Writing Workshops
The Writer’s Center offers hundreds of writing workshops and classes every year. Workshops cover all genres and all experience levels. Join us in person and online.
You will transform your day into poetry and fiction. You will make poems and stories from everyday details of your life.
This intensive one-day workshop will offer all poets—whether they have yet to submit their first poem to a literary journal or are ready to present a publisher with a book-length manuscript—hands-on advice on how to achieve their publishing goals. Participants will learn how to place poems in print and online journals, why anthologies are such an appealing platform, how to publish chapbooks and books, the pros and cons of contests, the etiquette of poetry submission, ways to develop a poetry network, and how to keep morale high while facing rejection in a highly competitive field
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Spend an evening practicing and learning about the art of public speaking. This in-person coaching session will give you the opportunity to bring your voice– and self– to the words you’ve written. You’ll learn how to become a more genuine and effective communicator of your work, which will in turn fuel a more authentic writing process and outcome. You’ll leave the workshop with an experience of camaraderie, community, and a more deeply rooted sense of your creative and expressive self. Please have on hand a number of pieces you’d be comfortable sharing during the meeting. There will be a break; please also bring a snack and water.
This workshop explores the complex connections between humans and the natural world, including issues such as climate change, pollution, and environmental justice. We’ll read poems that address the concerns for our planet and our relationship with nature, then discuss them and write our own ecopoems. All poems will be provided during the workshop.
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The workshop will allow beginning writers to learn the building blocks of researching and writing non-fiction works in different formats and lengths, from first-person writing to essays and magazine-style pieces. The only catch: it has to be true.
In this one-session workshop, author/lawyer Ken Ackerman covers the basic legal framework of how writers interact with publishers, what copyrights are, why they matter, and how publishing contracts work — all with an eye toward defending your work in a rough and tumble world.
This class aims to restore Metaphor and Simile to prominence in the writing of contemporary poems. In the first two weeks we’ll run exercises in class and for homework on generating metaphor/simile pairs. For the next two weeks, metaphor and simile will be either added to a previously written poem, or a new one generated using them. FInally, we’ll work on extending metaphor and building a new poem around such an extended metaphor.
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Craft recipes as part of a food essay or memoir! This workshop is open to all levels of writers – the only requirement is to have a passion for food […]
Meet Hannah Grieco, instructor for our Personal Essays from Start to Finish workshop, and have all your questions about the program answered! The Writer’s Center staff will be on hand, too, […]
Write your novel in a year with bestselling author Kristen Arnett! Are you looking for an exciting, fun, collaborative way to get your writing brain into gear? Are you ready […]
You have many options for publishing your work. Which one is best for you and your book? In this class we will explore self-publishing, hybrid, and alternative routes to publication: collaborating with a nonprofit and work-for-hire. We will set goals and evaluate the assets we bring to the publishing process to see how those affect available options for publishing. Attendees will walk away knowing what it takes to succeed in these varied and exciting routes to publication.
Use your words, ideas, and verse to share messages of peace, inspiration, and hope. In this five-part, generative workshop, we’ll explore the power of poetry to inspire, heal, and build community. With readings from work by Maya Angelou, Carol Bialock, Ross Gay, Mary Oliver, Ada Limón, Emmett Wheatfall, William Stafford, and other poets as the springboard for our weekly writing practice, together we’ll gather material to create new poems that bring messages of hope, perseverance, and resilience to share with loved ones, acquaintances, or with our fragile planet. Participants will create—then share—five poems (or more) during this fun and interactive workshop.
When writing a novel, we must know our primary characters inside and out. We need to understand their desires, motivations, and frustrations, their histories and their futures. This workshop will focus on the development of authentic characters. Participants will examine character as both autonomous and residing within the context of the other novelistic elements, and we will examine the challenge of creating and integrating these various elements into a cohesive and credible whole. Participants will explore the main character(s) in their novels-in-progress.
Writing a novel takes commitment, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. Learn how to generate a handful of plots to choose from, methods for effectively planning your story, and simple hacks for fine tuning your basic fiction skills. Students will initiate a flexible writing plan that will keep their writing flowing. This is a great half-day session for the beginning long-form fiction writer, or for the more experienced author in need of a quick strategy brush-up.
Trauma can shut us down; writing poems can help free us to open up again. This workshop will present some of the many ways poetry has helped writers both heal trauma and prevent post-traumatic stress syndrome. Guided by an internationally published poet, you will explore the science behind this and learn a range of techniques, immediately putting several of them to use in drafting new work. The workshop includes reading and discussion of time-honored poems, close attention to emotional and sensory aspects of poetry, several class writing exercises, and feedback on poems for those who wish to share them. (NOTE: All sharing is optional. This workshop is not a substitute for therapy.)
Choosing the “best” words requires the use of a thesaurus, but also asks the writer to consider origins, etymology, and changes over time. Words from other languages, for instance “canoe” […]
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Your story wants readers, but how do you get it to the point where publishers just can’t put it down? Through my own twist on the traditional workshop model we will focus on the pacing, intrigue, cause & effect, and general appeal of your story and rework it into the story it always wanted to be. Before the class starts, you should have a short story or novel anywhere from 10-20 pages (double spaced) ready to submit for workshop, and be ready to revise, revise, revise!
By studying basic craft elements of fiction, participants will build a strong foundation for their writing—be it stories or novels. This 7-week workshop will explore elements (characterization, setting, scene, etc.) one at a time and ask participants to practice them through in-class exercises. We’ll also read published stories to help us understand how writers regularly employ these elements. Class members will begin to put the elements together, too, as they start a story. You’ll leave the workshop with the tools you need to write wonderful, authentic fiction.
This might be considered a back-to-basics class, appropriate for any level, using Mary Oliver’s book as a jumping off point for exploration and discussion. The class includes one workshop session, and lots of chances to write and share. Note: No meeting November 6.
Fans of mystery have the chance to build their own condensed caper using helpful tips and tools by a popular published mystery author.
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
You want to write. So why can’t you get yourself to sit down and do it? We’ll start by discussing some of the causes of creative blocks, before moving on to exercises that will help you melt back into your writing. We’ll close with a generative writing exercise. You’ll leave with tactics you can implement whenever you start to feel stuck, so you can finally do the writing you want to do!
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Ignite your creative spark using the prompt of the abecedarian form, which works powerfully in both poetry and creative nonfiction. In an “abecedarian,” consecutive lines, sentences, or paragraphs lead with consecutive letters of the alphabet, posing unique opportunities and challenges. We’ll look at examples and identify options for further reading, including book-length projects. Participants will experiment with designing their own abecedarian structures for poems and essays.
If the idea of starting on a novel or novella sounds daunting, or you wish to finally make the move from short fiction to long fiction—this is the class for you! This course is designed to help you launch and advance an outline and rough draft of a novel in 8 weeks. Expect guidance, encouragement, strategy, and development ideas of MFA caliber. Participants will write daily for at least 1 hour, or 7 to 10 hours per week.
Classes will include craft lessons, discussions of vision and revision, as well as the chance to share a portion of your work-in-progress with your instructor and peers for fast feedback and first impressions. This is not an 8-week workshop model. It is primarily a generative and project development course that will culminate with submissions for feedback.
The artist statement is an opportunity to demonstrate that you are a thoughtful, deliberate writer who takes their literary career seriously. You’ll need a version of this statement on your grant, fellowship, and residency applications, as well as your author web page. In this class, you’ll learn how to cast your work in its strongest, most evocative light. Writers will finish class with a statement that’s ready to impress. Students will complete a pre-work questionnaire before the first class.
You’ve written, or are writing your book; now it’s time to fight for it! In this workshop you’ll discover over 30 practical, budget-friendly book marketing strategies, from building a book launch to leveraging social media, blogs, podcasts, Amazon tools, press releases, and more. Each session will be fast-paced, idea-heavy, and packed with real-world tactics you can apply immediately. By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with a personalized, actionable marketing plan and the confidence to promote your book like a pro.
Each session of Boot Camp for Writers will begin with a prompt followed by writing time. Participants will have the opportunity to share and discuss their work as well as receive in-class feedback. The workshops is designed so that participants will have the start of six new pieces by the end of class. Former Boot Camp participants are always (and happily) welcome.
Journal techniques are like tools in a writer’s toolbox. Just as a hammer is the right choice for placing a nail in the wall, so a particular journal method can […]
Learn how to write a picture book from a successful author of thirty award-winning books for children. Each session will begin with a short discussion of an aspect of writing for children, including story openings and arcs, characterization, plot/pacing, rhythm/sound, and marketing. Suggested readings, prompts, and feedback on in-class writing will inspire and guide writers in the class. By the end of the workshop, participants should have written and/or revised part or all of a picture book and have a better sense of how to create one in the future. Feedback will be offered on in-class exercises only rather than workshopping writing done outside of class.
Write your life story as you lived it, once experience at a time. This interactive workshop teaches writers to distill a moment of change, conflict, contradiction, or mystery, to its essence, so that the impact on the writer resonates profoundly with the reader. We will examine inspiring published examples to learn exactly how the writer moved and entertained us. Using the same tools with which we craft fiction, this workshop is an excellent learning environment for both genres. We’ll conclude with a review of where to publish.
You have a great idea for a story. Do you dive in and just begin writing, or start by drafting an outline? Are you a born planner or a writer who loves to discover stories organically (i.e., a pantser)? Understanding how to structure a well-conceived story around a main character and central conflict, while paying attention to pacing, can make the difference between a finished, publishable manuscript and an abandoned work-in-progress. Plotting provides a safety net that never robs the author of the joy of writing and always reduces revision time
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The earliest known blackout poetry examples hail from Benjamin Franklin’s days. Franklin’s neighbor, Caleb Whiteford, would publish redacted versions of the paper, using puns flowing across the text to create new meaning in the pages. Let’s have some fun and mimic Whiteford by creating new poems from a variety of texts. We’ll review examples which use different source texts – novels, emails, even the poet’s own original poems – to write blackout poems. Bring your creativity to this generative workshop!
How have your ups and downs, wins and losses shaped your life? Whether you want to write privately or wish to publish, identifying the turning points and themes in your life is an important first step in memoir writing. In this workshop, participants will reflect on the transformational seasons in their lives and associate stories and themes to each one. We will explore the dynamics of character development and narrative arc, and learn techniques to capture universal meaning through personal experiences. You will come away with a timeline technique to uncover life themes and storylines, a bank of memories to serve as writing prompts, and tips for starting a memoir journaling practice.
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
This workshop will help you learn and apply the fundamentals of message-focused speechwriting, whether you are writing for someone else or for yourself. Having a writing background helps but is not required.
Even when a story is skillfully crafted, it may not be enough to make the reader care. The key lies in creating an emotional impact that connects them to your narrative—encouraging readers to invest in your characters and embark on their own emotional journeys. We’ll discuss how to avoid clichés and heavy-handed moralizing while determining the right balance of internal thought, scene, and underlying tension. Additionally, we’ll explore how to use an object or image (such as your father’s watch, a specific place, or a work of art) to carry the emotional weight of your story. Through reading examples and participating in short exercises, you will have the opportunity to practice and refine your ability to evoke empathy on the page.
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Get a jump on submission season while you raise money for The Writer’s Center! Each autumn, thousands of lit mags and journals open their portals/queues/websites to read your work. We […]
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Prompts will spark memories, characters, and places, turning them into poems, scenes, dialogues, and stories. During ‘UnClogging’ you will likely come up with an ‘idea’ that you feel compelled to expand on, or perhaps be re-inspired to continue an unfinished work later. Find new perspective and confidence!
Do the multitude of Point of View options elude you? We will look at everything from the first person point of view to the editorial omniscient, as well as some of the less traditional points of view, to help you choose the best voice to tell your story.
Are you serious about writing a novel but struggling? This intermediate course will examine the eight fundamental elements of the novel to help you find the strengths and weaknesses of your work-in-progress. From Concept to Conclusion, we will study the key components of a novel, with generative and evaluative exercises along the way. Written lessons, curated online resources, and targeted exercises (along with instructor and peer feedback) will help guide you as you continue to draft your novel. (Note: This course is a good follow-up to Tammy Greenwood’s Intro to the Novel workshop.)
We will circumvent the analytic brain and give imagination a chance to thrive. You can expect to take home three of your own original poems. You will receive helpful prompts for in-class writing exercises with the opportunity to read your writing and receive positive feedback that points the way toward your specific writing talents. Please bring your favorite writing instruments to the workshop, and please look for an email from the instructor the evening before the workshop begins.
When it comes to punctuating poems, opinions vary widely. Some poets are as careful and correct as T.S. Eliot, while others, like W.S. Merwin, have gotten rid of punctuation altogether. In this workshop we will discuss what traditional punctuation can achieve and whether syntax and line breaks can be used in its place. We will explore in depth the role played by the period and the comma, and we’ll take a look at some of the more unusual punctuation marks that poets have invented to suit their own purposes. By looking closely at a few poets who turned away from conventional punctuation at some point in their careers, we will be able to judge for ourselves whether and how to punctuate our own poems.
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
The workshop will allow participants to write non-fiction works in different formats and lengths, from first-person writing to essays and magazine-style pieces.
This workshop will walk you through how to organize your collection of poetry, offering multiple examples and different techniques to ensure your manuscript is as cohesive and organized as it can be!
Journeys, relationships, hardships, love, and loss—these are just a few of the subjects personal essays explore. In this workshop we’ll examine essays from magazines, literary journals, and newspapers to illuminate the ways imagery, dialogue, scene, and crafting an “I” narrator transform a personal experience into a compelling story. You’ll generate new material each week through in-class exercises, plus receive in-class feedback on your draft. Note: No meeting November 25.
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Each week we will use writing prompts to generate fresh authentic work and invite participants to share their new work for immediate encouraging feedback. In week 2 we will discuss editing strategies that enhance the craft of narrative fiction and nonfiction. Additionally, for weeks 3, 4, and 5 participants are invited to submit one polished piece to the group for more comprehensive feedback.
Some of your favorite poems may be villanelles, whether or not you know the form. Guided by an internationally published author of villanelles, sonnets, and other metrical poems, you’ll first read time-honored villanelles to see how and why they work. Next, we’ll write a group villanelle, and then, with or without shortcuts, you’ll start one of your own. You’ll leave with at least one new (draft) or improved villanelle, as well as insights about how writing poetry in form can unlock deeper meaning and enhance everything you write.
Strengthening the conflict in any type of fiction will bump up the tension and turn limp, ordinary fiction into an extraordinary tale that will keep readers turning pages. Whether you choose to write literary fiction, mysteries, family sagas, thrillers, historical fiction, sci-fi or fantasy—you can learn techniques for drawing readers into your tales through action, dialogue, setting details, and plot twists that make your work stand out from the crowd. Join us and leave with ideas to apply to your stories.
Join us for five months of craft lessons, workshops, editor visits, and personal editorial feedback! This small and inclusive class meets bi-weekly on Zoom, with the goal of creating an intimate, writer-based community of essayists who learn and grow together.
You’ll read, brainstorm, and write drafts. You’ll explore different essay forms and practice a variety of narrative techniques. You’ll learn tangible self-editing tools, then revise, workshop, and revise some more! You’ll discover the publications you love, whether literary or freelance in nature (or both!), and you’ll create a plan to get those bylines! You’ll receive supportive, thoughtful peer workshop feedback on six drafts. You’ll have three personal one-on-one meetings (with detailed line edits) from your instructor. You’ll meet editors, attend panels, and participate in a final online reading event to celebrate your hard work! You’ll discuss next steps in publication, including how to pitch editors and begin forming a full collection.
This workshop is for writers who already have some experience publishing personal essays in either literary or freelance publications. The workshop model will be carefully scaffolded and writer-centric, evolving as the class evolves. Writers will finish the class with ten complete drafts and a path forward for publication.
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
Using quotes, poems and/or personal reflections, students will combine words with easy to follow art techniques to create an art journal reflecting their own personal style. *Students should bring to all classes a blank watercolor journal, 8×8 or larger. All other art materials used in class will be provided by instructor. (*For questions about what type of journal to purchase, please email instructor at: jwstudio@msn.com)
This workshop is for writers looking to begin, or deepen, their exploration of poetry with a focus on craft. Each session is devoted to one aspect of craft—imagery, line, form, voice, etc.—and begins with a chance to share your work aloud (not workshop). Participants learn by discussing great poems, reading short, engaging chapters, and doing fun weekly assignments. One session will be devoted to revision. Please bring a copy of The Poet’s Companion by Addonizio and Laux to the first class.
Are you bilingual or fluent in two (or more) languages? Are you learning a foreign language? Are you interested in exploring a heritage language you grew up hearing? This informative presentation will provide tips for getting started as a literary translator and include time for questions at the end. From Charles Simic to Robert Bly and Elizabeth Bishop, many poets and writers have also translated significant works from other languages. How does turning a pen toward literary translation enrich a poet’s own writing practice? What are some of the practical, cultural, and ethical considerations that translators should consider and what should you know about world language rights and publication before allowing translations of your own verse to go into print? This workshop is open to poets of all levels and backgrounds, as well as to translators working out of any language into English. Presentation includes elements of translation ethics, culture, trauma-informed practice, equity and inclusion, outreach to authors, and publication.
For your book to succeed, you must know which books you are competing against. In this interactive workshop, we will look at resources for locating comparable and competing titles, analyze comparable and competing titles, and look at how to use that information to inform your writing as well as in your proposal or query letter. Attendees will walk away with an in-depth understanding of one more piece of the book-publishing puzzle.
A braided story weaves two or more distinct threads—memories, events, voices, topics, or styles—into one cohesive narrative. The strands speak to one another through juxtaposition, echo, interruption, and surprise. In this workshop you will study published examples, both fiction and nonfiction, create strands of your own, and explore creating your own narrative braid.
What brings a short story to life? We’ll investigate this question by paying close attention to craft elements—the nuts-and-bolts of storytelling—in participants’ work and in published fiction. Each week, we’ll zoom in on a different aspect of the form such as plot, character, dialogue, place, or point of view. Together, we’ll explore the vast and varied potential of the short story, reading across eras and styles to expand the horizons of our own work. Participants will submit at least one short story for peer and instructor feedback during the workshop. As time allows, we’ll also do in-class writing exercises and read essays on the craft of fiction writing and art of revision.
Bethesda, MD 20815 United States
You’ve drafted your picture book, what’s the next step? Learn to revise and polish your picture book manuscript before submitting to an agent or publisher. A widely published author and an acclaimed illustrator will lead discussions in pacing, page turns, storyboarding, and visually dramatic storytelling. During this hands-on workshop, writers will be editing their own manuscripts and enhancing their skills as picture book creators. Bring your questions and two double-spaced copies of your picture-book manuscript. Workshop may most benefit those who have taken Writing Picture Books or another picture book class.
Every character has a hidden history from before your story starts. Learn how to masterfully weave in details and experiences that enrich your characters and create believable motivation. Novelists, short story authors, and creative nonfiction writers will all benefit from these twin skills. You’ll see your writing grow in sophistication and depth
Do you want to get your writing published (in literary journals and as books), but don’t know where to start? Are you already publishing but want to publish in more competitive markets? In this workshop we’ll learn about the business of submitting to editors of literary journals and presses. We’ll also discuss tips for finding appropriate markets for your writing.
Whether you are an organized planner or a writer who flies by the seat of their pants, a novel still needs structure. In this workshop, participants will study the architecture of a novel and devise plans for plotting their novels. Using the three-act structure as a map, we will explore the basic components of a novel’s plot.
This workshop will provide ideas and suggestions for promoting your new collection of poetry. Courtney LeBlanc is the author of four full length collections of poetry and for her 3rd collection she went on a self-organized book tour that encompassed 9 months, 18 states, and 64 readings. Not only is this an impressive feat, but she *made money* on her book tour! She’ll share her tips and tricks for promoting your work without feeling icky doing it.
Pain is part of life, whether it’s the loss of a job, a pet, a friendship, your innocence, your health, or a loved one. In my case, I’ve lost a sister to suicide and a son to a heroin overdose. Even though death is a part of life, it need not be crippling or debilitating. In this session, we’ll look at strategies — including journaling and storytelling — to help you move forward, through and beyond the pain and into a future that can once again be filled with hope—and even joy. The session includes short writing exercises.
This quick-take session focuses on ways to get yourself unstuck when a story’s middle gets thorny, or you lose your way. A relaxed, informative 90 minutes chockful of information from a multi-published author who often has to fight her way out of the middle of a manuscript…and onward to a completed novel. Loads of tips and tricks for you to take away!
Have you ever wondered how scanning the lines of your first draft can make for a better poem? Here’s an opportunity to improve your ear for meter—a major element of poetic prosody—and to fine-tune your understanding of how it works. Guided by an internationally published author of sonnets, villanelles, and other metrical poems, this one-day workshop includes scansion of well-known poems, writing exercises, and, if you like, close examination of a poem you’ve drafted prior to class. You’ll leave with new insights about improving the auditory qualities of all your poems and prose.
Diction, or word choice, is crucial to poetry, where every word matters. In this workshop, we will examine what diction is “appropriate” in a poem and why understanding where certain words come from is essential to using them effectively. We will discuss the relationship between diction and tone, the difference between idiom and cliché, and the role that ambiguity can play. We will also talk about “poetic diction” and how to avoid it.
Do you ever think to yourself: “Why is it so hard to get my ideas out of my head and onto the page?” This workshop offers a variety of techniques that help writers develop their ideas and break down barriers to writing. Whether you are a plotter or a pantser, neurotypical or neurodivergent, you will come away understanding your creative process on a deeper level so you can work with it and not against it. You will experiment with different approaches to idea generation, prewriting, outlining, drafting and revising so when you get stuck, you can reach into your toolbox and try a different method. Writers will come away with a rough draft of a personal narrative and a new appreciation for each stage of the writing process.
Lead with the future — not background — for leadership, especially in a crisis. That’s the most important of eight journalism skills that will transform your writing. The others: write your readers’ language, be positive (to be both clear and upbeat), lay out logically, be consistent, be precise, be concise and choose strong verbs. (Plus a Speak Like the News skill: avoid “uptalk?”) Emulate the vivid news examples you’ll see in this workshop, and you’ll strengthen your writing voice with lively, engaging news style. At 7 sharp, we’ll critique TheWallStreetJournal.com, seeing how to communicate your main point in just a few words. To cover as much ground as possible, we’ll have just a few writing exercises and most of them will take less than a minute each.
A dynamic workshop on the single most important skill any writer can have. Skilled writers make readers feel and intuit precisely what they want them to by using the technique of showing writing. No other element of craft promises this immediacy and power to bring a work to life. This is how to make a flat passage sing, how to gain your readers’ trust and emotional participation. Through exploration of compelling published examples, exercises, lively discussion, and inspiring instruction, you will learn to elevate your stories to submission-quality prose.
Guided by an award-winning and internationally published author of sonnets, villanelles, and other metrical poems, you’ll first read time-honored sonnets to see how and why they work. Next the class will write a group sonnet, and then — with or without shortcuts — you’ll start one of your own. You’ll leave with at least one new (draft) or improved sonnet, as well as insights about how writing poems in form can unlock deeper meaning and enhance everything you write.
This class pulls back the curtain on the ins and outs of publishing by walking participants through the component parts of the publishing industry. From the role of literary agents to the dreaded query letter to what an editor’s job is to the different types of publishers (big 5, indie, small press, vanity press, self-publishing) to how authors are paid, this jam-packed class takes a practical approach that will focus on the business side of writing with lots of time for Q&A. Whether you want to know how books come to exist or are simply curious about how this notoriously opaque industry works, this class is for you.
Please note: This class will touch on what query letters are and the purpose they serve but this is not a class on how to write query letters.
PRIOR PARTICIPANTS SAY:
— “A remarkable two hours. That was the very best—and most helpful—presentation on publishing I’ve ever experienced.”
— “Outstanding seminar. Lacey was well prepared, organized, knowledgeable, experienced & responsive. She engaged attendees & provided ample yet structured time for questions.”
— “Very helpful and I learned a lot. I liked how she was realistic but hopeful.”
— “It’s totally worth the time and money.”
— “Absolutely do it if you’re able. I absolutely loved the class and got a ton out of it.”