The best storytellers move their readers, whether to laughter, tears, or some other point on the spectrum of human emotion. In order to write emotionally evocative, sensory rich, compelling narratives, we must mine our wellspring of personal experiences using the storyteller’s first set of tools: our memory, emotion, and body.
In this 4-week workshop, we will meet over Zoom to explore our own First Tools in a safe, supportive small group. Whether you want to have readers in stitches over the best rom-com in print or get them weeping over your tragic heroine’s epic fate, you’ll come away with the know-how to transform your critical story moments into powerfully memorable scenes.
This is a generative workshop. Together, we will examine published works of both fiction and memoir, do writing exercises designed to tap into our First Tools, and produce a draft of a short piece (story, essay, or chapter) to workshop in the final class. This workshop is for both fiction and creative nonfiction writers.
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Schedule
Wednesdays, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Central*
October 6, 13, 20, 27
*Check a timezone converter for your local time.
We will have a break during each session to move, refill coffee, etc.
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Get started now!
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Alida's material is clear, concise, and full of applicable-right-now exercises. I feel equipped not only to develop amazing characters but gripping arcs and intriguing themes. I will definitely be revisiting these processes over and over as I develop new characters. This course is worth every cent and every second spent in it. Thank you for taking my writing to the next level!
Kathryn Arnold, writer
Alida continues to provide invaluable assistance in the creation of my novels. She definitely took the rough draft of my concept to a higher level. With her direction and encouragement, my development as a writer progressed immensely. Her coaching improved my writing techniques. I found her insights into all the aspects of my story and characters indispensable. I would still be fumbling around in the dark without her. She’s a great coach!
Having published several novels, she completely understands the hurdles facing authors. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants to produce outstanding writing.
Mark Cherniack, another blooming novelist.
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Your Instructor
Alida Winternheimer is an award-winning author and experienced teacher, editor, and writing coach. She’s published numerous short stories, two of which were nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Alida is the creator and host of two literary podcasts: Story Works Round Table, conversations about craft; and Story Works Reading Series, a literary journal for your ears. She is the author of the Story Works Guide to Writing Character and the Story Works Guide to Writing Point of View.
Every day, Alida helps writers write better through her craft books, the Story Works Fiction online school, free writing tips, and her podcasts. When she's not writing or teaching, you can spot her around Minneapolis on her bike, in her kayak, or being walked by her golden retriever.
I look forward to guiding this creative inquiry into writing from memory, emotion, and body. I hope you’ll take this journey with me and our fellow writers. It is sure to be as enriching as it is challenging, from both a craft and personal perspective. What better way to embark on an adventure than together?
~ Alida
Need a scholarship? I am able to offer limited pay-what-you-can seats in workshops. Contact me to see if one is available for this course. [email protected]