“Each of us has a story to tell, but finding the words and voice for that story is an art and craft specific to each individual,” says instructor Kathy Garlick. “This class is designed for writers who may be uncovering and sharing that story for the first time.”
In this class, we’ll explore the creative writing process, from idea generation to the development of craft. We’ll do frequent and diverse writing exercises to learn how to create well-rounded characters, tell an engrossing story, and add colorful details to settings and scenes. Writers may be interested in different genres, so we’ll discuss poetry, short fiction, memoir, and personal essay.
We’ll also read and learn from writers such as Jhumpa Lahiri, Zadie Smith, Fanny Howe, and Edmund White. Kathy says, “In writing we’re always trying to find something honest, something hidden under the trapdoor of the skull. Our reactions to other writers can open that door.”
Discussions, prompt-driven writing exercises, and sharing our work with one another will be essential for this class. By the end of the class, you will have the tools to develop creative work in any genre you choose.
About The Writing Salon's In-Person Classes
Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about the class. If you have any questions about in-person learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.
Kathy Garlick’s poetry and prose have appeared in Art and Ideas, Fourteen Hills, Field, and other publications. Her chapbook of poems, The Listening World, was published by Momotombo Press at St. Mary’s College. Kathy currently teaches creative writing and academic writing at University of San Francisco and creative writing and literature in the English Master’s program at Holy Names University.
- Thursday, April 11, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Thursday, April 18, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Thursday, April 25, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Thursday, May 02, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Thursday, May 09, 6:30pm-9:00pm
This class was enormously helpful in shaping my thinking for where to take my stories/non-fiction pieces. I was blown away by the quality of feedback from the majority of my peers. My confidence also grew through this experience. It was just the boost in the arm I needed to kick the year off right and I look forward to taking more classes.
I loved this class because it felt very supportive and also informative. I left feeling inspired and excited to keep writing, and signed up for another class right afterward. I love the positive environment created in the Writing Salon, and the focus on stopping your own inner-critic to fully enjoy and embrace the process of writing.
Kathy is an absolutely excellent teacher. She created a comfortable environment and gave great examples. As a beginner, it was the perfect springboard to help me move forward.