Writing Workshops

To see all current Writing Workshop courses, click here.

Fiction Writing Workshop
So you've always dreamed of writing a novel? Or have you already published a few pieces and you're looking to take your writing further? In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn all the elements of great fiction: from character, motivation, and conflict to structure, setting and scene-writing. Practice your hand at crafting dialogue, writing gorgeous sentences, showing instead of telling, and revising your work to commercial writing standards. We'll also discuss the business of writing with a step-by-step guide to getting published! This course is taught by a professional writer, editor, and writing consultant with 15 years' experience in the publishing industry.

How to Publish Your Book
Whether you've got the first spark of an idea or a finished manuscript, in this workshop you'll gain the tools you need to publish your book. Discover how to groom your book to fit an established market. Learn how to find the right publisher (traditional, POD, E-publisher, yourself), write an attention-grabbing query letter, outline or synopsis, and manage the submission process. Find out what to expect, and what to look out for when it's contract-signing time. Learn how to promote yourself once your book is out. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, if your goal is to get published, this workshop is for you!

Nonfiction Writing Workshop
Here's the launch pad for your book! You've got a great idea for a nonfiction book now you're ready to flesh out your idea and make sure it's properly positioned in the commercial marketplace. This interactive Blackboard workshop gives you the flexibility to develop your book project around your busy schedule. In this hands-on workshop, you'll have an opportunity to structure your book, build a marketing plan, craft the main parts of your proposal, and get feedback on your writing. Whether your project belongs in how-to, self-help, memoirs, or any other commercial nonfiction category, we'll equip you with the knowledge to find the right publisher, land a contract, and make your book a success!  Please contact the instructor Julie Castillo, jmwriterslife@aol.com if you have questions concerning this class.

Writer's Boot Camp - Hybrid Class
Here it is, by popular request!  You asked for a class that would help you through the snags and pitfalls of writing that first draft.  This 15-week hybrid class features both an online component and face-to-face meetings.  The online site provides discussion forums, feedback sessions, and support materials.  The four face-to-face meetings offer mini-lectures on writing and editing topics, plus goal-setting assistance, troubleshooting, and group critique opportunities.  Plus, you can repeat the class as needed.  You don't have to go it alone!  Class face-to-face meetings will be held on Tuesdays 1/29, 2/26, 3/26, 4/23 from 7pm-8:30pm in the ATC 202.  Contact instructor Julie Castillo at jmwriterslife@aol.com if you have questions about this hybrid course. 

Online Fiction Factory for Teens
Learn to write stories ONLINE! This eight-week class gives you the nuts and bolts of great fiction in a class that fits your busy schedule. We'll have weekly exercises, discussions, and assignments plus THREE FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS held in the HCC Valley Mall Training Center, Room 2. Meeting I: Sept 24 from 7pm-8:30pm, Meeting II: Oct 22 from 7pm-8:30pm, Meeting III: Nov 12 from 7pm-8:30pm. For part of each week's assignments, you'll work on an original short story to share with classmates during our final meeting session. Topics include: character, conflict, setting, structure, dialogue, and secrets to writing gorgeous sentences plus tips on getting published! Please contact the instructor Julie Castillo, jmwriterslife@aol.com if you have questions concerning this course.

Structure Workshop for Fiction Writers
Discover what's driving your plot, develop your story's three acts, and learn how to create exciting openings, middles, and conclusions.  Next, tap into the universal language of myths with Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey. Finally, discover how to structure a story at the sentence-level.

Online Course! Fiction Writing
This interactive online course gives you the flexibility to develop the craft of fiction around your busy schedule. Learn all the elements of great fiction: from character, motivation, and conflict to structure, setting and scene-writing. Practice your hand at crafting dialogue, writing gorgeous sentences, showing instead of telling, and revising your work to commercial writing standards.  Work through each week's subject modules at your own pace. Post your work on discussion boards for feedback from fellow students. We will also discuss the business of writing with a step-by-step guide to getting published! This course is taught by a professional writer, editor, and writing consultant with 15 years, experience in the publishing industry. Please contact instructor Julie Castillo, jmwriterslife@aol.com if you have questions concerning this class.

Discover Yourself As a Fiction Writer
You've always wanted to try it - but you're afraid you aren't any good. The thought of letting someone else read your work makes your toenails curl. Every time you sit down to create your masterpiece, you get writer's block. This class is for that budding novelist inside you who just needs a chance to get started. Find your voice, your category, your talent. Learn how to hone your craft, outfox writer's block, and be creative on your own terms. Walk out of this class with the confidence and direction you need to dive into your first story!

Getting Started in Writing
There's a book inside you - you may have known that for years. But how do you take it from the initial spark of an idea to a finished manuscript? Then, once it's finished, how do you get it into the hands of a publisher? This class explores the creative processes, working methods, and business aspects of being a writer. It's designed to get you started on your first project, whether you write fiction or nonfiction.

For more information or to register, call 240-500-2236.