Westport Writers Workshop Celebrates ‘National Poetry Month’ with New Spring Classes

WESTPORT, CT—Westport Writers Workshop (WWW) is offering a combination of online and in person classes this spring at their new space located at 25 Sylvan Lane, Unit J, Westport, Conn. Their new location features a gallery-like space with a large workshop/community space that enables them to collaborate with other local arts organizations. 

Their spring workshops begin the week of March 28th and open registration is now open. With over 100 workshops a year to choose from, WWW welcomes writers of all skill levels and genres with classes and workshops that are designed to suit any schedule, with options in the morning, afternoons, and evenings. Saturday-only workshops and one-week writing-intensive programs are also held at various times throughout the year. ​

Several of their spring workshops include a creative nonfiction class (Writing About Your Life), Poetry (April is National Poetry month), an Introduction to Screenwriting workshop, an in-person Write to Prompts class (Just Write), and a new workshop on Writing Novels, as well as the classes listed below:

Workshop in Poetry – All Levels with Charles Rafferty: This class is for students interested in learning about the genre from Charles Rafferty, whose poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Ploughshares, The Southern Review, and O — Oprah Magazine.  Each week, participants will share a poem, and the instructor will lead a discussion of the manuscript, highlighting what is working well and suggesting ways to improve it. As time allows, there may also be general discussions of craft and perhaps some in-class writing.

WHERE: Online via ZOOM

TIME: 7 Tuesdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

DATES: March 29, April 5, 12, off, 26, May 3, 10, 17

Introduction to Novel Writing with Rahla Xenopoulos: Embarking on the exciting and, at times daunting business of writing a novel. The class will focus on banishing the pesky inner critic, developing characters, establishing themes and structure, excavating and exploring your story, and deciding on a narrator.

WHERE: Online via ZOOM

TIME: 7 Fridays, 10am to 12noon

DATES:April 1, 8, off, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20

Flash Fiction with Liz Matthews – IN PERSON: In flash fiction, writers become attuned to language on the sentence level. This is good practice for writers of all genres, as you’ll learn how to transform abstract ideas into specific moments. We’ll pay close attention to pacing, metaphor and imagery, endings, and poetic techniques to employ in writing flash. There is room to experiment and take more risks with poetry or prose told in 1,000 words or less. Each week students will study examples of both well-known and more obscure writers who have mastered this form. During and in between workshops, you’ll receive unique writing prompts for continual inspiration and support.   

WHERE: In person at:  25 Sylvan Road South, Suite J, Westport, CT 06880

TIME: 7 Thursdays, 10am to 12noon

DATES: March 31, April 7, 14, off, 28, May 5, 12, 19

Writing Books for Kids with Christine Pakkala: Have you always wanted to write a picture book or a book for children or teens? This writing workshop is targeted for adult writers of picture books, early and middle grade and young adult fiction. The goal will be to support each writer’s efforts to develop and hone new projects as well as works-in-progress. We will explore the art of creating characters that young people care about and with whom they can identify. In addition, we will exercise our ability to bring emotion to our narratives, to bring setting to life, and to strengthen our plots for greatest impact. The weekly sessions will employ positive, non-threatening feedback in a small group environment. Workshop members are invited to bring up to five double-spaced, 12-point-font pages of writing to the first session. Please note: email your pages to the instructor as well as the entire group. Please keep your word count to a maximum of 1250 words.

WHERE: Online via ZOOM

TIME: 7 Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

DATES:March 30, April 6, 13, off, 27, May 4, 11, 18

Writing About Your Life (Beginner) with Phoenix Glass-Destruge: Thinking about writing a memoir or personal essay? Perhaps you’ve already begun but aren’t sure where to go next. Maybe there are subjects you wish to ignore, that feel taboo, or worse yet, boring. You may ask yourself, “Why would anyone care about what I have to say?” or “How could I possibly share this part of myself?” If you’ve had these fears, or any fear related to writing, I promise you, you are not alone. These concerns are part of the process and mean you are doing something right. Here is the truth: your story matters. It is not too dark nor too dull. Mary Oliver said the writer, “stands between two marvelous and complex things—an experience (or an idea or a feeling) and the urge to tell about it in the best possible conjunction of words.” The merging of experience and written word will be the objective of this workshop, where each week writers will bring pages of new or revised writing to read aloud and receive feedback on what is working and what might be strengthened.

WHERE: Online via ZOOM

TIME: 7 Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 noon

DATES: March 29, April 5, 12, off, 26, May 3, 10, 17

For more course offerings this spring and to register, visit the Westport Writers Workshop website. Westport Writers’ Workshop is an independent literary arts center offering enriching, supportive creative writing classes, as well as literary readings to the local public in Connecticut. Their organization also provides free writing workshops to underserved populations in their own communities. To learn more, visit the WWW SCHOLARSHIPS and SUPPORT US pages.

About Westport Writers Workshop:

Since 2003, the Westport Writers’ Workshop has been offering workshops for every level of writer, from novice to published! Our instructors offer friendly, supportive writing workshops designed to encourage, inspire, and spark your imagination.

With over 100 workshops a year to choose from, we welcome writers of all skill levels and genres. Our workshops are designed to suit your schedule, with options in the morning, afternoons, and evenings. We also host several Saturday-only workshops and one-week writing-intensive programs throughout the year. You can learn more about our workshops by visiting our WORKSHOP page. Let Westport Writers’ Workshop help you discover and develop your own unique writing talent and voice.

Our Philosophy: You can expect a supportive group led by an experienced instructor. You’ll write, read, and learn from each other. Focus is always on the quality of the writing – not on the subject matter. Writing begets writing. The more you commit to your writing, to showing up for your writing group, the more you will write. By joining a community of writers, you will become a stronger writer and influence others to refine their craft. Our philosophy and practices are inspired by Amherst Writers & Artists and Pat Schneider’s book, Writing Alone and With Others.

Our Mission: The Westport Writers’ Workshop is an independent literary arts center offering enriching, supportive creative writing classes, as well as literary readings to the local public. Our organization also provides free writing workshops to underserved populations in their own communities.

Our History: In 2003, Jessica Bram founded Westport Writers’ Workshop. In 2010, Jessica moved the workshops into the second floor of the historic building on 3 Sylvan Rd. South in Westport. In 2013, Valerie Leff bought WWW and became the Director. In 2014, Valerie created a Board of Directors and transformed the business into a nonprofit with a mission to offer enriching, supportive creative writing classes, as well as literary readings to the local public, and free writing workshops to underserved populations in their own communities. In 2018, Michelle Bradley came on board as the Executive Director, and in summer 2019 when Michelle’s family was transferred to Chicago, Liz Matthews took over as the Director. In March of 2020 with the onset of COVID-19, the workshops transitioned to the Zoom platform and were offered remotely. The organization now offers both in-person and online classes and has grown to include writers and instructors outside of our immediate community.

westportwriters.org

#CTWriters Can Relieve Stress Through Westport Writers Workshop Online Classes

WESTPORT, CT—Feeling tired, anxious, stressed, and/or overwhelmed all at the same time? You’re not alone. Many have been feeling the effects of the quarantine and the associated stressors. Recent studies have shown there’s a pill-free way to cope.

Several studies have shown a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic symptoms in health care workers, according to an article by Frontiers in Psychology, and that what research has shown that “expressive writing” can work as a form of therapy for people undergoing these feelings.

“Over the past 25 years, several researchers have examined the effects of writing about traumatic life events. Pennebaker’s Expressive Writing task involves writing about a traumatic experience for a controlled period of time, on consecutive days….. several studies have shown the benefits of writing across different sessions about personal experiences with stressful life events. This procedure has been associated with the reduction of physical and mental symptoms both in clinical and normal simples.” (Procaccia, 2021).

So where can you find some writing relief? At the Westport Writers Workshop! Since the shutdown, WWW has been offering interactive writing workshops, classes, and events online for experienced and aspiring writers alike in a supportive, welcoming environment. Taught by experienced, professional, published authors, these classes have served as an outlet for the community to craft and develop their work while offering a release of stress through a positive, therapeutic tool. Since last spring’s launch of an online-only learning environment, they have even more classes and workshops to cater to the needs of their attendees.

In addition to writing about personal experiences in several classes, writers can also try their hand at writing children’s picture books, poetry, memoir, and much more. For a full list of offerings, visit the Westport Writers Workshop‘s website.

Executive Director Liz Matthews was happy to announce that “we will bring back in-person workshops this fall, along with continuing to offer our remote workshops.”

Students of the classes shared how much they have helped them in their writing journey.

“I love everything about it. The instructor provides a safe and inspiring atmosphere and the level of positive feedback when we workshop our writing is unparalleled. I feel honored to be a part of this talented and courageous group of writers and to hear and share writing. I am left awestruck after each class,” Amy Egbert stated.

“I’m grateful that Westport Writers’ Workshop only allows students to listen during their critiques and not speak. It allows us to let go and be okay with what we’ve written as we grow. I’ve made tremendous writing progress, I’m getting positive feedback, and I’m preparing to solicit agents,” said R.J. Grand.

Since its inception in 2003, the Westport Writers Workshop has developed into one of the most highly respected programs in the area for writers of fiction, memoir, romance, playwriting, children’s literature, and much more. Through leadership and training from a stellar team of published, award-winning authors, students gain a deep understanding of the elements of writing and many go on to be published authors as well.

Summer 2021 Westport Writers Workshop’s class offerings are as follows:

Intermediate Fiction: A Generative, Craft-based Class with Jessica McEntee

• Online via ZOOM
• 6 Mondays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• June 21, 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27

Memories Real and Imagined with Rahla Xenopoulos

• Online via ZOOM
• 6 Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
• June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27

Intro to Fiction with Libby Waterford

• Online via ZOOM
• 6 Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Picture Book Writing 201 with Valerie Bolling

• Online via ZOOM
• 6 Tuesdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27

Summer Intensive: Poetry & Prose with Jessie McEntee

• Online via ZOOM
• 10 a.m. to 12 noon
• Monday to Thursday
• July 6, 7, 8, 9

All of the Westport Writers Workshop workshops offered on Zoom are open to writers of all skill levels. Visit their Zoom tutorial pages to learn more about how to use the platform or contact Liz Matthews Executive Director, Westport Writers’ Workshop at exec@westportwriters.org or (203) 227-3250.

About Westport Writers Workshop:Since 2003, the Westport Writers’ Workshop has been offering workshops for every level of writer, from novice to published! Our instructors offer friendly, supportive writing workshops designed to encourage, inspire, and spark your imagination.With over 100 workshops a year to choose from, we welcome writers of all skill levels and genres. Our workshops are designed to suit your schedule, with options in the morning, afternoons, and evenings. We also host several Saturday-only workshops and one-week writing-intensive programs throughout the year. You can learn more about our workshops by visiting our WORKSHOP page. Let Westport Writers’ Workshop help you discover and develop your own unique writing talent and voice.

Our Philosophy: You can expect a supportive group led by an experienced instructor. You’ll write, read, and learn from each other. Focus is always on the quality of the writing – not on the subject matter. Writing begets writing. The more you commit to your writing, to showing up for your writing group, the more you will write. By joining a community of writers, you will become a stronger writer and influence others to refine their craft. Our philosophy and practices are inspired by Amherst Writers & Artists and Pat Schneider’s book, Writing Alone and With Others.

Our Mission: The Westport Writers’ Workshop is an independent literary arts center offering enriching, supportive creative writing classes, as well as literary readings to the local public. Our organization also provides free writing workshops to underserved populations in their own communities.

Our History: In 2003, Jessica Bram founded Westport Writers’ Workshop. In 2010, Jessica moved the workshops into the second floor of the historic building on 3 Sylvan Rd. South in Westport. In 2013, Valerie Leff bought WWW and became the Director. In 2014, Valerie created a Board of Directors and transformed the business into a nonprofit with a mission to offer enriching, supportive creative writing classes, as well as literary readings to the local public, and free writing workshops to underserved populations in their own communities. In 2018, Michelle Bradley came on board as the Executive Director, and in summer 2019 when Michelle’s family was transferred to Chicago, Liz Matthews took over as the Director. In March of 2020 with the onset of COVID-19, the workshops transitioned to the Zoom platform and were offered remotely. The organization grew to include writers and instructors outside of our immediate community.

westportwriters.org

Photo credit: Westport Writers Workshop

Aspiring & Established Writers Are Invited To Westport Online Writing Workshops

WESTPORT, CT— While vaccines are rolling out to more age groups in Connecticut, many still find themselves quarantined and working from home. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only impacted the way we live but has also changed the way we learn. Students and adults alike have learned the ins and outs of Zoom which has been an important tool for students, employers, and other organizations.

The Westport Writers Workshop found the Zoom online platform to be invaluable in enabling them to continue their online learning workshops not only in Connecticut but across the nation.

Liz Matthews, Executive Director of Westport Writers Workshop said, “Now that our workshops are being offered remotely, we have writers joining us from all over the country. The writers benefit from a broader range of feedback, and we preserve the closeness of each group with a max of seven participants.”

Matthews, a writer, and editor began her professional career in publishing at a literary agency and as an Editorial Assistant at Random House before teaching middle and high school English at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn. A mom of two school-aged children, Matthews learned to adapt to juggling responsibilities of working from home, homeschooling her children, and running a nonprofit agency since the COVID-19 shutdown back in Mach of 2020.

Last spring Matthews shared that their swift decision to move to online classes and workshops was due to being located in a town with one of the highest numbers of Coronavirus cases in the state. She added that “rolling with the changes” was something they had to do for the sake of everyone’s health and sanity.

“Writing, like many, provides a creative escape in the crazy times we’re living in,” she said.

Since last spring’s launch of an online-only learning environment, they have added even more classes and workshops to cater to the needs of their current and soon-to-be attendees. Students range from beginning and aspiring writers to published authors. All are welcomed in a supportive environment that offers valuable feedback and positive critiques that have enabled their student to land literary agents, book deals, prestigious awards, and more.

“The class gave me material for further exploration! Also, my classmates were wonderful. It’s as though we all became friends through the class and it felt as though we were all in a non-virtual class together, fully participating.” -M.S. a student.

Since its inception in 2003, the Westport Writers Workshop has developed into one of the most highly respected programs in the area for writers of fiction, memoir, romance, playwriting, children’s literature, and much more. Through leadership and training from a stellar team of published, award-winning authors, students gain a deep understanding of the elements of writing and many go on to be published authors as well.

Spring 2021 Westport Writers Zoom Workshops offerings are as follows:

Memories Real & Imagined with Rahla Xenopoulos

· This workshop is designed for experienced, published authors as well as for novices who have a hidden story to excavate and tell. It is designed for people who have a flickering feeling that they might have a book hidden within but need to discover what that book is about, for people who have been sitting on a book but haven’t managed to start and so too it is designed for people who enjoy the therapy of creative writing. But, above all it is designed for people who yearn for a place of kindness. Bring pen, paper and an open heart. All people who identify as women are welcome.

· 7 Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

· March 30, April 6, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18

Workshop in Poetry, All Levels – Manuscript Course with Charles Rafferty

· This class is for students interested in learning about the genre from Charles Rafferty, a frequent contributor to The New Yorker. Each week, participants will share a poem, and the instructor will lead a discussion of the manuscript, highlighting what is working well and suggesting ways to improve it. As time allows, there may also be general discussions of craft and perhaps some in-class writing. The manuscript component of this course will be the following: each student may submit one poem in advance of each class to the instructor, for classroom discussion.

· 7 Tuesdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

· March 30, April 6, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18

Picture Book Writing 101 with Valerie Bolling

· Have you always wanted to write a picture book? Maybe you have a story idea but haven’t written it down yet. Perhaps you have a draft of a manuscript that you want to revise. No matter where you are in your writing journey, this course is specifically designed for you … if you want to WRITE A PICTURE BOOK! Plus… A special guest will visit one of our sessions! James McGowan, an agent at BookEnds Literary Agency, has generously offered to answer class participants’ questions about picture books and the publishing industry.

· 7 Tuesdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

· March 30, April 6, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18

Creative Writing for Kids with Christina Pakkala

· Join Christina Pakkala for an hour of writing fun! Yes, you heard right. Writing CAN be fun when the only rule is to let your imagination FLY. We’ll play some writing games, write some stories, poems, and whatever we feel like. For grades 3 through 5. Christine Pakkala is the author of six books for children, including a picture book, Chasing Ricky.

· 7 Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

· March 31, April 7, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19

Young Adult Fiction with Mike Belanger

· This workshop deals with the nuts-and-bolts of writing young adult fiction. Throughout the workshop, the focus will be on different aspects of craft, including voice, setting, plot, and dialogue. Examples from current popular YA novels will be provided along with exercises to help hone your work in progress or inspire your new novel. Students will share their writing and receive feedback from other students and the instructor. This class is for adults writing novels in any genre (i.e. realistic fiction, fantasy, historical fiction) for young adult readers, and is suitable for all levels of writers.

· 7 Thursdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

· April 1, 8, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20

Register for a class by clicking here. To check if a class is full, call (203) 227-3250 or email exec@westportwriters.org.

All of the Westport Writers Workshop spring workshops offered on Zoom are open to writers of all skill levels. Visit their Zoom tutorial pages to learn more about how to use the platform or contact Liz Matthews Executive Director, Westport Writers’ Workshop at exec@westportwriters.org or (203) 227-3250.

About Westport Writers Workshop:

Since 2003, the Westport Writers’ Workshop has been offering workshops for every level of writer, from novice to published! Our instructors offer friendly, supportive writing workshops designed to encourage, inspire, and spark your imagination.

With over 100 workshops a year to choose from, we welcome writers of all skill levels and genres. Our workshops are designed to suit your schedule, with options in the morning, afternoons, and evenings. We also host several Saturday-only workshops and one-week writing-intensive programs throughout the year. You can learn more about our workshops by visiting our WORKSHOP page. Let Westport Writers’ Workshop help you discover and develop your own unique writing talent and voice.

Our Philosophy: You can expect a supportive group led by an experienced instructor. You’ll write, read, and learn from each other. Focus is always on the quality of the writing – not on the subject matter. Writing begets writing. The more you commit to your writing, to showing up for your writing group, the more you will write. By joining a community of writers, you will become a stronger writer and influence others to refine their craft. Our philosophy and practices are inspired by Amherst Writers & Artists and Pat Schneider’s book, Writing Alone and With Others.

Our Mission: The Westport Writers’ Workshop is an independent literary arts center offering enriching, supportive creative writing classes, as well as literary readings to the local public. Our organization also provides free writing workshops to underserved populations in their own communities.

Our History: In 2003, Jessica Bram founded Westport Writers’ Workshop. In 2010, Jessica moved the workshops into the second floor of the historic building on 3 Sylvan Rd. South in Westport. In 2013, Valerie Leff bought WWW and became the Director. In 2014, Valerie created a Board of Directors and transformed the business into a nonprofit with a mission to offer enriching, supportive creative writing classes, as well as literary readings to the local public, and free writing workshops to underserved populations in their own communities. In 2018, Michelle Bradley came on board as the Executive Director, and in summer 2019 when Michelle’s family was transferred to Chicago, Liz Matthews took over as the Director. In March of 2020 with the onset of COVID-19, the workshops transitioned to the Zoom platform and were offered remotely. The organization grew to include writers and instructors outside of our immediate community.

westportwriters.org

Photo credit: Westport Writers Workshop

Unleash Your Inner Author at Westport Writer’s Workshop

WESTPORT, CT — If you’ve ever thought about writing a memoir, screenplay or best-selling mystery, young adult or women’s fiction novel, now’s the time to fulfill your dream! The Westport Writer’s Workshop, a nonprofit community group dedicated to the instruction of the craft of writing, is hosting several workshops this summer for aspiring writers of all ages and skill levels.

Led by a highly trained team of professionals in the industry, the class offerings are varied and the small class size ensures writers receive the time and attention they need. Most classes max out at seven participants.  Workshops are designed to spark your imagination while focusing on the positive to help you discover and develop your own unique voice.

Class offerings are as follows:

• Intermediate Fiction (Level 2) – F101M18 Jessica Noyes McEntee
  6 Mondays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | June 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23
• Introduction to Creative Writing – B206M18 Liz Matthews
  6 Mondays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | June 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23
• Writing from Imagination and Memory – An AWA Workshop – B103M18 Jen Sage-Robison
  6 Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24
• Writing Thriller & Mystery (Levels 2 and 3) – F221M18 Jessica Speart
  6 Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m. | June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24
• Playwriting – PL110M18 Douglas Moser
  5 Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25
• Creative Writing: Process and Product – B102M18 Thomas Fiffer
  4 Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | June 21, 28, July 19, 26
• Advanced Fiction (Level 3) – F301M18 Adele Annesi
  6 Thursdays, 1:30 to 4 p.m. | June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26
• Writing Children’s Literature – C202M18 Christine Pakkala
  4 Thursdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | July 5, 12, 19, 26
• What Love Has to Do With It – B780M18 Kate Gray
  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Mon. – Fri. June 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
• The 10 Basic Steps to Writing a Mystery – S220M18 Jessica Speart
  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Mon. – Fri. June 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
• Young Adult Fiction: Writing the Teenage Experience – S240M18 Mike Belanger
  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Mon. – Fri. July 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
• How to Write a College Essay: A Workshop for Teens – S260M18 Kristen Ball
  2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. | July 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
• Manuscript Check-Up: Hanging in Through the Summer MS- S280M18 Allison Dickens
  7 to 9 p.m. | Tues. July 24
• Screenwriting for Movies and Television – SC700M18 Alana Sanko
  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Tues. July 24, Weds. July 25
• Introduction to Poetry, Prose Poems and Flash Fiction – S230M18 Charles Rafferty
  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Mon. July 30, Tues. 31, Weds. Aug. 1

For a full schedule, click here.

Can’t join the classes but still want to support the Westport Writers Workshop? Support them with a tax-deductible gift. Make an online donation by clicking here.

Questions? Call(203) 227-3250 or email info@westportwritersworkshop.com.