teaching writing

On Guns, Boys, and the Bomb that Needs to Go Off

On Guns, Boys, and the Bomb that Needs to Go Off

The Writers Circle’s attitude towards our For Boys Only class is clear – we allow (and sometimes even encourage) the grossness, violence, and general zaniness that lives just under the surface of our 3rd to 5th grade boys. This has produced some wince-worthy stories –…

Holiday Party 2012 & The Writers Circle Journal Launch

Holiday Party 2012 & The Writers Circle Journal Launch

The Writers Circle rang in the holiday season with its second annual Holiday Bash on Friday, December 7. After last year’s cozily packed party at Sparkhouse, this year we held the evening event at our brand new, fabulous loft space, MONDO, in Summit. Despite having more than three times…

What We Talk About When We Talk About The Storm, introducing Writer and TWC Instructor Lisa Romeo

What We Talk About When We Talk About The Storm, introducing Writer and TWC Instructor Lisa Romeo

The Writers Circle is thrilled to welcome nonfiction writer and journalist, Lisa Romeo, to our roster of inspiring instructors. Here Lisa shares her perspectives on Hurricane Sandy, but more, she shows how, when we write about our lives, we can delve into universal truths that…

Story, Study, Practice, Craft

Story, Study, Practice, Craft

At TWC, we’re forever expanding the definition of the concept of “writing”. Composing words into works goes beyond prose and poetry, especially in the digital world where we can all tell our stories in so many different ways. But the keyword is always “story” –…

A Productive Writing Weekend Filled to the Brim with Non-Writing

A Productive Writing Weekend Filled to the Brim with Non-Writing

TWC instructor and Young Adult novelist, Jennifer Walkup, shares some honest and instructive thoughts on the struggle of a first draft and the value of non-writing: After a good writing weekend – in which I got very little official writing done, I can say I’m…

Tortoise vs. Hare

Tortoise vs. Hare

I have been pondering the pace at which I write my novels. I’d thought that I’d been working on this latest book for five years now, until I realized just today that in fact it’s edging past six, since Memorial Day half a dozen years…

The Mystical World of Historical Fiction by novelist Stephanie Cowell

The Mystical World of Historical Fiction by novelist Stephanie Cowell

Stephanie Cowell is a very old friend. For those of you who’ve been in my classes before, she’s the “Stephanie” I mention enviously (in the most generous of ways) when she got her first book contract so many years ago. She’s a novelist of inestimable…

…Revision, Revision (part 2)

…Revision, Revision (part 2)

More on Revision from TWC’s Associate Director, Michelle Cameron. If you missed Part 1, check it out here. Once you are satisfied that the structure, character development, story arc and descriptions stand up to scrutiny, it’s time for… STEP #3 – SEE THE TREES (and…

Revision, Revision… (part 1)

Revision, Revision… (part 1)

There’s nothing like the excitement of starting a new work or the infatuation you might have with having written it. But professional writers are really made by the serious way they approach the revision process. It’s important to take time with your revisions and not…

Three Memoir Misconceptions from author/literary agent Paula Balzer

Three Memoir Misconceptions from author/literary agent Paula Balzer

We’re very excited to welcome author and literary agent Paula Balzer to The Writers Circle. Here she shares some wise words about writing memoir. Be sure to check out her upcoming workshop, “Writing & Selling Your Memoir” on Wednesday evenings starting December 1 at our…

The Authentic Illusion

The Authentic Illusion

Everything is illusion, the Buddhists tell us – our lives and loves, our fears and troubles, the very earth and air and we ourselves. None of this is real. This concept is intended to help us let go of our attachment to longing, hunger, desire.…

Going Places

Going Places

Tips on starting with a bang, from TWC Associate Director Michelle Cameron: Picture this scene: A man lands at an airport. The plane taxis on the ground for nearly fifteen minutes, while all around him, people are talking on their cell phones, hoping to be…