These classes, for any level writer, meet at Providence Presbyterian Church, Providence Road, in Charlotte. Registration is in advance only, by mail or online at www.twwoa.org. Financial aid in exchange for volunteering is available. For information, contact writersw@gmail.com  / 828-254-811.

Sept. 19:  Writing Your Memoirs with Karen Ackerson

Participants will learn how to turn personal and family experiences into a compelling memoir for family and friends or for publication. In-class writing exercises will help to identify life-changing events, to be used as the backbone of a memoir. Discussion will include creating a sense of place, dialogue and enhancing one’s writing style. Ackerson, a biographer and senior editor at The Renbourne Editorial Agency, has taught workshops throughout the Southeast for over 20 years. Meets Saturday, 12-5 pm. $75/$70 members.

 Oct. 17: Science Fiction Stories with Norris Orbach

 The class will discuss award-winning science fiction stories, and learn techniques of science fiction writing such as creating a simplified plot and how to create a workable world in a strange environment. Themes such as robots, time travel and extraterrestrials will also be examined. Students may bring up to 5 pages or a story idea to the class for review. Orbach has taught writing for over 16 years at community colleges, and at UNCA’s OLLI Center.  Meets Saturday, 12-5 pm. $75, or $70 for Workshop members.

 Nov. 14:   Book Marketing in the Age of the Internet with Jane Gari

Shifting your perspective from artist to marketer is difficult, but if you want to be a published author, you have to adapt. The class will learn comprehensive book marketing strategies, including identifying your target audience; social media strategies; blogging; traditional media and publicity outlets; and creating a solid Amazon Authors Central Page. Gari has been published in print and online in literary journals, arts magazines, and blogs such as Writers Digest. Her memoir was published by Touch Point Press, and she is under contract with Alpha Books (a division of Penguin/Random House) for a book in the “Idiot’s Guides“ series. Meets Saturday, 12-5 pm. $75/$70 members.

 Nov. 21:  Poetry Workshop with Judy Hogan

The class will discuss exemplary poems and use them as a model to write their own poems in class. Students may send up to 5 poems in advance for the instructor’s review. Hogan, founder of Carolina Wren Press, has published six books of poetry including “Beaver Soul;” “This River: An Epic Love Poem;” “Killer Frost;” “Farm Fresh and Fatal;” and “The Sands of Gower.” She has taught poetry and creative writing throughout the state for 40 years. Meets Saturday, 12-5 pm. $75/$70 members.

Dec. 12: The Very Short Story with Ruth Moose

The class will learn techniques of writing the very short story, and complete in-class writing exercises. The difference between the standard short story and the very short story will also be discussed, as well as how to get published. Participants may bring a story of 750 words or less for review. Moose has published three collections of short stories: “The Wreath Ribbon Quilt,” “Dreaming in Color” and “Neighbors and Other Strangers.” Her stories appear in Atlantic, New Delta Review and Southern California Review, among others. She is a recipient of the MacDowell Fellowship and the Chapman Fellowship, and teaches creative writing at UNC.  Meets Saturday, 12-5 pm. $75/$70 members.