Friday, March 24, 2017

My Upcoming Classes at Politics & Prose

I'll be offering two different classes this spring/summer at Politics & Prose bookstore...love to see you there!


In the Beginning: Get Your Story Off to a Great Start!

Wednesday, May 24, 1 to 4 p.m.

Politics & Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
(202) 364-1919

Most writers know they have to hook their reader starting with the first paragraph they write, but how? What are the elements that make a great beginning to a story or novel or memoir? Setting, dialogue, flashbacks, conflict…all can be effective tools when used properly or can turn readers away. We’ll examine these strategies and others as we explore ways to strengthen our opening pages. Everyone is encouraged, though not required, to bring 16 copies of the first two pages of one of their works in progress, for some hands-on advice. Fiction, memoir, and nonfiction are welcome!

Best American Short Stories 2016, ed. Junot Diaz and Heidi Pitlor
Specifically, these stories:
“Treasure State” by Smith Henderson
“Garments” by Tahmina Anam
“The Suitcase” by Meron Hardero



*****


Right Brain Writing – Time and Eternity

Session 1: Thursday, June 15, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
~OR~
Session 2: Tuesday, June 20, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Politics & Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
 (202) 364-1919

Explore your creative side in this session, one of a series of stand-alone classes with prompts designed to get your subconscious flowing. Through guided exercises, we’ll focus on writing about the passage of time as witnessed through our daily lives while also exploring how time relates to us in a larger, more spiritual sense. No writing experience necessary!

This is a great class for beginners and also for those fiction writers and/or memoirists with more experience who might be stuck in their current projects and are looking for a jolt of inspiration. Our goal is to have fun in a supportive, nurturing environment and to go home with several promising pieces to work on further.  Please bring lots of paper and pen/pencil or a fully charged computer. Note: new exercises!

The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Poetry, ed. by J.D. McClatchy
(Specific poems to be read in class.)

*Please note that this book will be used for all Right Brain Writing classes and that although it is a poetry book, you are not required to write poetry.





Work-in-Progress

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