The Writers' Workshop, Asheville, NC, offers Saturday Writing Workshops starting June 3, 2017

The Writers’ Workshop is offering classes and contests for beginning and experienced writers. Each class meets on Saturdays, 10-4 pm, at 387 Beaucatcher Rd., Asheville. Registration is in advance only, at www.twwoa.org. Classes are $75 each, or $70 for Workshop members. Financial assistance is available for low-income writers.

Schedule:

June 3: Writing the Novel with Karen Ackerson

The class will discuss key aspects of the novel – creating unforgettable characters, developing conflict, tension and honest dialogue, and describing a sense of place. Readings of award-winning literary novelists will serve as examples of fine writing Editing techniques will also be taught, including eliminating unnecessary details, building tension, and fine-tuning dialogue and descriptions. Participants may bring a synopsis and five pages to the class for review. Ackerson is Senior Editor at the Renbourne Editorial Agency, and has taught workshops throughout the Southeast for over 20 years.

June 10: How to Self-Publish and Promote Your Book with Peggy DeKay

Whether you are a published author or writing your first book, this class will give you a comprehensive guide to making money by self-publishing. The class will cover everything from creating a manuscript to selling your book on Amazon and in bookstores - the smart and profitable way. Tips will be given on how to use print-on-demand technology and CreateSpace to publish and sell your book. DeKay is the author of Self-Publishing for Virgins, and teaches seminars throughout the Southeast.

June 24: Exploring Your Options with Richard Krawiec

Often when a piece of writing isn't working, it's because we are trying to force the material into the wrong form. How can you tell if that work of flash fiction you're wrestling with should really be a memoir? Or the short story a novel? Maybe that poem should be a lyric essay, or that essay a poem? In this session we will generate material, then look at ways to identify what form is best suited for you, and what techniques to use for your particular piece. Krawiec has published three novels; a short story collection; and numerous books of poetry and plays. His work has appeared in Shenandoah, Sou-wester, and Ampersand among many other literary magazines, and was featured in Best American Short Stories.

July 15: Poetry and Tension with Eric Nelson

Conflict—or tension—is indispensable to successful poetry, providing the driving force of the poem as well as its depth and complexity. Writers of all levels will explore different kinds of poetic tension, from the most subtle, such as haiku, to the most obvious (such as epics) through reading and discussion of examples, and by creating tension in our own poems through prompts and exercises. Nelson’s six books include the award winning collections Some Wonder (Gival Press Poetry Award), Terrestrials (Texas Review Poetry Award), and The Interpretation of Waking Life (University of Arkansas Poetry Award). He has taught poetry workshops at Georgia Southern University for 26 years.

August 19: Writing Historical Fiction with Anne Barnhill

The class will learn vital aspects of writing historical fiction, including how to make historical figures 'come alive', how to use dialogue from another century, where to find research materials, and much more. We will be doing writing exercises geared to historical fiction, as well as taking a brief look at some historical novels to see how other writers work. Barnhill is the award-winning author of numerous books, including At the Mercy of the Queen; Coal Baby; Queen Elizabeth’s Daughter; and What You Long For. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from UNC-Wilmington, and teaches workshops throughout the state.

For more info, contact writersw@gmail.com or 828-254-8111.

www.twwoa.org