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Whidbey Island Writers Association Classes
WIWA offers 8-week courses, beginning the first week of February. Fee: $115/member, $135/nonmember. To register, call 360-331-6714 or e-mail wiwa@whidbey.com.
WIWA Winter Term Course Schedule:
Poetry Potluck
This class is designed with beginning/intermediate level poets in mind, though all are welcome. We will bring to the table a delicious selection of poetic dishes to explore, ranging from the poet’s life to technical know-how to numinous experiences in writing poetry. What is the difference between the art and the craft of poetry? How does one develop the sensory sensibilities and habits of a poet? Are concepts like “iambic pentameter” important in creating a “good” poem? What does it look and sound like to write from the heart and the gut? While sessions will be pre-outlined, participants are urged to bring their questions and curiosities for exploring as well.
Taught by Robin Barre, Mondays, 7 pm, February 1 - March 22, Trinity Lutheran Church Community Building, Freeland
The Instructor: Robin Barre has been reading poetry since she first learned to read, and she has been writing poetry almost as long. She has published poems in several local publications, has read for PoetsWest at the Frye Art Museum, Burning Word Poetry Festival, and other Whidbey Island venues. Robin currently is the director and instructor of a small alternative high school in downtown Seattle and is a doctoral candidate in the Depth Psychology program at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Crafting Fiction that Sells in Today's Marketplace (Advanced)
This class is for serious novelists who are interested in polishing their manuscripts and preparing them to pitch for publication. We will workshop manuscripts to create a polished, commercially saleable novel, with an emphasis on crafting the first 100 pages, including plot and character development. How to catch and keep an agent or editors attention through your pitching materials will also be addressed. This class will help you to get your manuscript requested, read, and sold.
Taught by Andrea Hurst, Wednesdays, 10 am, February 3-March 24, Coupeville Methodist Church
The Instructor: Andrea Hurst is the President of Andrea Hurst Literary Management. Her client list includes emerging new voices and NY Times best-selling authors. Andrea represents high profile adult nonfiction and well-crafted fiction. Her clients and their books have appeared on the Oprah Show, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, National Geographic network and in the NY Times. In addition to working in the publishing field for over 20 years, Andrea is a published author, skilled development editor, keynote speaker, and educator. www.andreahurst.com
Memoir: Writing Your Story
Whether you feel called to share an aspect of your life experience or simply wish to record family history for future generations, writing a memoir offers specific challenges and rewards. This gentle, reflective class will give you the tools to craft your story in a safe, supportive and highly creative environment.
Taught by Barbara Joy Laffey, Wednesdays, 7 pm, February 3-March 24, Trinity Lutheran Church Community Building, Freeland
The Instructor: Believing that it’s only too late if you don’t start now, Barbara Joy began her writing career at the age of fifty. An award-winning artist and film producer, she studied creative nonfiction and memoir at UCLA, Pacifica Graduate Institute, and Richard Hugo House, and has been a two-time fellow at Hedgebrook, a retreat for women writers.
Creative Writing for Beginners
All you need for this class is the desire to write poetry or a story. The class will deal with word crafting, use of literary devices, plot structure, and character development. From first idea to final revision, this class will move the process along in a non-threatening, encouraging setting.
Taught by Steve Durbin, Thursdays, 7 pm, February 4-March 25, Coupeville Methodist Church
The Instructor: Steve Durbin is comfortable on both sides of the page: as a published writer and teacher of writing, and as a reader and teacher of literature. Recently retired from a long, successful teaching career, Steve is turning his attention to helping adults develop their latent skills.
Writing About Military Experiences
If you are a veteran, you have a unique story and it deserves to be told. Do you want to share your experience with a depth that often comes with writing? Do you simply have a need to tell the story? Whatever your purpose, this class will help you achieve your goal in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
Taught by Steve Durbin, Fridays, 1 pm, February 5-March 26, Oak Harbor, Location TBA
The Instructor: Steve Durbin has paralleled his teaching career with a military career. A decorated combat vet, he served as a squad leader in the DMZ in Vietnam with the Marine Corps, flew medevac in the 1st Gulf War with the National Guard, flew as a flight medic with the Air Force Reserve, and finally, was called up during the Iraqi War in a training capacity with the Army Reserve. He is passionate about remembering those who have lived and died in the service of their country. He is currently involved with the Veterans’ League on Whidbey Island, providing counseling services and opportunities for catharsis through writing.
Photos by Bob Richardson