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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201009T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201009T193000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201008T194814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T205303Z
UID:60108-1602266400-1602271800@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Autumn Write-Ins with the Writers Grotto\, October Sessions (via Zoom)
DESCRIPTION:Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual write-ins hosted by the Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers\, each of the sessions below provides 90 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing\, generate new material\, bring old material up to snuff\, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto\, our teachers\, and our students. \nChoose one or more of the sessions below\, and show up for generative exercises designed to help instill confidence in your writing\, shift your focus and get you out of a rut\, document the emotions and experience of challenging times\, and more. Writing prompts\, craft tips\, timed exercises\, accountability—you’ll encounter any or all of these as you write in community with your fellow narrative artists and learn from our writers about what has worked for them. Finish a story you’ve started or free-write your way to something new. Find inspiration and energy writing in virtual community! \nWrite-ins are held every Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 1:30pm\, and every Friday from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Click the “show details” button beside each session below for instructor bios and contact information. \nAll write-ins are held via Zoom. Registered students\, please contact the instructor directly for Zoom login information. \nQuestions and information: grottoclasses@gmail.com \nDates and times: Wednesdays\, 12:00pm – 1:30pm; Fridays 6:00pm – 7:30pm Pacific Time \nCourse fee: $25 \nInstructors: \n\nFriday\, October 2\, 6pm\, with Celeste Chan (diy.queer.arts@gmail.com)\nWednesday\, October 7\, 12pm\, with Mary Ladd (writereadeat@gmail.com)\nFriday\, October 9\, 6pm\, with Jesus Sierra (chiche415@gmail.com)\nWednesday\, October 14\, 12pm\, with Celeste Chan (diy.queer.arts@gmail.com)\nFriday\, October 16\, 6pm\, with Laurie Ann Doyle (doyle.l@berkeley.edu)\nWednesday\, October 21\, 12pm\, with Mary Ladd (writereadeat@gmail.com)\nFriday\, October 23\, 6pm\, with Laird Harrison (lairdharrison@gmail.com)\nWednesday\, October 28\, 12pm\, with Mary Ladd (writereadeat@gmail.com)\nFriday\, October 30\, 6pm\, with Celeste Chan (diy.queer.arts@gmail.com)
URL:https://litseen.com/event/autumn-write-ins-with-the-writers-grotto-october-sessions-via-zoom/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/grottologocentered.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201010T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201010T170000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T004309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T211435Z
UID:60134-1602338400-1602349200@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Keep Them Guessing: The Art of Mystery and Thriller Writing with Elaine Beale
DESCRIPTION:Mysteries and thrillers are some of the most popular and diverse genres in fiction today. They sell by the millions\, and hundreds of authors have established long and successful careers in mystery or thriller writing. These stories offer opportunities for the creation of quirky or intriguing protagonists\, unusual settings\, stories with social or political relevance\, and even for books that put new twists on the genres. Nevertheless\, writing a mystery or thriller demands certain key skills and a knowledge of what works in this area of fiction. \nIf you want to try your hand at a mystery or thriller\, or have already started but aren’t sure how to pull it all together\, this online workshop will get you going and give you tips for how to stay on track. \n“We’ll look at the key components that make the mystery or thriller successful\,” says instructor Elaine Beale\, “from developing a compelling protagonist and maintaining page-turning momentum\, to creating a plausible\, keep-them-guessing-to-the-end plot. \n“If you’re new to these genres\, you’ll learn the key tricks and craft of the thriller and mystery writing trade. If you have a story in progress\, this workshop will help you generate fresh ideas and strategies to make your story truly shine. And everyone will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to combine the necessary ingredients to create a standout work that will keep your readers hooked to the very last page.” \nOctober 10th & 17th\, 2-5pm
URL:https://litseen.com/event/keep-them-guessing-the-art-of-mystery-and-thriller-writing-with-elaine-beale/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201012T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201012T200000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201011T003011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201011T003011Z
UID:60289-1602525600-1602532800@litseen.com
SUMMARY:More with Less: Short Story Workshop with Hannah Michell
DESCRIPTION:The short story accomplishes a feat that feels impossible–it gives us deep insight into characters and emotional resonance in the space of only a few pages. In this course\, we will closely read a range of contemporary short stories\, from micro to longer pieces\, to consider how authors work within the constraints of the form to drive plot forward while also managing the backstory of the characters. \n\n\nWe will seek inspiration for our own writing by examining newspaper headlines\, fairy tales\, and myth\, and apply lessons learned from exemplar short stories. We will workshop our own drafts in progress\, offering feedback and support. Every student will come away with a new story draft and the tools to hone it. \nDates: 4 Mondays\, October 12 – November 2 \nTime: 6 – 8 pm  \n​Instructor: Hannah Michell \n​Ages: Adult  \n​Genre: Fiction  \n​Price: $245 
URL:https://litseen.com/event/more-with-less-short-story-workshop-with-hannah-michell/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-14.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Left Margin Lit":MAILTO:david@leftmarginlit.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201012T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201012T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T004708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T211535Z
UID:60137-1602529200-1602534600@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Intro to Fiction: Laying the Foundation with Junse Kim
DESCRIPTION:“We writers too often need others to tell us that our writing is good\,” says instructor Junse Kim. “And this is where it all goes horribly wrong. We become impatient for praise\, obsessed with completing a story before learning the basic skills we need to write it. It’s the equivalent of\, say\, an aspiring carpenter who has committed to building a beautiful house\, yet doesn’t know how to hammer in a nail or saw a piece of wood.” \nIn this remote class\, you’ll develop concrete skills and narrative techniques through fun writing exercises designed to help you master your craft. At the end of five weeks\, you’ll have a better grip on how to use these techniques (for developing character\, setting\, and plot) as tools for building your story. The class will also analyze other narrative genres\, from movie scenes to comic books\, to analyze storytelling skills you can apply to your fiction writing. \n*The live video conference portion of the class will last for 1.5 hours\, from 7:00pm-8:30pm. The final hour of class will occur outside of the videoconference. Junse will ask you to do writing exercises that specifically relate to his lessons from the video-conferencing session. You can email those exercises to him\, and then he will offer an evaluation. \nOctober 12 – November 09\n7-8:30pm
URL:https://litseen.com/event/intro-to-fiction-laying-the-foundation-with-junse-kim/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/inst-junsek.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201014T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201014T210000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201010T223906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T223906Z
UID:60276-1602698400-1602709200@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Poetry Workshop II with Hollie Hardy
DESCRIPTION:You already know how to write a poem\, but you want to reinvigorate and nourish your writing practice. If you’re looking for feedback\, community\, a reason to write more\, a way to break through blocks\, and find fresh ideas and inspiration\, if you are looking to take your poetry to the next level\, write and revise new work\, give and receive feedback\, and get your work published\, this is the class for you! \nIn this six-week workshop poets will read\, write\, and explore the craft of poetry through poetic forms such as Ars Poetica\, Epistle\, Ekphrasis\, Persona\, and Cento\, and experiment with generative revision strategies in a relaxed\, supportive online environment. \nWednesdays: October 14\, 2020 – November 18\, 2020\, 6-9pm 
URL:https://litseen.com/event/poetry-workshop-ii-with-hollie-hardy/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/unnamed-6.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201015T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201015T010000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201008T194034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T205215Z
UID:60099-1602720000-1602723600@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Creative Writing: At The Intersections with Taneasha White
DESCRIPTION:Creative Writing: At The Intersections focuses on the identities we hold and how they contribute to making up who we are. Sometimes we don’t have the opportunity to embrace them fully or we’re given limitations on who we can be because of how we show up in the world. For a safe(r) space to simply explore your creative nonfiction or memoir writing through prompts by diverse writers and dedicated writing time\, tap into this virtual session.
URL:https://litseen.com/event/creative-writing-at-the-intersections-with-taneasha-white/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-08-at-12.40.45-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201015T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201015T080000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201008T195245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T211641Z
UID:60113-1602745200-1602748800@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Writing from Your Life\, with Meghan Ward (via Wet Ink)\, Oct. 15
DESCRIPTION:THURSDAYS\, OCT. 15 — NOV. 19  | Everyone has a story to tell. Tell yours in 2020 with Writing From Your Life\, an asynchronous six-week workshop that will teach you the nuts and bolts of writing personal essay and memoir. You’ll read passages from the masters\, do weekly craft exercises\, and submit longer pieces of your work to be critiqued by the whole class. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your life stories into completed drafts of literature. (Writing will be critiqued on the Wet Ink platform with an optional Zoom workshop every Thursday.) \nAsynchronous learning materials for this class will be available online (via the Wet Ink platform). Scheduled class sessions will take place via Zoom. Registered students\, please contact the instructor directly for Zoom details \nMeghan Ward is the author of the memoir Runway: Confessions of a Not-so-Supermodel. She is a freelance writer\, book editor\, social media consultant\, and founder of Writerland.com\, a blog about writing\, editing\, and publishing. Her work has appeared in The Rumpus\, San Francisco Magazine\, 7×7\, Mutha\, the San Francisco Chronicle\, It’s So You: 35 Women Write About Personal Expression Through Fashion and Style\, and Wake Up and Smell the Shit: Hilarious Travel Disasters. Follow her on Twitter @meghancward\, on Facebook @meghanwardauthor\, and on Instagram at meghancward. \nContact: meghanward@gmail.com  \nNumber of sessions: 6 \nDates: Thursdays\, October 15\, 22\, 29; November 5\, 12\, 19 \nTime: Asynchronous; Wet Ink modules go live at 7:00am Pacific time
URL:https://litseen.com/event/writing-from-your-life-with-meghan-ward-via-wet-ink-oct-15/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/int-MeghanWard.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201015T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201015T200000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201011T003446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201011T003446Z
UID:60292-1602784800-1602792000@litseen.com
SUMMARY:The Memoir of Childhood: Memoir Workshop with Tommy Mouton
DESCRIPTION:We understand the sheer power of our respective childhood and adolescent memories. But how can we harness this power to propel a narrative as well as capture a reader’s attention? \nIn this four-week extensive workshop\, we will delve into the basic psychology of memories and their stages\, memory and imagination\, image and feeling\, “emotional truth versus factual truth\,” character and voice\, form and meaning—in an attempt to begin drafting (and/or revising) a memoir that is steeped in childhood/adolescent memories as its creative foundation. \nWhether your childhood/adolescent memories are heartbreaking or ironically humorous\, whether you are a seasoned writer or a novice\, this workshop’s weekly writing exercises\, formal and informal workshops\, and readings (Bell Hooks\, Annie Dillard\, Natasha Trethewey\, Jeannette Walls\, Jesmyn Ward\, among others) will leave you inspired and invigorated. \nSo\, come and write (and share) your childhood/adolescent memories with us\, their joys\, failures\, and mysteries. \n  \nDates: 4 Thursdays\, October 15 – November 5 \nTime: 6 – 8 pm  \nInstructor: Tommy Mouton \n​Ages: Adult  \n​Genre: Nonfiction  \n​Price: $245 
URL:https://litseen.com/event/the-memoir-of-childhood-memoir-workshop-with-tommy-mouton/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CI7etiLw.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Left Margin Lit":MAILTO:david@leftmarginlit.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201017T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201017T130000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T005313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T211917Z
UID:60140-1602928800-1602939600@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Poetry for Life with Katharine Harer
DESCRIPTION:“Poetry is a life companion\,” says instructor Katharine Harer. “People come and go\, pets die\, places change\, but poetry doesn’t go away because it’s already inside you. It keeps you company through life’s ups and downs and\, above all\, it connects you to yourself\, guiding you through the maze of your thoughts and feelings.” \nIn this half-day class\, we will read and discuss poems by writers such as Mary Oliver\, Frank O’Hara\, Lucille Clifton and Li-Young Lee. We’ll talk about what “works” for us in the poems\, and Katharine will identify some of the elements of craft poets use to help both the reader\, and the poet\, create connection. We’ll do several in-class writing activities\, starting with freeing-up exercises and moving on to poetry writing prompts that will help you discover new ways to express what’s going on inside and outside of you. \nWhen the class ends\, you’ll take away some helpful tools and strategies for continuing to write poetry on your own as well as new drafts of poems that got their start in our class. \n 
URL:https://litseen.com/event/poetry-for-life-with-katharine-harer/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20201019
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20201020
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T010317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T212103Z
UID:60143-1603065600-1603151999@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Poetry Mentorship with Brian Tierney
DESCRIPTION:This remote poetry “class” offers a unique opportunity for personal and intimate poetry instruction. Students will work with Brian Tierney one-on-one\, via written correspondence over nine weeks\, during which students will compile and send one “packet” every three weeks.\n \nEach “packet” will consist of: 1) 3-5 poems for in-depth written feedback from Brian; 2) a small critical engagement with select reading assignments in poetry (which Brian will provide) and which will foster close-reading skills and inform creative practice; and 3) a small “letter” to be addressed to Brian\, in which students can discuss their writing and creative life\, and pose any relevant questions. Brian will review and respond to these packets in writing\, for a total of three packet responses over nine weeks. \nThis mentorship opportunity is ideal for poets who are craving critical feedback that workshops can provide\, but looking for a more comprehensive and focused engagement\, where the specific concerns of one’s writing practice and poems can be addressed individually. \nIntermediate writers and above recommended. \nOctober 19 – December 18\, All day
URL:https://litseen.com/event/poetry-mentorship-with-brian-tierney/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201021T053000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201021T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201008T195638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T212136Z
UID:60116-1603258200-1603312200@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Writers Who Want to Get Noticed: Online Literary Profiles\, with Lyzette Wanzer (via Zoom)\, Oct. 21
DESCRIPTION:WEDNESDAYS\, OCT. 21 — DEC. 2  | One of the biggest challenges writers face is getting their work the recognition it deserves. You’ve been sending your work out—stories\, articles\, poems\, plays—and you know it’s good work\, but no one’s biting. You’ve applied for grants\, travel scholarships\, and writers’ conference funding\, to no avail. You’d love to be invited to present work at Litquake or another high-profile reading series\, or to read at a conference. You’d like to publish in literary journals that pay writers\, and you’d like to start winning some writing contests. What’s the missing link? It could well be your online literary presence. \n\nDo you have separate social media accounts reserved and used exclusively for your life as a writer?\nDoes your online presence offer evidence that you take your writing seriously\, and view yourself as a literary professional\, whether established or up-and-coming?\nWhen publishers\, funders\, fellowship committees\, and grant panels view your profiles\, will they think your presentation is polished? Will they feel your page shows signs of an upward trajectory in your literary accomplishments?\n\nIn this workshop\, learn why curating your online presence is so crucial\, and get down to the work of fashioning new—or redesigning current—profiles in a supportive hands-on environment. This workshop will focus on LinkedIn\, Twitter\, Facebook\, Shuffle\, and Pinterest. \nThis class will meet on Zoom. Registered students\, please contact the instructor directly for Zoom details. \nLyzette Wanzer’s work appears in over 25 literary journals and books\, and she is a contributor to The Chalk Circle: Intercultural Prizewinning Essays (Wyatt-MacKenzie)\, The Naked Truth\, Essay Daily\, and San Francisco University High School Journal. A three-time San Francisco Arts Commission and Center for Cultural Innovation grant recipient\, Lyzette serves as Judge for the Soul-making Keats Literary Competition’s Intercultural Essay category. She is currently helming an essay anthology entitled Trauma\, Tresses\, & Truth: Untangling Our Hair Through Personal Narrative. \nContact: AuthorLyzetteWanzer@LyzetteWanzerMFA.com \nNumber of sessions: 6 \nDates: Wednesdays\, October 21\, 28; November 4\, 11\, 18 (no class November 25); December 2 \nTime: 5:30 – 8:00pm Pacific Time \nCourse fee: $330
URL:https://litseen.com/event/writers-who-want-to-get-noticed-online-literary-profiles-with-lyzette-wanzer-via-zoom-oct-21/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/LyzetteWanzer-683x1024-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201022T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201022T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T000318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T212206Z
UID:60119-1603393200-1603398600@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Publish Your Opinion\, with Laird Harrison (via Zoom)\, Oct. 22
DESCRIPTION:HURSDAYS\, OCT. 22 — 29 |Your opinion matters. You have taken the time to research an issue and think it through. Now how can you get the word out to the people who need to hear it? Newspapers\, magazines\, and websites are looking for well-reasoned essays. But their criteria are very different from the ones your college English professor used. In this three-hour course\, you will learn the basics of writing an essay or op-ed for publication. You will write your own opinion piece\, then submit it for critique by the instructor and peers so you can polish it for publication.\n \nThis class will meet on Zoom. Registered students\, please contact the instructor directly for Zoom details. \nLaird Harrison has published opinion pieces in Salon\, The Nation\, and the San Francisco Chronicle among other publications. His journalism has appeared in Time\, Reuters and Smithsonian. He has taught writing at San Francisco State University\, U.C. Berkeley Extension and Mediabistro. He is the author of the novel Fallen Lake. \n  \nNumber of sessions: 2 \nContact: lairdharrison@gmail.com \nDates: Thursdays\, October 22\, 29 \nTime: 7:00pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time \nCourse fee: $85
URL:https://litseen.com/event/publish-your-opinion-with-laird-harrison-via-zoom-oct-22/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-08-at-12.59.11-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201024T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201024T130000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T015018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T212251Z
UID:60146-1603535400-1603544400@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Jumpstart Your Memoir Writing! with Kerry Muir
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever experienced the nagging feeling you ought to be writing down your life stories\, but have simply lacked the time and the tools to do it? If so\, this is the class to jumpstart your memoir-writing engine! \n“The act of writing memoir is vastly different for everyone\,” says instructor Kerry Muir. “It can be an intensely personal\, private act—a way to unearth and sift through events of the past\, ascertaining their meaning in retrospect. For some\, it can be a way to leave a legacy for future generations\, offering children (and grandchildren) an intimate glimpse into the life of a loved one. For others\, writing memoir serves as a way to revisit fleeting moments and reclaim them on the page\, thereby capturing them for posterity\, much like a photograph.” \nMark Twain once said\, “Truth is stranger than fiction\, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.” In this online class\, students will gain tools to transform their own unique\, stranger-than-fiction truths into vibrant\, original narratives. In-class exercises and weekly assignments are geared to help students generate new material and access their individual\, story-telling voice. All writers are welcome! \n5 Saturdays\, October 24 – November 21
URL:https://litseen.com/event/jumpstart-your-memoir-writing-with-kerry-muir/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201024T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201024T130000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T015400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T212332Z
UID:60149-1603535400-1603544400@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Writing the Big Themes with Erin Rodoni
DESCRIPTION:Love. Loss. Transformation. These themes are so integral to the human experience that writers have returned to them again and again for centuries. But how can we write anything new about growing up\, falling in love\, breaking up\, or losing a parent/child/lover/friend? \n“To me\, making something new means making it personal\,” says instructor Erin Rodoni. “Often the best way to give a piece of writing universal appeal is to make it as specific as possible. So we need to become great observers of our own experiences of love\, our private journeys through loss\, growth\, and change. We need to bring our devastating details\, our kinks and quirks\, our breathtaking intimacies\, to the page.” \nIn this online workshop we’ll explore a different theme each week. Our reading and discussion of poems\, short stories\, and personal essays will serve as a prompt for us to create new work\, both inside and outside of class\, centered around each week’s theme. We will then come together to share and gently workshop these new pieces as a group. \n“I want students to come away from this class with five new pieces of writing that make each big theme new and personal for them\,” says Erin. “I also hope they come away with a better understanding of how writers use detail and specificity to make a big theme feel new and personal for their readers too.” \n5 Saturdays\, October 24 – November 21
URL:https://litseen.com/event/writing-the-big-themes-with-erin-rodoni/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-4.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201024T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201024T163000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T021414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T212518Z
UID:60152-1603548000-1603557000@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Creative Writing 101 with Kathy Garlick
DESCRIPTION:“Have you wanted to test the waters of creative writing but don’t know where to begin\, or how?” asks instructor Kathy Garlick. “Have you waded into those waters before\, but it’s been a while?” \nIn this online class\, you will be guided surely and safely into the writing experience. There’s no pressure to work on a specific project or even settle on a genre you prefer. The idea is to explore—see with a writer’s eyes\, spark ideas\, gain confidence\, and try out fun writing exercises. \nKathy will build each class around helpful writing tools and strategies. You will complete a range of exercises to learn the most essential parts of creative writing\, including creating vivid images\, telling an engrossing story\, and building well-rounded characters. \nYou’ll also read and learn from writers such as Jhumpa Lahiri\, Zadie Smith and Fanny Howe. Kathy says\, “In writing we’re always trying to find something honest\, something hidden under the trap door of the skull. Our reactions to other writers can open that door.” \nDiscussions and collaboration will be an important part of this class. The sharing of your writing will be up to you\, and everyone will respond with a supportive and open spirit. \nOctober 24 – November 21\n5 Saturdays\, (PST) 2:00pm – 4:30pm
URL:https://litseen.com/event/creative-writing-101-with-kathy-garlick/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201024T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201024T163000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201010T205921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T212404Z
UID:60224-1603548000-1603557000@litseen.com
SUMMARY:On Point: Crafting a Short-Form Point of View Piece with David Jacobson
DESCRIPTION:“Many people are driven to write by the simple human need to express ourselves\,” says instructor David Jacobson. “There may be no better way to meet that need than through the short\, pointed burst of intellectual and emotional energy that goes into a newspaper column\, op-ed or blog post.” \nIn this online series\, through a mixture of short lectures\, readings\, discussions\, writing exercises\, and independent work between class sessions\, you will learn how to write a 500-1500 word piece that shares your perspective and stays on point. In class\, you will brainstorm subjects for your writing\, select a topic for a piece to draft over the weeks that the class meets\, choose a point of view that is personal and powerful\, and strategically structure your beginning\, middle\, and end. The class will gently workshop the writing of students who are ready to share their pieces. \nBy the end of three weeks\, you will take away: \n\ntools to help you identify\, select and reject topics for your future opinion pieces\ntips on applying the right voice to a given topic\ntricks for persisting through starts and stops.\n\nOur goal is that you leave the series of classes with a draft of a piece that is “On Point.” Whether your piece is meant for personal satisfaction\, use in your professional life\, or for eventual publication\, David will draw from his four decades of writing with a point of view to help you get to the point and stay on point. \n\nLive Zoom Meeting: Saturday\, October 24\, 2:00pm-4:30pm\nLive Zoom Meeting: Saturday\, October 31\, 2:00pm-4:30pm\nLive Zoom Meeting: Saturday\, November 07\, 2:00pm-4:30pm
URL:https://litseen.com/event/on-point-crafting-a-short-form-point-of-view-piece-with-david-jacobson/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-6.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201025T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201025T163000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201010T210408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T212608Z
UID:60227-1603634400-1603643400@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Writing for Power & Resiliency with Thea Matthews
DESCRIPTION:You may trod me in the very dirt \nBut still\, like dust\, I’ll rise. \n–Maya Angelou \n“The power of language\, of the voice\, is not to be underestimated\,” says instructor Thea Matthews. “In order to generate the change we hope to see in our world\, the time is now more than ever to remember and know our own individual power\, as well as our collective power. How can you use creative writing to affirm your own power\, and in turn the resiliency of our humanity?” \nIn this 5-week class\, participants will generate new work\, or continue preexisting literary projects\, that reflect personal and collective power and resiliency. Thea says\, “We will turn to authors\, from poet Etel Adnan to poet and novelist Maya Angelou\, who have shown us what it means to be in power and to be resilient. We will explore literary tools and strategies used in various genres of poetry\, fiction\, and lyric essay\, as well as movement/verbal hybrids. From generative discussions\, there will be prompts issued\, and we will have an opportunity to workshop our writing in a safe and encouraging environment.” \nThis course is great for beginners as well as seasoned writers. “At the end of the five weeks\,” says Thea\, “there will be a virtual reading to celebrate our time together.” \nOctober 25 – November 22\n5 Sundays\, 2-4;30pm (PST)\n\n$274.35 for members\n$295 for non-members
URL:https://litseen.com/event/writing-for-power-resiliency-with-thea-matthews/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201026T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201026T213000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201010T210914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T210914Z
UID:60230-1603738800-1603747800@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Blogging 101: Publish Your Passion with Allison Landa
DESCRIPTION:Blogging began in earnest the better part of three decades ago\, and today there are an estimated 600 million blogs worldwide\, with 31 million active U.S. bloggers posting at least once per month. Why not join their numbers? \n“What if I told you\,” instructor Allison Landa says\, “that you can create a blog from what you love most? Whether you wish to concoct savory cuisine\, debate politics\, or relate the ins and outs of your daily life\, this five-week online class will take you from the concept of a blog to its realization.” \nThrough brainstorming exercises\, students will learn how to commit to a topic that sparks their interest and launch a blog rich with creativity and delight. In-class discussions and writing activities will reveal the nuances of blogging\, including how to identify and target an audience while offering “sticky” material that will keep them coming back. Allison says\, “You’ll also create a content calendar to help you stay on track in the weeks and months ahead\, with optional homework assignments to familiarize yourself with existing blogs\, envision how you can add your own voice to the mix\, and begin writing your own posts.” \nWhether you want to create something personal for just friends and family or a public blog that goes out to the masses\, this class will walk you through the process of getting started and staying committed—and you’ll have fun while doing so! \nOctober 26 – November 30\n5 Mondays\, (PST) 7:00pm – 9:30pm\n\n\n$274.35 for members \n$295 for non-members
URL:https://litseen.com/event/blogging-101-publish-your-passion-with-allison-landa/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-8.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201027T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201027T213000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201010T213123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T213123Z
UID:60238-1603825200-1603834200@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Marketing Your Nonfiction Book: Build the Platform\, Send the Query\, Sign the Deal with Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana
DESCRIPTION:Your memoir\, hybrid memoir\, or nonfiction book is in the works. Maybe you’re halfway through and are wondering how to build your platform or make your book stand apart from other memoirs on the shelf. Or maybe you’ve finished it and are excited to get it out into the world. This class will take you through the marketing process step by step. \nFrom platform to querying to finding the right representative\, literary agent and author Marisa Zeppieri and her client Allison Landa know the process. “Knowing yourself and the work you’ve created before presenting it to the industry helps you come from an authentic place\,” they say. “We’ll show you how to move forward in the right direction.” \nDuring our time together\, we’ll address readying your book for the market\, building a platform\, crafting and submitting queries to agents\, and doing your homework before signing on the dotted line. In-class discussions and writing exercises will help demystify the marketing process while optional homework will give you the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice. You’ll walk away with a polished query letter reviewed by both Marisa and Allison and a newfound enthusiasm for getting your work out into the world. \nOctober 27 – December 01\n5 Tuesdays\, (PST) 7:00pm – 9:30pm\n\n\n$274.35 for members \n$295 for non-members
URL:https://litseen.com/event/marketing-your-nonfiction-book-build-the-platform-send-the-query-sign-the-deal-with-marisa-zeppieri-caruana/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-9.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201028T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201028T163000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T000934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T212656Z
UID:60123-1603895400-1603902600@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Try it Again: The Art of Revision\, with Audrey Ferber (via Zoom)\, Oct. 28
DESCRIPTION:WEDNESDAYS\, OCT. 28 — DEC. 2 | \n“My pencils outlast their erasers.” — Vladimir Nabokov \n  \nHave you “finished” a story or personal essay that you know needs more work but feel unsure of how to proceed? Do you need feedback\, encouragement\, and the structure of a group to get back to work? In this class\, we will workshop stories and personal essays with feedback aimed at bringing your piece to the next level. We will practice in-class writing exercises targeted at specific skills needed to advance your stories. We will read short stories and essays by masters of their genres to analyze approaches to language\, character development\, and forward motion. You will leave class this class with a clearer idea of how to revise and produce your next draft. Each student must bring a draft of a story or essay to work on. \nThis class will meet on Zoom. Registered students\, please contact the instructor directly for Zoom details. \nAudrey Ferber’s stories\, essays\, and book reviews have appeared in the New York Times\, LILITH Magazine\, Cimarron Review\, Persimmon Tree\, the AWP Writer’s Chronicle\, and elsewhere. She received an M.F.A. in Writing from Mills College. Audrey has lived and taught in San Francisco for many years but still feels like a New Yorker at heart. \nContact: audreyferber@gmail.com. \nNumber of sessions: 6 \nDates: October 28; November 4\, 11\, 18\, 25; Dec. 2 \nTime: 2:30 – 4:30 pm Pacific time \nCourse fee: $350
URL:https://litseen.com/event/try-it-again-the-art-of-revision-with-audrey-ferber-via-zoom-oct-28/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201028T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201028T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201011T004356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201011T004356Z
UID:60296-1603904400-1603908000@litseen.com
SUMMARY:How to Build a Successful Freelance Writing Career for Sex Industry Professionals with Laura LeMoon
DESCRIPTION:Writing and pitching stories from the POV of a marginalized identity like a sex worker and/or sex trafficking survivor can be extraordinarily frustrating. If editors do give you a chance at being published\, there is often the battle of expectations dictated by someone who has never spent a day in the sex industry. How can writers in the sex industry dodge being pigeon-holed by editors? How can writers in the sex industry break out into writing about non sex industry-related topics? This class will cover the basics of freelancing successfully and also address how sex workers and trafficking survivors can parlay their stories into headlines that go viral\, then push into writing on other topic areas like politics\, current events\, beauty and fashion and more!  You will leave this class with concrete tools on how to write a stellar pitch\, the basics of how and to whom to send a story idea\, and other tips and tricks for a successful freelancing career. \nOctober 28th 5 PM PST // 8 PM EST
URL:https://litseen.com/event/how-to-build-a-successful-freelance-writing-career-for-sex-industry-professionals-with-laura-lemoon/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201028T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201028T213000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201010T213527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T213527Z
UID:60241-1603911600-1603920600@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Intro to Creative Nonfiction: Let Your Story Unfold with Jennifer Lewis
DESCRIPTION:“Have you always wanted to write but are stumped by the way to tell your own story?” asks instructor Jennifer Lewis. “In this remote class\, by exploring different types of creative nonfiction\, including personal essay\, memoir and autofiction\, you will find the unique way to bring your story to life.” \nIn addition to course readings from authors like Maggie Nelson\, Kiese Laymon and Ocean Vuong\, class will be comprised of generative writing exercises and workshops. Students will learn how to combine real-world facts and personal anecdotes with literary elements such as character development\, dialogue and scene. \nJennifer says\, “In a playful manner\, we will allow form to dictate content\, and as Brenda Miller states\, ‘By doing so\, we get out of our own way; we bypass what our intellectual minds have already determined as ‘our story’ and instead become open and available to unexpected images\, themes and memories.’” \nIn a safe and supportive environment\, this class will expose you to the many ways your story can unfold\, and it will open you up to the unexpected. Come see why creative nonfiction has become the most popular genre in the literary and publishing communities. \nOctober 28 – December 02\n5 Wednesdays\, (PST) 7:00pm – 9:30pm\n\n$274.35 for members \n$295 for non-members
URL:https://litseen.com/event/intro-to-creative-nonfiction-let-your-story-unfold-with-jennifer-lewis/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-10.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201029T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201029T210000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201009T001744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T211237Z
UID:60126-1603994400-1604005200@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Writing Crisis: Crafting the Literature of Turbulent Times\, with Roberto Lovato (via Zoom)\, Oct. 29
DESCRIPTION:THURSDAYS\, OCT. 29 — NOV. 11  |  Living in times marked by relentless and intersecting crises\, the serious writer must ask\, “Where is the literature that responds to this astonishing moment?” Our goal for this class is to answer the question by crafting our own\, by writing crisis. This introduction to the art of writing the prose of crisis—memoir\, journalism\, different genres of fiction and science fiction—(and poetry if there’s interest) will begin by looking at the crisis in literature that has created the vacuum that we will fill with our own work\, including one piece we will polish in the course of our sessions. The course will include the following: \n\nClose readings of writing that exemplifies the art of writing crisis\, analyzing the choices—structure\, tropes\, imagery\, language\, characterization—that these writers make.\nTaking our lead from classic and contemporary writers of crisis\, we will engage in generative writing exercises designed to apply what we’re learning.\nWorshops / sharing works-in-progress with other participants and the instructor.\n\nEach writer in the class will leave with a writing crisis toolkit developed by the instructor. You will also leave the course looking at writing and at crisis in a different way. You will leave with an enhanced ability to respond to this unprecedented historical moment with the words and stories it demands. \nThis course is open to students of all levels. \nThis class will meet on Zoom. Registered students\, please contact the instructor directly for Zoom details. \nNote that this class meets two Thursdays (Oct. 29 & Nov. 5) and one Wednesday (Nov. 11). \nRoberto Lovato makes a living as an educator\, journalist\, and writer based at The Writers Grotto. He recently authored Unforgetting: A Memoir of Family\, Migration\, Gangs and Revolution in the Americas (Harper Collins). A recipient of a reporting grant from the Pulitzer Center\, Lovato has reported on war\, violence\, and terrorism in Mexico\, Venezuela\, El Salvador\, Dominican Republic\, Haiti\, Paris\, and the United States. Until 2015\, Lovato was a fellow at U.C. Berkeley’s Latinx Research Center and recently finished a teaching stint at UCLA. His essays and reports from around the world have appeared in numerous publications including Guernica Magazine\, the Associated Press\, the Boston Globe\, The Millions\, Foreign Policy magazine\, the Guardian\, the Los Angeles Times\, Der Spiegel\, La Opinion\, and other national and international publications. \nContact: robvato@gmail.com \nNumber of sessions: 3 \nDates: Thursdays\, October 29; November 5\, and Wednesday\, Nov. 11 \nTime: 6:00 – 9:00 pm Pacific time \nCourse fee: Early-bird discount: $225 through October 21; $250 thereafter
URL:https://litseen.com/event/writing-crisis-crafting-the-literature-of-turbulent-times-with-roberto-lovato-via-zoom-oct-29/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201029T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20201029T213000
DTSTAMP:20260426T111433
CREATED:20201010T214332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20201010T214332Z
UID:60245-1603998000-1604007000@litseen.com
SUMMARY:Fearless Poetry Workshop with Julie Bruck
DESCRIPTION:Now celebrating over 15 years at The Writing Salon\, this workshop draws people who want to jumpstart their poetry practice and to keep the engine oiled. You’ll do plenty of writing and reading\, and we’ll have lively discussions about both the craft and the process(es) of poetry. \nEach weekly homework assignment provides fresh angles of approach designed to surprise\, even startle\, both the writers and their readers. “We all get stuck in familiar ruts\,” says instructor Julie Bruck\, “and this class offers ways of digging ourselves out\, whether we use these strategies to start a new poem or to revise a particularly challenging one. With fresh poems on the table each week\, an early question is often\, how does this poem move? Our group task is to offer constructive help in locating and enhancing that movement. Poets are always learning how to read their own drafts (and those of others)\, much as we keep learning how to read the world.” \nThe remote class is suitable for a wide spectrum of people. “We’ve had students with an interest in poetry but no experience writing it\, and others with MFA’s from Iowa\, and it’s always been a good mix\,” says Julie. “The aim of the class is to get everybody excited about new work\, to take away strategies that can help with current and future writing—and to have a great time while we’re at it.” \nOctober 29 – December 03\n5 Thursdays\, (PST) 7:00pm – 9:30pm\n\n\n$274.35 for members \n$295 for non-members
URL:https://litseen.com/event/fearless-poetry-workshop-with-julie-bruck/
CATEGORIES:Classes and Workshops,Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://litseen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/download-11.jpg
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