Workshops for Grades 7-9

 If you like books and movies such as The Hunger Games, Station Eleven, or Divergent, you should try your hand at writing dystopian fiction. These are stories that are absolutely full of tension and conflict, rich detail, and usually some parallel commentary on the issues humans face in society. First, you'll imagine a dark world in cataclysmic decline, then add characters who must fight against the control of evil authorities and environmental ruin just for a chance at survival. This class is an in-depth look into the dystopian genre in which you'll practice worldbuilding, character and plot development, tension and suspense, and so much more. 

This workshop meets for six 120-minute classes.

  Class times:

Wednesdays, September 18 - October 23

5:30-7:30 pm

Fridays, September 20 - October 25

1:30-3:30 pm

 What are the life experiences that have shaped you? Who are the people who have taught you? What do you really and truly think and feel? This workshop is all about exploration and introspection - dig into your your past, define your present, and record your hopes for the future. Students will write a variety of pieces all about themselves and their lives, including stories, poetry, letters, personal essays, journal entries, and more.  

This workshop meets for six 120-minute classes.

   Class times:

Wednesdays, November 6-December 18

5:30-7:30 pm

Fridays, November 8 - December 20

1:30-3:30 pm

(Thanksgiving Break

November 27-30)

Put your writing into a totally new format with podcasts! In this workshop, you'll first decide if  would like to create informational, entertaining, or persuasive programs, and choose your own topics. Then, you'll research, write scripts, record, edit, and publish your podcast for audiences everywhere. If you like creative writing, sound, engineering, and tech, this is a great workshop for you. Maybe you'll even find yourself a new hobby and create your own ongoing show!

This workshop meets for six 120-minute classes.

   Class times:

Wednesdays, January 8 - February 12

5:30-7:30 pm

Fridays, January 10 - February 14

1:30-3:30 pm

 Crime fiction has a lot of great elements that lead to interesting and suspenseful stories. First, we'll create a crime scene and a develop a detective character to assign to the case. Then we'll investigate police procedures, including forensic analysis, interrogation techniques, and court procedures in order to apprehend and charge a suspect. If you like true crime, mysteries, and courtroom dramas, you'll love writing your own crime fiction! 

This workshop meets for six 120-minute classes.

  Class times:  

Wednesdays, February 19 - March 26

5:30-7:30 pm

Fridays, February 21 - March 28

1:30-3:30 pm

  Have you ever heard of a tragicomedy? How about docufiction, or dark fantasy, or Weird West? All of these are mixes of the main genres of fiction that lend a new and fresh take on the common forms. In this workshop, students will learn about the characteristics of different genres and decide how to select and combine elements to make new types of stories. We'll also practice different ways to brainstorm unusual ideas, warp conventions, and manipulate text to add an inventive spin to your stories. 

This workshop meets for six 120-minute classes.

  Class times:  

Wednesdays, April 9 - May 14

5:30-7:30 pm

Fridays, April 11-May 16

1:30-3:30 pm