The focus of the workshop is to encourage and guide experienced writers in creating, revising, and potentially publishing short, stand-alone works of memoir

“By writing memoir and personal essays, we give form to our histories and make something of meaning and beauty that is uniquely ours,” says instructor Katharine Harer. "I love this genre because you can be yourself, complete with your idiosyncrasies, strong opinions, flashes of wisdom and crazy moments

In this class, you'll develop concrete skills and narrative techniques through fun writing exercises designed to help you master your craft. At the end of five weeks, you'll have a better grip on how to use these techniques (for developing character, setting, and plot) as tools for building your story

This five-week workshop will guide you through the intricacies of change, whether you want to explore a story from your past, such as a coming of age moment, or focus on something from your present, perhaps a career change, retirement or relocation, divorce or breakup, or aging

"Poets in every stage of their career, and often on a regular basis, struggle with where and how to start a poem,” says instructor Brian Tierney. “I’ve found that creating boundaries for the writing process is a good way to spark inspiration and creativity

What is it that “shifts the burden” and makes readers feel that they want to spend time inside a writer’s world? In this one-day class, we will focus on first lines and first paragraphs: what they should do versus what creates confusion and keeps the burden on the reader

You can come to this class being able to rap along to Nicki Minaj’s whole catalogue, have never heard a rap song in your life, or anything in-between. In this one-day class, we will go on a journey to create and share our own hip-hop poems.

The goal of this intimate 8-session class is for each person to finish a handful of new poems for potential publication. We’ll be drafting or revising a poem in between each class meeting; plan to complete 4-8 new works by the end of the class in May. Along the way we’ll share constructive feedback

Write what you know? Instructor Steve Mitchel asks, “Where’s the fun in that?" In this one-day workshop, you’ll practice writing what you don’t know

“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 focus on finding and shaping evocative stories from our own lives, stories that build from our specific and unique life events and move toward resonant, universal themes

“Writing fiction for young people means first understanding what makes a strong story,” says instructor Maxine Rose Schur. “If you have an idea for a story or have already begun writing one, this is the class for you

You’ve spent hours alone wrestling with your fiction and now you’re craving some constructive, insightful feedback from a supportive group of fellow writers. It’s time to dip your toe into the workshop