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…

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 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…

The truth doesn’t have to be written like a textbook. The truth can be exciting and gut wrenching and exotic. “True Stories Told Well,” is the definition given by Lee Gutkind, the founder and publisher of Creative Nonfiction Magazine of the 4th genre known in some circles as “Creative Nonfiction.” In this class we will discover that the difference between Nonfiction and “Creative Nonfiction” isn’t the truth; the difference is the flavor in which the story is written. Whether it…