This is a writing workshop for writers who need help jump starting their writing, big or small projects. This workshop is perfect for the novice writer who needs advice, inspiration, direction getting started, and keeping on track,too big. We’ll cover the basic elements of good writing and what I call the “Magnificent Seven Entry Points” to creative non-fiction. Come prepared to write. Bring laptaps or paper, whatever you prefer.

I’ll be presenting a talk on Tango as part of the Hero’s Journey, a la Joseph Campbell at this landmark event. I’ll be presenting at TEDxLowerEastSide with speakers from a variety of backgrounds including scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, yogis, monks, educators and activists.

Writers, if the indispensable narrative arc eludes you, consider the seemingly insignificant structures that support the arc. The narrative arc is like a bridge span that cannot stand or hold its weight without strong “transitions.” You will focus on these and write many of them before the day is over. Transitions are not just those sentences/phrases that are connected by conjunctions or other punctuation signposts. Transitions are also those numinous highly energetic points in a piece that pack a punch and can make a reader blink or lose her breath. We’ll talk about them, study them, write them. Don’t be dismayed if at first you don’t see them. They are often subtle or invisible, keeping out of sight, like pilings for a pier. Then again, they may be as magnificent as towers that support a bridge. Without strong transitions there can be no tension or drive in a story or essay.

Workshop series in three consecutive Tuesdays learn: How and why memoir differs from autobiography, How to capture the essence of your personal experience, How to make it captivating to readers, How to shape the elusive narrative arc, How to find and use writing conventions that fit your story & situation, How and when to breakaway from conventions, How to incorporate experimental writing