Writing Classes
 

 
 
Click here to view printable copy  Click here to register Click here for our home page

Creating Children's Picture Books
 
Have you always wanted to write, or maybe even write and illustrate, a children's picture book? "Once upon a time" is now, so don't miss this inspiring workshop! Join award-winning, bestselling children's book author and illustrator Nina Laden for a fun, intense workshop that will dissect picture books from A-Z. Nina will share her journey and insights into what makes a story work, understanding the proper formats, learning how to create compelling characters, and also how to submit your completed project to publishers. Many picture book genres will be covered but the emphasis will be on fiction. You are invited to bring one story you are working on, a notebook or journal, and/or any sketches or art if you plan to illustrate your story...or come empty-handed and sit back and soak up Nina's inspirational presentation! There will be time for individual critique, so bring a sack lunch if you would like to have a "working" lunch. One hour lunch break provided.
S8165 / 1 session / 6 clock hrs.
Sa from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Laden
$75
Start Date:4/19
End Date: 4/19
WCC - Kulshan 205

Introduction to Writing Practice
 
This course is for writers of all levels (including beginners!) who would like to learn how to establish a writing practice that is a part of everyday life. This six-week series is designed to eliminate blocks, develop voice, and experiment with genre and detail. You will be introduced to a practice that will fuel your writing and make it a priority--be it memoir, fiction, non-fiction or poetry. Course will cover writing practice essentials as you generate material with the guidance and encouragement of instructor Nancy Canyon. You will select your own area of interest as you write during the six weeks and, by course's end, you'll be enjoying the rewards of having experienced regular writing practice in your daily life. Nancy Canyon earned her MFA in fiction from Pacific Lutheran University, won the Sue C. Boynton Walk Award for Poetry in 2007, and is published in numerous journals and anthologies. She is currently working on her third novel.
Session is Closed

A Writer's Retreat at The Chrysalis Inn
Writers of all skill levels: treat yourself to a relaxing retreat at The Chrysalis Inn where you will spend the day writing, using your life experiences as your inspiration. Whether you are ready to write your memoir, autobiography, novel or a collection of personal stories, this workshop will get you started! Guided by instructor Susan Colleen Browne, you値l explore your life through brainstorming and writing exercises to craft your experiences into story form. With opportunities to share your writing, you値l also learn easy ways to enhance your storytelling talents and polish your work until it shines. Come with pen and paper or laptop, and leave with several short pieces that bring your memories to vivid life! A novelist and manuscript editor, Browne is the founder of Whitethorn Press. Lunch break from 12:00--1:30 PM. Students are invited to enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Chrysalis' Fino or at one of the many restaurants in Fairhaven. Session is closed.

Introduction to Creative Writing
Do you have a burning idea for a story or book, or do you just love to write? Join this class designed especially for emerging story writers, with exercises that allow for self-pacing and individual creative progression. Lessons and in-class exercises will introduce you to terms and techniques of the story writing craft and help you discover your authorial voice. It's time to take your idea from concept to creation! Laurel Leigh is a project manager for Chronicle Books of San Francisco and has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Session is closed.

Creative Writing: Writer's Workshop
Learn from a community of writers, meet peer writers, and enhance your creative process during this revision workshop. You will receive assistance with your short stories, novellas, or novels, with discussions ranging from storyboarding to elements of effective scene work and character development. Specific manuscripts will be discussed in a guided workshop setting as will key topics of writing craft. Writers will commit to reviewing each other's material and providing written critiques following workshop guidelines. All participants should be prepared to show material by the second week of class. This is a fast-paced class; writers should have prior workshop experience or have completed one to two creative writing classes. Laurel Leigh is a project manager for Chronicle Books of San Francisco and has a MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Class does not meet May 6.
Session is Closed

Saturday Workshop -- Constructing Character: The Engaging Protagonist
We値l work with building fully-realized protagonists and ensembles within a story. Craft topics will include character back-story, character profiles, secondary characters, and dramatization of character motivations. Bring a sack lunch because Laurel plans to have a "working" lunch for open writing craft discussion.
Session is Closed

Saturday Workshop: Scene Work--Writing Present Moment Dramatic Action
We値l explore dramatic elements of effective scene construction within the short-story format. Writing exercises will help students begin to visualize complete scenes and begin the process of moving scene from conception to paper. One hour lunch break provided.
S8836 / 1 session / 6 clock hrs.
Sa from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Leigh
$59
Start Date:4/26
End Date: 4/26
WCC - Kelly 106

Saturday Workshop--Noveling
 
Let's write long! Is a novel a really long short story or are there other differences? Do you have a novel up your sleeve but need help getting it out? Are you stuck at chapter one? Or are you simply an avid reader curious about novel writing? We'll scrutinize multiple approaches writers take to create successful longer narratives. We'll also learn how to assess and employ techniques of heralded writers while gaining writing craft tools to further cultivate our own big, storytelling voice. To prepare, read a novel (or five!) and be ready to talk about it. Don't miss this one day workshop--rich in content and inspiration. One hour lunch break provided.
S8840 / 1 session / 6 clock hrs.
Sa from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Leigh
$59
Start Date:5/17
End Date: 5/17
WCC - Kelly 106

Take the last two Spring Saturday Workshops with Laurel Leigh for just $95
S8834 / 2 sessions SAVE!

Writing and Publishing Nonfiction: An Insider's Guide
Join in this lively class to learn about nonfiction writing and publishing. Whether you池e an experienced writer, a journal writer, or someone who has only toyed with the idea, this is your chance to learn the nuts and bolts of how to craft snappy pieces that will get your name in print. In a lecture format, instructor Dawn Groves will explore all types of nonfiction possibilities, as well as look at the query and publishing process. You値l finish class with a valuable tool chest of writing and publishing ideas to give your writing projects an inspired direction. Class does not include in-class writing or editorial services. Dawn Groves is an author of several published nonfiction books and articles. Session is closed.

Writing Workshop: Nonfiction
 
The nonfiction genre encompasses many forms洋emoir, essay, and travel writing to name just a few. In this workshop format--with guided, in-class writing--you will learn to develop, edit, and craft your nonfiction writing, no matter what form, with an eye towards publication. Instructor Dana Rozier will provide lots of encouragement and editorial feedback during the writing process. Whether you're an experienced nonfiction writer, new to the genre, or somewhere in between, join us to hone your writing skills in a safe, fun, and supportive atmosphere. You're invited to bring a piece of writing the first day of class so we can jump in and get started! Dana Rozier has an MFA in Writing from Vermont College and has published widely in the field of nonfiction.
S8844 / 4 sessions / 8 clock hrs.
Tu from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Rozier
$89
Start Date:4/22
End Date: 5/13
WCC - Laidlaw 203

Editing Essentials
The key to diamond-clear writing is in the editing, and that's what this course is all about! Don't miss this opportunity to learn the essentials of editing for content and clarity in this in-depth, six-week course. Under the guidance of instructor Ara Taylor, class time will be spent developing an "editor's eye" as we examine student-generated essays on various topics, so be prepared to write as well as edit. Ara was the book critic/reviewer for The Bellingham Herald for six years. Quotes from her reviews have appeared on bestselling book covers alongside those from The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Booklist and Chicago Tribune. Please note: this course focuses on content editing; this is not primarily a proofreading course. Session is closed.
 
 

Home / Choose Classes / Register / Instructors / Policies / Maps / Contact Us / Supply Lists / Newsletter
Copyright 2008, Whatcom Community College Community Education.  All Rights Reserved.
360-647-3277, 237 West Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226