NEW ZOOM WORKSHOPS!
Winter/Spring 2026
To be alerted to new workshops please contact lauraoliver2@yahoo.com
How to Discover Your Voice
The Writer’s Center ONLINE/Zoom
January, 17, 2026 (Saturday)
10:00 am- 12:00 noon EST $60
Agents say it all the time. What sells a manuscript? A standout voice. Acquire the tools you need for developing a compelling voice of your own through the study of entertaining published examples, a clear explanation and writing exercises designed to ignite your unique way of expressing yourself. You will enjoy a sense of excitement in this inspiring and instructive workshop as you successfully translate the voice in your head to the page. Registration https://writer.org/event/how-to-discover-your-voice/
NEW PRIVATE WORKSHOP
WRITING MICRO MEMOIR AND PERSONAL ESSAY
4 Weekly Zoom sessions
Thursdays, January 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19
6:30-8:30 pm EST
$295 for series
This is a generative, craft-focused ZOOM workshop where writers will learn to identify meaningful subjects hidden inside ordinary moments and to distill memories into evocative true stories without sentimentality. Micro demonstrates the phenomenal power of the very small (under 1,000 words) to have major impact. All feedback happens live during class through guided discussion, shared craft exercises, and exploration of published examples. Writers leave with tools to use independently and a review of places to publish. No outside edits and no required submissions or reading between sessions. Live, generative, and process-focused. Email lauraoliver2@yahoo.com to register.
Ten Pro Tips for Writing Life Stories
The Writer’s Center ONLINE/Zoom
February 28, 2026 (Saturday)
10:00 to 12:00 noon EST $60
Where do you begin your life story and how do you guarantee it is interesting to others? With ten crucial tips and in-class writing prompts, learn how to capture your life on the page scene by scene. From point-of-entry to transformative conclusion, you will find your story subjects, create tension, and most of all, meaning— so that the story you tell is the one that most mattered. To register: https://writer.org/event/ten-pro-tips-for-writing-life-stories-2/
MARCH 14TH 2026 JOIN ME AT THE BAY TO OCEAN WRITERS’ CONFERENCE AT CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE. ALL DAY, TONS OF WORKSHOPS
Writing Micro Memoir
The Writer’s Center ONLINE/Zoom
April 11, 2026 (Saturday)
10:00 - 12:00 noon EST $60
Write your life story as you lived it, one moment at a time. This interactive workshop teaches writers to distill a moment of change, conflict, contradiction, or mystery to its essence, so that the impact on the writer resonates profoundly with the reader. We will examine inspiring published examples to learn exactly how the writer moved and entertained us. Using the same tools with which we craft fiction, this workshop is an excellent learning environment for both genres. We'll conclude with a review of where to publish. Registration:https://writer.org/event/writing-micro-memoir-2/
The Power of Words Workshops
Writing becomes a tool for moving through grief, getting emotionally unstuck, rewriting (re-righting) your life story, and finding the lost self. Learn how the latest neuroscience research can be used to enhance your work in ‘Brain on Story” and “Writing to Heal Grief.” To be scheduled.
What Students Say…
"Wow, just wow. Your workshops are practical, inspiring, so helpful. I am looking forward to writing this afternoon.” Annie McKenzie
"Thank you for such quick feedback. There is a lot there to mull over, indeed. I so appreciate how kind you are in your critique. It is a gift that you have to present a realistic picture with hope." Tina Hudak, editorial client
"Fabulous writing prompts, all of them inspiring! You are always so well-prepared, organized, full of examples, and a delight to listen to."-Ann Stewart (Your True Voice workshop participant.)
"Your help has been essential to my growth as a writer." --Barrie Zucal, coaching client.