The Writing Center
To register please call 914-606-6830 and press option 1
Summer & Fall 2020
Storytelling Workshop
Whether creating flash fiction, a script or a memoir, a writer will need a beginning that hooks, a middle that continues to engage, and an ending that satisfies. This workshop will support you as you work to create short works, outlines, and/or treatments with audience appeal. Along with the basics, get help to create surprise in plots (true or fictional), appealing characters, and concepts that catch interest. Most of the sessions will be devoted to workshop writing in a positive and safe environment.
CE-WRITG 2115, 6 Wed., June 3-July 8, 6:00-8:00 pm, $150. P Andrews. #5850
Screenwriting Seminar: 1-Day Crash Course
What makes the difference between films that are phenomenal successes and those that vanish without a trace? The answer lies in the script–the unique combination of artistic vision, exceptional story structure, and original theme. This one-day intensive seminar, taught by a seasoned screenwriter and instructor, will highlight the critical skills and knowledge to make your scripts stand out. Topics include transforming an idea into a story map; formatting a screenplay and using dynamic, specific industry specific language; crafting an engaging and strategically paced narrative structure; and creating compelling characters, settings, and scenes. Includes a brief discussion of the business of film. Brief curated lectures will lead to writing exercises that will allow you to use the tools shared in real time. Bring your lunch.
CE-WRITG 2114, 1 Sat., 11:00 am-6:00 pm, $90. C Webster.
- Sec. A: July 18. #5866
- Sec. B: Aug. 8. #5867
Developing a Web Story Series
Learn how to write episodic stories for the Web and discover how they escape normal commercial constraints in terms of length and content. Writing episodic stories requires attention to factors that will keep audiences coming back for more. Create a premise that is clear and engaging; characters that are memorable, consistent, surprising, and worth caring about; plots that both satisfy and suggest there is more to come. Discover how the stories can be produced as economical fiction podcasts (with audio-only story).
Developing a Web Story Series (cont.)
telling). This course for writers will be customized to fit the aspirations of the students. The emphasis will be on the stories along with discussion of formats and collaboration.
CE-WRITG 2117, 3 Wed., July 22-Aug. 5, 6:00-8:00 pm, $75. P Andrews. #5851
Building a Compelling Plot
A story’s plot is more than a series of events. To create a cohesive plot, you must understand the rela- tionship between it and other key story elements. Work with award-winning author Barbara Campbell to review the building blocks of plot, analyze scenes, and learn techniques that will turn the events in your story into a compelling journey for characters and readers alike. Students will receive a handout with highlights of course material.
CE-WRITG 2065, 1 Sat., July 18, 9:00 am-12:00 noon, $35 (+ $5 materials fee, payable to instructor). B Campbell. #5509
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. Devel- op 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., June 9-23, 6:30-8:30 pm, $65. L Lush. #5536
Write Your Young Adult and Middle Grade Novel
The genre of young adult writing is hotter than ever, but how do you know if your idea fits the genre? What is involved in writing a young adult novel? Where and how do you begin to sell it? Prolific pub- lished author Suzanne R shows you practical tips for finding the audience, the form, the voice, and the work tips to get you going. Includes outlining, scheduling, selling, and promoting your work in a combi- nation of lecture and workshop. The time to write that novel is now!
CE-WRITG 2079, 4 T/Th, Aug. 11-20, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, $125. S Weyn. #5542
Write and Publish Kids Books
Have a great idea for a children’s book? That is a terrific place to start, but how do you progress from concept to published product? Go from getting started to the finish line in the world of juvenile publish- ing by exploring the requirements of every audience–baby board books, first chapter, middle-grade, and young adult–from outlining and writing, to finding an agent and/or publisher, to self-publication.
CE-WRITG 2073, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, $90. S Weyn.
- Sec. A: 3 Sat., June 20-July 11 (skip 7/4). #5538
- Sec. B: 3 Fri., July 24-Aug. 7. #5539
Making Your First Book Sale
Join award-winning novelist Barbara Campbell to learn how to sell your unpublished novel. In addition to basics like proper manuscript formatting and identifying potential agents and publishers, students will practice writing a winning query letter, developing a hook, and making an “elevator pitch.” Barbara will also share tips on working with agents and editors.
CE-WRITG 2105, 1 Sat., Aug. 1, 9:00 am-12:00 noon, $40 (+ $3.00 materials fee, payable to instructor). B Campbell. #5510
Writing Articles for Fun and Profit
Local publications are always looking for freelance writers. By adding photography to the mix, writers double their value to editors and publishers. The Internet and digital media have multiplied the oppor- tunities and need for writers. Aspiring writers will learn how to apply to the thousands of writing oppor- tunities open to them, while writers already engaged in writing projects can encourage others through networking while finding new outlets for their work.
CE-WRITG 2071, 2 Mon., June 1 & 8, 6:30-8:30 pm, $60. T Riley. #5484
Fall 2020
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., Sept. 17-Oct. 8, 11:00 am-1:30 pm, $125. M Matlick. #89995
Memoir: The Next Steps
This class is ideal for those who are ready to begin writing their memoirs, or have already begun. Students will arrive at each class, including the first class with up to 1,000 words (five pages) ready to read aloud for critique. Discussion will incorporate the elements of memoir, such as plot, character, theme, and dialogue.
CE-WRITG 2119VA, 4 Thurs., Sept. 17-Oct. 8, 2:30-5:00 pm, $125. M Matlick. #90523
Craft of Poetry Workshop
An introductory online course aimed at teaching the details of poetic forms and meters with emphasis on the craft and creation of poems. Students will analyze and provide constructive feedback to their peers and will critique and review a famous poem during each class. New poetic forms will be introduced and discussed. Students are encouraged to keep and write in a daily journal. Emphasis will be on writing Italian and American sonnets, villanelles, hybrid, acrostic, haiku poems.
Remote CE-WRITG 2121, 6 Sat., Sept. 19-Oct. 24, 9:00-11:00 am, $150. L Rhodes-Ryabchich. #90582
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., Dec. 1-15, 6:30-8:30 pm, $65. L Lush. #90239
Freelancing for Fun and Profit
Local publications are always looking for freelance writers. By adding photography to the mix, writers double their value to editors and publishers. The internet and digital media have multiplied the opportunities and need for writers. Aspiring writers will learn how to apply to the thousands of writing opportunities open to them, while writers already engaged in writing projects can encourage others through networking while finding new outlets for their work. Please email instructor at totrwriter@aol.com for list of optional books.
CE-WRITG 2071, 3 Wed., Oct. 7-21, 6:30-8:30 pm, $60 (+ $2 for purchase of a Rivertown Magazine and handouts). T Riley. #90058
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., Sept. 26, 9:00 am-12:00 noon, $40. B Campbell. #90484
Screenwriting Seminar: 1-Day Crash Course
What makes the difference between films that are phenomenal successes and those that vanish without a trace? The answer lies in the script–the unique combination of artistic vision, exceptional story structure, and original theme. This one-day intensive seminar, taught by a seasoned screenwriter and instructor, will highlight the critical skills and knowledge to make your scripts stand out and script writing practice with feedback. Topics include transforming an idea into a story map; formatting a screenplay and using dynamic, specific industry specific language; crafting an engaging and strategically paced narrative structure; and creating compelling characters, settings, and scenes. Bring your lunch.
CE-WRITG 2114, 1 Sat., 11:00 am-6:00 pm, $90. C Webster.
- Sec. A: Oct. 17. #90165
- Sec. B: Nov. 14. #90166
- Sec. C: Dec. 5. #90167