summer 2012 creative & creative writing classes

The Muse Writers Center Classes

When you take a class at The Muse Writers Center, you'll find yourself part of a diverse community of writers in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Classes range from those geared for novice writers or those with some writing experience who are looking for a structured environment in which to bloom to those geared for intermediate, advanced, or professional writers.

No matter what kind of class you take, you will be a vital part of the class. Attendance and class participation is critical, as you will be helping both yourself and your classmates develop your craft.

General Classes and Writing Workshops

Some classes are seminars where you will be learning a specific aspect of craft. In general, classes combine creative exercises designed to inspire, readings selected to support your work, and discussions to stimulate that work within an encouraging and nurturing environment. Most classes include a workshop component--based on the undergraduate and graduate-level workshop model, where current work is distributed to all members of the group for helpful criticism and advice. In a workshop, students are expected to both produce work for group critique and take time to provide feedback to other class members. Deadlines and guidance from our experienced instructors encourage participants to produce their finest work.

Writing Studios

Continuing from the Intermediate Writing Workshop model, Muse Writing Studios are open to advanced and professional writers who are looking for a community and guidance while working on a project or refining their craft. Writing Studios are generally closed to open registration. Permission by the Studio's teacher and a submission of a writing sample is required for admittance into the Studio Group.

Introduction to Writing Poetry

This course, for beginners and all interested in writing poetry, is designed to help you write and respond to poetry through creative exercises, readings and discussions. Each member of the group will write and revise original poems. Together, we will explore your handling of voice, imagery, structure, word choice and line in a stimulating and supportive workshop environment. Sign up today and join our talented and friendly writing community.

Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m.
a 7 week session beginning June 24

Instructor: Noah Renn
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 5

Poems of Witness: A Poetry Workshop

We will participate in the great American tradition of Poetry of Witness, reading examples ranging from Walt Whitman's Civil War era, "The Wound Dresser," to contemporary poems by June Jordan, Carolyn Forché, Brian Turner, Adam Zagajewski, and others, and writing our own poems of witness to our own times, on topics such as war, the environment, and other societal concerns. As poets of witness, we will focus outside ourselves and consider the public and political dimensions of language and poetry as we write, read it aloud, and provide constructive criticism during our gatherings. This course will entail some instant writing as well as writing poems in advance of class to share with the group.

Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m.
a 4 week session beginning July 22

Instructor: Renée Olander
Open to: poets with some workshop experience
Meets: July 22, 29, August 5, 12
Session cost: $155 ($145 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

The Poetry Workshop

This continuing course, for poets with some experience, is designed to help you compose and respond to poetry through creative exercises, readings, and discussions. Each member of the group will write and revise original poems; together, we will explore your handling of voice, imagery, structure, word choice, and line in a stimulating and supportive workshop environment. Work will be submitted prior to the start of each meeting. All poems will be critiqued during that meeting.

Mondays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 4

Instructor: Noah Renn
Open to: continuing members and new members with some workshop experience
Meets: June 4, 18, July 2, 16, 30, August 20
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

The Poetry Studio

The studio continues! Members of the group will actively write and revise original poetry, with a special emphasis on the careful review of members' work, the examination of the literary and commercial marketplace, and the submission of work for publication. Work may be submitted in advance of each meeting. All poems submitted will be critiqued during that meeting.

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (monthly)
a 4 week session beginning June 26

Facilitator: Michael Khandelwal
Open to: advanced and professional writers
Meets: June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Introduction to Fiction Writing: Daytime Session

We all have stories to tell, whether we are aiming for short stories or novels, and in this class we will begin to explore both the fundamentals of craft and the even more crucial challenge of carving out a space for yourself as an artist. We will work at every level with your stories, from the mystery of the creative impulse itself to the logistics of getting a character from one end of the room to another. We will study excerpts from the fiction masters to see what we can learn and what we can copy. With any luck, we'll also have some fun getting to know each other and ourselves along the way. Come join us! Your instructor will make every effort to tailor the submission schedule to your goals.

Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning June 19

Instructor: Michael Khandelwal
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 6

Introduction to Fiction Writing: Evening Session

We all have stories to tell, whether we are aiming for short stories or novels, and in this class we will begin to explore both the fundamentals of craft and the even more crucial challenge of carving out a space for yourself as an artist. We will work at every level with your stories, from the mystery of the creative impulse itself to the logistics of getting a character from one end of the room to another. We will study excerpts from the fiction masters to see what we can learn and what we can copy. With any luck, we'll also have some fun getting to know each other and ourselves along the way. Come join us! Your instructor will make every effort to tailor the submission schedule to your goals.

Mondays, 7-9:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning June 11

Instructor: Rich Santoro
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 5

The Daytime Fiction Workshop: Section A

The Fiction Workshop continues with returning writers and new members with writing experience. Members of the group will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels. All members of the group will have the opportunity to submit material for the workshop. You will have at least two to three opportunities to be critiqued during the session.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 13

Instructor: Michael Khandelwal
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: June 13, 27, July 18, August 1, 15, 29
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 4

The Fiction Workshop: Section A

The Fiction Workshop continues with returning writers and new members with writing experience. Members of the group will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels. All members of the group will have the opportunity to submit material for the workshop. You will have at least two to three opportunities to be critiqued during the session.

Thursdays 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 7

Instructor: Leslie Clements
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: June 7, 21, July 19, August 2, 16, 30
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3

The Fiction Workshop: Section B

The Fiction Workshop continues (in this slightly shorter, made-for-summer session) with returning writers and new members with writing experience. Members of the group will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels. All members of the group will have the opportunity to submit material for the workshop. You will have at least one to two opportunities to be critiqued during the session.

Wednesdays 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 4 week session beginning July 18

Instructor: Leslie Clements
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: July 18, August 1, 15, 29
Session cost: $155 ($145 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

Writing Young Adult Fiction Workshop

Young Adult (YA) fiction is literature written for adolescents generally between 12 and 18. While the audience is young (or young at heart), YA is an increasingly popular genre. Think Hunger Games, Harry Potter, A Wrinkle in Time, and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. The YA workshop explores both the richness of storytelling and the craft of fiction. Whether you're working on a short story, a novel, or a trilogy, you'll have the opportunity to submit pages at every meeting.

Sundays, 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 10

Instructor: Mae Lynn Walker
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: June 10, July 1, 15, 29, August 12, 26
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

Writing Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Horror

Designed to focus on the concepts that make writing science fiction, fantasy, and horror different from general fiction, this workshop will explore the creation of new worlds, believable space travel, inventing alien races, reinventing scary without the gore, the current heyday in urban fantasy, as well as the reincarnation of classic icons in a modern day setting. Writing prompts, group discussion and group critiques will be offered in a flexible environment that will allow you to set your own writing goals. The only thing that’s mandatory is the fun in doing it together.

Mondays, 10 a.m.-12:30p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 4

Instructor: Tony Ruggiero
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: June 4, 18, July 2, 16, 30, August 13
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 5

Writing Children's Literature

Do you have a passion for writing for children? This beginning class will help you explore the field of children's book writing: creating memorable characters and settings, developing a strong plot, using language effectively, and all the other important elements of craft. We will also focus on the children's book market and getting published. With a combination of group discussion and writing exercises, we will address writing picture books and early chapter books for young readers. Join us to develop your writing aspirations!

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 19

Instructor: Karla Martin
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: June 19, July 3, 17, 31, August 14, 28
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3

Flash Fiction Workshop

In this workshop we will learn that writing great stories doesn't take twenty hours or twenty pages! We will focus on very short fiction (fewer than 1,000 words) as a way of learning how to evoke the beauty of language and master the sentence form. We will discuss how the inspiration for flash fiction can come in many forms—a postcard; a song; a conversation in a coffee shop—and that even the busiest or most inexperienced writers can create beautiful stories. Together we will master the six-word story, learn how to keep a writer's notebook, and write our autobiographies in one page. You will also have at least one opportunity to workshop your own work of flash fiction.

Thursdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 4 week session beginning June 14

Instructor: Victoria Kelly
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: June 14, 28, July 12, 26
Session cost: $155 ($145 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 6

World Building Seminar

A world is a terrible thing to waste. Whether your story is set in modern-day America, medieval Europe, or in an entirely fictional world, bringing the setting to life will enrich the characters, affect the plot, and capture a reader's attention. Learn by doing in this seminar; bring your work-in-progress or a blank notebook, and come prepared to think about the details that you may have been taking for granted.

Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 2 week session beginning August 5

Instructor: Leona Wisoker
Open to: writers of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Meets: August 5, 19
Session cost: $80 ($75 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7 of 11

The Daytime Fiction Workshop: Section B

The Fiction Workshop continues with returning writers and new members with writing experience. Members of the group will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels. All members of the group will have the opportunity to submit material for the workshop. You will have at least two to three opportunities to be critiqued during the session.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 20

Instructor: Michael Khandelwal
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: June 20, July 11, 25, August 8, 22, September 5
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

The Fiction Studio

Returning writers and new members with workshop experience will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels as well as consider various elements of fiction writing. All members of the group will have the opportunity to submit material for the workshop, with at least two to three opportunities to be critiqued during the session.

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 7 week session beginning June 5

Instructor: Michael Khandelwal
Open to: advanced and professional writers.
Meets: June 5, 19, July 3, 17, August 7, 21, September 4
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Writing Personal Narratives: Daytime Session

Personal narratives are the work of memory and craft, style and substance. In this workshop we will move toward uncovering the stories within ourselves which most need telling. Through writing exercises, readings, and constructive discussions of our short essays-in-progress, we’ll explore the ways in which language, voice, and literary techniques can bring the truth of our experiences to vibrant life on the page.

Thursdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning June 28

Instructor: Claudia Isler Mazur
Open to: continuing members and writers of all levels of experience
Meets: June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 5

Personal Narratives: An Introduction to Memoir

Personal narratives are the work of memory and craft, style and substance. In this workshop we will move toward uncovering the stories within ourselves which most need telling. Through writing exercises, readings, and constructive discussions of our short essays-in-progress, we’ll explore the ways in which language, voice, and literary techniques can bring the truth of our experiences to vibrant life on the page.

Wednesdays 7-9:30 p.m.
a 7 week session beginning July 18

Instructor: Patti Hinson
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: July 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

Personal Narratives Workshop: Section B

Personal narratives are works of memory and craft, style and substance. In this slightly shorter (made-for-summer) session, we will move toward deepening our understanding of the most effective ways to shape and craft the stories of our lives. Through writing exercises, readings, and constructive discussions of our short essays-in-progress, we’ll continue to explore the ways in which language, voice, and literary techniques work to bring the truth of our experiences to vibrant life on the page.

Wednesdays 7-9:30 p.m.
a 5 week session beginning June 6

Instructor: Patti Hinson
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11
Session cost: $170 ($155 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

Personal Narratives Workshop: Section A

Personal narratives are works of memory and craft, style and substance. In this continuing memoir workshop, we will move toward deepening our understanding of the most effective ways to shape and craft the stories of our lives. Through writing exercises, readings, and constructive discussions of our short essays-in-progress, we’ll continue to explore the ways in which language, voice, and literary techniques work to bring the truth of our experiences to vibrant life on the page.

Mondays 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 11

Instructor: Patti Hinson
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: June 11, 25, July 9, 23, August 6, 20
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 2

The Nonfiction Workshop

Good writing is rewriting. In this course, we will critique and rework your nonfiction stories—essay, memoir, reported feature story, narrative story, etc. We'll find the theme, the narrative thread, and the characters first, discuss any additional reporting, and then send you back to rework the story. To get the most out of the class, arrive with a story in hand, although we can also help you shape a story if you're willing to write a draft by the second class. You will have at least two to three opportunities to be critiqued during the class session.

Wednesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 20

Instructor: Jim Morrison
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: June 20, July 11, 25, August 8, 22, September 5
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 6

The Memoir Studio

It is said that memoir is a blend of fiction and fact, the fiction from the prism of memory, the fact from photos and records and the daily data of our lives. A successful memoir blends both to paint the writer’s truth. In this studio we’ll do a small amount of flash writing in class but most of our time will be spent sharing and critiquing each other’s work in a safe, supportive environment, led by memoirist and long-time teacher Janine Latus. Studio members must have workshop experience and must submit a writing sample to the teacher in advance of enrollment, with the goal of limiting this studio to experienced writers.

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 12

Instructor: Janine Latus
Open to: advanced and professional writers; students must apply by submitting a writing sample via email.
Meets: June 12, 26, July 10, 24, August 7, 21
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 5

Journaling for Personal Development

Often the simplest way to gain clarity in life is to write your way through it. In this structured and safe, 90 minute journaling workshop, we will develop tools to maintain a lasting, daily practice in writing for personal growth and awareness. More than "telling our stories," we’ll explore and consider our thoughts around our feelings, experiences and relationships. Together, we’ll begin a careful conversation with ourselves that we will continue both inside and outside of class.

Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m.
a 6 week session beginning June 4

Instructor: Mira Boykin
Open to: writers of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Meets: June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9
Session cost: $125 ($115 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

Write Now

Writing isn’t always work. Sometimes it’s unplugging your pen and letting the words flow (no muss, no fuss, no tinkering and re-tinkering your way into a creative cul-de-sac, reworking the same sentence, the same word, until both the idea and the joy disappear). In this workshop we’ll write longhand to cues, a timer ticking away, and then read our work out loud (you can always opt out) in a safe, positive environment. You can write in whatever form inspires you, from prose (memoir, fiction) to poetry. Each writer also can bring a longer form, out-of-class piece for group critique, under the guidance of Janine Latus.

Thursdays, 7-9:30 p.m.
a 7 week session beginning June 14

Instructor: Janine Latus
Open to: writers of all levels of experience
Meets: June 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

Reading For Writers: A Summer Fling with Fantasy

In this two-part series, we will be reading two classics of fantasy fiction. First, we will seek to unlock some of the mythic roots and structure of the fantasy genre by reading J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit: There and Back Again. A predecessor to the Lord of the Rings series, The Hobbit has stood the test of time, capturing the imaginations of generations of children and adults alike. We will examine precisely how Tolkien pulled the greatest magic trick of all by writing readable, fun, plot-driven fiction that is critically acclaimed and endures the test of time. We will continue our exploration with Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone. As writers ourselves, we are all familiar with J.K. Rowling's story, both Harry’s and her own. In this class, we will break Harry Potter apart to find out what makes the series tick, beginning with this, the first book of the series, and see if we can't somehow break Rowling's secret code to success. Or at least pick up a few plot and craft tips as we go.

Fridays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (monthly)
a 2 week session beginning July 27

Instructor: Leslie Clements
Open to: writers of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Meets: July 27, August 24
Session cost: $80 ($75 returning students). Students will need to purchase or borrow copies of the required texts.

Seats Remaining: 6

A Grammar Refresher

(Who, whom) do you think should take this workshop? Each of the writers who (has, have) problems with grammar. Everyone who writes should know (his/her, their) grammar rules. This session will help you refresh your grammar knowledge and polish your writing skills, so you will make (less, fewer) mistakes. (Answers: who, has, his/her, fewer)

Sunday, July 22, 1-4:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting seminar

Instructor: Linda Carol Cobb
Open to: writers (and non-writers) of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8

Oral Interpretation: Public Reading for Writers

Learn to bring your writing to life at public performances. This interactive workshop will focus on simple oral and physical techniques to teach you the skills to read like a pro. Part one will include exercises to experiment with these techniques. In part two, you will practice reading your own writing and receive constructive feedback to help you become an effective, engaging reader.

Sundays, 4-6:30 p.m.
a 2 meeting seminar beginning August 5

Instructor: Linda Carol Cobb
Open to: writers (and non-writers) of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Meets: August 5, 12
Session cost: $80 ($75 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

Collage: Visual Art for Writers

In this workshop writers will discover a whole new world of artistic possibility while enjoying the traditional method of cut and glue. We will create a palette composed of a variety of materials including your own writing and others: prose, poems, newspapers, old books, song lyrics, as well as artistic papers, photographs, magazine images, fabric and found material. We will release our "creative spirit" while ripping and tearing paper, using a repeated process of arranging, rearranging, adhering materials. Michal will guide you through the process and you will leave with a finished one-of-a-kind collage for yourself or as a gift. If you are "not artistic" this workshop is for you. Some materials provided. A additional materials list will be provided at registration.

Sunday, July 15, 1-3:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting seminar

Instructor: Michal Mahgerefteh
Open to: writers (and non-writers) of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 4

Special Topics in Prose: Developing Characters

Writers must breathe life into their characters. Sometimes they write extensive biographies, scenes from the characters’ pasts, or imagined journals the characters have kept. Writers may research character types. These artificial lists result in artificial characters who never leap off the page because writers are delving into their characters’ pasts from the outside. In this workshop, we will walk through the process of the conception and gestation of characters—and find ways to let them grow into the people they are meant to be.

Sunday, June 10, 4-6:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting seminar

Instructor: Jean Klein
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 6 of 11

Special Topics in Prose: Writing Dialogue

Dialogue in both fiction and personal narrative must be carefully crafted to sound "natural." What is not said can be as important as what is said. In this one session seminar, we will listen for the silence between the words as well as the words themselves, exploring ways to be true to your characters’ voices as well as your own to create dynamic, believable dialogue.

Sunday, July 8, 4-6:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting seminar

Instructor: Jean Klein
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 6

Special Topics in Prose: Crafting a Plot

Every story, whatever its genre, must engage its listeners through a sense of forward movement, of taking a journey. Readers require complications, reversals, intriguing turns of events. Sometimes writers get so caught up in their messages or their characters that they overlook the lack of a driving force. In this 2 meeting seminar, we will explore techniques for developing dramatic obstacles to create a dynamic narrative arc.

Sundays, 4-6:30 p.m.
a 2 meeting seminar beginning July 29

Instructor: Jean Klein
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: July 29, August 5
Session cost: $80 ($75 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3 of 11

Special Topics in Prose: The Art of a Sentence

We spend so much time getting the story right, we sometimes gloss over the art of how well we tell it. Clichés. Unintended repetitions. Writer quirks (the bad kind, not the good). Sentimentality. Tired language. These are the things that weaken our writing. This workshop will look at examples, sentence by sentence, and discuss how to get the best out of each and every word. Bring three copies of a short story or novel excerpt, maximum 5 pages.

Sunday, August 19, 1-3:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting workshop

Instructor: Ellen Bryson
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8

Special Topics in Prose: Writing First Person POV

What can be more intimate or exciting than having a narrator tell their own story? First person point of view brings you smack in the center of a narrator's feelings and motivations, but it also has its drawbacks. Writing first person locks the author and the reader to a single perspective. How then do other characters find a foot hold? And what about narrators who are not honest with themselves or others? Does the conflict/suspense change the action when seen from only one POV? How does the writer show the reader a larger universe? Class exercises touch on all of these issues and include writing the same scenes from varied viewpoints to illustrate the pitfalls and produce solutions for writing effectively in first person.

Sunday, August 26, 1-3:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting workshop

Instructor: Ellen Bryson
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

W. E. B. Du Bois a Half Century after his Death: The Enduring Relevance of his Struggle for Equality and Peace

Through readings and discussion, this four meeting seminar will explore the legacy of scholar and activist W. E. B. Du Bois. Beginning with a discussion of the problem of "the color line," i.e., racism in the U.S. and throughout the world, we will focus on the evolution of Du Bois’ analysis and understanding of racism. We will examine how, over time, Du Bois adopted an increasingly Marxian analysis and solution to racism, and we will discuss what Marxist groups have done to fight racism during the 1930s, the 1960s, and in the current period. We will discuss World Wars I and II, as well as the Korean War to look at the evolution of Du Bois’ views, and the contradictions in his positions related to the two world wars. We will look at Pan-Africanism and Afro-Orientalism, finally focusing on the evolution of Du Bois' analysis of capitalism, socialism, and communism.

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m.
a 4 meeting seminar beginning June 12

Instructor: Steve Rosenthal
Open to: persons of all levels of experience
Meets: June 12, July 10, 31, August 14
Session cost: $80 ($75 returning students)
Note on texts: Virtually all readings will be available on line, with some copies distributed in class. Those who plan to take the seminar may want to visit the web site www.WEBDuBois.org, an immense collection of writing by and about Du Bois. Or consider reading the comprehensive two-volume biography David Levering Lewis: W. E. B. Du Bois, 1868-1919: Biography of a Race, and W. E. B. Du Bois, 1919-1963: The Fight for Equality and the American Century.

Seats Remaining: 7

The Open Studio

Sometimes we begin a short story and discover a novel, or a memoir mysteriously evolves into a poetry collection. This multi-genre studio welcomes ongoing projects in poetry, fiction, non-fiction and memoir. Allow the work to become what it wants to be and share it with a group of experienced writers. Writers are encouraged to submit work for every class meeting to make the most of our time together.

This class will return in the fall session

Instructor: Lisa Hartz
Open to: advanced writers only.

Expressions in Food

All folks eat, few truly dine. Join award-winning food journalist Patrick Evans-Hylton in an exploration of the essence of eating, and learn how to express your thoughts on the experience in a clear, concise and compelling way. We will be eating—and imbibing—and getting the most from all of our senses to fully appreciate food and drink; an emphasis will be put on painting a complete picture thorough imagery. We will create a blog (or adding to your already existing blog) to share these word pictures. From this class, you will learn how to effectively write about dining at restaurants and dining at home for (1) journals and blogs, (2) online critique sites like Yelp and Urbanspoon, (3) short magazine and newspaper pieces and (4) parts of a larger food writing project. Information on posting and publicizing your expressions in food will also be covered as well as brief elements of food photography.

Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 10

Instructor: Patrick Evans-Hylton
Open to: writers of all levels and experience
Meets: June 10, July 1, 15, 29, August 12, 26
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7

Introduction to Blogging for Writers

This seminar will include suggestions on what blogging platforms to try, tips on how to increase readership and ideas for keeping it all as simple as possible while also sharing your work and yourself with readers. Facebook and Twitter will also be addressed. The seminar will focus on food blogging as an entryway into the whole blogosphere, but the tips, tricks, and techniques you learn are easily applied to any blog you desire to create or maintain.

Sunday, June 3, 4-6:30 p.m.
a 1 meeting seminar

Instructor: Patrick Evans-Hylton
Open to: writers of all levels of experience (mature teens, 15 and older accepted)
Session cost: $45 ($40 returning students)
Note: This class will meet at Cafe Stella (1907 Colonial Ave., Ghent, Norfolk, 23517--near 21st Street) in order to have full use of Wi-Fi.

Seats Remaining: 11 of 12

Screenwriting 101

Get a real glimpse "behind the camera" from someone who has been there. This session will explore the craft of screenwriting—its art and design. We will cover the three-act structure and alternative structures, plot, and proper industry formatting, as well as delve into character motivation, with an emphasis on the heroic journey and universal archetypes and themes. Emphasis will be given to the art of the pitch and what producers look for in a script.

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 12

Instructor: Kip Watson
Open to: writers of all levels and experience
Meets: June 12, 26, July 10, 24, August 7, 21
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 1 of 10

Screenwriting 202

Open to continuing members or students who have either taken the intro class, completed an early draft, or who have an outline/treatment of a complete story. Students will have at least three opportunities to turn in pages of a screenplay for group review, workshop, and discussion.

Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 5

Instructor: Kip Watson
Open to: writers with some workshop experience
Meets: June 5, 19, July 3, 17, 31, August 14
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

THIS CLASS IS FULL AND CLOSED TO REGISTRATION

Standup Comedy 101

Learn the secrets of being a Standup Comic from one of the top professionals in the business. Learn the art of writing Standup, performing, and everything you have always wanted to know about Standup Comedy. Hone your comedic writing skills and develop your standup routine. At the end of the 8 week course you will perform a 5 minute standup comedy routine, at by a comedy venue in Hampton Roads.

Wednesdays, 7-9:30 p.m.
an 8 week session beginning June 13

Instructor: Ken Phillips
Open to: persons of all levels of experience (mature teens, 16 and older accepted)
Meets: June 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8
Session cost: $215 ($200 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 9 of 12

Standup Comedy 202

In this level of standup, students will continue to develop their comedic writing and performance skills, polishing their first 5 minutes and creating another 5 minutes of comedy. This six week course will culminate in a performance at a comedy venue in Hampton Roads.

Saturdays, 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 16

Instructor: Ken Phillips
Open to: persons who have completed "Standup Comedy 101" or have instructor approval to register
Meets: June 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 5

Improv Comedy 101

Introduction to Improv: Learn the basics of Chicago-based, long form improv. Students will learn how to create scenes from audience suggestions. They will learn the fundamentals of "yes and," supporting your scene partner’s ideas and energy, and how to make strong character choices.

Saturdays 1-3:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 9

Instructors: Sean Devereux & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons of all levels of experience
Meets: June 9, 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8 of 16

Improv Comedy 202

Game of the Scene: Improv 202 builds upon the fundamentals and skills learned in 101. Students will learn the beginnings of the Harold. They will start to learn how to identify the game of the scene and how to heighten and develop second beats.

Saturdays 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 7 week session beginning June 2

Instructors: Sean Devereux & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons who have completed "Improv Comedy 101" or have instructor approval to register
Meets: June 2, 16, 30, July 14, August 4, 18, September 1
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 4 of 12

Improv Comedy 303

Harold Structure: This course introduces students to the long form improvisation structure known as "The Harold," developed by Del Close. Students will begin by learning "Group Games" and a variety of "Openings," which are stylized methods of using an audience’s suggestion to generate enough content to support a half hour long improvised performance piece. From there we will focus on third beats, finally putting all the pieces together for a fully formed Harold.

Saturdays 4-6:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 7 week session beginning June 9

Instructors: Sean Devereux & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons who have completed "Improv Comedy 202" or have instructor approval to register
Meets: June 9, 23, July 7, 21, August 11, 25, September 8
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3 of 12

Improv Comedy 404

The Harold: In this class students will use all the skills they have acquired thus far in order to create the Harold, the signature long-form structure. In addition we will probe even deeper into the form, focusing intensely on the acting, editing, and group commitment that it takes to generate a 30-minute piece.

Mondays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 7 week session beginning June 4

Instructors: Sean Devereux & Brad McMurran
Open to: Acceptance into Improv 404 is by instructor approval only
Meets: June 4, 18, July 2, 16, 30, August 13, 27
Session cost: $200 ($185 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8

Sketch Comedy Writing 101

Students will learn to write a variety of common sketch formats, how to develop ideas and how to collaborate with other writers. We’ll learn how to create characters and how to heighten situations. At the end of this course, students will be able to see their sketches performed by some of Hampton Road’s finest actors and comedians.

Thursdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 14

Instructors: Ed Carden, Sean Devereux, & Brad McMurran
Open to: writers of all levels and experience
Meets: June 14, 28, July 12, 26, August 9, 23
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 2

Sketch Comedy Writing 202

Students will work together as a group to write and produce their own sketch comedy show. Emphasis will be placed on honing a writer's voice, editing and rewrites, as well as writing for deadlines. Collaboration with other students will be encouraged. As a group, students will determine the unique style and format for their show, then work together to make that goal happen.

Thursdays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 7

Instructors: Ed Carden, Sean Devereux, & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons who have completed "Sketch Comedy Writing 101" or have instructor approval to register
Meets: June 7, 21, July 5, 19, August 2, 16
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 4

Sketch Comedy Writing Studio

The studio is an opportunity for students to continue to hone their sketch writing skills. Students will be encouraged to find their own individual voice as a writer. They will receive feedback from both their instructor and fellow sketch writers. There will be multiple opportunities throughout the semester for students to see their work performed- both in stage readings and full sketch show.

Mondays, 7-9:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 11

Instructors: Ed Carden, Sean Devereux, & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons who have completed "Sketch Comedy Writing 202" and have instructor approval to register
Meets: June 11, 25, July 9, 23, August 6, 20
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 3

Songcraft for Teens

There are songs alive in all of us--songs that were sung to us as children, songs from the radio that get stuck in our heads, and songs that live inside of us which we've yet to set free. These songs can be emotional, lighthearted or silly, but it is our personal duty to "get them out"! Join local singer/songwriter Skye Zentz, as we explore the process of songwriting from start to finish. Come prepared to listen, share, give your feedback, and take notes on the process. We will workshop songs both individually and collaboratively, culminating in a casual performance showcase at the end of the course. All aspiring songwriters are welcome whether or not you can play an instrument.

Saturdays 1-3:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 9

Instructor: Skye Zentz
Open to: persons ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: June 9, 23, July 21, August 4, 18, September 1
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8

Improv and Sketch Comedy Workshop for Teens

Discover the fundamentals of improvisational and sketch comedy! We'll play numerous games to help sharpen your mind and quicken how fast you think on your toes. We'll explore the key tools behind long and short form improvisation. Learn how to be a hilarious improviser, not only on stage, but in your everyday life. We’ll use improv as a springboard for writing basic comedy sketches—like those seen on Saturday Night Live. There will be a graduation show at the end of the semester where the students will showcase their work.

Saturdays 1-3:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 2

Instructors: Sean Devereux & Brad McMurran
Open to: persons ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: June 2, 16, 30, July 14, August 11, 25
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 4 of 12

Teen Writers Workshop: Section A

In this workshop, young writers will explore multiple genres: fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Through writing prompts, readings, creative exercises and the sharing and commenting on one another’s work, teen writers will learn the fundamentals of the craft in a supportive atmosphere designed to help them find their unique writing voices.

Saturdays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 2

Instructor: Sarah Pringle
Open to: writers ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: June 2, 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 4

Teen Writers Workshop: Section B

In this workshop, young writers will explore multiple genres: fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Through writing prompts, readings, creative exercises and the sharing and commenting on one another’s work, teen writers will learn the fundamentals of the craft in a supportive atmosphere designed to help them find their unique writing voices.

Saturdays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 16

Instructor: Jennifer Graham
Open to: writers ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: June 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 8

Teen Writers Workshop: Section C

In this workshop, young writers will explore multiple genres: fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Through writing prompts, readings, creative exercises and the sharing and commenting on one another’s work, teen writers will learn the fundamentals of the craft in a supportive atmosphere designed to help them find their unique writing voices.

Saturdays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 23

Instructor: Lauren Hurston
Open to: writers ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: June 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18, September 1
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 1

Teen Writers Workshop: Section D

In this workshop, young writers will explore multiple genres: fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Through writing prompts, readings, creative exercises and the sharing and commenting on one another’s work, teen writers will learn the fundamentals of the craft in a supportive atmosphere designed to help them find their unique writing voices.

Saturdays 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (bi-weekly)
a 6 week session beginning June 9

Instructor: Sarah Pringle
Open to: writers ages 12-17 of all levels and experience
Meets: June 9, 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18
Session cost: $185 ($170 returning students)

Seats Remaining: 7