/12 $360

Advanced Blogging and Social Media Mary McCarthy Already have a blog and looking to increase readership and maybe make some money? If you have been blogging for awhile and not seeing results in increased readership, this course is for you. Taught by a leading blogger with ten years’ experience writing on the web, the class will cover search engine optimization and how to make it work for your blog. Find out how to evaluate analytics to determine which of the social media outlets (from Facebook and Twitter

to Pinterest, Instagram, Linked In and beyond) can draw readers to your content. Also discover where to spend community time on content sharing sites (Reddit, Stumbleupon, Digg, etc) in order to promote your work. 8 Tuesdays Online

N/A Intermediate

10/1-11/12 $360

Successfully Pitch Editors for Freelance Articles

What makes a song work? Learn about common song structures. How do you get ideas for your songs and how do you articulate them? We will study existing songs to deconstruct them and reconstruct them. Then, we will apply what we learn to new songs. The class will include writing exercises, ideas for editing and improving your writing, simple chord structures and simple melody ideas. 5 Tuesdays Bethesda

7:30-9:30 p.m. All Levels

10/1-10/29 $195

Amy Abrams Learn insider tips for selling your articles to editors at magazines, newspapers and websites from a former publishing executive, now a professional freelancer, with bylines at top publications and websites. You’ll discover how to generate winning ideas, perfectly match them to the right periodicals and write successful proposals—that will sell!—in this intensive, but fun, one-day workshop. Give yourself an edge by knowing what happens behind-the-scenes. Receive personal feedback to quickly grow your writing career. 1 Saturday Bethesda

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All Levels

10/12 $80

Blogging Tips & Tricks Angela Render An intermediate level workshop that is best suited for people who are already blogging and want to take their blogs to the next level. Students will learn techniques to improve their posts and their exposure. Basic graphics editing, search engine optimization (SEO), and ways to come up with sustainable topics to write about will be discussed. Participants should have already been blogging at least a month. 1 Saturday Bethesda

12-2 p.m. Intermediate

10/26 $40

Social Networking Angela Render Does the world of social media make you want to head for a cave? Do you think the world’s all gone to Twitter, Facebook and other social networks? Learn to navigate the social surf online and in person as you learn how to approach social networking online and oﬀ. Recommended, but not mandatory: Familiarity with blogging or having taken Introduction to Blogging. 1 Saturday Bethesda

3-5 p.m. Intermediate

10/26 $40

SONGWRITING Songwriting 101 Cathy Fink We will start at the beginning. You either have never written a song and want to, or you can approach the class with a beginner’s mind.

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

STAGE & SCREEN Elements of Playwriting: Theatricality Richard Washer Writing for the stage oﬀers opportunities for writers to explore and be inspired by theatrical tools that can make a play unique and exciting for an audience to attend. In this workshop we will look at the various components that go into stage production and how they can be used to not only inspire our writing but to help communicate our story in powerful ways. In this context we will also discuss stage directions and other methods we can use to convey our vision. 1 Thursday Bethesda

7:30-10 p.m. All Levels

8/22 $45

Elements of Playwriting: Exposition Richard Washer What does your audience need to know and when do they need to know it? You only have a couple of hours (often less) to tell a story onstage, so there isn’t much time for providing back stories. In this workshop we will consider various strategies for managing exposition and look at examples in their historical contexts to better understand how to handle this in our own writing. 1 Saturday Bethesda

12:30-3 p.m. All Levels

9/7 $45

Elements of Playwriting: New Play Development Richard Washer Now that you have ﬁnished several drafts of your play, it’s time to consider the next step: putting your play into the hands of theatre artists who will bring it to life. New play development has evolved considerably over the last 20 years and there are a number of opportunities out there for new plays and new playwrights. In this session we will look at strategies for marketing and what to expect in the new play development process. 1 Thursday Bethesda

7:30-10 p.m. All Levels

9/12 $45

WORKSHOPS

Introduction to Marketing

WORKSHOPS

A concentration on the art of rewriting your screenplay. A completed or near completed script is required.

Writers will gain a working literacy of the most important elements of performance and will be introduced to key areas of craft including language, dialogue and the essentials of dramatic form and structure. Students will end the class with a completed one-act play.

8 Thursdays Bethesda

8 Tuesdays Bethesda

Screenwriting II Lyn Vaus

7:30 -10 p.m. Intermediate

9/14-11/1 $360

7-10 p.m. Beginner

9/17-11/5 $360

Screenwriting I

The Art & Craft of Screenwriting

Jeﬀrey Rubin

Khris Baxter

If you want to know how to turn your movie idea into a full-ﬂedged screenplay, or your ﬁnished script into a better one, then this workshop is for you. All the basics are covered: plot structure, character, dialogue, writing visually, formatting and more. Students will be able to get feedback on their own ideas, outlines or scripts in progress and be equipped and encouraged to take the next steps.

This intensive one-day workshop will guide the beginning or intermediate screenwriter through the entire screenwriting process: idea, story, plot, structure, character development, scene construction and dialogue. In short, the necessary tools to begin writing a feature-length screenplay. Participants should arrive with a shrot synopsis (no more than a page) of their screenplay idea. 1 hour lunch break. Minimum age 18.

WORKSHOPS

8 Tuesdays Bethesd

7-9:30 p.m. Beginner

9/17-11/5 $360

Playwriting I Designed for ﬁrst time or beginning playwrights, this course will develop the writer’s individual theatrical style through the writing of scenes and through the discussion of literary examples.

considering the broader implications of style, structure and intent. Using instructor feedback, exercises, improvisation-based writing, and analysis to explore revision, the goal is to empower each writer with an understanding of the revision process as a preparation for a master class in playwriting, developmental workshops, readings and production rehearsals. Participants will be expected to do frequent rewrites as well as read each other’s scripts outside of the workshop time so as to maximize workshop time. 8 Saturdays Bethesda

12:30-3 p.m. Advanced

9/28-11/16 $360

The Art & Craft of Screenwriting Khris Baxter

Richard Washer

This intensive one-day workshop will guide the beginning or intermediate screenwriter through the entire screenwriting process: idea, story, plot, structure, character development, scene construction, and dialogue. Ins hort, the necessary tools to begin writing a feature-length screenplay. Participants should arrive with a shrot synopsis (no more than a page) of their screenplay idea. 1 hour lunch break. Minimum age 18.

This workshop, geared towards serious writers who have completed most if not all of a draft of a play, will focus on revision strategies while

1 Saturday Bethesda

1 Saturday Glen Echo

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All Levels

9/21 $100

Advanced Playwriting

Randy Baker

The Writer’s Center

10 am-4 pm All Levels

10/19 $100

Mom Approved Fun Finder with just a click!

View online at www.writer.org/guide

WORKSHOPS Khris Baxter This intensive one-day workshop will guide the beginning or intermediate screenwriter through the entire screenwriting process: idea, story, plot, structure, character development, scene construction and dialogue. Ins hort, the necessary tools to begin writing a feature-length screenplay. Participants should arrive with a short synopsis (no more than a page) of their screenplay idea. 1 hour lunch break. Minimum age 18. 1 Saturday Hill Center

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All Levels

11/23 $100

WRITING FOR YOUNGER READERS Fiction I: For the Middle Grade and Young Adult Readers Judith Tabler Middle graders (children ages 8-12) and Young Adults (children ages 12-18) can be a terrific audience for your creative skills. These age groups devour both nonfiction and fiction. We will look at classic and current literature, but most class time will be spent discussing participants’ writ-

ings. We will explore protagonists, plot, conflict, action, humor, dialogue, villains, secondary characters, good beginnings, strong middles, and great endings. Writers of all levels are welcome. Come to the first class with a copy of a middle grade or young adult book you wish you’d written and discuss its strengths with the group. Class schedule will alternate between Bethesda and online workshops. Weeks one, three, five and seven will meet in Bethesda. Weeks two, four and six will be online. 7 Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. Bethesda & Online All Levels

9/10-10/22 $315

Peter Mandel Having a children’s book published in today’s tough market can seem like an impossible dream. But, in reality, getting your book idea into shape and into print can hinge on just the right advice and a timely critique from a pro. Do you need an agent? Should you connect with an artist? What about self-publishing? In a D.C.-area exclusive one-session workshop, nationallyknown author Peter Mandel will pass on the insiders’ tips writers need to know in order to create a marketable ﬁrst book and get it into

Writing your first novel or in need of professional support to further your writing career?

1 Tuesday Bethesda

Workshop for Kids 8-12 If some of your favorite writers are Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss, come to this workshop where you can combine your writing and artistic talents to write your own story in verse. Whether your characters are young people like yourself or whether your characters are fairies, sprites, ghosts, monsters or visiting aliens, this is your opportunity to have fun with words and art to write your own children’s book. Students should bring pens/pencils and paper and wear their comfy clothes. 6 Saturdays Capitol Hill

10 a.m.-12 p.m. All Levels

10/12-11/16

FIND THE ARTS!

DANCE

• • • • • •

Museums

Reasonable rates, no contracts/retainers, privacy guaranteed. Free 20-minute phone consultation: 301-439-7567 For more information, check out: www.WriteByYou.com or email Kathryn@WriteByYou.com

12/3 $50

YOUNGER WRITERS

Kathryn Johnson, popular author of over 40 published books (with HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Silhouette, Avon, Macmillan and others), developer of The Extreme Novelist course for The Writer’s Center, is now accepting new clients. Services designed to fit the individual author’s needs. Including: Partial or Full Content Editing Critical Reads and Brainstorming Sessions Publish-ready Analysis and Tips Help with Queries/Synopses/Pitches Private Consultation and Instruction at all levels Specializing in all fiction genres & the creative memoir

7-9:30 p.m. All Levels

Adele Brown

Creating Your Book for Children: Shape it, Submit it, See it in Print

Author’s Coach/ Writing Mentor

the hands of exactly the right gatekeepers in the publishing world. During class, participants will come up with a working title for their book, focus in on a target audience and learn how to make professional-quality manuscript submissions.

Theatre

Music GALLERIES

The Writer’s Center

YO U R L I N K T O T H E A R T S I N M E T R O D C

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

WORKSHOPS

The Art & Craft of Screenwriting

Wilson Wyatt A Renaissance member of TWC’s Board of Directors Stewart Moss

ood writing has no borders, says Wilson Wyatt, an avid writer with a long career in journalism, communications and marketing. Wyatt has brought the experience and discernment of a writer, tactician and artist to The Writer’s Center since joining the Board of Directors three years ago. Wyatt is founding editor of the literary journal The Delmarva Review, past coordinator of the annual Bay to Ocean Writers Conference and author of two published collections of his own photographs. He’s been helpful to the Center’s staff as it shapes a dynamic marketing strategy, while also being a tireless advocate for our mission and programs among his fellow writers on the Delmarva Peninsula through the Eastern Shore Writer’s Association (ESWA). Before joining the Board, Wilson took multiple writing workshops at TWC with fiction teachers such as Bob Bausch,

John Beckman and Stephanie Allen. He believes “writing turns from craft to art when we create those magic images that relate feelings and emotions from one human to another.” Like a good piece of writing, Wilson believes that a photograph should tell a story. Before letting the shutter release, he explains, “you should ask yourself, what story am I trying to tell?” He described his experience of being on a nautical photo trek with other photographers who clicked away madly as the sun

rose behind the Chesapeake Bay’s historic Thomas Point Lighthouse. Writer that he is, Wilson waited for the ideal narrative moment. “Sunrise at Thomas Point Light House,” was selected as the winner of Nikon’s Mentor Best of Maryland photography series. Another interest of Wilson’s that he says has helped him develop even better narrative skills has been his frequent participation in online writing workshops such as those offered at TWC. Continued on page 47

Photo by Wilson Wyatt “Sunrise at Thomas Point Light House” won Nikon’s Mentor Best of Maryland photography series. View online at www.writer.org/guide

Whodunit How-To Taking the Mystery out of Crime Writing Matthew J. Dick

illed with menacing riddles and powerful suspense, the crime genre has earned its place amongst even the most explosive fiction novels. At The Writer’s Center, mystery-writing workshops guide participants in weaving tales of intrigue and adventure. “The hardest part of mystery writing is crafting a well-told story where your words can solve a mystery,” says Alan Orloff, one of TWC’s renowned mystery workshop leaders. “The trick is giving the reader enough clues.” After taking a comprehensive workshop led by Orloff, writer Katherine Thomas found that practice held the keys to her success. “I would always start, but never seemed to finish,” says Thomas, who recently completed her first novel. “That class saved my writing.” Renowned mystery authors and MWA members Alan Orloff and Con Lehane lead a number of mystery workshops at TWC each season. Orloff is is the author of Diamonds for the Dead (2010), an Agatha Award finalist for Best First Novel. Lehane is a writer from New York and author of the popular Brian McNutley mystery series.

Both are members of Mystery Writers of America (MWA), a non-profit organization that works to educate aspiring writers and enthusiasts about the realm of the mystery genre. “Orloff’s teaching style allows writers to hone in on their ability, and cultivate it onto the page,” Thomas says. But for some, this process is incredibly tedious, and can often be discouraging. “My comments were always ready, and Alan’s comfortable attitude made critique easy,” Thomas says. “People always felt comfortable sharing.” Above all, Orloff stresses the importance of improvement through critique. Creating an environment where writers feel safe enough to share their words comes first in his and other’s mystery workshops.

Alan Orloff

Con Lehane

Students are encouraged to exceed their own expectations through careful review of each other’s work. Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

Through the practice and professional guidance offered in TWC’s mystery workshops, writers can gain a wealth of experience based on genre-specific writing, research and critique. “It takes the mystery out of mystery writing,” says Thomas.

BOOK TALK The Survivor Tree: Inspired by a True Story Cheryl Somers Aubin

The Discreet Charms of a Bourgeois Beach Town: Rehoboth Beach Stories Rich Barnett

ISBN: 978-0983833406

Cheryl Somers Aubin takes the reader on a journey of hope and healing by imaginatively describing the experiences, memories and feelings of the 9/11 Survivor Tree. Illustrations by Sheila Harrington. Available on Amazon.com. All profits go to charity. www.thesurvivortree.com

ISBN: 978-0984999408

Local writer and columnist Rich Barnett’s first book is a humorous and gently satiric portrait of Rehoboth Beach, DE, one of the East Coast’s most unique beach towns. This fun beach read is available at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth and on Amazon.com. www.rehobothbook.com

One Day Tells its Tale to Another

Gulf War Vets: The Richest of Resources

Nonnie Augustine

Kathi Beauchesne

ISBN: 978-1480186354

Nonnie Augustine’s first poetry collection is being published by The Linnet’s Wings. Ms. Augustine holds a degree in dance from Juilliard and was at one time a special education teacher. She now writes and edits full time. www.nonnieaugustine.com

The Writer’s Center

Because military life, culture and combat are instilled throughout the lives of service members and their families, it follows that corporate employers build their workplace policies, programs and practices for veterans on basic themes underpinning military life. Effective corporate strategies and organizational change discussed may well ensure veterans’ successful employment.

My Recollections of Maximilian Marie de la Fère Edited and introduced by C.M. Mayo

A free PDF download ebook from Dancing Chiva, this previously very rare English language eyewitness memoir of 1860s Mexico has been published by permission of the Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley. www.dancingchiva.com Next Stop: An Autistic Son Grows Up Glen Finland ISBN: 978-0425261033

A Barnes & Noble 2012 Discover Great New Writer’s Pick, Next Stop offers a candid portrait of the summer Finland taught his 21-year old son David, who is tall dark and autistic, to ride the DC Metro trains. In the process, David teaches Finland to let him go. www.glenfinland.com Of Mouse and Magic

After Words

Alan Gall

The Song ov Elmallahz Kumming, Bouk 1

Shirley J. Brewer ISBN: 978-1934074824

After Words is Shirley J. Brewer’s response to the stabbing death of 23-year-old Hopkins researcher Stephen Pitcairn, who died in the street just one block from Brewer’s home in Baltimore’s Charles Village. In words both spare and poignant, she creates an awareness of the staggering ways violence robs us all. www.apoeticlicense.com

Stephen M. Berer

Elmallah, a divine messenger, is sent to Ertha to awaken her. Although she dwells as a shadow in a shadowy wilderness, Elmallah is instructed to liberate her latent beauty, power and desire. But can Elmallah lift her from her wild state, or will she overwhelm his spirit and drag him into the darkness of her world?

ISBN: 978-1936401789

An adventure-laden literary yarn for young readers. A family of field mice lives in a dangerous environment, mindful of the predators. The children grow up with practical skills, stay alive by supplementing self-reliance with partnerships and learn to love and be loved. Available on Amazon.com and bn.com.

View online at www.writer.org/guide

BOOK TALK Short Leashed Janice Gary ISBN: 978-1611860726

When Janice Gary risks taking her aggressive dog Barney to a public park, she begins a remarkable journey that releases them both from the leash of their traumatic past. “Luminously spiritual, unflinchingly honest, the words in Short Leash leap off the page, remaking its genre into a profound meditation.” www.janicegary.com/ Scorched by the Sun: Poems by Moshe Dor Translated by Barbara Goldberg ISBN: 978-0299227203

These poems by renowned Israeli poet Moshe Dor breathe, smell and taste like Israel. Here is the agony of war while craving for peace, the harsh reality of clashes in biblical landscapes. “Ardent, compressed, pungent and lyrical, these poems have a glorious force that recalls the roots of all poetry.” - Robert Pinsky, former U.S. poet laureate. Devil Dancer William R. Heath ISBN: 978-0985389840

James W. Hall writes, “Mingling wry humor and tough guy dialogue that Elmore Leonard would be proud of, Devil Dancer is brimming over with haunting characters. This is a first-rate novel of suspense that also accomplishes all the things we expect from our best works of literature.”

There are Reasons Noah Packed No Clothes Robert Jacoby ISBN: 978-0983969709

Kirkus Reviews wrote, “Despair and salvation mix to powerful effect in Jacoby’s debut novel that follows a young man’s confrontation with suicide....A confident, strongly voiced portrait of despair...” B. Morrison also wrote, “...the power of Jacoby’s prose and the emotional truth of Richard’s journey are irresistible.” www.robert-jacoby.com The Fallen Snow John J. Kelley ISBN: 978-0988414808

A ForeWord Reviews Book-of-theYear Finalist. John J Kelley’s debut novel,The Fallen Snow, explores a soldier’s difficult return to rural Virginia after experiencing trauma and unspeakable love in WWI France. “Honestly and without frills … a timeless tale” www.thefallensnow.com Black Rice K.M. Kaung ISBN: 978061579526

Black Rice is about an extremely darkskinned man who is adopted by a pale family in Burma. His tormented coming of age coincides with the outbreak of multi-colored insurgencies in Burma a year before independence from the British in 1948. Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

Follow him from the jungle to a surprise ending in the lyrical and visual prose of poet and political scientist K.M.Kaung. Available on Amazon.com The Invented Child Margaret Mackinnon ISBN: 978-1878851628

Margaret Mackinnon’s, The Invented Child, won the 2011 Gerald Cable Book Award. Kelly Cherry writes, “These are splendid poems of feeling that look far beyond the self to the miraculous other.” Gregory Orr says the poems are “alert to history and family.” Available through Silverfish Review Press, spdbooks.org and Amazon.com. A Boy From Bethesda Dennis McKay ISBN: 978-1475985917

Told through the elusive lens of time, A Boy From Bethesda follows the life of Johnny O’Brien. A natural leader and gifted athlete, tenyear old Johnny’s life is forever altered by a sudden tragedy and an ensuing discovery that haunts him for the remainder of his life. dennismckay.com Love Crazy Selby Fleming McPhee ISBN: 978-1625530097

The discovery of a forbidden box of letters sends McPhee on a journey through her family’s history in the first half of the American twentieth century. The box’s lid warns: “Personal letters of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Fleming—to be destroyed unopened,” an invitation if there ever was one.

BOOK TALK SHAW Cora Mack ISBN: 978-1483622668

SHAW is the first in a series of mysteries set in the historic Shaw District of Washington, D.C. in 1956. Easton Priest is a young Black journalist working to create a future for himself and his fiancé when a prominent local figure is murdered. Priest risks his life to find the perpetrator and the elusive truth. Available through these online bookstores: Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Xlibris.com or by phone at 1-888-795-4274 ext. 7879

The Writer’s Center

El Último Príncipe del Imperio Mexicano

Fire in the Dancing Heart

C.M. Mayo Traducción de Agustín Cadena

ISBN: 978-1452560229

ISBN: 978-0985278144

Novela histórica basada en el increíble y verdadera historia del desconocido nieto de Agustín de Iturbide, a quien Maximiliano de Habsburgo “adopto´”, convirtiéndolo en el presunto heredero de su imperio. Publicado en México por Random House Mondadori-Grijalbo, y ahora disponsible en Kindle. www.cmmayo.com

Los Visitantes Traducción de Bertha Ruiz de la Concha

Right to Kill: A Brooklyn Tale

C.M. Mayo

ISBN: 978-1468920543

Bikem Ozturk

Bikem Ozturk was born in Istanbul and is a writer, dancer and healer. In Fire in the Dancing Heart, Ozturk reminds readers that whatever their story, be it rape, abortion or mental illness, they are bigger than their story. www.profoundlifeoftheheart.com Having Sex, Wanting Intimacy— Why Women Settle For One-Sided Relationships Jill P. Weber, Ph.D.

Jim McGinty

ISBN: 978-0967409320

Una visita a Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, un pueblo único y mágico en la costa del pacifico - y en la antesala de una gran transformación. Libro digital (iBook) Dancing Chiva, 2012 www.cmmayo.com Miraculous Air: Journey of a Thousand Miles through Baja California, the Other Mexico

A Brooklyn tale about loyalty, wartime romance, gritty combat, murder and a touch of humor. Set during the social turmoil of the late 60s, a Marine Lieutenant’s noble journey goes bad. Brutal combat, loss of friends and a senseless killing back home propel him into vengeful action. www.righttokill.com

ISBN: 978-1442220201

Finding lasting love and intimacy can be difficult for many women. Some end up agreeing to sexual relationships hoping that they will lead to fulfilling relationships only to be let down when they don’t. Anyone struggling to break this cycle will find in these pages a warm and ready approach to finding love and fulfillment. www.drjillweber.com /@DrJillWeber

At Beauty’s Pawnshop

C.M. Mayo

John O’Dell

ISBN: 978-1571313041

ISBN: 978-1479771103

Of Miraculous Air, Library Journal wrote, “With elegant prose and an artist’s eye for detail, C.M. Mayo may just have written one of the best books ever about Baja California. Highly recommended.” In paperback from Milkweed Editions and now in Kindle. www.cmmayo.com

This collection of poems by John O’Dell is now available at amazon.com and bn.com. Grace Cavalieri in The Washington Independent Review of Books described the collection as “…emotionally fulfilling, musically precise.” Check out the remarkable images, ideas and well-crafted poems in At Beauty’s Pawnshop. View online at www.writer.org/guide

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Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

WORKSHOP LEADERS AMY ABRAMS is a novelist and journalist, as well as former publishing executive at national art magazines including Art & Antiques and more recently, in Washington, D.C., Associate Publisher of Museum & Arts Washington magazine. Her short stories have been published in Denver Quarterly and Hobart. She is fiction co-editor of The Delmarva Review. Non-fiction contributions include The Wall Street Journal and Art in America. Her book about a nationally renowned pop artist, Bill Schenck, was published in 2013. Her first novel, The Cage and the Key, was published in June.

LEADERS

JAMES ALEXANDER has been writing professionally for over 30 years, including several as a speechwriter. After earning a B.A. of arts in journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he worked as a bylined newspaper reporter for The Charlotte Observer and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and also as an intern for The Washington Post. Alexander went on to serve in the House and Senate as a U.S. Congressional Fellow before working on Capitol Hill as a press secretary and op-ed writer. As an op-ed ghostwriter, he has published more than 50 op-eds for key government and political figures on a variety of topics in various newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. RANDY BAKER is a playwright, director and co-artistic director of Rorschach Theatre, which he founded with Jenny McConnell Frederick in the summer of 1999. Plays he has written have been produced and developed at Rorschach Theatre, Source Theatre, The National New Play Network, Inkwell Theatre, Theater J, Wordsmyth Theater and MTWorks, among others. He was recently chosen to be a member of The Playwright’s Arena, a part of Arena Stage’s American Voices New Play Institute and is developing a play as a part of Theater J’s Locally Grown series. KHRIS BAXTER is a screenwriter, producer and the president of Story Lab, a Film & Television development and finance company. Khris also teaches at Queens University in Charlotte, N.C. and at The Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop at Hollins University. He’s a member of the Virginia Film Office where he’s a judge for the annual Virginia Screenwriting Competition.

SANDRA BEASLEY is the author of I Was the Jukebox, winner of the Barnard Women Poets Prize (2010). Her first collection, Theories of Falling, won the New Issues Poetry Prize. Her poetry has been featured on Poetry Daily, Verse Daily and in The Best American Poetry 2010. Her memoir, Don’t Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life, was published in 2011. ADELE STEINER BROWN, M.F.A., studied English literature and creative writing/ poetry at University of Maryland and is an instructor with Montgomery College and Maryland State Arts Council. She is also the host of Café Muse, and author of Refracted Love, Freshwater Pearls, The Moon Lighting and Look Ma, “Hands” on Poetry. Her work has appeared in WordWrights!, Maryland Poetry Review, Gargoyle, Lucid Stone, Smartish Pace and So To Speak. NANCY NAOMI CARLSON, PH.D., is an associate editor for Tupelo Press. Nominated five times for a Pushcart Prize, she has published two award-winning chapbooks, as well as Kings Highway and a book of translations, Stone Lyre: Poems of Rene Char. Her work has appeared in print over 200 times, including such journals as AGNI, Crazyhorse, Denver Quarterly, Phoebe, Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Shenandoah and forthcoming in The Georgia Review. She is a recipient of a Maryland Arts Council grant for poetry. MARY CARPENTER has a bachelor of arts in English from Wellesley College, a graduate degree in journalism from Boston University and 30 years of experience as a published journalist. She has written two nonfiction books for young adults and is currently working on a series of personal essays. BRENDA W. CLOUGH is a novelist, short story and nonfiction writer. Her recent eBooks are Revise the World and Speak to Our Desires. Her novels include How Like a God, The Doors of Death and Life and Revise the World. She has been a finalist for both the Hugo and the Nebula awards. She has been teaching science fiction & fantasy workshops at The Writer’s Center for more than10 years. ELLEN COLE is a poet, actress, teaching artist and puppeteer. Aside from TWC, she’s been on faculty at Round House Theatre, Passion for Learning’s Young Writer’s

The Writer’s Center Institute and Interact Story Theatre, and has been a featured reader at venues throughout the area, including Iota, Kensington Row, Takoma Park’s Third Thursday, VisArts, A Voice Inside (now the Capital Hill Poetry series,) Tudor Place, open mics and more. Her poems have appeared in The Washington Post, The Potomac Review, The Innisfree Poetry Journal, Ares Poetica.com, The Takoma Voice and others. LISA FAY COUTLEY is author of In the Carnival of Breathing (Black Lawrence Press, 2011), winner of the Black River Chapbook Competition. Her poems have been awarded a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, scholarships to the Bread Loaf and Sewanee Writers’ Conferences, and an Academy of American Poets Levis Prize. She is a Ph.D candidate and poetry editor for Quarterly West at the University of Utah. MARK CUGINI, M.F.A., is founding editor of Big Lucks, a regular contributor to HTMLGi HTMLGiant, and curator of the Three Tents Reading Series in Washington, D.C. His work has appeared or is forthcoming in Melville House, Keyhole, Barrelhouse, NOÖ, Stymie and Everyday Genius, among others. In 2011, he was a recipient of a Scholarship Grant to the Juniper Summer Writing Institute at UMass Amherst. His first chapbook is forthcoming from Ink Press. BARBARA ESSTMAN, M.F.A., is a National Endowment for the Arts, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts fellow and a Redbook fiction award winner, among other distinctions. Her two novels, The Other Anna and Night Ride Home, are in numerous foreign editions; both were adapted for television by Hallmark Productions. She co-edited an anthology, A More Perfect Union: Poems and Stories About the Modern Wedding, and has taught extensively in universities. MELANIE FIGG has taught poetry to adult learners, children, college students and prisoners for over 20 years. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for reading and writing poetry with her students. She has won many awards and fellowships for her poetry and published in The Iowa Review, LIT, MARGIE, Colorado Review and other journals. Her first poetry manuscript has been a finalist for the Walt Whitman Award, the Agnes Lynch Starrett Prize, the Tupelo Prize and three other national

View online at www.writer.org/guide

WORKSHOP LEADERS

CATHY FINK is a prolific songwriter with two GRAMMY awards, 11 GRAMMY nominations, and 50 awards from the Washington Area Music Association in bluegrass, folk and children’s music. She shares all her awards and recordings with Marcy Marxer. Cathy & Marcy maintain an active tour schedule as children’s/family performers and folk/roots/country/swing artists. Cathy’s song Names, about the AIDS Memorial Quilt, was recorded by over 20 artists in several countries. NAN FRY, PH.D. is the author of two books of poetry: Relearning the Dark and Say What I Am Called. Her work has appeared in numerous journals, anthologies and textbooks. She received an EdPress Award for excellence in educational journalism and taught at the Corcoran College of Art + Design for over 20 years. BERNADETTE GEYER is a freelance writer and copy editor with more than 15 years of experience in business marketing and public relations. Her articles, book reviews and poems have appeared in WRITER’S Journal, Freelance Writer’s Report, World Energy Review, The Montserrat Review, The Los Angeles Review and others. She received a 2010 Strauss Fellowship from the Arts Council of Fairfax County and published a chapbook of poetry, What Remains. PATRICIA GRAY directs the Poetry and Literature Center at the Library of Congress. She designed and directs the Poetry at Noon reading series there and, for the past three years, she has served as a judge for the National Endowment for the Art’s Poetry Out Loud national semi-finals competition. She has received several D.C. Artist Fellowships, the most recent in 2006. She is author of Rupture, and a limited edition chapbook, Rich with Desire. T. GREENWOOD is the author of six novels. She has received grants from the Sherwood Anderson Foundation, the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and, most recently, the Maryland State Arts Council. Two Rivers was named Best General Fiction Book at the San Diego Book Awards last year.

Four of her novels have been BookSense76/ IndieBound picks; This Glittering World is a January 2011 selection. She teaches creative writing at both the University of California, San Diego’s Extension Program and at The Ink Spot. She and her husband, Patrick, live in San Diego, Calif., with their two daughters. She is also an aspiring photographer. AARON HAMBURGER was awarded the Rome Prize by the American Academy of Arts and Letters for his short story collection The View From Stalin’s Head (Random House), also nominated for a Violet Quill Award. His next book, a novel titled Faith for Beginners (Random House), was nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Poets and Writers, Tin House, Details, Michigan Quarterly Review, Boulevard and the Village Voice. He has also taught writing at Columbia University, NYU and the Stonecoast MFA Program. ZAHARA HECKSCHER, M.A., is the co-author of How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas. She has also written numerous articles that have appeared in books and the online travel magazine Transitions Abroad, where she serves as contributing editor. Heckscher teaches professional writing at University of Maryland at College Park. She is a breast cancer survivor who prefers to be known as a “cancer thriver.” ELLEN HERBERT’s short story collection, Falling Women and Other Stories, have won more than 10 awards including a PEN Syndicate Fiction Prize and a Virginia Fiction fellowship. Her writing has been published in women’s magazines, literary magazines and the Style section of The Washington Post. She won The Flint Hills Review Prize for Creative Nonfiction. DANUTA HINK, M.A., completed three years of postgraduate studies at the Institute of Literary Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences and is a lecturer at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she teaches professional writing. Hinc is the author of To Kill the Other, (Tate Publishing 2011). Hinc has published short fiction and essays in the Little Patuxent Review, The Muse, Litteraria, Word Riot Inc. and numerous features in the newsletter of the Polish Library in Washington, D.C. Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

SINTA JIMENEZ, M.F.A., is a writer, fine artist and fashion journalist. Her short stories, paintings and poetry have been published in several literary magazines including Underground Voices, Otis Nebula and The Black Boot. She is currently a Managing Editor for Meets Obsession magazine. In 2000, she was a recipient of a National Association for the Advancement of the Arts Award in Short Story. KATHRYN JOHNSON has published 41 novels with major U.S. and international publishers. She is an inspiring speaker at national writers’ conferences and the founder of Write by You, a professional mentoring service for fiction writers who seek support in reaching their publication goals. Her most recent critically-acclaimed novel is The Gentleman Poet: A Novel of Love, Danger, and Shakespeare’s The “Tempest.” SUSAN LAND, M.A., has years of experience teaching writing, from Bethesda Elementary to the FBI. She has an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars and was a Stegner Fellow at Stanford. Her fiction has won three Maryland Council for the Arts awards, and her work has recently or will soon appear in Bethesda Magazine, Potomac Review, Roanoke Review, Niche Lit Magazine, Enhanced Gravity: Fiction by Washington Area Women and the anthology He Said, She Wrote. PETER MANDEL Peter Mandel is an adventure travel journalist and the author of nine children’s books. Mandel’s books have come out from HarperCollins, Penguin, Scholastic, Henry Holt and Hyperion, among others, and have been featured in USA Today, and on ABC’s The Home Show. His titles have been part of exhibits at the Museum of Natural History in New York, at the Smithsonian and at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and have been translated into various languages. JIM MATHEWS, M.A., is the author of Last Known Position, a short story collection and winner of the 2008 Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction. His fiction has appeared in many literary journals. He is also the recipient of a number of fiction awards, including three Maryland State Arts Council grants (1999, 2006, and 2010). MARY MCCARTHY has been a professional writer for nearly 20 years, including work in The Washington Post, Philadelphia

LEADERS

competitions. She lives in Silver Spring with her new husband and his two young boys and works as a nonprofit fundraiser for arts organizations in D.C.

WORKSHOP LEADERS Inquirer, Baltimore Sun, Victorian Homes, many regional magazines and several newspaper humor columns. She started blogging in 2004 and created the humor blog pajamasandcoffee.com in 2007. She is editor (and weekly contributor) of Splice Today. A contributing blogger for Katie Couric, she has appeared on The Today Show and Moms Get Real. Her first novel, The Scarlet Letter Society, will be published in 2014. ANN MCLAUGHLIN, PH.D., has given workshops in the novel, short story and journal writing at The Writer’s Center for the past 25 years and is on the board. She has published six novels: Lightning in July, The Balancing Pole, Sunset at Rosalie, Maiden Voyage, The House on Q Street and Leaving Bayberry House. She has had 11 fellowships at Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, one at Yaddo and one at Laverny, Switzerland.

LEADERS

PAT MCNEES was an editor in book publishing (Harper & Row, Fawcett) and a freelance journalist before she began writing other people’s life stories and organizational histories and helping others write their memoirs. She is president of the Association of Personal Historians, and editor of the anthologies My Words Are Gonna Linger: The Art of Personal History, Contemporary Latin American Short Stories and Dying: A Book of Comfort. She is also the author of several nonfiction books. YVETTE NEISSER MORENO’S first book of poetry, Grip, won the 2011 Gival Press Poetry Award. She is co-translator of South Pole/Polo Sur by María Teresa Ogliastri and editor of Difficult Beauty: Selected Poems by Luis Alberto Ambroggio. She has recently taught at The George Washington University, Catholic University and the University of Maryland University College. Yvette is the founder of the DC-Area Literary Translators Network (DC-ALT) and serves on the programming committee of Split This Rock Poetry Festival. JOHN MORRIS has taught at The Writer’s Center since 1995. He has published fiction and poetry in more than 80 literary magazines in the United States and Great Britain. His work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and reprinted in Twentieth Century Literary Criticism. A chapbook, The Musician Approaching Sleep, appeared in 2006 from Dos Madres Press, Inc. His musical project, Mulberry Coach, a col-

laboration with singer and lyricist Katie Fisher, released its fifth CD in 2009. LAURA OLIVER, M.F.A., is the awardwinning author of The Story Within: New Insights and Inspiration for Writers (Penguin Books). She is a creative writing instructor at St. John’s College and taught writing at the University of Maryland. Oliver’s work is published in national newspapers, magazines and top-tier literary reviews. She is the recipient of a Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She speaks on writing as a transformational tool and facilitates writing workshops at Annapolis Wellness House and the Life Center of Chesapeake Hospice. ALAN ORLOFF is the author of Diamonds for the Dead (2010), an Agatha Award finalist for Best First Novel. He also writes the Last Laff Mystery series (Killer Routine (2011) and Deadly Campaign (2012)). He has served as treasurer for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Mystery Writers of America (M.W.A.) and is a member of International Thriller Writers (I.T.W.). MARIE PAVLICEK-WEHRLI, M.F.A., is a poet, painter and printmaker. Her poems have appeared in various publications including Ekphrasis, About Place, Anon, Blast Furnace, Poet Lore, Innisfree Poetry Journal, Beloit Poetry Journal and various other journals and anthologies. She’s been a fellow at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (Painting) and Ragdale (Poetry), and is a recipient of an Individual Artist Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. NANI POWER first novel, Crawling at Night was a New York Times Notable Book of The Year and a finalist for Los Angeles Times Book Award as well as the British Orange Award. It has been translated into six languages and optioned for film. The Good Remains was also a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and a finalist for the Virginia Library Award. The Sea Of Tears (2005), Feed the Hungry: A Memoir with Recipes (2008), and her most recent, Ginger and Ganesh: Adventures in Indian Cooking, Culture, and Love (2010). ELIZABETH REES, M.A., has taught at several leading colleges, including Harvard University, the U.S. Naval Academy, Howard University and Johns Hopkins University. She works as a “poet-in-the-Schools” for

The Writer’s Center Maryland State Arts Council. She has published over 250 poems in journals such as Partisan Review, The Kenyon Review, AGNI and North American Review. She has four award-winning chapbooks, most recently, Tilting Gravity, winner of Codhill Press’ 2009 contest. ANGELA RENDER designed and maintained Web sites since 1994 and is the founder and owner of Thunderpaw Internet Presence Management. Her published work includes: Forged By Lightning: A Novel of Hannibal and Scipio, Marketing for Writers: A Practical Workbook, a Writers’ Journal column and ghost blogging. In addition to her classes through The Writer’s Center, she teaches at-risk middle-school girls and has been a guest speaker at numerous local conferences. JEFFREY RUBIN, M.A., is a Virginiabased screenwriter/producer who has sold or optioned three screenplays. He has won top prizes at Worldfest Houston and the Vail Film Festival, among others, and been nominated for a Writer’s Guild of America Award. He is a graduate of Harvard and Juilliard (Drama Division), and received an M.A. in Film and Theatre from NYC’s Hunter College. ELLEN RYAN has been an editor in Washington for two decades, including nearly 13 years as managing editor of The Washingtonian. Her freelance articles have appeared in Good Housekeeping, Outside, AARP The Magazine, The Washington Post, ForbesLife Executive Woman and dozens more. Ryan is author of Innkeeping Unlimited: Practical, Low-Cost Ways to Improve Your B&B and Win Repeat Business. LYNN SCHWARTZ’S plays have been performed in Atlanta and New York City, including the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center. Her stories have appeared in literary journals, and she has authored numerous lifestyle features. She founded the Temple Bar Literary Reading Series in New York City and received an Individual Artist Award in Fiction from the Maryland State Arts Council. She is a graduate of The City College of New York, Columbia University and The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater. She teaches fiction at St. John’s College. DAVE SINGLETON is an award-winning writer/producer and multimedia com-

View online at www.writer.org/guide

WORKSHOP LEADERS

WILLONA SLOAN has taught writing classes in some unusual places––a bar, an art gallery and a girls’ rock camp. She has published articles about art, culture and education in magazines including Publishers Weekly, Northern Virginia and the University of Virginia. She received a 2013 Artist Fellowship award from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities and was awarded a 2012 residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta, Canada. LYNN STEARNS short fiction, memoirs, poetry and personal essays have appeared in The Baltimore Review, The Bitter Oleander, FlashPoint, Haight Ashbury Literary Journal and other literary magazines, and several anthologies including Gravity Dancers: Even More Fiction by Washington Area Women, In Good Company, New Lines From the Old Line State and Not What I Expected: The Unpredictable Road from Womanhood to Motherhood. She serves as an associate fiction editor for Potomac Review and has enjoyed leading fiction and memoir workshops at The Writer’s Center for more than 10 years. MIKE SWARTZ (@swartzmark) is the author of two novels, Instant Karma (City Lights, 2002) and H2O (Soft Skull, 2006). He has published fiction in BOMB, Fence, and The Brooklyn Rail and reviews in Bookforum and Voice Literary Supplement. He lives in Takoma Park with his wife and two daughters. JUDITH TABLER, M.F.A., writes fiction and nonfiction for magazines such as Appleseeds, Calliope, and Cobblestone, and is the author of several books, one of which was awarded best children’s book by the Dog Writer’s Association of America. She also wrote for the National Geographic Society education department. She holds an MFA in creative writing for young people and has for many years been a writing instructor at a local university. She is a

member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. SARA MANSFIELD TABER received a Bergeron Fellowship to teach writing in London, and was a William B. Sloane Fellow in Nonfiction at the Bread Loaf Writer’s Conference. She is the author of Dusk on the Campo: A Journey in Patagonia, Of Many Lands: Journal of a Traveling Childhood and Bread of Three Rivers: The Story of a French Loaf. Her short pieces have appeared in anthologies, such as Unrooted Childhoods: Memoirs of Growing Up Global and in literary magazines and on public radio. Her memoir, Born Under an Assumed Name: The Memoir of a Cold War Spy’s Daughter, is in press. DAVID TAYLOR is an award-winning author and filmmaker. His book about the Federal Writers’ Project, titled Soul of a People: The WPA Writers’ Project Uncovers Depression America, was named among Best Books of 2009. He wrote and co-produced the companion Smithsonian documentary Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story, which received a CINE Golden Eagle, Best of D.C. Peer awards, and a Writer’s Guild Award nomination. SUE ELLEN THOMPSON is the author of four books of poetry, most recently The Golden Hour (2006) and the editor of The Autumn House Anthology of Contemporary American Poetry. Her work has been included in the Best American Poetry Series, read on NPR by Garrison Keillor and featured in U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser’s nationally-syndicated newspaper column. She was awarded the 2010 Maryland Author Prize from the Maryland Library Association.

dramaturge at Charter Theater since the company started in 1998. Recent productions include Quartet at Hamner Theater in Nelson County, Virginia, and two commissioned comedies produced at the National Conservatory for Dramatic Arts: The Fetish and Getting It. Richard currently works with First Draft as a playwright where he will be developing a new play for a reading in early 2012. BROOK WILENSKY-LANFORD, M.F.A., received her B.A. in theater and religious studies from Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. in Nonfiction Writing from Columbia University, where she won the Arthur J. Harris Memorial Prize; and a Vermont Studio Center Fellowship funded by the National Endowment of the Arts. Paradise Lust (Grove Press, 2011) is Brook WilenskyLanford’s first book. Her essays and reviews have appeared in Salon, The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Huffington Post and other publications MICHELE WOLF is the author of Immersion (selected by Denise Duhamel, Hilary Tham Capital Collection), Conversations During Sleep (Anhinga Prize for Poetry) and The Keeper of the Light, (Painted Bride Quarterly Poetry Chapbook Series award). Her poems have appeared in The Hudson Review, North American Review and numerous other journals and anthologies. She serves as a contributing editor for Poet Lore.

LYN VAUS, a longtime screenwriter and industry professional, is best known for his award winning Miramax romantic comedy Next Stop Wonderland. He began his career as a story editor for a production company in Hollywood, where he oversaw the script for New Line’s hit science fiction film The Lawnmower Man. He has had numerous screenplays of his own optioned, and in some cases produced by, among others, Imax, Fine Line, SenArt and Miramax. RICHARD WASHER, M.F.A., is a playwright, director and educator. He has worked as a playwright, director and Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

LEADERS

munications creator, author, teacher and consultant. He currently writes for numerous publications and websites on a variety of topics, including pop culture, food, travel, social trends, dating & relationships and diversity. He’s the author of two books. Since 2003, he’s written regular nonfiction columns for Match.com, Yahoo, AOL and MSN on dating and relationships for all audiences. He resides in Washington, D.C.

THANKS TO OUR DONORS

For all annual gifts made between Jan. 1, 2012 - July 1, 2013 Langston Hughes Circle - $2,500+

Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County • Christian Mixter & Linna Barnes Mark Cymrot • John Freeman & Sally Mott Freeman • Maryland State Arts Council Ann McLaughlin • National Endowment for the Arts • Joram & Lona Piatigorsky The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region • The Kiplinger Foundation The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation • The Tau Omega Foundation, Inc.

Zora Neale Hurston Circle - $1,000+

Kenneth D. Ackerman • Margot Backas • Bliss Family Trust • Timothy Crawford • Eagle Bank Virginia M. Grandison • Sandor Slager & Patricia Harris • John & Barbara Ann Hill Kathryn Kolar • James Mathews • C.M. Mayo • Teresa B. Murphy • Pamela Peabody Claudia C. Smith • The Bydale Foundation • Ira Wagner • Wilson Wyatt

Anton Chekhov Circle - $500+

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Emily Dickinson Circle - $250+

Anonymous (2) • Linda Adcock • Robert Albrecht • Beacon Hotel • Rebecca Beauman Catherine C. Beckley • Michelle Berberet • Sandra Bracken • Malve S. Burns • Florence D. Burt Robert A. Carpenter • Alice Cave • Randy Cepuch • Patricia E. Chapla • Naomi F. Collins Valentine Craig • Deborah Darr • Elisha C. Freedman • Nan Fry • Carol Gallant • John J. Gaudet Maria Gimenez • Patricia Glowacki • Michael Hamilton & E. Laura Golberg • Theodore Groll Melinda Halpert • Phil D. Harvey • Les Hatley • Deborah Hefferon • Tim & Sharle Hussion Cheryl Jacobson • Edward & Victoria Jaycox • Frank S. Joseph • James Klimaski • Barbara Kline James & Kate Lehrer • Lisa Lipinski • Dan Logan • Tarpley M. Long • Patrick Madden Kristie Miller • Phillip G. Nelson • Elizabeth North • Howard E. O’Leary • Carol F. Peck Shelly Rockwell • Ann Satterthwaite • Maryhelen Snyder • Jonathan C. Stillerman Craig Tregillus • Ann Varnon • Bruce Willard • Robert Wise

Founder’s Circle - $100+ Anonymous (2) • Josephine W. Alexander • Jill C. Alt • Beth Anderson • Frederick Anderson • Nancy P. Arbuthnot • B. K. Atrostic • John & Doris Babcock Lynn W. Bailets • Ann Barnet • James Beane • Sandra Beasley • Mel Belin • Barbara Belmont • Elizabeth S. Bennett • Carmelinda Blagg Mickey Bolmer • Jody Bolz • Jean Bower • Judith Bowles • Ellen R. Braaf • Barbara B. Brown • Rebecca Browning • Laura Brylawski-Miller Jamie Burnett • Dominique Cahn • Ellen Callahan • Nancy N. Carlson • William Carrington • Doritt Carroll • Anne C. Carson Catharine Campbell Blackwell • Revocable Trust • David Churchill • Clarity Claims Etcetera, Inc. • Agt for Thomas R. Paxton Jennifer Cockburn • Dianne Cogan • Denise Conner • William Cook • Lisa Crye • Caitlin Cushman • Andrew Dayton • Joe Dellinger Jane DeMouy • Donna Denize • Mary Dragoo • Linda Dreeben • Dianne Driessen • Mary E. Eccles • Solveig Eggerz • Debra Ekman Neil Ellis • Elaine English • Fannie Mae • Linda Fannin • Charles Fickey • Glen Finland • Ed Finn • Kimball Firestone • Patricia Fisher Candida M. Fraze • Flora Freeman • Sunil K. Freeman • Allan Gall • Martin Galvin • Patricia Garfinkel • Jean Gilbert • Chris & Jean Gilson Howard Glassroth • Lois J. Godel • Saul Goldberg • Jorge Goldstein • Sherry Goldstein-Askwith • John Grady • Robert Granader • Karen Gray Peter Gray • Thomas Greving • James Griffin • Patricia B. Griffith • Lynne Grossman • Betty Hafner • Janet Hahn • Ann Haman • Randy Hamas Cynthia Hamilton • Jennifer L. Handford • Harold P. Hanson • Mary Haragan • Phillip Harris • Frederick C. Harrison • Ellen Herbert • Jay & Linda Herson Jamie Holland • Betsy Holleman • Thomas L. Holzman • Dennis Horn • Joanna Howard • Nicole Idar • Lorna Irvine • Christopher James Andrea Jarrell • Jim & Carol Trawick Foundation • Richard E. Jorgensen • Rochelle G. Kainer • Arthur Karlin • Therese Keane • John E. Kelley Michael Kirkland • Peter Kissel • Rita Koch • Susan Korytkowski • Rhys & Sue Kuklewicz • Mindy Kursban • Ellen Kwatnoski • Phyllis A. Langton Raima Larter • Eulonda Lea • Robert Leddy • Jill Leininger • Steven A. Lerman • Mr. Alan H. & Priscilla Levine • Helen S. Lowe • John Lubetkin Robert Lubic • Desiree Magney • Nancy • Malin Frank & Elizabeth Malone • Linda M. Marshall • Ronald & Mary Martin • Kathryn Masterson Greg & Lois McBride • Joe McCain • Judith McCombs • Ellen McLaughlin • Dominique Meekers • Caroline V. Meirs • Cassandra Metzger Angela Miller • John & Ann Montgomery • Velda Moog • Jenepher W. Moseley • Stewart Moss • Mary L. Muromcew • Linda Nee • William & Louisa Newlin

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THANKS TO OUR DONORS Joe Oppenheimer • Ray Palmer • Diana Parsell • Peter & Amy Pastan • Arne & Sara Paulson • Lorine Kritzer Pergament • Debra W. Pettit • Kim Pierce Jeffrey D. Porro • Annette Jo Procter • Christine Pulfrey • Ann W. Rayburn • Marilyn Regier • Heddy Reid • William Rivera • James Robertson Margaret Rodenberg • Gayle Roehm • Barbara P. Rosing • Lee Rossi • Phyllis Rozman • Robert Sanabria • Stephanie Sarwal • Mary Sasser • Benji Satloff S M. Scadron • Donald R. Schlief • George Schor • Joyce Schwartz • Jessica Seigel • Martin Shapiro • Susan Sharpe • Barbara Shaw • Daniel B. Silver Jeffrey Smith • Larry & Louise Smith • Lucie Snodgrass • George Spicer • Michael & Lynn Springer • Denise Stablein • Sherry Stanley • David O. Stewart Kathy Strom • Karla Taylor • Judith A. Thorn • Frances Toler • Norma S. Tucker • Jane T. Udelson • Kathryn Veal • Verizon Foundation • Clinton A. Vince Andrea Vojtko • Davi Walders • Barry J. Wepman • James White • Katherine J. Williams • Claire Willis • David & Jane Winer • Mier & Cathy Wolf Fred Woodworth

Other Contributors Anonymous (3) • Leslie Allen • Charlotte Anker • Barri J. Armitage • Stephen N. Ashman • Joan Atchinson • Jawaid Awan • Carol B. Baker • Jim Ball Philip Baridon • Rebecca Barnhart • Jane Barton • Martin Bernstein • Janna Bialek • Anita Bigger • Sanford L. Billet • Sandra Blake • Larry Blossom Dillard Boland • Diane Booth • Dale Hanson Bourke • Charlotte Brewer • Franca Brilliant • William Brockschmidt • Heidi Brodsky Anthony Brown • Ralph & Coralie Bryant • Tom Burke • Harold & Sally Burman • Garry L. Bush • Jo A. Buxton • Gene Calvert • Dana Cann Douglas Canter • Grace Cavalieri • Ira Chaleff • John Clark • Alexandra Coburn • Ann Cochran • Teresa Cochran English • Leslie Cohen Michael Collier • Thomas Connelly • Mia R. Cortez • Carey Creed • Sylvia Csiffary • Keri Culver • Josephine Darner • Kimberly Davidson Nancy R. Davis • Andrew Dayton • Linda Defendeifer • Joanne Delaplaine • Laurie E. Dieterich • Anne Dougherty • Dennis Drabelle • Jeannette P. Dubrow Jonathan Eig • Howard Eisner • Bea Epstein • Siobhan Farey • Herta B. Feely • Ben Firschein • Lynne Fitzhugh • Allan S. Freedman • Thomas and Ann Gannon Jason Gebhardt • Claire Gesalman • Bernadette Geyer • Robert Gibson • Paul E. Gleason • Barbara Goldberg • Martha Goodwin • Melanie Griffin Rachel Gur-Arie • Christine L. Haggard • Julie L. Haifley • Regina Harrison • Virginia Hartman • Dorothy S. Hassan • Gwen B. Hayden • Emily Hershenson Carol Lee Hilewick • Reva Hill • Maureen Hinkle • Helen Hooper • Daniel Horner • Anne Hornsby • Murray Horwitz • Jane Hudiburg • Paul Hyman Eileen Ivey • Graziella Jackson • Ann Jensen • Abiola Johnson • Michael Johnson • Richard Johnson • Susan S. Jonsberg • Caroline H. Keith Beth Kevles • Shelley Kirilenko • Adrienne Kitts • Alicia Klaffky • Aphrodite Knoop • Mollee C. Kruger • Susan Landgraf • Leonard Lapidus Jeffrey LaPointe • Linda LaPrade • Elaine Laube • Merrill Leffler • Aaron Lemire • Angela Leone • Jonathan & Judith Levin • Louis Levy Chris Llewellyn • Cindy Lollar • Janice Lower • Talbot C. Mack • Brian Madden • Fernando Manibog • Caroline Marshall • David L. Martin • Luis Mateus Catherine Mathews • Patricia McBride • Julia McCahill • Diane McConkey • Gardner McFall • Suzanne McIntire • Selby McPhee • Carole McShane Margaret Miller • KeeKee Minor • Joan M. Mitric • Larry & Laurence Moffi • Angie Montgomery Hasson • Jean Moore • Christine Muth • Jennifer Nelson C. W. Neuhauser • Jill Neuman • Xuan-Lan Nguyen • Leslie Norton • John O’Donnell • Susan Okie • Teel Oliver • Bikem Ozturk • Sandra Parshall Matea Pender • Patricia Pengra • Elliott Perlin • Vinnie Perrone • Emil Polak • Patricia Polak • Riggin Waugh & Meredith Pond • Frances F. Porter Susan Press • Ted Pulliam & Edward Pulliam • Carol M. Purcell • Theresa Queen • Henry Rappaport • David G. Reese • Leon Reiter Elisavietta Ritchie • Larry Roszman • Ludwig Rudel • Carol-Ann Rudy • Henry B. Ryan • Anthony Rylands • Lisa Schamess • Barbara Scheiber Nancy Schnog • William Schofield • Phyllis Schottenstein • Robert Seay • Richard Seldin • Nancy Sellar • Cathy Shea • Laura Shovan Maggie Silberstein • Myra Sklarew • Deborah T. Smith • Marilyn Smith • Mary J. Smith • Larry F. Smucker • Donna Sokol • Michael Solow Cheryl Somers Aubin • Laura Spencer • Eric Stone • Julie Stuckey • Manil Suri • Herman Taube • Dennis R. Thomas • Tim Tormoen • Zeynep Tunc Jan F. Umhau • Rajka Ungerer • Susan L. Urofsky • Wanda Van Goor • Ronald Vardiman • Richard C. Washer • Mary E. Weinmann • Renee L. Weitzner Thomas Wetterer • James F. Whalen • Kathleen Wheaton • Paula Whyman • Mary Willy • Anita Winters • Elizabeth Yoon • Jacqueline R. Zakrewsky Judith Zimmerman

Endowment Gifts For investment in TWC’s future Mark Cymrot • John Freeman & Sally Mott Freeman • John & Barbara Ann Hill • The Tau Omega Foundation, Inc. Joram & Lona Pitagorsky Designated Gifts For capital and restricted projects at TWC Kenneth D. Ackerman Margot Backas Sandra Beasley Francesca Bell Don Berger Diane Bolz Naomi F. Collins Mark Cymrot Phebe Davidson

Genevieve DeLeon John Freeman & Sally Mott Freeman Neal Gillen Gail Gorlitzz Sandor Slager & Patricia Harris Les Hatley Marvin R. Hiemstra

John & Barbara Ann Hill Robert Jacobs Margaret MacKinnon James Mathews C.M. Mayo Leslie McGrath Ann McLaughlin Lisa L. Moore Kathleen Ossip

Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

Joram & Lona Piatigorsky Joanne A. Samraney Joan Siegel The Samuel & Grace Gorlitz Foundation Ira Wagner Lesley Wheeler Wilson Wyatt

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The Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center

THE LAST WORD Diving into the Wreck Sara Taber n 2004, I was so moved by my last class of students that I had to write this. Thank you for this work that gives me such deep amazement and pleasure. Sometimes teaching leaves me breathless, knocks me back. What does the knocking is my students’ fearlessness, their willingness to go for broke, to plunge into murky waters into danger. When I was a girl, there was a particular type of documentary that set me to sitting up rigid as a mast, biting my nails. These were films by Jacques Cousteau - the ones where divers swam deep into the sea to locate disappeared ships, to uncover the mystery that caused the swallowings-up and to learn something of the lost lives of those who’d sunk with the vessels assigned to protect them, into the drink. As the sleek, tawny-skinned divers with French accents ventured into the labyrinthine channels of the hulks at the bottom of the sea, the perils multiplied. Their oxygen was about to give out, they couldn’t open the

trap into the next chamber where they were sure the captain’s log was cached (and who knew what lurked within) ravenous sharks circled…I sat riveted, breathing shallowly, trying not to use up my air, as I shone my light with them into the ship’s hold - now claimed and denied by a formidable sea - which might, at any moment, yield a fleeing princess’s lode of coins, but more probably flash a terrifying skull. How the heart in my skinny, 14 yearold body thrilled, back on Thornapple Street in Chevy Chase, when the divers emerged from the sea dangling secrets from their gloves. I sit just as mast-like and gripped, often, during the classes I teach here at The Writer’s Center, in Bethesda only a mile from the little den where I used to watch that tiny black and white television. But recently, I taught a class which left me particularly breathless. At ten o’clock, I would drive home in a trance, gob-smacked by the courage of what looked from the outside to be ordinary, everyday human beings. For, from this innocent looking collection of adult night students - these people who struck out into the dark every Tuesday - emerged stories, one by one, of: a child’s suicide; the crash of a small plane that had left the writer parentless at age eight; PTSD contracted

during postings war-ravaged to African countries; a threatening genetic disease; cancer; an elementary school student so abused she could barely speak…Every person in the class wrote, eloquently, with hard nouns and soft similes—and with more bravery than any French diver might boast of. There is physical courage and then there is another sort of heroism - that of those who brave searing emotions to show the rest of us certain truths. Heedless of the imperfection that would be revealed, of the re-lived sorrow that would course through them, these students, sharing their humanity, in each other’s company, holding hands— so kind, so trusting, so dear they were to one another - opened their watery lodes and passed around their bones and riches. I have a name for what these students did - what the brave students at TWC do each and every day; what they give to the world, through language, with utter fearlessness; and what leaves me gasping with awe. I call it diving into the wreck. As their teacher, as their lucky, lucky witness, I salute them. See Sara Taber’s bio on page 43. WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY! SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR EDITOR@WRITER.ORG

Wyatt . . . continued from p. 34

Although he prefers live workshops because he enjoys the immediate interaction that takes place around the seminar table, he believes that online workshops are every bit as good. “They give people opportunities to pick their times – even midnight, get a good teacher and help themselves achieve their writer dreams,” he says. Wyatt believes that growth comes from “combining

continuous learning with a healthy dose of humility.” He’s incorporated that into multiple accomplishments over the years - as a professional journalist, as head of large communications companies and in his pursuit of writing and photography. Indeed, as his college fiction writing mentor Andrew Lytle cautioned, “You’re a good writer…but you’ll be a better Workshop & Event Guide Fall 2013

writer as the wrinkles of experience grow around your eyes.” Wyatt’s respect for craft, and his parallel appreciation of the role TWC has played in making him a better writer, inspires him to make the drive from the Eastern Shore to Bethesda for “the shared collegiality of a writer’s community.” For Wyatt too, TWC has become his literary “home.”

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