Events & Classes
NEW for 2016
Where there was one, there will now be two — two Women’s Writing Retreats at The Clearing in Door County, that is. This week-long retreat at our favorite folk school has become so popular we decided to double it for 2016, with one session in May, another in September.
The added session will open doors for more women who are committed to their writing but have a hard time focusing on it in busy days at work and home.
The Clearing opens registrations in February. See www.theclearing.org
Women’s Writing Retreat
The Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI
Spring Session: May 22–28
Fall Session: Sept 25 – Oct 1
Writers 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 write, read, 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.
This class is designed for writers who want a solid chunk of time in which to focus on their work. In the mornings, the group will gather for warm-ups 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.
Judy Bridges is the author of the award-winning writers' guide, Shut Up & Write! and the founder of Redbird Studio writing center in Milwaukee. Prior to founding the studio, she earned her living writing articles, short stories, plays and corporate communications. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in creative writing and adult education. Her next book will be a collection of life and family stories titled You Drive, You’re Too Drunk to Sing.
Level: Intermediate (some writing experience but you don’t need to be published)
Judy will contact students prior to class.
Note: Judy is allergic to fragrances. Please bring fragrance-free products to use during this week. Also, bring your copy of Shut Up & Write! with you, or you can purchase one at The Clearing Book Store.
The Clearing
P.O. Box 65
12171 Garrett Bay Road
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
Phone: 920-854-4088
Toll Free: 877-854-3225
E-Mail: Clearing@Theclearing.org
www.theclearing.org
Itchy Pens: How to Get Started Writing Practically Anything
Elm Grove Library
Village Courtroom
Thurs Nov 3, 2016
7:00pm
Ever get stuck when you are trying to write? Most of us do. Judy Bridges, founder of Redbird Studio and author of the award winning guide, Shut Up & Write! offers encouragement and tips you can use to get started and say what you want to say. Experienced in fiction, nonfiction, plays and writing for business, Judy makes all forms of writing accessible and fun. Bring a notebook and your favorite pen or pencil – you won't want to miss a word.
For beginning and experienced writers
Announcing...
April 3, 10, 24 and May 1, 2016
12 noon – 3:30 pm (bring your lunch if you want)
$345 (deposit to hold place in class: $100)
- Get your thoughts in order
- Bring your characters to life
- Write powerful, attention-grabbing scenes
- Get, and hold, your readers attention
- Master Point-Of-View, Show vs Tell, and Narrative Drive
- Get, and give, useful, encouraging, critique
What students say:
Redbird Studio and Red Oak Writers
Say Farewell to The Marian Center
We started mentoring writers in the Marian Center in 1992, when the building was still known as St. Mary's Academy. At the end of June, 2016, the Center's doors will close, leaving us with our memories of the studio, the long shelves of published works, and the hundreds of wonderful people we met along the way.
Though the Center is closing, Redbird and Red Oak continue to support writers in various ways highlighted on our websites.
Our last events at the Center include: 1) a Writers' Showcase sponsored by Red Oak, and 2) a Gathering of Redbirds sponsored by Redbird Studio.
LOCATION for both events:MARIAN CENTER FOR NONPROFITS
Main Floor Social Room #210
3195 South Superior Street
Milwaukee WI 53207
1. RED OAK WRITERS' SHOWCASE
Sponsored by Red Oak Writing
Thurs Apr 14, 6:45 PM (Optional potluck 5:00 PM)
Free and open to all
Presenting: Judy Bridges, Carol Wobig, Marjorie Pagel,
Jennifer Rupp, Christine Baerbock, Carolyn Toms-Neary,
Aleta Chossek, Lisa Rivero and Pam Parker
More info: www.redoakwriting.com or call Kim Suhr at 414-881-7276
2. A GATHERING OF REDBIRDS
Sponsored by Redbird Studio
Thurs, June 9, 6:30 PM (Casual party)
Everyone welcome
As the doors to the Marian Center for Nonprofits get ready to close, we gather in the old social room to celebrate our years in the building, the rooms that sheltered us, and the friends we made.
The party will be BYOB, so bring a beverage, and if you want, a nibble to share. We will have glasses and napkins, etc.
Dave is making a slide show of photos.
We may have a short program.
Please come Fragrance Free! Judy gets really sick from any scent in shampoo, lotion, hand sanitizer, and of course, perfume.
More info: www.redbirdstudio.com or Judy Bridges 414-481-3195
- Listen to selected Roundtable participants read from their work in progress.
- Connect with others who love reading and writing.
- Support local writers.
- Judy Bridges
- Kathy Lanzarotti
- Donna Rewolinski
- Joanne Sell
- Judy Bates
- Marie O’Brien
- Margaret Swedish
- Mary Steinert-Ng
- Frank Rewolinski
- Joel Habush
- Cari Taylor-Carlson
- Mel Miskimen
- Kathy Lanzarotti
Writing Life and Family Stories
107 South Main St
Waupaca, WI
Whether you are a beginning writer or a pro, this workshop will help you mine the riches of the people, places and events in your life.
Did you really get married on a motorcycle? What was it like to live through a dire illness, or visit Grandma, or dance on a cobblestone street? Would you like to write memories of your life or your family to give as gifts, or maybe just to get-it-down for yourself?
See samples of stories others have written, decide what you'd like to write and where to begin, start finding your natural writing voice, and best of all, enjoy the company of others who like to write.
Writing Life and Family Stories
Whether you are a beginning writer or a pro, this workshop will help you mine the riches of the people, places and events in your life. Did you really get married on a motorcycle? What was it like to live through a dire illness, or visit Grandma, or dance on a cobblestone street? Would you like to write memories of your life or your family for publication, to give as gifts, or maybe to just “get it down” for yourself?
Life stories can take all kinds of forms—short stories, personal essays, monologues, poetry, tributes and one-act plays. Whatever form you choose, the important thing is to bring the story to life, to keep your readers engaged.
In this class, you will:
- see samples of life stories others have written: gifts, family keepsakes, published collections and novels
- recall unique experiences, funny stories and bits of wisdom that your family treasures
- decide where to begin so it is lively and interesting
- learn how to find your natural writing voice
- learn from the writing, yours and others'
- learn skills that are transferable to other types of writing
- get a list of helpful resources
- enjoy the company of others who like to write
Judy Bridges is the author of the award-winning writers' guide, Shut Up & Write! and the founder of Redbird Studio writing center in Milwaukee. Prior to founding the studio, she earned her living writing articles, short stories, plays and corporate communications. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in creative writing and adult education. Her next book will be a collection of her own life and family stories.
Judy will contact students prior to class.
Class is appropriate for all levels of experience. (Note: Judy is allergic to fragrances. Please plan to use FF products during this week. Click here for information about Fragrance Free products)
Register with The Clearing
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225
12171 Garrett Bay Road
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225
Womens' Writing Retreat
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. (Note: Judy is allergic to fragrances. Please plan to use FF products during this week. Click here for information about Fragrance Free products)
Judy Bridges is the author of the award-winning writers' guide, Shut Up & Write! and the founder of Redbird Studio writing center in Milwaukee. Prior to founding the studio, she earned her living writing articles, short stories, plays and corporate communications. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in creative writing and adult education. Her next book will be a collection of her own life and family stories.
Register with The Clearing
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225
12171 Garrett Bay Road
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225
Jan 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, 14, 21 2015 (Snow date: Feb 28)
12 noon - 3 pm (bring your lunch if you want)
$345 (deposit to hold place in class: $100)
- Get your thoughts (and materials) organized
- Bring your characters to life in fiction and nonfiction
- Write powerful, attention-grabbing scenes
- Get, and hold, your readers attention
- Master Point-Of-View, Show vs Tell, and Narrative Drive
- Get, and give, useful, encouraging, critique
What students say:
Point of View (POV) is one of the trickiest bits of craft a writer needs to master. Get it right and your readers stay glued to the page. Get it wrong and they can't keep track of who's talking, thinking, or holding the gun.
You must select the right POV for your story. Should you choose first person, second person, third limited, omniscient, or one of a dozen variations? Should you change the narrator part way through, or use multiple points of view? If so, you need to know how and when do it so your readers don't get lost in the process.
This won't be the easiest workshop you've ever taken, but it will be one of the most rewarding.
Enjoy a morning in the company of other writers who like to learn. You'll see samples of the various POVs, and learn techniques you can use to master this tricky bit of craft.
(Note: Judy is allergic to fragrances. Please plan to use FF products during this week. Click here for information about Fragrance Free products)
6:00 - 9:00 pm
6:00 - 9:00 pm
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. (Note: Judy is allergic to fragrances. Please plan to use FF products during this week. Click here for information about Fragrance Free products)
Register with The Clearing
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225
12171 Garrett Bay Road
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225
How to Write So It Knocks Their Socks Off
2:00 - 2:50 p.m.
What can be more fun that writing a scene you know readers will love? Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, short form or long, there are techniques you can use to make your characters come alive, your settings feel real, and the action unforgettable.
Session includes tips, a short writing exercise, and useful handouts. Bring your notebook or laptop to take notes, and who knows, maybe write that scene so it knocks their socks off.
NOTE: Judy is highly sensitive to fragrances so please refrain from wearing perfume, aftershave, scented lotions, etc. Thank you!
Register for the Conference and workshops. REGISTER
Life stories can take all kinds of forms—short stories, personal essays, monologues, poetry, tributes and one-act plays. Whatever form you choose, the important thing is to bring the story to life, to keep your readers engaged.
In this class, you will:
- see samples of life stories others have written: gifts, family keepsakes, published collections and novels
- recall unique experiences, funny stories and bits of wisdom that your family treasures
- decide where to begin so it is lively and interesting
- learn how to find your natural writing voice
- learn from the writing, yours and others'
- learn skills that are transferable to other types of writing
- get a list of helpful resources
- enjoy the company of others who like to write
Judy Bridges is the author of the award-winning writers' guide, Shut Up & Write! and the founder of Redbird Studio writing center in Milwaukee. Prior to founding the studio, she earned her living writing articles, short stories, plays and corporate communications. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in creative writing and adult education. Her next book will be a collection of life stories titled, You Drive, You're too Drunk to Sing.
Judy will contact students prior to class.
Class is appropriate for all levels of experience. (Note: Judy is allergic to fragrances. Please plan to use FF products during this week. Click here for information about Fragrance Free products)
Register with The Clearing
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225
12171 Garrett Bay Road
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225