A REDBIRD CLASS
SHUT UP & Write! - The Class That Inspired the Book
Marian Center, Milwaukee, WI
Dates: TBA
I designed this class in 1993, expanded it, refined it, and changed the name from Write Now! to Shut Up & Write! I don't actually know how many people attended throughout the years, but I know I learned from every one of them.
I also know I'm insanely proud of their success. Every time I walk in a bookstore I see the name of a student on a book, or on a poster announcing a reading. If I scan periodicals and literary magazines, in print or online, I nearly always see the name of a writer who took Shut Up & Write! And I get emails and calls from people who wrote for their families, or jobs, or even "just for themselves," and appreciate what they learned in this class.
One reason for the success of the class is that it attracts the right people -- those who want to learn, are willing to work, and have a sense of humor. Let's face it, people who want to sit on their butts and wait for good things to come to them, don't take a class called Shut Up & Write!
Another reason for success is that the class is focused on the students, not the teacher. My job is to pay attention to the individuals in the group, to listen to your wishes, notice your gifts, and make practical suggestions that work for you.
Because each class is tailored for the students in it, no two are exactly alike. We use the book as a baseline, but the material always takes on a new light. I prefer that you read (not necessarily study) the book in advance so everyone has a feeling for the tone and we can move more quickly into the material.
The course includes coaching on:
- what it takes to be a writer
- techniques for writing fact and fiction
- bringing real and imagined characters to life
- organizing thoughts and material
- mastering point of view
- writing "from the inside"
- the "get and give" of critiques
- how to get happily published
- and much more
Be inspired
Get focused
Write!
Everyone is welcome. Most classes include people from all backgrounds, all ages, all levels of education and experience. Beginners use the class to learn the brass tacks. Pros use it as a tune-up or to polish skills in added areas of writing. The one thing we all have in common is our love of writing.
The class runs for two full days and includes an optional follow-up session. Bring your lunch and snacks. We'll provide tea and coffee.
Dates - TBA
Fee: $345 plus $20.00 material fee for those who do not own a copy of Shut Up & Write! The book will be sent to you so you have time to read it in advance of the class. If you already own the book, skip the material fee.
Deposit: $100, holds your space
Registration form HERE or call Judy at 414-481-3195
Space is limited and there is often a waiting list for this class, so we suggest that you register as soon as you are able.
"I can't remember the last time I enjoyed something as much as I enjoyed this class. I felt safe, stimulated and inspired."
Marie Moody - New Berlin, WI
"Gave me the help I need to organize and make something out of my thoughts"
Tricia Mowen - Austin , TX
"Simplifies the process for me, even as an already professional writer."
Judy Fossen - Delafield, WI
Wisconsin Romance Writers of America
Sat. January 21, 2012
Elm Grove Library, Elm Grove, WI
Wed. February 22, 2012, 7pm
"What was I thinking?"
I'd really like to think I'm sane, and competent, and very nice. But the truth is, I do half of what I do without thinking it through. The year I turned 53, I finished my master's degree, eloped to Scotland, and started a new career. No thoughtful person would cram all that in one year, at that age. And yet, the master's turned out to be useful, the husband is sterling, and the "new career" turned into the most rewarding 20 years of my life.
Tenth Annual Spring Writers Festival
Fri.-Sun., Mar. 9-11, 2012
Location: UWM School of Continuing Education
2pm Saturday
"What it Takes to be a Writer" Learn about five things you must have, and a bunch of things you don't need to worry about to be a writer. Commitment, Confidence, Courage, Communication, Craft. Hear examples and stories, and get encouragement.
Sun-Sat. May 20-26, 2012
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. (Note: Judy is allergic to fragrances. Please bring FF products to use during this week.)
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
www.theclearing.org
Womens' Writing Retreat
The Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI
Sun-Sat. September 9-15, 2012
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.)
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
www.theclearing.org
RECENT EVENTS
"Writing Family Stories" - A Benefit
for the Waupaca Community Arts Center
Waupaca, WI
Sun. October 23rd, 2-4 pm
This is my year for writing family stories and I'm enjoying it so much I'm eager to share the fun.
On this Sunday afternoon, you can sit around the table with a small group of others who are also interested in writing their family stories. We'll talk about techniques you can use to get your thoughts organized and your story started. Learn how to bring the people in your stories to life, and how to keep readers turning the pages.
Remember, you are the only one who can tell the story the way you'd like to see it told.
Fee: $25. All proceeds to WCAC
Register with WCAC by phone (715-258-3741) or on-line.www.wcacenter.com
A REDBIRD CLASS
"SHUT UP & WRITE! Family Stories"Sponsored by RedBird-RedOak, Milwaukee, WI
Sat. November 5th, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
For twenty years, I've been living my passion to help people write and this is exactly the kind of seminar I like: an exciting day full of ideas, encouragement and practical skills.
Whether you are a beginning writer or a pro, this seminar 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 these stories for your family, to give as gifts, or use in a novel, essay, or memoir? Or maybe just get-it-down for yourself?
I'm working on stories of my own this year. For me, the writing takes all kinds of forms - short stories, personal essays, monologues 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 seminar, you will:
- see samples of things others have done with their writing - 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 set yourself free - to write even if you're lousy at it
- 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
Fee: $85.
Register with Redbird-Redoak Writing.
http://redbirdredoak.com/?page_id=1296
"Writing Life's Stories" - A Meeting Presentation
P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Brookfield, WI
Mon. November 7th, 7pm
www.peointernational.org
"Shut Up & Write!" - Meeting Presentation
Suburban Women's Club of Wauwatosa
Wauwatosa, WI
Mon. October 17th, 7 pm
Just about everyone needs to write something, sometime, whether it's a cover letter, wedding vows or the Great American novel. And for various reasons, we all find it hard to do.
In this presentation, I'll offer some tips you can use to make writing easier. I'll also talk about writers who "made it" and how, and tell stories about people who used writing to accomplish some very lofty goals.
The bottom line of this presentation is that although it is not always easy to unlock the power of the pen, it is possible, and it can be fun.
Lower level, Wauwatosa Civic Center, 76th and North. Call Nancy at 262-695-9908
Womens' Writing Retreat
The Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI
Sun-Sat. September 11-17, 2011
Writers intermediate and above cherish this week full of hours you can call your own. Mornings are designated quiet writing time, giving you the luxury of working in silence, with no interruptions.
After the noon meal, the group gathers in the classroom for roundtable sessions during which you have the option to share your work and receive helpful feedback. 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.
Take a look The Clearing online brochure. You'll love the setting, the people, the food - everything that goes on at this wonderful place.
Register with The Clearing
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225
www.theclearing.org
"Write Well and Get Happily Published" - Luncheon Keynote
Wisconsin Regional Writers (WRWA) Fall Conference, Stevens Point, WI
Sat. September 24th, 12 noon
The WRWA fall conference offers three days of exciting opportunities for Wisconsin writers - workshops, presentations, books, wisdom, and a lot of laughs. This is a good chance to connect with friends and help build the already-strong community of writers in our state.
At the Saturday luncheon, I'll talk about what it takes to write well and get happily published. After 20 years of coaching successful writers at Redbird Studio, I have some good ideas about this that I enjoy sharing.
Later in the afternoon, during the panel discussion and workshop periods, I'll sit on one of the panels and just generally hang out so I can meet people. Check the list of panel and workshop presenters to see what interests you. Jenny Turner has been organizing this, so you know it will be good. She doesn't mess around.
Conference information and registration: www.wrwa.net
RedOak Young Writers' Camp Reading
Ten Chimneys, Genesee Depot, WI
Fri. August 12th, 12 noon
This is the celebratory reading at the end of Redbird-Redoak's Creative Writing Camp for students, grades 9-12. One of the young writers, Kendall Kartaly, received the Judy Bridges Merit Scholarship for 2011. I want to hear her and the others read selections from the writing they did this week. And because I think stage-presence is so important, I'll spend an hour or so coaching the writers prior to their reading.
Guests are welcome. No fee. Just bring your enthusiasm.
Website for RedOak Young Writers: www.redbirdredoak.com
Karen McQuestion, Reading
Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee
Thurs. September 8th, 7pm
Get ready to cheer! Two of Karen McQuestion's hit ebooks, A Scattered Life and Easily Amused, are being released by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. If you know the Karen McQuestion story, you know what a big deal this is. If you don't know her story, but have wondered if writers can really "make it" these days, you'll be happy to see these books and hear the news.
Lucky me, I get to introduce this dear friend of so many Redbird writers.
Hope to see you there!
Website for Boswell Book Company: http://boswell.indiebound.comApril 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 9:30-3:30
3195 S. Superior Street, #205
Milwaukee, WI 53207
414-481-3195, jb@redbirdstudio.com
www.redbirdstudio.com
April 28-May 1, 2011
May 11, Wednesday, 7pm
Judy Bridges is the founder of Redbird Studio writing center in Milwaukee, and author of Shut Up & Write! - the humorous, straight-talking guide based on the class that launched hundreds of writing careers. The book is filled with stories about her students and herself, examples of good writing and bad, practical tips, and beautifully executed passages of hope. As Wisconsin Poet Laureate Marilyn Taylor says, "Judy Bridges serves as her own best example of what excellent writing can be." She is known internationally as a writing mentor who "speaks her mind, makes you laugh, and lights your fire."
Amy Lou Jenkins is the Author of Every Natural Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting, winner of the 2010 Council for Wisconsin Writers' Ellis / Henderson Outdoor Writing Award. The Minnesota Star Tribune calls Every Natural Fact "Nothing Short of Sensational." She holds hundreds of publishing credits and an MFA in Literature and Creative Writing. She's a Milwaukee native where she lives with her husband, son, and two spoiled dogs.
Maura Fitzgerald is a freelance writer whose work ranges from nonprofit marketing and communications to short fiction. Through Know Thyself, an area nonprofit organization, Maura coordinates creative writing projects for MPS high school students. Maura also volunteers with AseraCare Hospice to document the life stories of terminally ill patients. Her work has appeared in Milwaukee Magazine.
Sara Jane Rattan writes fiction, essays, and poetry. Her work has appeared in the 2009 Wisconsin Poets' Calendar, Free Verse, Heartlands - A Magazine of Midwest Life & Art, and The Wisconsin Academy Review. She was also recognized as a top 25 finalist in the November 2008 Glimmer Train Fiction Open. She has a BA from Lawrence University and a JD from Marquette University Law School.
June 5-11, Sunday-Saturday
12171 Garrett Bay Road
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225
www.theclearing.org
April 14, Thursday, 6:30-8:30 pm
Nicolet High School
6701 North Jean Nicolet Road
Glendale, WI
Martin Hintz, 414-352-1868
Kerns currently is co-producing the documentary Last of the Lawsonomists and is in post-production on the short film Missed Connections, which she co-directed with Gal Friday partner Kara Mulrooney. Kerns' writing background includes stints as a nationally syndicated film reviewer and investigative journalist. She also is a published poet, and she has a chapter on conjoined twins forthcoming in the book Reading "Nip / Tuck": Television That Gets Under Your Skin.
For about 18 years, Stratton wrote a monthly column called "Name-Dropping" for Community Newspapers Inc. (Eventually CNI became part of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel). She interviewed local people about their unusual hobbies, challenging volunteer experiences or interesting, even hilarious, experiences.
Covering the attacks was a searing experience that ultimately gave rise to the theme of her 2010 debut novel, A Matter of Happenstance, a four-generation family saga. Fitzpatrick's articles, essays, and short stories have been published in newspapers, magazines, on-line literary reviews and in the 2010 Outrider Press Anthology. She is a board member of the Chicago area TallGrass Writers Guild. She and her husband, Dennis, divide their time between Mequon and Bonita Springs, Fla. They have two grown daughters.
Taylor taught poetry for 15 years at UWM. She's led workshops and presented readings around Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin, as well appearances in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, Oregon, California, and Colorado. In 2004 Marilyn was named Poet Laureate of Milwaukee and in 2009 was appointed to a two-year term as Poet Laureate of the state of Wisconsin. She is also a contributing editor for The Writer magazine, where her columns on the art and craft of poetry appear bi-monthly. She lives in Milwaukee with one husband, one goldendoodle and two black cats.
April 3, Sunday, 2pm
March 20, Sunday, 2pm
Mayfair Shopping Center, Room G150 (lower level)
2500 North Mayfair Road
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Contact Marilyn Auer, 414-257-0376, marilynauer@juno.com
March 13, Sunday, 2pm
200 N Main Street
Waupaca, WI 54981
715-258-3741
http://www.wcacenter.com/pagedir/index.html
March 4-6
"A Hatful of Rabbits: Techniques to Use When the Going Gets Tough"
Some days, the magic works. When it doesn't, you need your own, private hatful of rabbits - a list of tricks and tips you can use to stay energized and keep the words flowing, no matter what.
161 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 6000
Milwaukee, WI 53203
414-227-3200
For more information and to register:
http://www4.uwm.edu/SCE/conference.cfm?id=561
Let's Talk About Writing
A Conversation With Judy Bridges
Thursday, January 13th - 7:00 PM
MUSKEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Join Judy Bridges, founder of Redbird Studio writing center and the author of the new hit writing book, Shut Up & Write! for a conversation about her writing, your writing, and more.
Judy is a wise and caring mentor who has launched hundreds of writing careers, including those of dozens of award-winning authors of fiction and non-fiction. Her sense of humor makes every conversation fun and engaging.
Bring a notebook and, if you want, $20 to buy a copy of the book. A percentage of the proceeds benefit the library.
While there is no charge to attend this very special event, and everyone is welcome, a donation of nonperishable food for the Muskego Food Pantry would be gratefully received. This program is made possible by the Friends of Muskego Public Library.
Please call (262) 971-2101 for further information.
The Muskego Public Library is located at S73 W16663 Janesville Road, Muskego.
SHUT UP & Write! - Book Launches:
November 11 at Redbird
November 18 at Boswell Book Company
December 1 at Next Chapter Bookshop