Spring Clean Your Writing
By Betsy Mikel in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 12, 2010 8:40PM
Spring means lots of things. One of them is the end of winter writing workshops and the start of new ones. If you've been meaning to write more, but just need a little extra nudge in the right direction, a writing workshop is a great way to stay on track, meet fellow writers, and benefit from the guidance from a more experienced teacher.
Fiction and short stories: StoryStudio Chicago also has a packed Spring schedule. Students in the "Fiction II" class must have at least 10 pages ready to workshop at the start of the course. The "Short Story Workshop" is for writers with short story drafts who are looking for feedback. If you're trying to combat writers' block, try the "First Pages" class.
Fiction II starts April 14, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., $380
Short Story Workshop starts April April 21, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., $380
First Pages is April 19, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., $35
For kids: We almost wish we were 14 years old again so that we could enroll in the three-week workshop "This American Life: The 826CHI Way." Students between grades seven and twelve will write short stories and poems, then record their work Ira Glass-style. Unfortunately, the other workshop starting this week, "Zombies Can't Write (But Kids Can)!" is full, but you can try to see if you can weasel a spot for your kid on the waiting list.
This American Life: The 826CHI Way starts tonight, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., free
Fiction, children's books, and writing for moms and dads: The Chicago Writers' Workshop Spring schedule includes several concentration-specific workshops. There are three children's books workshops, which focus on various types of children's books and character, plot, description, and setting. "Advanced Fiction and Novel Writing" is an online class and focuses on the elements of fiction as well as on revision. The newest course is for those interested in writing about their experience as parents.
Writing Children's Books Session I starts tonight, 7 p.m - 9 p.m., $230
Writing Children's Books Session II starts April 20, 7 p.m - 9 p.m., $230
Writing Children's Books Advanced Workshop starts tonight, 7 p.m - 9 p.m., $230
Advanced Fiction and Novel Writing starts April 19, online, $230
Writing for Moms and Dads starts April 26, 7 p.m - 9 p.m., $230
To read and be read: Chicago Underground Library is opening its doors for the Pan Ducles Work Sessions. Both inexperienced and experienced writers are invited to bring works-in-progress to swap and read. Sessions are open to anyone with an interest in writing poetry, fiction, drama, comics, graphic novels or inter-genre work.
Pan Dulces Work Sessions start April 18, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., free (and BYOB)