Whether you've been writing for a while, or just thinking about getting started, everyone can use a boost of inspiration from time to time.
This round-up of writing workshops could be just the thing to help you put your stories on the page.
Many of them are one-day events too -- easy to get in, get inspired, and get writing.
5. New Writing Classes at Art Intersection
We've been looking forward to sharpening our pencils since Gilbert's Art Intersection announced it would start hosting writing events and workshops for local writers. The creative gathering place is known for its classes and workshops in photography and monthly exhibitions from local and international photographers.
All writing classes are for two hours on Saturdays, and are $40. Upcoming classes include "How to Give Your Story Liftoff: Keep Your Feet on the Ground" (on January 28 and February 4), "Bringing Characters to Life" (February 4 and 11), "Gleaning Poetry from Art: Writing Poetry Inspired by Visual Works of Art" (February 11 and 18), "Looking Glass: Where You Stand Makes a Difference" (February 18 and 25), and "Haibun: The Poetry of Walking" (February 25 and March 3).
For more information call 480-361-1118, or register here. Art Intersection is located in the Gilbert Heritage District, 207 N Gilbert Rd Suite 201.
4. Memoir Writing at Changing Hands Bookstore
Independent bookstore, Changing Hands, 6428 S. McClintock Dr, Tempe AZ 85283 will be hosting a writing workshop: Memoirs with Louise Nayer on Saturday, February 4, from 5:30-6:45 p.m.
During the class, author Louise Nayer will teach students the basic elements of memoir writing: sensory detail, scene vs. summary, use of flashbacks and choosing the right point of view. The cost of the workshop is the purchase of a copy of Nayer's memoir, Burned, ($14 paperback) at Changing Hands Bookstore. Register and pre-pay at (480) 730-0205.
3. Conversation Hearts and Valentines at Smeeks
Have a valentine to write or a lost love to lament? Or do you just want to toss around a few words and eat a lot of candy? Head down to Smeeks, one of our favorite sweet spots in the Medlock Plaze at 14 W. Camelback Rd, for an evening of evening of conversation, candor and candy with Amy Silverman and Deborah Sussman. (Full disclosure: Silverman is the managing editor of the Phoenix New Times, and Deborah Sussman is a frequent contributor.) The one-night, creative non-fiction workshop is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is $25 per person. There are 20 spaces available. To reserve a spot, call (602) 279-0538.
2. 100+ Journalist with Scottsdale Public Art
Scottsdale Public Art continues 100+ Journals Project, a local extension of the 1000 Journals Project. Both will be featured in an upcoming exhibition in theGallery@theLibrary located in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. The 100+ Journals Project began last May with the distribution of more than 100 journals throughout the Valley, while various local businesses and organizations hosted workshops in which participants added to some of the 100+ Journals.
The next free workshop is February 22 from 7 to 9 p.m., with Carol Panaro-Smith and Josie Cirincione, RSVP required. For more information and to register click here:
The exhibition, 100+ Journals Project, will run this March through May and workshops will continue to be held in the gallery space -- While these workshops are not specifically writing workshops, participants often write in the journals as part of their response to prompts provided by facilitators.
1. Mothers Who Write at SMOCA
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art presents the latest installment of the "Mothers Who Write" workshop -- a creative writing workshop for mothers of all ages and stages, taught by Amy Silverman and Deborah Sussman.
On Feb 23, "Mothers Who Write" will start its 10-week course that meets Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.. The course is $175 for SMoCA members and $200 for non-members. No prior experience is necessary. Interested moms can call 480-874-4641 to register.
