Oral History Workshop

Are you interested in collecting and recording family stories that would otherwise not be told? Are you fascinated with personal memories, historical events, or a loyal fan of the StoryCorp Project featured on National Public Radio? Or are you a writer who wants to hone your listening and interviewing skills? This dynamic workshop will cover the steps for preparing, conducting and processing an oral history interview. Learn this powerful skill for personal/family projects and discover the variety of ways that oral history is used for publication, radio, video, museum, or other forms of public presentation. Instructor Anna Booker teaches U.S. History at WWU and Whatcom Community College. She is currently collecting oral histories from her own family.
Session is closed

Creative Writing: The Short-Short Story

A friend once bet Ernest Hemingway that he couldn't write a story in just six words. In this class, we will learn how Hemingway proved him wrong. "Flash fiction," "mircofiction," and "short-short" stories have been receiving increased attention in the past few years, as new technologies have changed the way people read. Students will participate in discussions, workshops, and writing prompts, emerging at the end of the course with a collection of concentrated, powerful pieces of writing. For the beginning writer, this is an opportunity to be a part of fiction writing's new generation. For the intermediate to advanced writer, this is a chance to teach your angels how to dance on the head of a pin. No prerequisites; everyone is welcome! Scott Provence has an MFA in Fiction and an MA in Poetry from the University of Washington. He has taught creative writing at U.W. and his short-short stories have been published in numerous literary journals.

S8134 / Sessions 5
Tu from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Provence
$109

Start Date:4/6
End Date: 5/4
WCC - Heiner #102

Creative Writing: Short Story Workshop

Join in this workshop-format class to celebrate with fellow writers the intricacies of the short story form. We will delve into stories by notable authors representing diverse influences and narrative styles. With a goal of gaining critical revision techniques and finding your own authorial flair, you will have the opportunity to share your stories (starting week two) for peer review and class discussion.

S8136 / Sessions 7
Th from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Leigh
$189

Start Date:4/22
End Date: 6/3
WCC - Heiner #102

Creative Writing: The Short Story Bundle

S8132 / Sessions 12
Tu from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Provence / Leigh
$249

Start Date:4/6
End Date: 6/3
WCC - Heiner #102

Creative Writing: Stories From the Kitchen

Our stories often revolve around, and begin at, the kitchen table. In this revealing class we will explore our personal stories and memoirs as they relate and intertwine with our relationship to cooking and food. Just as flavors awaken our senses, we will explore how memories and kitchen stories inspire a variety of creative projects and writings--from food blogs and family cookbooks to poignant memoirs. Annalee Dunn is a trained pastry chef and cook. She is earning an MFA in Creative Writing.
Session is closed.

Writing Our Northwest Landscape

The visceral experience of nature in the Pacific Northwest is an inspiring muse for all forms of writing. This class will examine the craft and genre of nature writing as it applies to our specific region here in Whatcom County and surrounding areas, drawing from the landscape and environment to complete a series of writing exercises. Instructor Annalee Dunn has a degree from Fairhaven College titled "Writing Place: Exploring a Sense of Environment and Creativity" and is completing an MFA in Creative Writing.

S8804 / Sessions 3
W from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Dunn
$79

Start Date:5/12
End Date: 5/26
WCC - Laidlaw Ctr #212

Collage for Writers: Finding Story

This creative workshop uses collage as the jumping off point for finding the stories within us. While freely choosing images from magazines and pasting these images onto tag board, our subconscious begins to tell a story. As in recalling dreams, we can then write and share our stories with others. Nancy Canyon holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a degree in visual art. She invites all curious minds--writers and non-writers--to enroll in this revealing process. Please bring pen, paper, scissors, magazines to share, and a sack lunch.
Session is closed.

Creative Writing: From Imagination to Manuscript

Take your stories from imagination to manuscript! In this one-day intensive for writers of all levels, author Susan Colleen Browne will guide you as you develop story writing skills like creating three-dimensional characters and compelling story events. Brainstorming sessions will help you reveal your most engaging ideas, and writing prompts will give you the chance to generate fresh, dynamic material. You'll leave with the basics of your story on the page. Browne is the author of a memoir, Little Farm in the Foothills. One hour lunch break/writing time provided. Feel free to bring a sack lunch or enjoy dining at a nearby restaurant.
Session is closed.

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 to 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 artwork if you plan to illustrate your story...or come empty-handed and sit back and soak up Nina's inspirational presentation! There will also be time for individual critique. One hour lunch break is provided.

S8120 / Sessions 1
Sa from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Laden
$75

Start Date:5/1
End Date: 5/1
WCC - Cascade Hall #165

Write Blogs That Get Noticed

Blogging is a way to express your opinions, build a community, network with others, and drive traffic to your website. Attend this class to learn cutting edge tips and hints to help your blog stand out and get noticed. Dawn Groves, author and active blogger, teaches web design and non-fiction writing at WCC.

S8796 / Sessions 1
W from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Groves
$39

Start Date:4/21
End Date: 4/21
WCC - Foundation Building - Ste 201C

Profiting from Periodicals

With 51,000 periodicals published annually, opportunities abound writing for publications targeting a consumer, business, academic, or trade niche. Even with no experience, they're often easy to break into, and interesting to write for. Learn how to quickly connect with, and keep, the editors who are always looking for good writers. Wissmann has been a freelance writer for over 70 publications. A frequent speaker at writers' conferences, her practical expertise and experience simplifies the process of progressing from pen to publication.

S8520 / Sessions 1
Sa from 9:00 AM to 12 N
Wissmann
$39

Start Date:4/24
End Date: 4/24
WCC - Cascade Hall #104

Seeking an Agent: The Query Letter & Synopsis

Bio: Laura Kalpakian is the author of thirteen books--three collections of short fiction and ten novels, most recently The Memoir Club and American Cookery (both St. Martin's Press). American Cookery was nominated for the 2007 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. She has taught writing at University of Washington, Western Washington and other universities and writers' conferences

S8568 / Sessions 2
M from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Kalpakian
$69

Start Date:4/19
End Date: 4/26
WCC - Laidlaw Ctr #212

Beyond the Query Letter: Packaging for Publication

How do you know when your book or article is finished and ready for publication? How do you create a powerful and effective proposal for an agent or editor? Where do you find markets for your work? Those questions and many more will be answered during this dynamic three-hour workshop. Dawn Groves has authored multiple software manuals, four lifestyle management books, and countless magazine articles.

S8036 / Sessions 1
Th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Groves
$39

Start Date:5/13
End Date: 5/13
WCC - Foundation Building - Ste 201C

E-Publishing: A Primer

Are you curious about the world of ePublishing? Local author Dawn Groves will demystify the process by outlining what steps are involved, the costs, and the value of taking your writing future into your own hands. By evening's end you will discover that what used to be known as "vanity publishing" is now a practical, potentially lucrative alternative to the more traditional path of courting publishing houses.
Please note new date.

S8156 / Sessions 1
Th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Groves
$39

Start Date: 5/27
End Date: 5/27
WCC - Foundation Building - Ste 201C

Publishing Three Class Bundle
Please note new dates due to change to E-Publishing: A Primer

S8566 / Sessions 4
M from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Kalpakian / Groves
$129

Start Date:4/19
End Date: 5/27
ARR