Writing poems is a complex, mysterious, and beautiful process that entails deep listening— to the totality of our senses, thoughts, feelings, as well as what we remember. We tend to look at the language of poems as separate from the conditions of its production— when, really, just as our experiences are sieved by the physical body, so must language pass through and be held by it. In this workshop, we will read and write poems that listen deeply to the…

The Fiction Studio continues with returning members and new members with professional fiction workshop experience. We will actively write and revise original short stories and chapters of novels as well as consider various aspects of the creative and professional life of the fiction writer. 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. New members must receive pre-approval to register from…

The Advanced workshop will focus on the all-important revision process in screenwriting, with members sharing the successes and difficulties encountered in the scripting process for feature-length, short, or TV scripts. We will watch films and clips, read professional scripts and critique each other’s work in a spirit of encouragement and camaraderie. The Advanced section is by invitation of the Instructor.

The Shadow Self is a place within all of us that dwells within the unconscious mind and is composed of repressed ideas, instincts, impulses, weaknesses, desires, and fears.  This part is often described as the darker side of the psyche, representing wildness, chaos, and the unknown. Psychologist Carl Jung believed that this latent energy is present in all of us, in many instances forming a strong source of creative energy. In this course, we will explore our Shadow selves through writing prompts, discussion, and low-skill art…

In this workshop, creative nonfiction and memoir writers will explore the genre of flash creative nonfiction (between 500 and 1,000 words). We will discuss and discover the many craft elements that make flash nonfiction an engaging, experimental and exciting genre! Every session we will generate and critique our small memoir and nonfiction stories and essays and focus on the unique opportunities that flash gives every creative nonfiction writer. Working in a shorter form allows you to take a fresh look…

The Poetry Workshop continues with returning members and new members having poetry writing experience. Fresh, intriguing poetry prompts offer group members the opportunity to experiment with various styles, forms, subjects and themes, and in doing so, will clarify their own voices as they actively write and revise original poems. Each workshop will include consideration of an aspect of craft based on assigned readings, as well as close reading of select poems by outstanding poets past and present to open up…

This advanced workshop is for writers actively drafting or revising a full-length memoir manuscript. Each class will include craft discussions on issues pertinent to each student’s work, such as structure, scene vs exposition, voice, and finding the story beneath the story. We will explore various narrative forms and craft techniques through the analysis of assigned weekly reading, as well as consider the real-world consequences and ethics of writing and publishing true-to-life stories. The majority of each class will be dedicated…

The fiction writing journey continues where Fiction 1 left off. Returning students and writers new to The Muse (who have fiction writing experience) will be encouraged to produce and submit original work for discussion by the group in the workshop format. In addition, participants will take a deeper look at the essential craft elements of fiction writing, with a focus on building rounded, dynamic characters and an engaging narrative with a living world/setting. All genres of fiction are accepted and…

This course is designed as both an introduction for students who are new to screenwriting, and as continuity for those who have already started writing a screenplay and wish to further develop their scripts. No matter your level of experience, everyone will benefit from the groups’ members sharing their experiences they encounter. Class activities will include: discussing and developing story ideas, and sharing comments and suggesting solutions; an introduction to the three-act structure and the critical importance of the first…