New classes, sponsored by The Writersí Workshop, will be offered in Charlotte.
These classes, for any level writer, meet at Providence Presbyterian Church. Registration is in advance only, by mail or at www.twwoa.org. Financial aid in exchange for volunteering is available. For more information, contact writersw@gmail.com or call 828-254-8111.
Jan. 29: Writing for the Media with Mike Weinstein: Participants will learn techniques on writing and submitting stories and essays to newspapers, magazines and online markets. The class will learn how to write lively, inspired pieces, as well as tips on interviewing and doing research. Students may bring five pages of work for evaluation and revision.
Weinstein is features editor at the Charlotte Observer, and has won numerous awards. Meets Saturday, 10:30-4:30 p.m.; $75/$70 members.
Feb. 12: Fiction Writing with Thomas Calder. The class will discuss character development, dialogue, point-of-view and revision. Students will read excerpts and discuss the works of such writers as Ernest Hemingway, Flannery OíConnor and Robert Boswell. In-class writing exercises will give students time to focus on their craft and discuss their work.
Calder has attended workshops including the Nebraska Writersí Conference and the Tin House Writers Workshop. Meets Saturday, 12-5 p.m.; $75/$70 members.
Feb. 26: Sharing Your Story with Alice Osborn. Have you been told you have a story to tell? Learn how to harness the power of your stories for future generations, and that what youíve learned over a lifetime is a treasure that must be shared.
Osborn is the author of two chapbooks. Her work also appears in the Raleigh News and Observer, The Pedestal Magazine, and in journals and anthologies. Meets Saturday, 12-5 p.m.; $75/$70 members.
March 12: Poetry Writing and Publishing with Richard Krawiec. This workshop for beginning to experienced poets will focus on revising poems and how to turn rejection letters into acceptances. Information on where to publish will also be given. Students may bring up to five poems for in-class revision.
Krawiecís chapbook, ěBreakdown: A Fatherís Story,î was an í09 Indie Book Awards Finalist. He has won fellowships from the NEA and the NC Arts Council, and teaches online for UNC-Chapel Hill. Meets Saturday, 12-5 p.m.; $75/$70 members.
March 26: Writing for Young Adults with Gail McAbee and Cynthia Witherspoon. Key elements of writing the young adult novel will be discussed, focusing on character development, dialogue and setting. Publishing information will also be given, and students may bring a story idea or synopsis for evaluation. McAbee is the author of 12 books and 70 short stories. Her awards include the Dorothy Parker Award of Excellence.
Witherspoon is the award-winning author of ěThe Concept and Chorus of the Dead.î Both instructors are co-authors of ěThe Balefire Chronicles.î Meets Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; $75/$70 members.