Wordcrafters in Eugene: Spring Classes

Register now for the spring writing classes with Wordcrafters in Eugene. From memoir, to author reading, to fiction, there’s something for everyone. Classes start on April 10th! All classes/workshops are held at Wordcrafters Workshop (438 Charnelton) in Eugene, unless otherwise noted.

ELEMENTS OF MEMOIR WITH BRONWYNN DEAN

When: 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, April 10, 17, 24 & May 1, 8, 15

Details: Do you have a personal story to tell, but want to know more on how to distill the most important parts into a compelling tale? In this class we will examine contemporary pieces in the memoir genre and help you learn how to identify what works in them. You’ll learn and discuss the basic tenets of the genre, reliability of memory, “truth”, and emotional veracity. You will do a brief autobiographical sketch to help identify what slice of life you want to focus on for your memoir. Then you’ll sketch a basic story progression you can work from and compose a minimum of 10 pages of your memoir. We’ll peer workshop at least one time with instructor feedback and suggestions for revision and continuation. This course is appropriate for writers of all levels and skill.

Cost: $199

Information: wordcraftersineugene.org/elementsofmemoir

MEMOIR WORKSHOP WITH BRONWYNN DEAN

When: 6:00-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, April 10, 17, 24 & May 1, 8, 15

Details: You’ve started your memoir – now what? Continue developing your craft and gain valuable feedback in this workshop-style format. You’ll be applying the lessons that you’ve learned in this course to your manuscript. Through craft discussion and critique, we’ll  explore the nuances of scene building, dialogue, and story structure to inform the progression of your work. This hands-on workshop features 2 full-length critique sessions for each student. Each class meeting will include a craft lesson and workshop time. The goal will be to have 20+ revised pages by the end of this class and a solid outline for your memoir project going forward. NOTE: Students attending this class must have at least 10 pages of memoir drafted by the first class meeting (April 10). If you do not have a draft ready or have never written in this genre before we recommend you take the Elements of Memoir course instead. This course is appropriate for writers who have taken an introductory memoir class or writers with previous memoir writing experience. If you are uncertain if this course is a good fit for you, please email us at info@wordcraftersineugene.org and we’d be happy to help!

Cost: $249

Information: wordcraftersineugene.org/memoirworkshop

FICTION WORKSHOP WITH DARYLL LYNNE EVANS

When: 6:00-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, April 12, 19, 26 & May 3, 10, 17

Details: Fiction Workshop is designed to help you stay on track with your writing and receive valuable feedback to improve your craft and style. Critiquing others’ work will help you hone your editor’s eye and help uncover some of your own “writerly” tics. Each week we’ll discuss a reading and craft element. Then we’ll critique each other’s work. You will be critiqued two times during the workshop, submissions of approximately 7-10 pages each. This course is appropriate for writers who have at least a basic working knowledge of the elements of fiction (what is a scene, what is dialogue, etc.) such as an intro-level fiction course. We will be focusing on deeper elements of craft. If you are uncertain if this course is a good fit for you, please email us at info@wordcraftersineugene.org and we’d be happy to help!

Workshop will include:

  • weekly readings
  • deep-dive craft lessons and exercises to help focus your technique
  • workshopping pages
  • brainstorming and problem-solving individual writing challenges.

Cost: $249

Information: wordcraftersineugene.org/fictionworkshop

MASTERING THE AUTHOR READING WITH MELISSA HART

When: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28

Details: BRING YOUR WORDS TO LIFE! In this fun and supportive three-hour workshop, author and professional speaker Melissa Hart shows how to captivate your audience the moment you step up to the microphone to give a reading of your work. You’ll learn about breath control and posture, eye contact, the power of extemporizing, and how to pitch and pace your voice so that listeners aren’t even tempted to glance at their cell phones for the latest cat video. This course is appropriate for authors of all levels and experience.

Cost: $69

Information: wordcraftersineugene.org/masteringauthor