Creative Writing for Adults

These creative writing sessions afford a venue in which to share your work with like-minded peers.
Here, 'budding' authors come together in a relaxed, supportive, and productive way. The open exchange of ideas, guided by an experienced professional, reinforces the creative process.

The Short Story and Novel

Each session will be devoted to a full explanation of one or more elements. Handouts, discussions, assigned writings to be read aloud, my evaluations, and peer editing will be part of each gathering. Once all of the elements have been fully explored, each participant will be asked to bring to the group whatever writing they wish to share and have evaluated. Many participants use the introductory exercises as preliminary groundwork for their intended endeavor.

Groups of 3 to 6
Afternoons and/or Evenings
1 ½ hour Sessions
10 euros/Session

The Elements of Both

Characters:
- Major/Minor/Protagonist/Antagonist
Plot/Sub-plot
Conflict/Climax
Setting
Atmosphere
Theme
Setting is the "where" and 'when" of the story or novel.
Characters are the "who." Conflict is the "what." (What is the problem?)
Plot is the "how."
(How is the conflict developed and resolved?)
Theme is the "why."
(The author's message is why he/she wrote the short story or novel.)

Process Writing for Adults

Even adults need to adhere to the process writing method, though they may think it unnecessary in creative writing, for it is the only logical way for the beginner to approach writing, whether it be creative or expository.

Pre-Writing comes in many forms, and it is always written. It could be a personal journal, an outline, brainstorming on a piece of paper, or even jotting down thoughts as you would items on a shopping list. If you are truly serious about learning to write, then just write, and try to write every day.

According to one celebrated author:

"For beginners, I suggest a thousand words a day, and because I’m feeling magnanimous, I’ll also suggest that you can take one day a week off, at least to begin with. No more: you’ll lose the urgency and immediacy of your story if you do. "

"What you need is a room, a door , and the determination to shut the door. The longer you keep to these basics, the easier the act of writing will become."

"Don’t wait for the muse. He’s a hardheaded guy who’s not susceptible to a lot of creative fluttering. Your job is to make sure the muse knows where you’re going to be every day from nine ‘til noon or seven ‘til three. If he does know, I assure you that sooner or later he’ll start showing up."

(Stephen King, 2002)