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Welcome to our new email newsletter!
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As the weeks go by, we'll be trying different formats and ways to bring you all the information on what's going on at The Muse Writers Center.
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Spotlight on Our Events
Writers Happy Hour
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February 19, 2020, 5:15-7 p.m. at Plaza Del Sol
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Every week, we’ll be visiting a different bar in Norfolk’s Ghent! Join us every Wednesday from 5:15-7 p.m. at a different location in Norfolk’s Ghent for an informal get-together where area writers and Muse teachers, students, and friends enjoy conversation, camaraderie, and drinks. Come and join us! More information
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Ghent Business Association Networking "Schmooze"
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February 19, 2020, 8-9 a.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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Join the Ghent Business Association and members of the business community for a networking event at our Ghent Businesses. Learn more about our host business and meet and schmooze with others at this informal networking event. All are welcome. More information
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Robert P. Arthur & Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda Book Release & Reading
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February 22, 2020, 4-6 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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A triple new- book reading: Disclosures and Silver Beach Rd., by Robert P. Arthur and a cutting from a newly published poem/play, River Country, poetry written by Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda and dramatized by Arthur. The two will act the parts in River Country. Arthur says he can’t sing but probably will. There will be refreshments and sort of a party. Kreiter-Foronda has been a leading member of the PSOV Executive Committee for dozens of years and is a Poet Laureate of Virginia Emerita, who has found the time to be an accomplished painter as well as the author of nine books whose works have appeared in three anthologies. River Country is a heart-thrilling work about her family that finds seemingly the whole natural world a roadway to endless love and resurrection. More information
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757 Comic & Cartoon Creators Meetings
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February 23, 2020, 5-8 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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The Word: An Open Mic for Poets, Storytellers and Fabulists
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February 27, 2020, 7:30 -9:30 p.m. at The Zeiders American Dream Theater
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The Word is in collaboration with The Zeiders American Dream Theater, The Muse Writers Center, Hampton Roads Writers, Tidewater Writers, & Outwire757. The Word welcomes diverse voices and fans of poetry, spoken word, and all forms of creative writing. We encourage all ages and backgrounds to come together and share in the mutual adoration of words. The Z provides a platform for writers to share their work while fostering a comfortable, laid-back, and encouraging atmosphere. This is your chance to take the mic! Read your own work or share a favorite. Admission is a suggested $5 donation. Those looking to speak/perform may sign up at the door. Please limit your performance to 5 minutes. Limited spots! More information
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Spotlight on Our Classes
We have 116 great classes, workshops, and seminars this coming session. Visit www.the-muse.org/classes for a searchable listing of our classes or the-muse.org/classes-at-a-glance to see it broken down by genre. Tuition assistance and flexibility is always available. Visit the website, call the office at 818-9880, or email us at muse@the-muse.org for more information.
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The Romance Workshop
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Begins Tuesday, February 19, 2020, 7-9:30 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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The romance genre (for both novels and novellas) is the highest selling genre in publishing today, worth just over a billion dollars annually. And romance readers know why: these stories are entertaining and you may be certain they will have a happy ending. In this workshop, we'll work on our own romance stories. This class is for new or seasoned writers interested in characters falling in love, overcoming obstacles, and getting their happily ever after. We'll focus our attention on providing feedback on our peers' stories, helping each other towards complete romance novels or novellas, while also taking time out to learn and discuss the craft of writing romance. Instructor: Dana Staves. Open to: all. More information
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Introduction to Picture Book Writing
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Saturday, February 22, 2020, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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Have you always wanted to write a picture book? This introductory workshop will briefly cover some topics to get you started: identifying your story idea, creating memorable characters, picture books structures and plotting, lyrical language, the current market and submission process, and further resources. We will also do a writing exercise or two. This is an introductory version of the 6-week class, Writing Children's Picture Books. Instructor: Sylvia Liu. Open to: all. More information
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Getting Weird
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February 22, 2020 @ 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm at The Muse Writers Center
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In this course, we will look at making the most out of what’s on the page. Often, after a few drafts, we still don’t feel fully invested in our own work. What’s missing? Have I entertained every possibility? Am I willing to get a little weird to make this story pop? Through an engaging process of sharing ideas, writing prompts, and revision, we will further develop the characters, settings, and plots that your story has had all along, but just needed a closer examination in order to make it come alive. Likewise, we will also discover what’s unnecessary, and, as they say, kill your darlings. Instructor: Patrick Dacey. Open to: all. More information
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Ready, Set, Podcast!
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February 22, 2020, 1-3:30 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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This class will give an overview about the history and benefits of podcasting. It will help students develop a podcast idea, come up with a podcast name, and select a podcast type. Students will write a 30-second script for their show’s introduction and an outline for their first podcast episode. Also, the class will discuss hosting services and the process on getting the podcast listed in Apple Podcast and other podcast apps. It will share equipment options, recording/editing techniques, and tips on promoting and monetization. At the end of the class, students will be ready to record and launch their first podcast episode. Instructor: Rekaya Gibson. Open to: all. More information
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A Grammar Refresher
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Saturday, February 22, 2020, 1-4:30 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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(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). Instructor: Linda Cobb. Open to: all. More information
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Travel Abroad with Poetry
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Begins Sunday, February 23, 1-3:30 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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In this class we will explore both contemporary and ancient poets with origins outside of the United States. We’ll explore their culture, customs, history, trauma and touch on the immigrant experience. Each session will explore a different part of the world and we’ll incorporate food, music, and the poetic forms of that country into our lessons. Poetry is the language of seeing beneath the surface. We will explore: Haiku, Haibun, Tanka/Renga, Pantoum, Sijo, Landay, Sestina and Sevenling as we connect forms to content and read Basho, Rumi, Rainer Maria Rilke, Pablo Neruda, Dunya Mikhail, Rabindranath Tagore, Valzhyna Mort and others. Come travel with us! Instructor: Kindra McDonald. Open to: all. More information
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Storytelling: The Stories Inside Us
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Begins Sunday, February 23, 2020, 1-3:30 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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In this 3-meeting seminar we will find the stories that live inside us all. We will examine the ingredients needed to tell a personal story in such a way as to make it leap off our tongues and into the mind of a listener. Together, we’ll explore the various types of storytelling and gain insight into the growing professional community of storytellers. Join us for this interactive and participatory class. No previous storytelling experience is needed. Even if you aren’t sure what story you might want to tell, don’t worry--we will find it together! Instructor: Sheila Arnold. Open to: all. More information
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Introduction to Writing Poetry: Tuesday Mornings
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Begins Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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This class, for anyone interested in writing poetry, is designed to help you write and respond to poems through creative exercises, readings and discussions. Each member of the group will compose and revise original poems. Together we’ll explore voice, imagery, structure, word choice, line, and other elements of poetry in a stimulating and supportive environment. Instructor: Robbie Ciara. Open to: all. More information
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Poetry of the Sea
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Begins Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at The Muse Writers Center
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Throughout the ages writers have used the sea as metaphor for their thoughts and feelings to great effect. This class will teach you how to enhance the power of your work. It’s been said that local poets learn rhythmic structures by listening to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Together, we will read and learn from the greats and make their techniques your own. Instructor: Robert Arthur. Open to: all. More information
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Become a Member
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We invite you to become an annual Sustaining Member of The Muse Writers Center: With your support, we are able to strengthen our programs and outreach. All members will receive a discount on Muse classes, discounts at local businesses, and their own author page on this website. Library check-out privileges will begin in the spring of 2020, and for those joining at higher levels, thank you gifts will also be distributed beginning in the spring of 2020.
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We're Open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays!
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We are open to the public on Monday from 12:30-7 p.m., Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesdays from 12:30-5 p.m., and Thursdays from 12:30-7 p.m. Come join us and write, read, or learn more about The Muse. The Muse Writers Center is at 2200 Colonial Ave. Suite #3 in Norfolk’s Ghent neighborhood (23517)—in the Ghent Market Shops. Visit www.the-muse.org/visit to learn more.
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Join The Writers Reservoir on Facebook
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Visit www.facebook.com/groups/WritersReservoir and connect with other writers and share articles, essays and personal experiences about being a writer in the world today as well as information about places to submit, contests, conferences, and more. The Writers Reservoir is more than a writers’ resource, it is a writers’ community! It is a place where writers can share, learn, connect and find that often elusive creative spark. The Writers Reservoir is an open Facebook group. All writers are welcome to join and send invitations to join.
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The Muse Writers Center is open to the public on Mondays: 12:30-7 p.m., Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesdays: 12:30-5 p.m., & Thursdays, 12:30-7 p.m.
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The Muse Writers Center’s projects, classes, and events are made possible in part through sponsorship by the City of Norfolk Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Queen of Virginia Skill & Entertainment, the Business Consortium for Arts Support, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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