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 [37]
Tue, Feb 4–Apr 22, 10 am–1 pm (12 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 [38]
Mon, Feb 3–Apr 21, 7–10 pm (12 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.
$250 (VMFA members $230)
Confessional Poetry NEW! [39]
Wed, Feb 5–Apr 23, 7 –10 pm (12 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Catherine Carson
Confessional poetry marked a revolution in poetic style in the mid-20th century. Confessional poets wrote in direct, colloquial speech rhythms and used images that reflected intense psychological experiences, often culled from childhood or battles with mental illness and breakdowns. In this class, students will study these poets, including Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, and Robert Lowell. With guidance from the instructor, participants will learn to
write their own confessional poetry.
$250 (VMFA members $230)
Unleash Your Writer Within [40]
Sat, Mar 8, 10 am–4 pm (1 session) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Stacy Hawkins Adams
Learn why telling your story matters and how you can best craft it for publication or personal accomplishment. Select a fictional form such as a novel, short story or children's book or a nonfiction form such as a memoir, blog, or essay. This workshop is ideal for beginning writers who want to get from the idea stage to "The End."
$90 (VMFA members $75)
Memoir Writing Workshop [41]
Sat, Mar 1, 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.
Write the Body Workshop [42]
Sat, Feb 22, 10 am–4 pm (1 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
TRACY LYNCH
The body remembers. It feels and sees and knows. "Write the Body" is for writers of all ages and stages. We will tap into the stories our brain, muscles, heart, and other parts are longing to tell. We will explore, play, and listen. We will read and write. You will walk away with some solid-gold nuggets of your own creation based on stories only you can tell.
$90 (VMFA members $75)
To the Point: Intro to Flash Nonfiction Workshop [43]
Sat, Mar 22, 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)