In an effort to create more opportunities to work with writers, Swenson Book Development LLC will begin to offer virtual classes, workshop, and retreats in January 2022. All sessions will be held via Zoom and documents will be shared using Google Drive. If you are interested in registering for a class, workshop or retreat, please email Jill at Swenbooks dot com by January 3, 2022. Generative Writing Workshop Saturdays January 8, 15, 22 at 10-11:30 am This creative writing workshop is intended for writers at every level and in every genre. It is intended to get your creative juices flowing. Whether you have never done any creative writing or have something you are currently working on, this is a place to generate new copy. There will be an in-class writing assignment and a weekly writing prompt. The writing exercises offer constraints to help you enter your story through side doors and get to the more profound truths. This is not a workshop for critical feedback, but encouragement to take risks. Limit of 8. $125 Weekend Writing Intensive for Nonfiction and Memoir Friday February 4, 7-9 pm, Saturday February 5, 10 am-noon, 1-5 pm, Sunday February 6, 10 am-noon Do you have a work-in-progress and seek constructive criticism, inspiration and encouragement? This weekend long writing retreat will focus on you and your writing project. It will allow you to gain valuable feedback and advance your writing craft. Participants will each submit 20 pages by January 20 for everyone to read before…

Joyce Maynard found ads for James Patterson Master Class in her Facebook newsfeed and signed up to discover the secrets to writing a bestselling book. She wrote an article for The Observer about what Patterson had to teach her about writing – and selling – books. That she herself was a published author of a couple memoirs and a dozen novels did not prevent her from appreciating what James Patterson sells in his online course: inspiration and encouragement of creative expression. Who doesn’t need some of that? Online writing classes can provide discipline and accountability, too, with the convenience of tele-commuting. The start of the school year is a good time to begin a new one. There are all kinds of writing classes and I can recommend four places where instructional excellence is the norm. (1)  The Loft Literary Center. One of the nation’s leading literary arts centers, The Loft Literary Center celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. Mission driven, the Loft advances artistic development of writers, fosters a thriving literary community, and inspires a passion for literature. If you don’t live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, you can still take classes there through their online course offerings. (2)  Gotham Writers. New York City/Online is the creative home to Gotham Writers Workshop since 1993. It is where writers develop their craft and come together in the spirit of discovery and fellowship. You don’t have to be in New York City to be part of this literary community. Clear, practical,…

Now that the new year has begun I have been asked repeatedly whether I’ll lead any winter workshops for writers. Since we live where it’s snowy and cold I’ve decided it’s too difficult for me, and likely for you, too. With all the snow in the past week, I am ready for a road trip.  I’m headed to Tampa tomorrow where I’ll offer an intensive workshop, “Writing Through The Tears,” at Camp Widow, sponsored by Soaring Spirits International.  When I return next week I plan to begin a moderated online writing workshops using a private Facebook Group. Each participant posts 500-1000 words once a week for 10 weeks. I post three writing prompts once a week, though you may submit anything from your work-in-progress. Each week you read the others’ work and provide written feedback. This is a small group of writers with whom I’ve previously worked. We’ll start in mid-February and it runs through April. There is room for three or four more participants if you are interested. Please let Susan Tripp know before February 10 if you would like to join this moderated online writing group for $100. Simple rules to participate: Copy and paste 500-1000 words into the status update in the private Facebook Group each week. Read what others have written in the group. Hit the like button if you read someone’s work. (An acknowledgement of getting something written and read.) In the comments: What works? It is very important to know what you have done well. Identifying your…