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VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON workshops

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If you’ve ever suspected that there might be a writer lurking under the skin, or perhaps harbored a secret notebook of half-started stories, this is the class for you. In this workshop you'll find your way first by releasing the writer within through creative prompts to get the words flowing, and then by discovering the elements of all good stories, including character, conflict, action, setting and more. For anyone who longs to write but doesn't know where to start, and for writers who have dabbled but lost their way. WARNING: this workshop just might seduce you into a life-long love affair with writing.

Every person has a story. What is yours? Memoir writing is the process of adapting your true-life experiences in a way that reads like fiction. Whether your writing goal is personal, in essay form, or an entire book, this class will give you the tools you need to develop and strengthen your writing process. Through prompts, supportive round-table discussions, and constructive critique, we will explore how to structure stories, develop the skills that bring them to life, and show how to enhance your writing.

"This was my first writing class ever and I was very self-conscious about the process. Jean created an environment that felt safe while giving us the tools to explore different aspects of self and our writing styles." - Amy

Open your senses and let nature be your inspiration and guide. Each weekly excursion will begin with a slow, gentle walk through a unique natural landscape, pausing at opportune spots to breathe in, observe, absorb, and express on the page. Writing on old-fashioned paper with pen or pencil, we will deepen our observational skills, taking note of how words and thoughts transform under the subtle and powerful influence of the natural world. Meeting in a different location each week in Essex or Morris County, NJ. Rain or shine! Our locations have sheltered spots where we will meet and share work at the end of each class.

The idea of beginning a novel is both exhilarating and intimidating. This class deconstructs the craft basics of plot and structure, description, character, dialogue, creating conflict, and more, and helps you learn how to tell the story that's burning within. Whether you're still contemplating what to write about, or have already begun your first draft, this is an excellent choice for any writer confronting the challenge of a long work.

"Katie is a fantastic instructor. She runs a great class and gives amazing feedback. " - Illana

The Adult Writers Circle is the perfect place to develop on-going writing projects in a creative, supportive, workshop-style environment. Work in any form or genre and receive constructive critique, encouragement, and inspiration to move your writing toward completion. Dig deep into craft issues like plot, structure, point-of-view, character development, pacing, and voice, all with a focus on your unique projects. Plus, learn about the ever-changing publishing landscape from an instructor who’s been in the thick of it. Geared for writers with on-going projects at every stage, from first concept to final draft.

"Judith is an amazing facilitator. I appreciate the effortless way she keeps things moving and includes everyone. It's a rare skill." - Patricia

"Chris has a wealth of knowledge and cooked in practical advice and tutorials for word processors, publishing tips, writing tips, and submissions." - Skylar

Lorrie Moore, in a The Paris Review interview, said: "A story is a kind of biopsy of human life [...] both local, specific, small, and deep, in a penetrating, layered, and revealing way." In this class, we'll write engaging short stories or pieces of flash fiction, build short form structures and improve voice, characterization, dialogue, setting, mood and more. In addition, every week we’ll read a published short work drawn from short story collections, magazines, and literary journals. These works serve as a springboard for craft discussion, as well as giving writers the opportunity to become familiar with potential markets for publishing their own work. You'll share your own work and receive gentle, constructive critique from fellow students and the instructor.

"This class helped me start writing again! Libby was very informative and covered a wide range of short fiction genres and styles, many of which I had never experimented with. The majority of class time was devoted to writing which was great."

Writing a romance that hooks readers can be a thrilling yet daunting journey. In this workshop, we’ll cover the essentials—plot, structure, and character—but also dive into what makes a romance truly unputdownable: witty banter, sizzling tension, beloved tropes, meet-cutes, and more. Perfect for writers just breaking into the romance genre or have already started a draft who are ready to explore the heart of romance with guidance, craft, and plenty of inspiration.

Explore the art of creative non-fiction: from personal essays and memoir to criticism, humor, interviews, lists, and super-short flash. This multi-faceted genre encompasses writing about real events, from your personal past to the world at large. Writers will generate work in class and through weekly assignments, inspired by readings from a variety of authors, sources, and forms. Bring your true stories to life on the page in this supportive, generative class.

From the most adorable picture book to the most intense Young Adult novel, literature for younger readers fires the imagination and opens the world for its audience. In this hands-on workshop, writers will learn how to craft compelling stories and characters for all age ranges. Works in progress will be constructively critiqued in a supportive environment. In-class writing prompts will keep the creative spirit nimble. And real world advice on the publishing industry will help your completed manuscript stand out in a crowd.

Get ready to write a mystery that will grip readers in this genre-specific Writers Circle workshop. Focus on an ongoing short story or novel, or experiment with something entirely new. Each week, we’ll address issues of the mystery writer’s craft through roundtable discussion and gentle, constructive critique. Writers learn to trust each other in a warm, supportive environment where they’ll receive feedback and guidance as they draft and revise their work. Perfect for confident beginners and pre-published writers looking to develop the crime fiction they’ve always wanted to write.

This special Writers Circle for memoirists provides a supportive environment where writers work freely on developing memoir in the form of short essays, poetry, or a book-length narrative. Issues of art and craft are addressed through round-table discussion and gentle, constructive critique. Writers learn to trust one another for feedback and guidance as they polish their work, moving toward completion. Perfect for memoirists who want to take their writing to the next level.

"Jill is a great leader whose advice and comments are always encouraging and thoughtful." - Lawrence

"Liz created a positive and warm environment to share works in progress. She had wonderful digestible lessons and I looked forward to every class. " - Molly

To write poetry is to articulate the world around you. To find new and more precise ways to describe what it means to be alive. Poetry Craft Workshop is a course designed to not only generate new poems, but to sharpen poetic craft with an eye toward publication and/or creating a strong, cohesive body of work. This workshop-heavy course is perfect for writers looking for a supportive and constructive environment in which to challenge themselves—to write, revise and workshop the poems they’ve always dreamed of creating.

The idea of beginning a novel is both exhilarating and intimidating. This class deconstructs the craft basics of plot and structure, description, character, dialogue, creating conflict, and more, and helps you learn how to tell the story that's burning within. Whether you're still contemplating what to write about, or have already begun your first draft, this is an excellent choice for any writer confronting the challenge of a long work.

"Katie is the best! She gives each person valued feedback and so much time and caring for others their writing. Her lessons are invaluable!" - Illana

November has traditionally been time for NaNoWriMo--National Novel Writing Month!  While this global writing marathon has closed its doors, we can still follow tradition and take this month to dive deep into our writing. Getting 50,000 words on the page isn’t easy, but we’ll cheer you on in this five-week intensive workshop where you’ll commit to that big project— whether it's a novel, a memoir, or an essay or story collection. We'll kick off with a project outline session and discuss big picture challenges like structure, plot, and discipline. Subsequent sessions will feature weekly check-ins, readings, and prompts to keep you going. We’ll close out with plans for how to keep moving forward. The goal is simple: write as much as you can, as fast as you can, to get traction on that book you've always meant to write. We're not aiming for precision or perfection but for movement. You can do it!  And we’re here to help you get there.

Now that you've begun your novel, the work is far from over. Novel writing is like a marathon - you have to be in it for the long haul. This class will include "off the page exercises" to help solidify description, dialogue, character, plot, and more. And we will critique your work in progress, in a constructive, supportive environment tha twill help you keep moving towards the finish line: a completed first draft!

Note: This class is by invitation or submission only. Limited to eight seats per section. Please email or call for more information. If you are a first-time writer, we recommend taking Beginning Your Novel before considering this workshop.

This class will return in a later session.

This class is geared for the writer who is deep in a first draft or has already embarked on revision. Critique of work in progress is ongoing in a constructive, supportive environment . Note: This class is by invitation or submission only. Limited to six seats per section. Please email or call for more information. If you are a first-time writer, we recommend taking Beginning Your Novel and Continuing Your Novel before considering this workshop.

"Michelle provides a supportive and congenial learning environment, and excellent educational value. " - Rita

You did it! You completed a first draft of your manuscript. Now what? This class will guide you through the revision process from big picture issues and character development to what to look for to make your sentences sing. Through mini-lectures and supportive workshop sessions, you will learn to sharpen your plot, pull out themes, tighten your prose and rescue characters left hanging. Open to novels, memoir, and short story and essay collections.

Note: Limited to six seats. Submission required. Email or call for more information and instructions about how to submit.

"I loved everything about the class. It's amazing how my writing has improved in the last 10 weeks."

Finding the right literary agent can be a daunting task—crafting the “perfect” query letter, drilling down a 300-plus-page manuscript into a succinct, 500-word synopsis and making the opening pages shine. Writing the book almost seems easier!

In this supportive three-week workshop, we will demystify the submission process, including discussing where and how to find the right agents for your work. Participants will leave with a query-synopsis-opening page package that’s ready to catch that “dream” agent’s eye.

Program Cancellation Policy: Workshops or events that do not reach their minimum registration are at risk of cancellation.  Often registrations occur at the last minute. The Writers Circle does its best to wait as long as possible before cancelling any program.  Registered students are notified by email approximately 5 days prior to the scheduled program start date if their program is under-registered.  Cancellation is announced by email approximately 2 days prior to the scheduled program start date and registered students will be provided with opportunities for alternate programs, credits, or refunds.  The best way to ensure that a program runs is to register at least one week prior to the scheduled start of any workshop or event. 

TWC POLICIES: Freedom of Expression | Inclement Weather | Program Cancellation | Makeups | Trial Classes & Drop-ins | Refunds/Withdrawal

 

*The Writers Circle reserves the right to shift any in-person or hybrid program to virtual instruction based on the health and safety recommendations of the CDC, WHO, the State of New Jersey, or other authorities or involved parties.