Classes & Workshops

Chuckanut Writers Conference
Whatcom Community College
237 West Kellogg Road
Bellingham, Washington

Panel Discussion: "Writing Real Life"
1:15 to 2:15 pm, Saturday, June 23, 2012
In this moderated panel discussion, I'll focus on how to create a strong sense of place, without falling into the pitfalls of stereotype and cliché, in nonfiction.

Workshop: Self Editor's Toolkit: Improve Your Own Prose
2:30 to 3:30 pm
Gain powerful tools to improve your prose at all stages of the writing process, from revising a first draft to putting the finishing touches on nearly completed work. Examples from well-known writers, a discussion of the four levels / stages of editing, suggested exercises, and an extensive handout will allow you to take home a personalized self-editing toolkit.

These events are open only to those attending the writers' conference. Register here!

"Six Keys to Nonfiction Prose"
Port Townsend Writers' Conference
Centrum, Port Townsend, Washington
July 8 to 15, 2012
2:00 to 3:30 pm each afternoon
Six days, six keys. In each workshop session, we’ll explore
one essential element of creative nonfiction – tools that you
can use whether you are writing memoir, travel narrative,
personal essay, history, or literary journalism. We’ll dissect
examples from creative nonfiction masters and then use
these keys for our own writing projects. These workshops
can be taken independently, or all together – everyone is
welcome to attend just one, all six, or any number in
between!

Monday: Build Your Own Rainbow: Narrative Arc

Tuesday: Just Who’s Telling This Story, Anyway?
First-Person Narrator

Wednesday: What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger:
Character Development

Thursday: Every Page is a Stage: Scene Shop

Friday: What’s the Big Idea? Theme

Saturday: I Love Your Je Ne Sais Quoi... Style

These workshops are open only to participants in the afternoon sessions of the Port Townsend Writers Conference. Register here -- the conference is filling up fast.