CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS
READ ME:
- As of June 2020, all Writespace workshops are only available online. See individual workshop listings for details.
- Tickets must be purchased online.
- Please read our workshop policies before registering.
- Can't attend without a scholarship? Apply here.
- Need tech support for your class? Check out our Tech Support page. If your question isn't answered, contact us.
July Workshops
Beginning Fiction with Cassandra Rose Clarke
In this workshop, we’ll examine the basics of good fiction: plot, character, dialogue, and setting.
In this workshop, we’ll examine the basics of good fiction: plot, character, dialogue, and setting.
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TIME: Starts July 11th, and runs until August 8th, with scheduled video chat sessions on four Saturdays: July 11th, 18th, 25th, and August 8th, 10:00 - 11:00 AM CDT
PRICE: Early-Bird until Monday, July 6th: $150 for members, $180 for non-members. After Monday, July 6th: $180 for members, $210 for non-members. Become a member here. Scholarships available here LOCATION: Online via Google Classroom and Zoom CAP: Limited to 15 Writer |
Telling stories has been a part of the human experience for as long as there have been humans, but the experience of formalizing those stories into a work of written fiction can be a daunting process. In this workshop, we’ll examine the basics of good fiction: plot, character, dialogue, and setting. We’ll read and discuss both classic and contemporary short stories, taking them apart to see how they work, and we’ll apply those techniques in a series of fun and inspiring exercises. We’ll also set aside to time to talk about the process of getting started: How do you make time to write? How can you find a good critique group? What happens after you’ve finished a story? And at the end of the workshop, students will have the opportunity to have their work—either a short story or a chapter from a novel—critiqued. All genres are welcome, from literary to mystery to science fiction and fantasy
First Chapter Critique Session with Holly Lyn Walrath
Bring in the first chapter of a work and have it critiqued by an established editor!
Bring in the first chapter of a work and have it critiqued by an established editor!
Are you a novelist who has wondered what a critique from a professional editor is like? Do you wish you could have an editor’s support and feedback, but you don’t feel ready to incur the cost? Or are you just starting out and would like to know what’s important to keep in mind as you begin to work on your novel?
In this hands-on session, participants will bring in the first chapter of a work and have it critiqued by an established editor. We will embark upon a fast and fun, yet in-depth adventure in which we explore the fundamentals and subtleties of dozens of craft elements essential to composing reader-catching first chapters.
By the end of the session, through seeing firsthand how editors critique an opening chapter, attending writers will have attained greater clarity about what questions good writers ask as they work, as well as a clearer sense of what editors and agents look for when they receive a manuscript.
In this hands-on session, participants will bring in the first chapter of a work and have it critiqued by an established editor. We will embark upon a fast and fun, yet in-depth adventure in which we explore the fundamentals and subtleties of dozens of craft elements essential to composing reader-catching first chapters.
By the end of the session, through seeing firsthand how editors critique an opening chapter, attending writers will have attained greater clarity about what questions good writers ask as they work, as well as a clearer sense of what editors and agents look for when they receive a manuscript.
Writing History: Yours and Others' with Jessica Handler
Explore and utilize methods for bringing history alive on the page.
Explore and utilize methods for bringing history alive on the page.
In this two hour prompt-driven class, writers will explore techniques for capturing vibrant history on the page. Participants will learn the basics of crafting characters, dialogue, and worldbuilding for both historical fiction and memoir. Although targeted for the beginning writer, this workshop also invites experienced writers to polish their skills.
During the course of the workshop, participants will explore and utilize methods for bringing history alive on the page. Learn how to write effective dialogue without defaulting to "historical-ese” and uncover tips for crafting characters from the past who connect with present-day readers. We’ll also examine the role of research in narrative--and how to incorporate it while maintaining the story itself.
Be sure to check out Jessica's book, The Magnetic Girl.
During the course of the workshop, participants will explore and utilize methods for bringing history alive on the page. Learn how to write effective dialogue without defaulting to "historical-ese” and uncover tips for crafting characters from the past who connect with present-day readers. We’ll also examine the role of research in narrative--and how to incorporate it while maintaining the story itself.
Be sure to check out Jessica's book, The Magnetic Girl.
August Workshops
Poetry for Protest with Kendra Preston Leonard
We’ll create a safe space in which to learn about and write poems that call attention to issues of social justice.
We’ll create a safe space in which to learn about and write poems that call attention to issues of social justice.
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TIME: Starts August 2nd and runs until August 9th, with scheduled video chat sessions on two Sundays, August 2nd and August 9th, 2:00 - 3:30 PM CDT
PRICE: Early-Bird until Tuesday, July 28th: $85 for members, $100 for non-members. After Tuesday, July 28th: $100 for members, $115 for non-members. Become a member here. Scholarships available here. LOCATION: Online via Google Classroom and Zoom CAP: Limited to 15 writers |
Poetry is a powerful way of speaking out and speaking up against injustice, discrimination, and hate. In this workshop, we’ll create a safe space in which to learn about and write poems that protest events, individuals, or policies and that call attention to social justice issues.
We’ll do some reading of work by writers who have used poetry to express a need for change through their anger, frustration, sorrow, and other emotions and engage in writing exercises specific to developing our own poetic voices as protesters. We’ll examine how our choices of language and rhetoric work in protest poetry, discuss how structure functions in poetic protest writing, and how to navigate difficult topics in writing protest poetry, such as racism, homophobia, and assault.
This workshop is open to writers of all levels of experience, and will focus on writing techniques, not individual politics. Over the course of the workshop, we will each write and polish two poems on topics that are meaningful to us and read them in the group Zoom meetings.
We’ll do some reading of work by writers who have used poetry to express a need for change through their anger, frustration, sorrow, and other emotions and engage in writing exercises specific to developing our own poetic voices as protesters. We’ll examine how our choices of language and rhetoric work in protest poetry, discuss how structure functions in poetic protest writing, and how to navigate difficult topics in writing protest poetry, such as racism, homophobia, and assault.
This workshop is open to writers of all levels of experience, and will focus on writing techniques, not individual politics. Over the course of the workshop, we will each write and polish two poems on topics that are meaningful to us and read them in the group Zoom meetings.
VIP Arts' The Focused Eye with Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton and Marcell Murphy
This workshop will help you build your unique voice as an observer and responder to the world around you.
This workshop will help you build your unique voice as an observer and responder to the world around you.
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TIME: Four Fridays, August 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, 6-9 PM
PRICE: Early-Bird until Sunday, August 2nd: $160 for members, $190 for non-members. After Sunday, August 2nd: $190 for members, $220 for non-members. Become a member here. Scholarships available here. LOCATION: Online via Zoom CAP: Limited to 12 Writers |
Back by popular demand!
For most humans, sight is our dominant sense. Color, shape, space, and form help us to better understand the world around us. And while writing may be not be a visual medium in the same way painting or sculpture is, image is still deeply important in crafting compelling work.
This workshop takes a deeper dive into the use of image as a catalyst for memory and experience. From crafting ekphrastic work to reliving childhood memories, this workshop will help you build your unique voice as an observer and responder to the world around you. Work with seasoned writer Marcell Murphy and Houston's Third Poet Laureate Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, and in four weeks watch your truest voice emerge.
This workshop is being presented in conjunction with VIP Arts Houston.
For most humans, sight is our dominant sense. Color, shape, space, and form help us to better understand the world around us. And while writing may be not be a visual medium in the same way painting or sculpture is, image is still deeply important in crafting compelling work.
This workshop takes a deeper dive into the use of image as a catalyst for memory and experience. From crafting ekphrastic work to reliving childhood memories, this workshop will help you build your unique voice as an observer and responder to the world around you. Work with seasoned writer Marcell Murphy and Houston's Third Poet Laureate Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, and in four weeks watch your truest voice emerge.
This workshop is being presented in conjunction with VIP Arts Houston.
Fiction Feedback Workshop with ire'ne lara silva
We'll be supportively challenging each other to raise the stakes, make strategic choices, and develop a harmonious approach to world-building in our fiction.
We'll be supportively challenging each other to raise the stakes, make strategic choices, and develop a harmonious approach to world-building in our fiction.
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TIME: Four Saturdays, August 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 1-4 PM CDT
PRICE: Early-Bird until Saturday, August 1st: $150 for members, $180 for non-members. After Saturday, August 1st: $180 for members, $210 for non-members. Become a member here. Scholarships available here. LOCATION: Online via Zoom CAP: Limited to 12 Writers |
In these four sessions, we'll be supportively challenging each other to raise the stakes, make strategic choices, and develop a harmonious approach to world-building in our fiction. Every week, participants will turn in 10 page max manuscripts for other participants and the workshop leader to review who will then provide written feedback. A portion of each session will focus on live discussion of each manuscript. First manuscript is due on August 1, 2020.
Intermediate Fiction I: Getting (Really) to Know Your Character with Kevin Winchester
Through a series of guided questions and explorations, attendees will come away with a character they really know!
Through a series of guided questions and explorations, attendees will come away with a character they really know!
We all know it—readers identify with characters. That’s why they keep reading. But as writers, we want to tell the story. Sure, the story has characters who are directly involved in the plot. But if we want those readers to keep turning pages we have to get out of the way and let our characters tell their story. The better we know those characters, the easier it is to get out of their way.
This workshop will provide tools and techniques for creating a new character or fleshing out one you already have. Through a series of guided questions and explorations, attendees will come away with a character they really know, and know intimately, and they’ll also gain techniques to find, identify, and employ conflict that arises naturally from character to create stories (and characters) readers remember.
*Characters created during this workshop work well in Intermediate Fiction II: Make A Scene offered August 23rd.
This workshop will provide tools and techniques for creating a new character or fleshing out one you already have. Through a series of guided questions and explorations, attendees will come away with a character they really know, and know intimately, and they’ll also gain techniques to find, identify, and employ conflict that arises naturally from character to create stories (and characters) readers remember.
*Characters created during this workshop work well in Intermediate Fiction II: Make A Scene offered August 23rd.
Critical Art Writing 101 with Justine Jannise
In this three-hour workshop, we will make use of the art in our daily lives to practice another art of our own — the critical art essay.
In this three-hour workshop, we will make use of the art in our daily lives to practice another art of our own — the critical art essay.
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TIME: Saturday, August 22nd, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
PRICE: Early-Bird until Monday, August 17th: $45 for members, $60 for non-members. After Monday, August 17th: $55 for members, $70 for non-members. Become a member here. Scholarships available here. LOCATION: Online via Zoom CAP: Limited to 15 Writers |
Writespace has always thrived in an ecosystem of art! Our former home in Silver Street Studios meant that every day we breathed the very air of line, color, motion, texture, and technique. And although we have moved out of our studio, we recognize that art is still all around us--and still worth exploring in writing.
In this three-hour workshop, we will make use of the art in our daily lives to practice another art of our own — the critical art essay. We’ll start by defining what this exciting genre of writing can mean, though we’ll quickly sense the many liberties we may take. Next, we’ll draft a piece about a particular work available online. Finally, we’ll conclude by discussing revision strategies and opportunities for publication. (Hint: there are many!)
In this three-hour workshop, we will make use of the art in our daily lives to practice another art of our own — the critical art essay. We’ll start by defining what this exciting genre of writing can mean, though we’ll quickly sense the many liberties we may take. Next, we’ll draft a piece about a particular work available online. Finally, we’ll conclude by discussing revision strategies and opportunities for publication. (Hint: there are many!)
Intermediate Fiction II: Make A Scene with Kevin Winchester
This workshop uses a fun, “don’t think of it as writing,” series of exercises to develop a character driven scene.
This workshop uses a fun, “don’t think of it as writing,” series of exercises to develop a character driven scene.
Stories are made up of a series of scenes connected with brief sections of narrative. And effective scenes are the foundation of the old adage: show, don’t tell. Effective scenes have at least one of four primary goals and contain 8 essential elements. The trick is to incorporate those seamlessly into the same beginning-middle-ending structure as the overall story arc to allow your reader to experience the story with your characters.
This workshop uses a fun, “don’t think of it as writing,” series of exercises to develop a character driven scene. As we develop our scenes, we’ll think about being intentional in the scene’s goal and look at trouble-shooting techniques for including the essential elements of a scene. We’ll also explore techniques for establishing the beginning-middle-end sequence within a scene.
*Attending Intermediate Fiction I is not required to take this workshop, but the workshops are designed to work well together, as this workshop approaches scene from a character perspective. Attendees can develop a new character as we work through the exercises, or use a character they’ve already developed.
This workshop uses a fun, “don’t think of it as writing,” series of exercises to develop a character driven scene. As we develop our scenes, we’ll think about being intentional in the scene’s goal and look at trouble-shooting techniques for including the essential elements of a scene. We’ll also explore techniques for establishing the beginning-middle-end sequence within a scene.
*Attending Intermediate Fiction I is not required to take this workshop, but the workshops are designed to work well together, as this workshop approaches scene from a character perspective. Attendees can develop a new character as we work through the exercises, or use a character they’ve already developed.
Pilgrims Unstuck in Time: Playing with Linear Time in Unexpected Ways with Matthew Hefti
This workshop will analyze techniques for traveling through time on the page.
This workshop will analyze techniques for traveling through time on the page.
Are you trying to cover a hundred years of solitude in a hundred thousand words? Or maybe you’re the time traveler’s wife, waiting indefinitely to see your love again. Or are you Benjamin Buttoning your way to an early birth?
As writers and readers, we all have the gift—or curse—of coming unstuck in time. The rules of linearity just don’t apply to us. In writing, we can explore an entire family history in a paragraph or a significant moment in a hundred pages. Whether you’re including flashbacks, flash forwards, or just stretching a single moment into an eternity, this workshop will analyze techniques for traveling through time on the page.
As writers and readers, we all have the gift—or curse—of coming unstuck in time. The rules of linearity just don’t apply to us. In writing, we can explore an entire family history in a paragraph or a significant moment in a hundred pages. Whether you’re including flashbacks, flash forwards, or just stretching a single moment into an eternity, this workshop will analyze techniques for traveling through time on the page.
READ ME:
- As of June 2020, all Writespace workshops are only available online. See individual workshop listings for details.
- Tickets must be purchased online.
- Please read our workshop policies before registering.
- Can't attend without a scholarship? Apply here.
- Need tech support for your class? Check out our Tech Support page. If your question isn't answered, contact us.
Writing Workshops for Non-Writers
Writespace also offers workshops for business professionals upon request.
Writespace also offers workshops for business professionals upon request.