Students are taught in a supportive environment, seminar-style so that they can explore and learn to write in a variety of formats. Creative Writing classes are small with a maximum of ten so students can receive feedback from the instructor and classmates.
Instructors Tracy Lynch and Douglas Jones teach most weekly classes.
Class Schedule
Memoir Writing [26]
Tue, Jun 4–Jul 23, 10 am–1 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DOUGLAS S. JONES
Willa Cather wrote, “Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can happen to one again.” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Memory is hunger.” This class merges the two notions that memories are heightened experiences and that they make us hunger for more. The instructor offers students encouraging feedback and specific writing prompts to help develop ideas.
Writing the Shadow [27]
Mon, Jun 3–Jul 22, 7–10 pm (8 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DOUGLAS S. JONES
Each of us has a dark self. Sometimes we glimpse it in dreams; sometimes we come to know it in our thoughts or imaginings. The aim of this course is to draw it out and see what we can learn from it. Students explore ways in which a realization of the shadow can open creative avenues for use in various writing exercises, including guided imagery, dream work, and active imagination.
$200 (VMFA members $180)
Memoir Writing Workshop [28]
Sat, Jun 15, 10 am – 4 pm (1 session) |Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
DOUGLAS S. JONES
Willa Cather wrote, “Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can happen to one again.” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “Memory is hunger.” This class merges these two notions: that memories are heightened experiences, and that they make us hunger for more. The instructor offers students encouraging feedback and specific writing prompts to help develop ideas.
To the Point: Intro to Flash Nonfiction Workshop [29]
Sat, Jun 29, 10 am–4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
TRACY LYNCH
Flash nonfiction is an evolving genre, steadily increasing in popularity among readers and writers alike. Flash is generally considered under 750 words and packs a punch through honed and purposeful prose. Through group discussions, readings, lectures, and classroom exercises, you will learn to write FNF and walk away with some new implements in your writer’s toolkit.
$90 (VMFA members $75)
Reading and Writing Nonfiction: An Introduction to the Power of Personal Essays NEW! [30]
Sat, Jul 13, 10 am–4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 1st floor
TRACY LYNCH
Do you ever want to tell your story but aren't sure where to start? In this one-day workshop, we will take a deep dive into personal narrative. We'll read essays and excerpts from longer works from author past and present. We'll discuss what "works" and why, and we'll zoom in on the various literary techniques and styles we encounter. Through lecture, reading, discussing, and writing, we'll learn more about how to write our memories in ways that engage and entertain. You will leave with the beginnings of three personal essay drafts.
$90 (VMFA members $75)