The annual Writersí Workshop of Asheville writersí retreat will be at Folly Beach May 17-21. According to a press release, it is an ideal place to relax, write and review each otherís work.
Cost is $395 private room; $345 shared. The daily commuter rate is $55. Carpooling is available. Registration deadline is April 15. To register, contact writersw@gmail.com, or call 828-254-8111.
Writing workshops for any level writer meet at Providence Presbyterian Church, Providence Road in Charlotte. Registration is in advance only, by mail or at www.twwoa.org. Financial aid in exchange for volunteering is available. For more information, contact writersw@gmail.com or 828-254-8111.
April 23: Writing Your Life Story with Robin Edgar óThis class will focus on using sights, sounds and scents to recall and record meaningful memories. Based on scientific theories about how significant long-term memories are stored, the workshop uses an interactive creative process to demonstrate the techniques that turn memories into well-crafted stories.
Participants will apply those techniques to write two or more stories in class. Edgar is the author of three books including ěIn My Mother’s Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence.î Meets Saturday, noon-5 p.m. The cost is $75; $70 for workshop members.
May 7: Be Your Own Editor: Revising for Publication with Karen Ackerson ó Writers of fiction or non-fiction will learn how to edit and revise their own works before submitting to an agent or publisher. Techniques will be taught on how to capture the readerís interest by eliminating unnecessary details, building tension and fine-tuning dialogue and descriptions. Students may bring five pages (double-spaced) to the class for discussion. Ackerson is senior editor at the Renbourne Agency, and has edited more than 120 stories, books and essays. Meets Saturday, noon-5 p.m. $75/$70 members.
May 14: Writing and Producing the Independent Feature Film with Nathan Ross Freeman ó The class will receive an overview of writing for the screen, and how to produce, direct and distribute a film of your script. Various formats, structures and techniques will be discussed, as well as tips on creating interesting characters and realistic dialogue. Students may bring a screenplay idea or synopsis to the class for review. Freeman has written and produced the independent feature films, ěMr. Bonesî and ěAuthoring Action.î Meets Saturday, noon-5 p.m. $75/$70 members.
June 4: Writing to Grab the Reader: Fiction Workshop with Dale Neal ó Students will examine how various writers have grabbed readers, and will engage in writing exercises to help write their own attention-getting stories. Neal holds an MFA in creative writing from Warren Wilson College. His first novel, ěCow Across America,î won the 2009 Novello Literary Award and was shortlisted for Foreword Novel of the Year. His short stories have appeared in Arts & Letters, North Carolina Literary Review, Carolina Quarterly and elsewhere. Meets Saturday, noon-5 p.m.; $75/$70 members.