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 Smith and Douglas Jones teach most weekly classes.
Class Schedule
To the Point: Intro to Flash Nonfiction [35]
Tue, Feb 6–Apr 9, 1:30 pm–4:30 pm (10 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.
$220 (VMFA members $200)
Memoir Writing [36]
Tue, Feb 6–Apr 23, 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.
Reading and Writing the Self NEW! [37]
Wed, Feb 7–Apr 10, 10 am–1 pm (10 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Tracy Lynch
In this course, we will take a deep dive into personal narrative. We will read essays and excerpts from longer works by authors past and present. We'll discuss that "works" and why, and we'll zoom in on the various literary techniques and styles we encounter. And, of course, we'll write. Through lecture, reading, and discussion, 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.
$220 (VMFA members $200)
The Writers Workshop [38]
Thu, Feb 8–Apr 11, 10 am–1 pm (10 sessions) | Studio School, 2nd floor Conference Room
Tracy Lynch
This class is for writers of all genres looking for feedback, challenge, and growth. Facilitated by Tracy Rothschild Lynch, who has researched and written about varying workshopping methods, this course will use the expertise of fellow students dedicated to help you edit, strengthen, and explore new and old pieces. All in a positive and supportive environment.
$220 (VMFA members $200)
Writing the Shadow [39]
Mon, Feb 5–Apr 22, 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)
Unleash Your Writer Within [40]
Sat, Mar 2, 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 [41]
Sat, Mar 23, 10 am–4 pm (1 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 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.
$90 (VMFA members $75)