Upcoming Writing Classes

I'm pleased to announce three writing classes beginning in March; one at the Bobby Pearse Community Center in Greenville, and two at the Fine Arts Center of Easley. 

GREENVILLE, SC

Fiction 101 is geared towards the serious adult or young adult who has dreamed of writing fiction but didn’t have the tools to pursue that goal. Each class will include a short lecture, writing activities, feedback, and discussion. In a fun, informal manner I provide a blend of information and hands-on learning experiences. Students will leave excited to work on their story.

The course will meet at the  community center for six weeks from 1- 4 PM. Class begins on March 3, skips March 31 because of Easter break and ends on April 14. Each class is $45.00 for City of Greenville residents and $50.00 for non-City residents. If you sign up for the entire course, you will receive one free class. City of Greenville residents: $225.00; non-City: $250.00.  Registration caps at 15 so hurry and sign up here (under “Adult” programming).

March 3    Muscle Words, Revision, Genres, Characterization

March 10   Sensory Settings and World Building

March 17   Plot and Structure

March 24   Beginnings and Scenes

April    7    Suspense, Tension, and Endings

April   14   Organization, Research, Your Path to Publication

A great space for a writing workshop!

FINE ARTS CENTER OF EASLEY

Fiction Genre Writing for Kids

Do your kids dream up stories about space aliens or unicorns conquering the world? Do they enjoy mysteries and wonder how to write one? Does the past capture their imagination and they create stories about lords and ladies? Or, do they prefer sports fiction and want to create a dream team of their own?

If these scenarios describe your kids, then they will love my genre writing class in which they create a mini-story in each genre. Although emphasis is on creative writing, students will learn skills that they can apply to expository writing.

$100/month for a 90-minute class beginning Grades 4-10. Beginning March 6; class runs from  4-5:30 PM. Fine Arts Center of Easley. (Click on "Sign Up" button and the registration form downloads to your computer). Or call 864-442-6027. Family discounts available.

Adult Writing Class- Part I

For beginning and intermediate writers. Students will be introduced to the building blocks of short fiction. Each 2-hour class will include a short lecture, writing activities, feedback, and discussion.

March 6: Characterization and point of view

March 13: Sensory settings

March 20: Conflict and Tension

April 3 Plot and Structure

Class is $100/a month for adults and young adults. Fine Arts Center of Easley. (Click on "Sign Up" button and the registration form downloads to your computer). Or call 864-442-6027. Family discounts available.

 

Or, if You Prefer Food & Travel Writing....

Yesterday I posted information about my writing classes. Here are other writing classes in the Charlotte, NC area focusing on book publishing, food writing and travel writing. Classes start Sept. 13 and 20, Oct. 11 and are led by author/teacher Jodi Helmer. 

Pre-registration is required for all classes; email jodi@jodihelmer.com to register.

Travel Writing: Write Your Way Around the World (four sessions)

When: 7 to 9 p.m. September 13, 20, 27 and October 4

Where: The Last Word, 230 East W.T. Harris Blvd., Suite B11 (Behind Walgreens on the corner of WT Harris and Hwy 29), Charlotte, NC Cost: $125

 

Travel writing is a job most people dream about – learn how to make that dream come true. This class will help new writers learn how to develop ideas, approach editors, write articles and (of course) travel the world for free. In-class exercises, homework and thoughtful critiques will help you hone your writing skills and get one step closer to getting published.

 

Coffee & Critiques/Questions (four sessions)

When: 10 a.m. to noon September 15, October 13, November 17 and December 15

Where: Charlotte area, exact location TBA

Cost: $150 for all four sessions; $50 for a single session (pre-registration required)

 

Spend the morning building the confidence, skills and information you need to achieve publishing success. In monthly sessions, I’ll critique queries, help brainstorm the best markets for your ideas, answer questions about the publishing process or provide an old fashioned kick in the pants to help you reach your goals. These sessions are designed for those with some publishing experience/knowledge.

 

Book Publishing: Go from Idea to Author (four sessions)

When: 10 a.m. to noon September 20, 27, October 4, 11

Where: The Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Rd., Cornelius, NC

Cost: $125

 

You’ve dreamed of writing a book but have no idea how turn your idea into a published book available on the shelves at Barnes and Noble. During this four-week class, you’ll learn how to tailor a book idea so it’s irresistible to agents and publishers, craft a successful book proposal and determine whether to work with an agent (and how to find one). The class will also cover the basics of self-publishing and book marketing.

 

Food Writing: Eat Your Words (three sessions)

When: 7 to 9 p.m. October 11, 18 and 25

Where: The Last Word, 230 East W.T. Harris Blvd., Suite B11 (Behind Walgreens on the corner of WT Harris and Hwy 29), Charlotte, NC

Cost: $95

 

Food nurtures and sustains us; it also serves as the backdrop for some of our favorite memories. Learn how to turn your love of food into published articles and essays. Whether you want to write a memoir based on family recipes, cover trends in urban agriculture or become a successful restaurant reviewer and recipe developer, this class will provide the ingredients you need to succeed.

About the instructor:

Professional writer Jodi Helmer is the author of three books, including Moon Handbooks' guide to Charlotte, as well as hundreds of magazine articles for publications includingWomen's Health, Shape, Family Circle, and Backpacker. 

 

When she's not writing, Jodi loves to share her knowledge of the writing business with others, through classes and one-on-one coaching. Students who have taken Jodi's classes have been published in regional and national magazines and books, including Natural Health, EatingWell,  and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Learn more at www.jodihelmer.com.

Writing Classes in Charlotte, NC

If you are looking for writing classes in Charlotte, you might want to check out Maureen Griffin's website. In addition to being a poet and instructor at Queens College and CPCC, she also has a full schedule of writing classes. A number of people who take her classes and/or use her coaching and critique services have been published. Her book, Spinning Words into Gold was featured on the North Carolina Arts Council's website.

Tomorrow I'm leaving for a family vacation and will join up the rest of the Baldwin crew in Arkansas. I hope to catch up on writing fiction--it seems as if I rarely have time for "fun" writing anymore! Later in June, I'll share what I learn in the process.