Writing on a Roll: Creative Writing Class for All

(This class is also available as a FLEX class for those writers who want to write on their own time!)
Need help wrangling those wild, creative story ideas? We all have stories to tell. Sadly, sometimes they're just a jumble loose ends running around like crazy in our heads and they never make it to the paper! In this ongoing class, we will learn to wrestle and tame our creativity, and get the stories down. In each class we will review the classic elements of a story (character, setting, goal, conflict, and resolution). Students will then be randomly assigned story elements with which to weave their own excellent short stories in just 20 minutes. We will share stories, time permitting. Although story elements will be assigned, students are allowed to alter these or come up with their own, as they are, after all, the ultimate authors.

Each week we will write a new short story, and I will include a mini-lesson on a specific writing skill. Weekly themes might be seasonal or timely. Some stories might take place in unusual settings, and some may involve whacky characters. Come be surprised each week! Please note that while several of my writing classes are also offered as one-time classes, students will receive more in-depth instruction on a variety of skills in the ongoing classes. As time permits we will spend more time on developing and refining our stories as well.

About my style: I run an interactive classroom. Students are encouraged to share ideas and offer polite suggestions. Learners are welcome to mute themselves during the writing time, or stay unmuted and ask questions. I strive to treat each student with respect and I value every contribution. Even with 30-plus years in education under my belt, I remain inspired by the creativity and wonder of each child I teach.

Please note that class may run a few minutes shorter or longer than the allotted 55 minutes depending on enrollment numbers. Students are welcome to leave if class runs late. :)

Please note: enrolled learners should be able to write independently for 20 minutes.

Class 1: Write Your Own Teeny-Tiny Tooth Fairy Tale! (Focus on dialogue)
Class 2: Special Delivery: Write Your Own Teeny-Tiny Stork Tale! (Focus on sensory details)
Class 3:  Following Rainbows: Write Your Own Teeny-Tiny Tale of Good Luck! (Focus on setting)
Class 4: Under the Sea! Write Your Own Teeny-Tiny Ocean Tale! (Focus on rich vocabulary)
Class 5: Write Your Own Teeny-Tiny Silly Seasonal Tale! (Focus on using similes)
Class 6: Write Your Own Teeny-Tiny Out of this World Tale! (Focus on interesting verbs)
Class 7: Let Me Tell You About My Best Friend! Write Your Own Teeny Tiny Best Friends Tale! (Focus on characterization)
Class 8: It's a Jungle out There! Write Your Own Teeny-Tiny Rainforest Tale! (Focus on idioms)
Class 9: It's My Party! Write Your Own Teeny Tiny Birthday Party Tale! (Focus on point of view)
Class 10: Abracadabra! Write Your Own Teeny Tiny Magic Tale! (focus on tension)
Class 11: We Won! Write Your Own Teeny Tiny Lottery Winning Tale! (focus on showing, not telling)
Class 12: Superhero Summer Camp! Write Your Own Teeny-Tiny Camp Tale (focus on setting)
This course will cycle back to Class 1 after Class 12. Students are welcome to enroll in subsequent sections to take any classes the missed, or to write new stories with different combinations of elements! :)