The Writing Center
To register please call 914-606-6830 and press option 1
Summer & Fall 2022
Short Story Writing—Part 1
This course will explore the fundamentals of writing a short story, both flash fiction and short story genres. Learn about the characteristics of flash fiction, and how to write flash fiction as well as for longer short stories. Students will be encouraged to write one short piece of fiction per class and read short stories for discussion in class. Students should come prepared to read and write each session. Classes will include short videos and discussion questions will be given each class session to review class material.
CE-WRITG 2126, 12 Tues., June 7-Aug. 23, 6:30-8:00 pm, $215 (+ textbook). L Rhodes. #7866
Screenwriting
An introductory course aimed at teaching students to write a screenplay. Students will be taught the nuts and bolts of character development, theme, and plot. Concentration on how to write action lines and dialogue and showing versus telling will be discussed. Each student will finish a first draft of a screenplay by the end of the class. No experience required. Only bring your creativity. The required E-book, Aristotelian Inspired Screenwriting: A Simple Guide to Complex Storytelling by Jason Kent, can be ordered through Amazon or Barnes & Nobles, students must also register to get a free app if they don’t own a Kindle.
CE-WRITG 2101, 12 Thurs., June 9-Aug. 25, 6:30-8:00 pm, $215 (+ textbook). L Rhodes. #7630
Writing Bootcamp
Start fast! Keep it humming. End with authority. Polish, correct, and tighten the prose. Learn how to write your story, whether fiction or nonfiction, so it entices, captivates, and delights readers.
CE-WRITG 2047, 3 Tues., June 7-21, 6:00-8:00 pm, KNC-3, $62. P Andrews. #7609
Fall 2022
Hook Your Readers
Many agents and editors will only read the opening pages of a manuscript before deciding if they are interested. Award-winning fantasy author and editor Barbara Campbell will share tips to help you hook readers on the first page, prompt them to keep reading, create complex characters and dramatic scenes, and avoid style pitfalls that can weaken the impact of your prose. Students working on a novel or short story should bring the opening scene to class and will receive a handout with course highlights, scene studies, and writing exercises.
CE-WRITG 2118, 1 Sat., Nov. 5, 9:00 am-12:00 noon, $42. B Campbell. #90229
Writing from the Soul
Writing is an art form about self-expression. Whether you prefer fiction or nonfiction, journal writing or story writing, this course will help unleash your creativity as a writer with a focus on writing descriptive narratives. Using your five senses, learn to create an emotion and a picture in the reader’s mind. Develop a scene in your story or recall a memory you have entered in your journals. Students will share their work with the class. Please bring spiral notebooks or journals, and pens.
CE-WRITG 2106VA, 3 Tues., Sept. 6-20, 7:00-9:00 pm, $68. L Lush. #89984
Healing Minds and Hearts in Writing
Writing is an empowering tool that frees minds and hearts. Writing has the power to heal, to create a connection with self and with others through ideas, thoughts and sharing of emotions. The “work-shopping” process invites writing as a recursive process in which writing stamina is built, writing goals are examined, and the process is shared. Writers will engage in experiential writing, set writing goals, and will create shorter structured pieces and a longer piece as a culminating activity.
CE-PRSDV 2197VA, 5 Thurs., Sept. 8-Oct. 13, 4:30-6:30 pm, $125. E Klein. #90170
How to Tell a Story
Whether you are telling a fictional or nonfictional story, the elements of telling it are the same. A good story does not always start with ‘once upon a time’ or the day your lead character was born. It starts with action, setting the scene, introducing a character, or even posing a question. In this remote course, learn how to tell your story through plotting and drafting it. Learn how edit your story with a discerning eye by discovering what to leave in and what to take out. You will develop it into a finished story to share with the class for critiquing.
CE-WRITG 2123, 3 Thurs., Dec. 1-15, 7:00-9:00 pm, $73. L Lush. #89983
Introduction to Memoir
Memoir is a life examined. Learn how to mine your memory and tell your story using the tools of prose, including theme, description, and dialogue.
CE-WRITG 2112, 4 Thurs., Oct. 6-27, 1:00-3:30 pm, $125. M Matlick. #89981