NEW ZOOM WORKSHOPS!
FALL 2025
To be alerted to new workshops please contact lauraoliver2@yahoo.com
Ten Pro Tips for Writing Life Stories
The Writer’s Center ONLINE/Zoom
September 20, 2025 (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/
Writing Micro Memoir
The Writer’s Center ONLINE/Zoom
October 18th , 2025 (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/
Writing the Braided Story
The Writer’s Center ONLINE/Zoom
November 15th, 2025 (Saturday)
10:00 - 12:00 noon EST $60
A braided story weaves two or more distinct threads—memories, events, voices, topics, or styles—into one cohesive narrative. The strands speak to one another through juxtaposition, echo, interruption, and surprise. In this workshop you will study published examples, both fiction and nonfiction, create strands of your own, and explore creating your own narrative braid. To register: https://writer.org/event/writing-the-braided-story/
Show and Tell Intensive
The Writer’s Center ONLINE/Zoom
December 13th, 2025 (Saturday)
10:00 - 12:00 noon EST $60
A dynamic workshop on the single most important skill any writer can have. Skilled writers make readers feel and intuit precisely what they want them to by using the technique of showing writing. No other element of craft promises this immediacy and power to bring a work to life. This is how to make a flat passage sing, how to gain your readers’ trust and emotional participation. Through exploration of compelling published examples, exercises, lively discussion, and inspiring instruction, you will learn to elevate your stories to submission-quality prose. To register: https://writer.org/event/show-and-tell-intensive-4/
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.