ABOUT THE PROGRAM
THE PROGRAM is based on writing exercises and guided constructive critiquing designed to keep the writer connected with craft and to keep the work always in motion. The focus is on clean, sound writing no matter the genre; fiction, non-fiction, personal essay, memoir, spoken word and performance pieces. Through weekly ongoing classes several books have moved to publication. One-on-one sessions are for more individualized work. Editing is available and charged according to the project’s needs
“How can I know what I think until I see what I say?”
–E.M. Forster
“A writer should concern himself with whatever stirs his fancy, stirs his heart, and unlimbers his typewriter.”
–E.B. White
TALKING ON PAPER
SOMETIMES, IF YOU WAIT LONG ENOUGH…
posted on date August 8, 2010
A while ago a woman who knew I taught writing said she wanted to talk to me about her husband.
“Yes?” I said putting brownies in the oven. I was hosting a shower for a mutual friend. I accommodate mutual friends, but I have unnerving aversions to showers. So this was only the second time I had met this woman. Three women and I sat like dental patients in a waiting room and discussed She was wrapping little things in little scraps of paper and tying them with sparkly ribbon.
“Well, my husband has this idea.” I could tell she was going somewhere with this.
“Yes. And?”
“Well,” she spun to me, glowing. “And I thought I should tell you!” she announced, clearly there was more to come. I closed the oven door and set the timer.
“Okay, then.”
“It’s an idea for a book!”
“Golly,” I said, all red flags at complete unfurl.
“I thought you should know.” I waited, the timer ticking loudly.
“Ah yes. So, does your husband write?”
“Oh no. He’s a tax accountant. He doesn’t know how to write.”
“Well, then…”
“I thought you might like to know the idea,” by now she had actually clasped her hands across her breast. “Because,” she breathed in a great resolute breath, “you might like to write it.” We were both speechless but for insanely different reasons.
workshops & retreats
Upcoming workshops and retreats to be announced. Check back in. Visit the Workshops or Retreats pages for additional information.
published student works
MOMMIES WHO DRINK
Brett Paesel / Warner, Summer 2006
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA
Kelle James, Author
AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL
Moon Zappa, / Scribner Paperback Fiction, 2002