WIM Calendar of Classes and Events

August 14 – September 18

"SHORT LYRIC POEM" with BARRY SEILER

This poetry writing workshop will explore how writers approach some of the broad subject areas found in lyric poetry: the personal poem, the public poem, poems about places, poems about things, poems about popular culture. We will focus mostly on our own writing, and discussing our writing, but we will also look at poems by other poets for inspiration and for models of what is possible in the form and in the language.

Saturdays, (six sessions) 10 AM – Noon
Roxbury Public Library, Main Street, Roxbury.

Special Fee of $25 made possible through a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts admisistered in Delaware County by The Roxbury Arts Group.

September 13 – October 18

"PARENT and CHILD” with ELLEN STEWART

There is no one who doesn't have something to say about this relationship, for the obvious reason that we've all had parents and we all have been molded by this common experience. In this informal class, we'll read some of the classic writings on this topic and write in any genre you choose - memoir, poetry, creative non-fiction, essay, short story. Please bring a short piece to the first class.

Mondays, (six sessions)
10 AM - NOON. At The Fairview Public Library, Margaretville. $65

October 16 & 17

“WHAT'S TRUTH GOT TO DO WITH IT?” Creative Non-Fiction with BETHANY LYTTLE

Writers, prepare to stretch---and debate! In this class, we’ll read, discuss, write and revise literary non-fiction with attention to both the genre’s potential and its limitations. In the course of two intensive sessions, we’ll explore the following: What, if any, responsibility does the writer have to readers? Do conventional narrative devices promote or distort truth in storytelling? What matters more: facts or their presentation? Is truth ever better served by fiction? What impulses drive writers and readers of non-fiction? What can writers learn from documentary filmmakers? Do the ends of creative non-fiction always justify its means?

Writers are encouraged to use the class to begin or refine a short work of creative non-fiction. Use this class to articulate or narrow an agenda for your piece; determine what, if any, research is required to support the story you plan to tell; internalize the suggestions and questions raised in the course of workshop.

When applicable, short exercises and assignments will be provided.

Note: This is not a class in journalism, memoir, or the essay.

Saturday and Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM
Roxbury, NY; location to be emailed upon registration

Special Fee of $25 made possible through a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts admisistered in Delaware County by The Roxbury Arts Group.

PREVIOUS CLASSES

January 12 - February 16

"JOURNALLING" with EV ELLSWORTH

This is a class for new diarists as well as veteran journal-keepers. Participants agree to write several pages weekly, read them aloud in class, listen to the work of other class members, and join in discussions of the work and the craft of writing.

Tuesdays, (six sessions)
10 AM – noon at Fairview Library, Margaretville $65

March 1- April 5

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT" with ANN EPNER

As spring arrives half of us are regretting the rich foods of winter and the other half are waiting impatiently for bounty from the garden and the goodness of the grill. This is a great time to be thinking and writing about our relationship to food. From Proust to Ruth Reichl there is a body of literature to revel in. In this informal class, we'll read some of the classics and write in any genre that pleases us. The only rule is that the writing be food related - memories, favorite recipes, failed diets, foreign travel, whatever. Bring a short piece to the first class.

Mondays, (six sessions)
10 am - noon at Fairview Library, Margaretville. $65

April 13 - May 18

"WILD MIND" with ELLEN STEWART

This workshop is an experiential creative journey of creative writing and other media to explore the creative process inherent in us all. By utilizing getting in touch with the creative spirit, the writing process is enhanced. Wild Mind requires no prior experience and provides a nurturing environment which stresses process over product. It is a journey that is both fun and enlightening.

Tuesdays, (six sessions)
10 am - noon at Fairview Library, Margaretville. $75

May 19 – June 23

“WHAT MAKES A NATURE POEM?” with LYNN DOMINA

In this course, we’ll explore the various ways “nature” shows up in poetry, beginning with traditional pastoral poetry and then moving into more unexpected ways poets incorporate natural elements into their work. Each student will write 5-6 poems, approaching nature differently each time. We’ll look at several models from professional poets as well as discuss elements of craft such as metaphor and other figurative language.

Wednesdays, (six sessions)
6 – 8 PM, At Andes Library, Main Street, Andes $75

June 1 – July 6

"JOURNALLING" with EV ELLSWORTH

June 2 – July 7

"JOURNALLING" with EV ELLSWORTH

Same as above

Wednesdays, (six sessions)
10 AM – noon at Fairview Library, Margaretville $65

July 15 – August 19

CRITICS CORNER with BARBARA APOIAN

Designed to help students edit, rewrite, change or enhance works that they bring to class. This may involve a piece previously written or specially prepared for this workshop. Carefully considered suggestions are offered. Each piece is critiqued to the degree that the writer will revisit the work and hopefully incorporate the suggested changes. The object will be to see that each piece has pacing and details that move it forward, and the writer has succeeded in "telling the story". The class is limited to ten students who have taken previous WIM workshops.

Thursday, (six session)
6 – 8 PM. At Roxbury Run Village Clubhouse, Roxbury $65

July 20 – August 24

CRITICS CORNER with BARBARA APOIAN

Same as above

Tuesdays, (six sessions)
10 AM – noon at Fairview Library, Margaretville $65

The Writers' Circle, an ongoing and informal gathering sponsored by Writers in the Mountains, meets every second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The purpose of this workshop is to give suggestions to both new and experienced writers who seek editorial advice and opinions from other writers. Writers are both critiqued and encouraged by their fellow writers. There is no instructor present.

Second Tuesday and fourth Tuesday of each month, 6 PM
Fairview Public Library in Margaretville, NY
For information please call (845) 586-2363

There is no charge to attend, but a donation to help with the expenses would be greatly appreciated.