In the faraway city of Timbuktu, there are libraries of treasured books, hand inscribed, holding words and thoughts written long before we even thought of building libraries in this country.

    I held an old book once, in the archives at Newberry Library in Chicago. I don't remember the title, or the origin, only that it was small, bound in white leather, and fragile. The text was thin and delicate, and felt as if it was connected all the way back to the day it was written.
    We have so much to learn in libraries, not just in the books, but in the fact that the libraries existed. It's so easy to get ego filled, to think we are wiser now than other people in other times.
    I would like to see a map pinned with all the ancient libraries of the world. Imagine how many people sat, and read, and shared ideas with friends and strangers in places as far away as Timbuktu.

 

  

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NEW – CRAFT WORKSHOPS FOR YOU
Finally, an easy-peasy way to improve your writing skills, in less time, at less expense. These new craft workshops grew out of the nationally acclaimed "Shut Up & Write!" seminar. Each covers a specific topic, in a single evening, so you can sign up for one or all.


How to Bring Characters to Life

Wed. Feb 6, 6:30-9pm, $45 (snow date Feb 20)
Location: Redbird-Redoak Classroom, Milwaukee
Register with Judy (see below)

 

Characters are at the heart of writing. Whether people or parrots, real or imagined, alive or dead, principals in novels or case histories in how-to books, characters are the prime drivers of the written word. You write your best when you get to know them before you begin

 

In this workshop, you learn how to use your memories and imagination to flesh out characters so they seem fully alive to you. When you know how they look, sound, feel, taste and smell; when you "see" them sitting across the table or dancing in the moonlight, you are ready to bring them to life on the page.

 

 

Wed. Mar 6, 6:30-9pm, $45 (snow date Mar 20)
Location: Redbird-Redoak Classroom, Milwaukee
Register with Judy (see below)
 

We would all like to believe we can just start writing and the story or article will wind out before us, practically finishing itself. This does happen once in awhile, but more often, we need to get a grip on the plot or plan before we begin.

 

This workshop is for all writers who have a million ideas racing around in their heads. You will learn two methods you can use to get your thoughts organized - one for fiction, one for nonfiction. An extra bonus is that the nonfiction method can be used to organize projects as well as writing, so the book (or the motorcycle) can come together as planned. (One writer used it to reorganize a division of her bank.)

 

Wed. Apr 3, 6:30-9pm, $45 (no snow!)

Location: Redbird-Redoak Classroom, Milwaukee
Register with Judy (see below)
 

We all mourn "the good old days," when writers wrote and agents and publishers took care of the sticky stuff - or so we thought. Few writers, at any level, get this treatment today. Most of us have to do some or all of the work ourselves.

 

If you would like to see your words in print, or in an ebook, (or both) this is the workshop for you. Learn the pros and cons of working with traditional "New York Style" publishers, versus the various methods of self-publishing - custom, print-on-demand, or ebook. Get practical tips on how to approach agents, what to expect from publishers, and the ins and outs of self-publishing. Next thing you know, you'll be at the head of the line, signing your books.

 

TO REGISTER FOR CRAFT WORKSHOPS

              For "Characters" by clicking here
              For "Organizing" by clicking here
              For "Publishing" by clicking here        

   

If you ever wished for the perfect opportunity to explore your love for writing, this is it. Whether you want to write family stories, personal essays, short stories, nonfiction, plays or novels, you will appreciate having the support of an experienced coach and a group of like-minded friends. Designed for beginning to intermediate writers, Writers' Wellspring is the perfect blend of time, space, and inspiration.

Time.... A full week for you to dress casually, sleep 'til the bell rings, and show up just in time for meals. Learn more about writing in the morning, write in the afternoon, and read, write or hang out by the fire in the evening.

Space.... Log cabins. Wooded trails. A shimmering lake. More stars than some people see in a lifetime - every one of them twinkling, "Do you want to write? Do it! Do it! Do it!"

Inspiration.... Breathe in the good energy of every writer, every artist, every interesting person who has ever visited The Clearing. Read the books in the lodge. Sit in the Cliff House and listen to the words in the waves.

Craft coaching includes character development, scene visualization, point-of-view, lively writing, and a primer on various methods of publication. Judy is committed to helping you make progress on the path you choose.

Class is appropriate for all levels.
Register with The Clearing
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225

Writers intermediate and above cherish this week full of hours they can call their own. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, long pieces or short, for yourself or for publication, you will enjoy the morning warm ups, quiet afternoons to write, and evenings to read, write or hang out by the fire. Add a conference with a caring mentor and the company of others who share your love of writing, and you are practically in heaven.

The Womens' Writing Retreat is designed for writers who want a solid chunk of time in which to focus on their work. In the mornings, we gather for warm-up and optional feedback sessions. Afternoons are designated quiet writing time, giving you the luxury of writing in silence, with no interruptions, for as long as you please. Private conferences take place throughout the week and are optional.

Whether you want to work on your book, finish a short story, craft a nonfiction article or complete your memoirs, you are bound to make progress during this wonderful week.

Class is appropriate for experienced writers.
Register with The Clearing
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225

 

Redbird Studio    3136 S. Indiana Ave,    Milwaukee, WI   53207    414-481-3195    jb@redbirdstudio.com
Copyright 2012 by Redbird Studio, all rights reserved. Copyrights for articles that appear on the website are held by the authors.
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