Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Registration Open for the year-Long, Write Your Book Workshop

Area writers: Here’s a good opportunity for a class focused on the long form (novel or memoir) taught by a great teacher, Hildie Block, who sent me the following write-up. She also mentioned to me that the last time she offered the class, it sold out in twenty-four hours, so act accordingly!


Are you working on a novel or memoir but could use some feedback or support? The Year-Long, Write Your Book workshop could be the help you need.

This unique workshop meets about 28 times over a year to support participants as they craft their novel or memoir. Classes meet Monday evenings in Falls Church from 7:30-10pm. There is ample parking and public transit access (bus right in front to metro less than a mile away).

I love leading this workshop! It's so exciting to watch every year, as people realize their dreams of completing their books! I'm grateful each year that I can travel this journey with writers and watch them develop.

What is it? This is a "writing workshop" for folks who are crafting a novel (or memoir). It meets for about 8 weeks, once a week, and then takes about a month off, then reconvenes. In total we meet 28-30 times.

What happens? Each class starts with a prompt to get you thinking about the future of your book, or to think about it in a new way. Then the workshop leader will lead a lecture or discussion on a topic related to structure or deepening of your book. Then we have a break, and after that, spend 30-45 minutes discussing each "chunk" that we have for that session.

What the heck is a CHUNK? A chunk is a piece of someone's book, typically 30 pages. We receive it a week ahead of class, read it, make comments, and then have 30+ minutes to talk about what works, what doesn't, what's confusing and what's absolutely MARVELOUS.

Do I have to have my book written already? Nope. You should expect to turn in 1 or 2 CHUNKS in the first 8 weeks though, so you should be in the process of writing it.

How many people are in the workshop? About 8.

How long have you been doing this? I taught writing at AU and GW from 1996-2004; since 2004, I've been leading solely non-credit creative writing workshops. This will be the 6th year I've done "Write Your Book."

Where do you meet? In Falls Church City.

How do I sign up or get more information? Drop me an email (below) and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

How much does it cost? $100 will hold your seat. The balance $800 is due before the first night of class. I can take check or credit cards or PayPal.

Contact info:
Hildie Block
hildiesblock@gmail.com
Want my advice on writing?  http://www.hildieblock.livejournal.com/
For writing prompts follow me on Twitter: hildiesblock

Work-in-Progress

DC-area author Leslie Pietrzyk explores the creative process and all things literary.