Gear up to meet your writing goals for the new year. Winter class schedules are out and registration is open for writing classes offered January through April in Naples. Fla. This year I'm offering workshops and classes at THREE venues--The Renaissance Academy, Adult and Community Education (ACE), and at the Jewish Federation of Collier County through the Women's Cultural Alliance. Please note, there are NO CLASSES for a week March at ACE due to Spring Break. Remember, class cost is set by the venue and based on the number of class meetings:
Guided Revision/Collaborative Critique—5 weeks
Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | January 9, 23, 30, February 6, 13 (No class January 16 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Making time to improve your writing is important. This collaborative workshop allows writers to receive feedback and guidance on their works-in-progress--poems, short stories, memoir, novels, or articles. Learn as we discuss what works and what needs reworking. Time and length limit to excerpts are dependent on group size. Click for details.
Writing Short Stories—6 weeks
Wednesday, 3:30-5:30 p.m. | January 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
No time to write a book? Write a short story! Learn from published examples while crafting short stories. Explore conflict, characterization, viewpoint, and description as they contribute to plot. Tips on using viewpoint and sensory detail to engage readers, as well as story length, structure, and genre details are covered. Click for details.
Writing, Memoir, Personal Experience, and Family Stories—6 weeks
Thursdays, TIME CORRECTION--3:30-5:30 p.m. | Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Have you led an exciting life? Have a rich genealogy? Enjoy sharing past experiences? This class will help you navigate through the islands of your memory as you learn to select and develop key events from your past, focus on the people and drama, and incorporate description for reader engagement. Click for details.
Writing Short Stories—4 weeks
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-noon | February 2, 9, 16, 23
Renaissance Academy (FGCU Naples Center, 5th Ave S & 10 Street)
Do you enjoy reading short stories? Would you like to write fiction but do not have time to devote to a novel? Write a short story! In this class, designed for beginners or anyone wishing to explore short stories, participants will learn from published examples while applying short fiction techniques to their own writing. We will explore conflict, characterization, viewpoint, and description as they contribute to plot. Tips on using viewpoint and sensory detail to engage readers, as well as story length and structure, will be covered. Click for egistration details: NC9148
A Novel Experience—4 weeks
Mondays 1:30-3:30 p.m. | February 6, 13, 20, 27
Renaissance Academy (FGCU Naples Center, 5th Ave S & 10 Street)
Have you always wanted to write a book but do not know how to begin? Then this workshop is for you. You will learn the stages in the writing process as you plan and organize your book, and explore characterization and plotting along with basic fiction elements. Those interested in writing nonfiction will learn the importance of back-matter, envisioning the layout, using photos and diagrams, and other details important to successful nonfiction. All writing levels welcome. Bring a summary of your writing project or idea to the first class. Click for registration details: NC9151
Guided Revision/Collaborative Critique (REPEAT)—6 weeks
Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | February 27, March 6, 20, 27, April 3, 10 (No class March 13 for Spring Break)
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Making time to improve your writing is important. This collaborative workshop allows writers to receive feedback and guidance on their works-in-progress--poems, short stories, memoir, novels, or articles. Learn as we discuss what works and what needs reworking. Time and length limit to excerpts are dependent on group size. Click for details.
Story Elements: Character, Plot, POV--3 weeks
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. | March 1, 8, 22 (No class March 15 for Spring Break)
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Get started on your story with these important elements. Through writing exercises learn to engage readers by crafting 3-dimensional characters then creating an exciting plot with a realistic point-of-view. We’ll share in-class writing to learn from different story options. This short course is perfect for all levels of writers. Click for details.
Story Elements: Dialogue, Scene, Theme--3 weeks
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. | March 22, 29, April 5
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Focus on specific story elements in this short course perfect for all writing levels. Engage readers using dialogue, action, and setting to establish strong scenes and then deepen the story by considering story theme. We’ll explore options for each writing element and share in-class writing to learn from each other. Click for details.
Focus on Your Book Project--6 weeks
Thursdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m. | March 2, 9, 23, 30, April 6, 13 (No class March 16 for Spring Break)
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Have you thought of writing a book? Discover the process of drafting both fiction and nonfiction books from planning and layout, chaptering and organizing, to the importance of different writing elements. Students will have time during each session to share excerpts of their works-in-progress for feedback. All writing levels encouraged. Click for details.
Writing Craft: Become a Better Writer — 3 weeks
Thursdays – 10 a.m. – noon 3 weeks --DATE CORRECTION-- (March 9, 16, 23)
Renaissance Academy Naples Center (5th Ave S. & 10 St, Downtown/South Naples)
Participants may register for the entire series (NC9159) or for any of the individual lectures below. Dramatically improve your writing skills with this series of craft workshops and in-class writing exercises. The series will focus on the most important elements of character development, plot, and dialogue. All writing levels are welcome. Click for registration details: NC9159 (series)
Writing Craft: Character Development —single session
Thursday, --DATE CORRECTION-- March 9 – 10 a.m. – noon
Renaissance Academy Naples Center (5th Ave S. & 10 St, Downtown/South Naples)
Enrollment is limited. Having trouble creating characters that the reader believes could be real? In this class, we will focus on how to turn cardboard characters into well-rounded personalities that will engage readers. Participants will also learn how to incorporate these essential parts into a story or novel. Students will complete several in-class exercises with time to share and discuss for improvement. All writing levels are welcome. Click for egistration details: NC9160
Writing Craft: Plot—single session
Thursday, --DATE CORRECTION-- March 16 – 10–noon
Renaissance Academy Naples Center (5th Ave S. & 10 St, Downtown/South Naples)
Enrollment is limited. In this class, we will complete several fun in-class activities to demonstrate how to add intriguing plot twists and turns to a story or novel. We will discuss story arc and pacing plus the essential details for plotting: character motivation/desire, action, and temporary resolutions. Time is allotted to share in-class writing for feedback and discussion. All writing levels welcome. Click for registration details: NC9161
Writing Craft: Dialogue—single session
Thursday, --DATE CORRECTION-- March 23 – 10–noon
Renaissance Academy Naples Center (5th Ave S. & 10 St, Downtown/South Naples)
Enrollment is limited. In this class, we will focus on how to properly punctuate and format dialogue, use it to craft scenes that show rather than tell, and provide story and character background. Balancing dialogue with narrative and incorporating actions and thoughts while maintaining viewpoint will also be covered. Students will complete several in-class exercises with time to share and discuss for improvements. All writing levels are welcome. Click for registration details: NC9162
A Novel Experience (REPEAT)—4 weeks
Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. | March 6, 13, 20, 27
Renaissance Academy (FGCU Naples Center, 5th Ave S & 10 Street)
Have you always wanted to write a book but do not know how to begin? Then this workshop is for you. You will learn the stages in the writing process as you plan and organize your book, and explore characterization and plotting along with basic fiction elements. Those interested in writing nonfiction will learn the importance of back-matter, envisioning the layout, using photos and diagrams, and other details important to successful nonfiction. All writing levels welcome. Bring a summary of your writing project or idea to the first class. Click for registration details: NC9151
Guided Revision/Collaborative Critique—5 weeks
Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | January 9, 23, 30, February 6, 13 (No class January 16 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Making time to improve your writing is important. This collaborative workshop allows writers to receive feedback and guidance on their works-in-progress--poems, short stories, memoir, novels, or articles. Learn as we discuss what works and what needs reworking. Time and length limit to excerpts are dependent on group size. Click for details.
Writing Short Stories—6 weeks
Wednesday, 3:30-5:30 p.m. | January 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
No time to write a book? Write a short story! Learn from published examples while crafting short stories. Explore conflict, characterization, viewpoint, and description as they contribute to plot. Tips on using viewpoint and sensory detail to engage readers, as well as story length, structure, and genre details are covered. Click for details.
Writing, Memoir, Personal Experience, and Family Stories—6 weeks
Thursdays, TIME CORRECTION--3:30-5:30 p.m. | Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Have you led an exciting life? Have a rich genealogy? Enjoy sharing past experiences? This class will help you navigate through the islands of your memory as you learn to select and develop key events from your past, focus on the people and drama, and incorporate description for reader engagement. Click for details.
Writing Short Stories—4 weeks
Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-noon | February 2, 9, 16, 23
Renaissance Academy (FGCU Naples Center, 5th Ave S & 10 Street)
Do you enjoy reading short stories? Would you like to write fiction but do not have time to devote to a novel? Write a short story! In this class, designed for beginners or anyone wishing to explore short stories, participants will learn from published examples while applying short fiction techniques to their own writing. We will explore conflict, characterization, viewpoint, and description as they contribute to plot. Tips on using viewpoint and sensory detail to engage readers, as well as story length and structure, will be covered. Click for egistration details: NC9148
A Novel Experience—4 weeks
Mondays 1:30-3:30 p.m. | February 6, 13, 20, 27
Renaissance Academy (FGCU Naples Center, 5th Ave S & 10 Street)
Have you always wanted to write a book but do not know how to begin? Then this workshop is for you. You will learn the stages in the writing process as you plan and organize your book, and explore characterization and plotting along with basic fiction elements. Those interested in writing nonfiction will learn the importance of back-matter, envisioning the layout, using photos and diagrams, and other details important to successful nonfiction. All writing levels welcome. Bring a summary of your writing project or idea to the first class. Click for registration details: NC9151
Guided Revision/Collaborative Critique (REPEAT)—6 weeks
Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | February 27, March 6, 20, 27, April 3, 10 (No class March 13 for Spring Break)
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Making time to improve your writing is important. This collaborative workshop allows writers to receive feedback and guidance on their works-in-progress--poems, short stories, memoir, novels, or articles. Learn as we discuss what works and what needs reworking. Time and length limit to excerpts are dependent on group size. Click for details.
Story Elements: Character, Plot, POV--3 weeks
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. | March 1, 8, 22 (No class March 15 for Spring Break)
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Get started on your story with these important elements. Through writing exercises learn to engage readers by crafting 3-dimensional characters then creating an exciting plot with a realistic point-of-view. We’ll share in-class writing to learn from different story options. This short course is perfect for all levels of writers. Click for details.
Story Elements: Dialogue, Scene, Theme--3 weeks
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. | March 22, 29, April 5
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Focus on specific story elements in this short course perfect for all writing levels. Engage readers using dialogue, action, and setting to establish strong scenes and then deepen the story by considering story theme. We’ll explore options for each writing element and share in-class writing to learn from each other. Click for details.
Focus on Your Book Project--6 weeks
Thursdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m. | March 2, 9, 23, 30, April 6, 13 (No class March 16 for Spring Break)
ACE Program (Barron Collier H.S., Cougar Drive & Airport-Pulling—north of Pine Ridge)
Have you thought of writing a book? Discover the process of drafting both fiction and nonfiction books from planning and layout, chaptering and organizing, to the importance of different writing elements. Students will have time during each session to share excerpts of their works-in-progress for feedback. All writing levels encouraged. Click for details.
Writing Craft: Become a Better Writer — 3 weeks
Thursdays – 10 a.m. – noon 3 weeks --DATE CORRECTION-- (March 9, 16, 23)
Renaissance Academy Naples Center (5th Ave S. & 10 St, Downtown/South Naples)
Participants may register for the entire series (NC9159) or for any of the individual lectures below. Dramatically improve your writing skills with this series of craft workshops and in-class writing exercises. The series will focus on the most important elements of character development, plot, and dialogue. All writing levels are welcome. Click for registration details: NC9159 (series)
Writing Craft: Character Development —single session
Thursday, --DATE CORRECTION-- March 9 – 10 a.m. – noon
Renaissance Academy Naples Center (5th Ave S. & 10 St, Downtown/South Naples)
Enrollment is limited. Having trouble creating characters that the reader believes could be real? In this class, we will focus on how to turn cardboard characters into well-rounded personalities that will engage readers. Participants will also learn how to incorporate these essential parts into a story or novel. Students will complete several in-class exercises with time to share and discuss for improvement. All writing levels are welcome. Click for egistration details: NC9160
Writing Craft: Plot—single session
Thursday, --DATE CORRECTION-- March 16 – 10–noon
Renaissance Academy Naples Center (5th Ave S. & 10 St, Downtown/South Naples)
Enrollment is limited. In this class, we will complete several fun in-class activities to demonstrate how to add intriguing plot twists and turns to a story or novel. We will discuss story arc and pacing plus the essential details for plotting: character motivation/desire, action, and temporary resolutions. Time is allotted to share in-class writing for feedback and discussion. All writing levels welcome. Click for registration details: NC9161
Writing Craft: Dialogue—single session
Thursday, --DATE CORRECTION-- March 23 – 10–noon
Renaissance Academy Naples Center (5th Ave S. & 10 St, Downtown/South Naples)
Enrollment is limited. In this class, we will focus on how to properly punctuate and format dialogue, use it to craft scenes that show rather than tell, and provide story and character background. Balancing dialogue with narrative and incorporating actions and thoughts while maintaining viewpoint will also be covered. Students will complete several in-class exercises with time to share and discuss for improvements. All writing levels are welcome. Click for registration details: NC9162
A Novel Experience (REPEAT)—4 weeks
Mondays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. | March 6, 13, 20, 27
Renaissance Academy (FGCU Naples Center, 5th Ave S & 10 Street)
Have you always wanted to write a book but do not know how to begin? Then this workshop is for you. You will learn the stages in the writing process as you plan and organize your book, and explore characterization and plotting along with basic fiction elements. Those interested in writing nonfiction will learn the importance of back-matter, envisioning the layout, using photos and diagrams, and other details important to successful nonfiction. All writing levels welcome. Bring a summary of your writing project or idea to the first class. Click for registration details: NC9151
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