We are excited to offer creative writing workshops for all ages at the new Sparkhouse Studio, 19 Scotland Road, South Orange, NJ.
Workshops Start the Week of October 4th and run for 8 weeks
Fee for each course: $200 (unless otherwise indicated)
To Register, contact Kara at Sparkhouse Studio: (973) 821-5227
Creating Books: Writing and Illustrating
Irene Kelly
Grades 1-2: Mondays 4-5 pm
Grades 3-4: Tuesdays 4-5 pm
($10 additional fee for supplies)
This series of hands-on workshops will take students on a writing and illustration adventure where they will be introduced to and explore the fundamentals of writing and bookmaking. Students will begin by discussing story ideas and quickly progress into writing and sketching. As their stories take shape, they will work on organizing their narrative, point of view and plot. The last workshop will include a publishing party, where the students will present their storyboards and handmade books.
Word Play: Creative Writing
Ellen Dreyer
Grades 6-8: Wednesdays 4:45-6 pm
Free your imagination and find the stories you want to tell in this workshop. Work with a professional, published author and editor to develop your skills at all elements of fiction writing, including characterization, description, dialogue, and plot. We will work toward completing and polishing one story by the end of the class.
WordFlight: Creative Writing
Ellen Dreyer
Grades 9-12: Wednesdays 6:15-7:30 pm
Explore your creative process in this workshop where work and fun are one! Published author and editor Ellen Dreyer shares tips of the trade and will guide you in finding your voice as well as shaping and polishing your stories and poems.
Guiding the Craft: Writing Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction
Ellen Dreyer
Adults: Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 pm
Do you want to write fiction for middle graders or young adults? Does it sometimes feel like steering a boat through very choppy seas? This workshop, run by a professional, published editor and author, is for you, whether you have just begun a book or have a completed draft. Writing exercises will focus on the elements of fiction: voice, plot, setting, character, conflict, symbol/metaphor and point of view. Read and discuss selections from current and classic books and learn about market trends. Give and receive feedback in a supportive, constructive workshop setting.
Writing a Children’s Book
Irene Kelly
Adults: Tuesdays 7-8:30 pm
Do you have an idea for a children’s book? Not sure where to begin, or how to edit your writing? In this course, you will work on writing a picture book story, or a chapter book for readers in grades 15. You will learn how to bring focus, clarity and polish to your writing through writing exercises, analysis of published children’s books, and guidance along with discussion of character development, voice, plot, narrative structure and dialogue. Students will read their work aloud and participate in class discussions in an atmosphere that is open, friendly and productive. In this class, the emphasis will be on the process of your individual voice and writing your unique story.
