Writing for a purpose

Dec 30 - Oct 23 | 2-3 Weeks

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (CET)

Maximum Enrollment

20 (17 seats left!)

Location

In Person: Berkeley

Registration Deadline

Dec, 18 @ 12:00 am (CET)

$15

Member

$25

Non-Member

Closed

Apply for Access Program Rate

Genre

Children’s Lit & Young Adult

Goal

Generate

In order to write, one must read constantly, observe the world well, and take seriously the craft of writing. During this five-week course, we will focus on the last of these, the craft of writing—specifically, we will focus on three mainstays of fiction: character, dialogue, and scene.

“I think that writers often feel more comfortable writing exposition and summary than scene, perhaps because in our own lives we often feel more comfortable observing than engaging, and scene is about getting our characters to engage,” says instructor Lori Ostlund. “In this class we will focus on creating scenes as a way to develop characters, demonstrate changes in them, and increase tension.

“We will also spend a lot of time on dialogue, thinking about it as a way to reveal character and relationships and, perhaps most important, as a way to reveal the shifting power dynamics that are at work in those relationships and which create tension.”

We will look at examples from short stories and novels and engage in in-class exercises that focus on these three craft building blocks. Participants will use these exercises to create work at home, which we will workshop during the last two weeks of class. “My goal,” Lori says, “is for us to think about these craft elements in ways that are new and generative.”

The Round Robin Commitment

Every student must commit to full participation on a daily basis. Time required: 20-30 minutes total for writing and partner responses each day. If you are unable to honor your daily commitment to your writing and to your writing partners, you cannot continue in the class. (Substitutes are available on a limited basis in case of an emergency.)

About Our Berkeley Classes

Before your class meets, you’ll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about our Berkeley location. The classroom is located on the fourth floor of the Tioga Building and is accessible by stairs or elevator. If you have questions, please reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.

2020 Milvia St., Suite 460 Berkeley, CA 94704

Class Schedule

Time:

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (CET)

Dates:

Mon

6/15

Mon

6/20

Ben Jackson has been the executive director since March 2016. He has taught composition, literature, and creative writing at a wide range of colleges, schools, and retreat centers, including the University of San Francisco, The Writing Salon, and the Esalen Institute. His writing has appeared in New England Review, Southern Review, Hudson Review, FIELD, Poetry Daily, and elsewhere. A graduate of the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers, he has won awards and fellowships from the Tor House Foundation, Warren Wilson College, Vermont Studio Center, Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts, and Jentel Artist Residency Program.

See Ben's Profile

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See Stefan's Profile

Hear from Our Robins

Rowena Leong Singer

Dan Raile

Joe Merer

Laura Deneckere

Q:How many Round Robin classes have you taken?

One 8-week session of daily writing.

Q:What are the most valuable elements of your Round Robin experience?

Establishing a daily writing practice and developing snippets of ideas for future stories.

Q:How have you felt about the partner feedback you received during Round Robin?

I loved having a writing partner–both for the accountability as well as the feedback. While I knew the feedback would always be positive because of how the Round Robin classes are constructed, I didn’t realize how motivating it would be to receive daily positive comments on raw writing.

Q:Describe Round Robin in one word.

Invigorating.

Q:How many Round Robin classes have you taken?

I’ve taken one eight week class and one three week class.

Q:What are the most valuable elements of your Round Robin experience?

It was the encouragement to write once a day, no matter how I felt or what time of day it was, even when I had no idea what I was going to write about. Knowing that my partner and I had an agreement with each other to both write and offer comments. It was great to have an activity that gave continuity and creative experience to my life in these exciting and confusing.

Q:How have you felt about the partner feedback you received during Round Robin?

The feedback was wonderful, my partner offered their thoughts on what they thought were the most valuable parts of my daily piece. Often my piece would bring a partner’s personal experience to their mind and it was nice to see that my piece actually struck a powerful chord for another person. I felt like I had done a bit of great writing!

Q:Describe Round Robin in one word.

Inspiring.

Q:How many Round Robin classes have you taken?

Q:What are the most valuable elements of your Round Robin experience?

The Round Robin has empowered me to establish a daily writing routine, as each prompt ensures that I will put my pen to paper every day. I am always stunned by how much new material I generate over the course of this class. I find that Kathy’s prompts are incredibly thought-provoking – serving as a vital component of the creative process.

Q:How have you felt about the partner feedback you received during Round Robin?

Initially I found the concept of partner feedback to be quite daunting. However, I have been encouraged and delighted by the insightful comments and fruitful conversation that follows with fellow Robins. The prospect of receiving immediate feedback the next day energizes me to continue writing each week. I also learn so much by being exposed to various styles and providing feedback.

Q:Describe Round Robin in one word.

Community.

Cancellation Policy

Please refer to our fees below for credit or refund requests before the start date for a class. We ask that you read our policy details before requesting a refund or credit.