Dr. Elliot Engel is coming to Davie County Public Library on Thursday, Nov. 6, for the ninth consecutive year.
This year’s programs will be “The Brilliant and Bizarre Brontës,” the tragic story of the Brontë family, with emphasis on Charlotte and Emily. Programs are at 4 and 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public; come early to get a good seat.
Satisfied customers have said they would listen to Elliot Engel “read a phone book.”
Partial funding for these programs is from the Friends of the Davie County Public Library and the Mary and Jane McGuire Library Trust.
For more information about the programs or for information about joining the Friends of the Library, call 336-753-6030.
Writers’ Workshop classes
The following classes for beginning and experienced writers, sponsored by The Writers’ Workshop, are held at the Jewish Community Center, 5009 Providence Road, in Charlotte. Registration is in advance only. For more information, e-mail writersw@gmail.com, or call 828-254-8111.
Nov. 8: Writing and Publishing Creative Nonfiction Articles with Mike Weinstein ó Beginning to intermediate writers will get tips on interviewing, researching, writing the query letter and selling human-interest stories to newspapers and magazines. Participants may bring up to three pages of writing for in-class evaluation. Weinstein is features editor at The Charlotte Observer, and has won numerous awards. Meets Saturday, 12:30-5:30 p.m. $75, or $70 for Workshop members.
Nov. 22: Introduction to Playwriting with Heather Jones ó The class will learn the fundamentals of playwriting, including the structure of different formats such as the one-act and full-length play. Information will also be given on how to submit a play for production. Jones has an MFA in writing from Spalding University. Her plays have been produced by the American Theatre of Actors, N.Y.; Green Light Theatrical Productions, PA; and UNC-Asheville. Meets Saturday, 12:3-5:30 p.m. $75/ $70 Workshop members.
Dec. 6: Fiction Writing Workshop with John P. McAfee ó Students will receive information on writing short stories and novels, including characterization, dialogue and sense of place. Information on getting published and screenplay adaptation will also be discussed. McAfee is the author of two novels, “Slow Walk in A Sad Rain” and “On Rims of Empty Moons.” He has sold the rights to “Slow Walk” and has been hired to write the screenplay. Meets Saturday, 12:30-5:30 p.m. $75/$70, workshop members.
Dec. 13: Memoir Writing with Karen Ackerson ó Participants will learn how to turn personal experiences into a compelling memoir for family and friends or for publication. In-class writing exercises will help students identify life-changing events to be used as the backbone of their memoir. Discussion will include creating a sense of place and how to enhance writing style. Ackerson, a biographer and senior editor at The Renbourne Agency, has taught workshops throughout the Southeast for 15 years. Meets Saturday, 12:3-5:30. $75/ $70, workshop members.
Dec. 20: Grant Writing Simplified ó The basics of grant writing will be covered. Students will learn how to write a strong mission statement, proposal and narrative. Information on researching funders and private donors will also be discussed. A two-page proposal and budget may be brought to the class for review by workshop grant writers, who have 20 years’ experience generating funds from private foundations and philanthropists. Meets Saturday, 12:30-5:30 p.m. $75/$70, members.