Thursday, March 13, 2008

Creative Writing Workshop (4/9 - 5/21)

I'm teaching a 7-week course for fiction and creative non-fiction writers (sorry, poets).

For the first four meetings, we’ll discuss published work, digging through elements of craft such as characterization, point of view, scene, setting, and voice. We’ll also explore those topics through short in- and out-of-class writing exercises.

The second half of the course will follow a traditional workshop format. Workshop dates will be divvied up and writers will provide copies of their short stories or essays the week before. In class, writers will receive verbal and written feedback and will have a chance to ask questions.

The idea is to provide a supportive and productive environment for writers to share their work and connect with others who are engaged in/struggling with the creative process. I hope to have more laughing than crying (though crying isn’t all bad) and to rouse some energy and motivation within the St. Louis writing community (Could such a thing exist?).

Time: Wednesdays, 7:30 to 9:30
Dates: April 9th to May 21st
Fee: $40 (no books to purchase—readings will be sent by email)
Location: The Gathering United Methodist Church* at 2105 McCausland Avenue in Maplewood

*note: the church has been generous enough to provide a classroom space, but this workshop is not affiliated with The Gathering

About me…

I’m a St. Louis native, but my adult residence only began in August, when I moved back from St. Petersburg, Russia. I’d been living there for two years, teaching English as a Foreign Language. A while ago, I majored in Creative Writing at Oberlin College in Ohio and later earned my secondary teaching credential from Mills College in California.

Back in St. Louis, I’m substitute teaching and working as a freelance writer. To date, I’ve published articles in St. Louis Magazine and the West End Word. In the near future, my work will also appear in 52nd City and the Vital Voice. Other efforts can be found on this very blog.

Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in signing up for the workshop, email me at mryanmiller@hotmail.com.

I really look forward to meeting and working with you!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I am really glad that you are going to do this workshop. I think it will be an amazing experience for anyone who attends. I wish I could do it. Maybe you can start one in Philly....