Hello! This is David Schmader, and very soon I’ll be at Queen Anne Writers Studio.
Icebreaker query: What do I mean by brainstorming?
To me, brainstorming is a catch-all term for the various ways of answering two questions: “Where do I start?” and “What do I do now?”
Sometimes it’s a matter of finding what it is you want to write about. Sometimes it’s a matter of having a story you want to tell and not being sure where to begin. Sometimes you’re in the middle of a piece of writing and not sure how to proceed.
Whatever the case, the questions “Where do I start?” and “What do I do now?” come up again and again, and the method of brainstorming I’ll be sharing is the best way I’ve found to answer those questions, whenever they arise, without going insane.
And I say that because “Where do I start?” is exactly the type of question that can tie me up in knots, because there’s no “right” answer. It’s not a math problem, it’s a creative question, which has to be decided by listening to your gut and heart, which can be challenging if not terrifying. The techniques we’ll be dealing with in class are designed to help navigate the part of writing that requires you to relinquish the need for the Right Answer and splash around in a sea of possibility, with a minimum of existential angst.
For full info and registration, go here.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Friday, September 9, 2016
6 Week Brainstorming with David Schmader
When: Sundays beginning October 22 to November 27
Time: 12:00-2:00 pm
Where: Queen Anne Writers' Studio 1911 10th Avenue West
Who: 12 students looking for help getting started, staying focused, and keeping motivated
How much: $299
Monday, June 6, 2016
Nicole Hardy & Suzanne Morrison back at the Queen Anne Writers' Studio!
The Art of Getting Started (Redux), with Nicole Hardy and Suzanne Morrison
When: July 16, 11am–4pm
Where: Tulinda Yoga Studio, 618 West McGraw Street, Queen Anne
Who: Suitable for beginning and emerging writers of fiction and creative non-fiction
How much: $200
Lunch: BYO, or buy nearby
Some of you may be familiar with authors, writing instructors, and forces of nature–Nicole Hardy and Suzanne Morrison. Some of you may have even taken their class, The Art of Getting Started. Well, they’re doing again, and this time bringing all new prompts to the table.When: July 16, 11am–4pm
Where: Tulinda Yoga Studio, 618 West McGraw Street, Queen Anne
Who: Suitable for beginning and emerging writers of fiction and creative non-fiction
How much: $200
Lunch: BYO, or buy nearby
Description; In this one-day generative class, we’ll focus on how, why, where, and when to begin. Suzanne and Nichole will provide writing prompts, short readings, and discussion topics in a five-hour session to face down the blank white page. We’ll keep in mind what Hemingway said—“I write one page of masterpiece to ninety-one pages of sh*t. I try to put the sh*t in the wastebasket”—and fill our notebooks to brimming. Who knows what surprises we’ll find as we create the starts (or middles, or ends) of several new pieces.
To register: Send name, phone, and email to beingnicolehardy@gmail.com Payment arrangements will be made upon receipt, via Paypal, Venmo, or personal check. Your payment in full confirms your registration and reserves your spot.
Bring: Bring something on which to write, paper and pencil or laptop. (Please charge up before coming and bring a power cord. We’ll do our best to accommodate charging needs.) Please also bring your mobile coffee mug or water bottle and beverage of choice. An extra layer always helps keep everyone in the room comfortable.
Teachers: Nicole Hardy‘s memoir, Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin, was a finalist for the 2014 Washington State Book Award. Her other books include the poetry collections This Blonde and Mud Flap Girl’s XX Guide to Facial Profiling, a chapbook of pop-culture inspired sonnets. Her work has appeared in literary journals and newspapers including The New York Times, and has been adapted for radio and stage. Her essay, “Single, Female, Mormon, Alone,” was noted in 2012’s Best American Essays. She earned her MFA at the Bennington College Writing Seminars, and serves on the board at Mineral School Artist Residency. Learn more at authornicolehardy.com
Suzanne Morrison is the author of Yoga Bitch (Random House/Three Rivers Press), which was a Crosscut Best Northwest Book of 2011 and has been translated into six languages. A recipient of 4Culture and Artist Trust grants, Suzanne is at work on a new memoir and a collection of short fiction. Her fiction and essays have appeared or are forthcoming in Litro, Salt Hill, Washington Square, Printers Row, The Huffington Post, and elsewhere. She teaches memoir and fiction at Hugo House and at Veteran Centers through the Red Badge Program. Learn more at suzanne-morrison.com.
Bring: Bring something on which to write, paper and pencil or laptop. (Please charge up before coming and bring a power cord. We’ll do our best to accommodate charging needs.) Please also bring your mobile coffee mug or water bottle and beverage of choice. An extra layer always helps keep everyone in the room comfortable.
Teachers: Nicole Hardy‘s memoir, Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin, was a finalist for the 2014 Washington State Book Award. Her other books include the poetry collections This Blonde and Mud Flap Girl’s XX Guide to Facial Profiling, a chapbook of pop-culture inspired sonnets. Her work has appeared in literary journals and newspapers including The New York Times, and has been adapted for radio and stage. Her essay, “Single, Female, Mormon, Alone,” was noted in 2012’s Best American Essays. She earned her MFA at the Bennington College Writing Seminars, and serves on the board at Mineral School Artist Residency. Learn more at authornicolehardy.com
Suzanne Morrison is the author of Yoga Bitch (Random House/Three Rivers Press), which was a Crosscut Best Northwest Book of 2011 and has been translated into six languages. A recipient of 4Culture and Artist Trust grants, Suzanne is at work on a new memoir and a collection of short fiction. Her fiction and essays have appeared or are forthcoming in Litro, Salt Hill, Washington Square, Printers Row, The Huffington Post, and elsewhere. She teaches memoir and fiction at Hugo House and at Veteran Centers through the Red Badge Program. Learn more at suzanne-morrison.com.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
May Class: Craft a Winning Book Proposal
Craft a Winning Book Proposal With Jen Worick and Kerry Colburn
Saturday, May 14, 1-5pm
Description:
You may have a terrific book idea ready to dazzle the world. Alas, without a spot-on book proposal, it may never see the light of day. Don’t let this happen to you! Learn how to create a savvy and professional proposal that will make publishers and agents sit up and take notice. Two industry insiders will walk you through the key elements of any successful proposal—including title/subtitle, opening pitch, author bio, and marketing plan—and help you polish each one with hands-on exercises. Crafting a killer, on-point proposal is absolutely essential to succeeding in the current marketplace no matter what publishing route you take. You’ll leave this workshop not only committed to getting the book deal of your dreams, but with a concrete start to every section of your proposal.
Where: Tulinda Yoga Studio, 618 McGraw Street, Queen Anne
Who: Suitable for any writers actively working on or thinking about a book. No matter the genre, where you are in the writing process, or how you’d ideally like to publish, this class will ensure you have the best shot at publication. (While book proposals are expected for nonfiction titles, we encourage all aspiring authors to write a proposal, as it will make their submission—and their book—stronger.)
How much: $199
To register: You can register via PayPal here. Your payment in full confirms your registration and reserves your spot. Space is limited to 15, so register early.
What to bring: Bring something on which to write, be it laptop or pen and paper. (Please charge up before coming and bring your power cord, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your charging needs.) Please also bring your mobile coffee mug or water bottle. We’ll have coffee, tea, and water on hand.
Teachers: Prolific authors and publishing experts Jennifer Worick and Kerry Colburn are the dynamic duo behind The Business of Books (www.bizofbooks.com), a publishing consulting company based in Seattle.
With nearly 40 years of industry experience and 40 published books between them, Jen & Kerry are in the unique position of having been “on both sides of the desk”—as both acquisitions editors and authors.
Jen was most recently the Editorial Director of Running Press in Philadelphia and is a New York Times-bestselling author with more than 1 million copies of her books in print. Kerry served as Executive Editor of Chronicle Books in San Francisco and is the author of many books, including How to Have Your Second Child First. The duo speaks frequently at writers’ conferences, retreats, and schools.
Saturday, May 14, 1-5pm
Description:
You may have a terrific book idea ready to dazzle the world. Alas, without a spot-on book proposal, it may never see the light of day. Don’t let this happen to you! Learn how to create a savvy and professional proposal that will make publishers and agents sit up and take notice. Two industry insiders will walk you through the key elements of any successful proposal—including title/subtitle, opening pitch, author bio, and marketing plan—and help you polish each one with hands-on exercises. Crafting a killer, on-point proposal is absolutely essential to succeeding in the current marketplace no matter what publishing route you take. You’ll leave this workshop not only committed to getting the book deal of your dreams, but with a concrete start to every section of your proposal.
Who: Suitable for any writers actively working on or thinking about a book. No matter the genre, where you are in the writing process, or how you’d ideally like to publish, this class will ensure you have the best shot at publication. (While book proposals are expected for nonfiction titles, we encourage all aspiring authors to write a proposal, as it will make their submission—and their book—stronger.)
How much: $199
To register: You can register via PayPal here. Your payment in full confirms your registration and reserves your spot. Space is limited to 15, so register early.
What to bring: Bring something on which to write, be it laptop or pen and paper. (Please charge up before coming and bring your power cord, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your charging needs.) Please also bring your mobile coffee mug or water bottle. We’ll have coffee, tea, and water on hand.
Teachers: Prolific authors and publishing experts Jennifer Worick and Kerry Colburn are the dynamic duo behind The Business of Books (www.bizofbooks.com), a publishing consulting company based in Seattle.
With nearly 40 years of industry experience and 40 published books between them, Jen & Kerry are in the unique position of having been “on both sides of the desk”—as both acquisitions editors and authors.
Jen was most recently the Editorial Director of Running Press in Philadelphia and is a New York Times-bestselling author with more than 1 million copies of her books in print. Kerry served as Executive Editor of Chronicle Books in San Francisco and is the author of many books, including How to Have Your Second Child First. The duo speaks frequently at writers’ conferences, retreats, and schools.
Monday, February 15, 2016
The Art of Getting Started: Register now!
The Art of Getting Started with Nicole Hardy and Suzanne Morrison
April 23 & 24 11:00am--3:00pm
Description:
In this two-day generative class, we'll focus on how and where and why to begin. Both instructors will provide writing prompts, short readings, and discussion topics in an eight-hour attempt to face down the blank white page. We’ll keep in mind what Hemingway said: “I write one page of masterpiece to ninety-one pages of sh*t. I try to put the sh*t in the wastebasket” and fill our notebooks to brimming. Who knows what surprises we’ll find as we create the starts (or middles, or ends) of several new pieces. Suitable for beginning and emerging writers of fiction and creative nonfiction
Where: Tulinda Yoga Studio, 618 McGraw Street, Queen Anne
Who: Suitable for beginning and emerging writers of fiction and creative non-fiction
How much: $175 for both days, $100 for one day
Lunch:BYO, or buy nearbyTo register: Send name, phone, and email to beingnicolehardy@gmail.com Payment arrangements will be made upon receipt, via Paypal or personal check. Your payment in full confirms your registration and reserves your spot.
What to bring:
Bring something on which to write, be it paper and pencil or laptop. (Please charge up before coming and bring your power cord, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your charging needs.) Please also bring your mobile coffee mug or water bottle. We’ll provide coffee, tea, and water. And an extra layer always helps keep everyone in the room comfortable.
Teachers:
Nicole Hardy's memoir, Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin, was a finalist for the 2014 Washington State Book Award. Her other books include the poetry collections This Blonde and Mud Flap Girl's XX Guide to Facial Profiling, a chapbook of pop-culture inspired sonnets. Her work has appeared in literary journals and newspapers including The New York Times, and has been adapted for radio and stage. Her essay, "Single, Female, Mormon, Alone," was noted in 2012's Best American Essays. She earned her MFA at the Bennington College Writing Seminars. Learn more at nicolehardy.org.
Suzanne Morrison is the author of Yoga Bitch (Random House/Three Rivers Press), which was a Crosscut Best Northwest Book of 2011 and has been translated into six languages. A recipient of 4Culture and Artist Trust grants, Suzanne is at work on a new memoir and a collection of short fiction. Her fiction and essays have appeared or are forthcoming in Litro, Salt Hill, Washington Square, Printers Row, The Huffington Post, and elsewhere. She teaches memoir and fiction at Hugo House and at Veteran Centers through the Red Badge Program. Learn more at suzanne-morrison.com.
April 23 & 24 11:00am--3:00pm
Description:
In this two-day generative class, we'll focus on how and where and why to begin. Both instructors will provide writing prompts, short readings, and discussion topics in an eight-hour attempt to face down the blank white page. We’ll keep in mind what Hemingway said: “I write one page of masterpiece to ninety-one pages of sh*t. I try to put the sh*t in the wastebasket” and fill our notebooks to brimming. Who knows what surprises we’ll find as we create the starts (or middles, or ends) of several new pieces. Suitable for beginning and emerging writers of fiction and creative nonfiction
Where: Tulinda Yoga Studio, 618 McGraw Street, Queen Anne
Who: Suitable for beginning and emerging writers of fiction and creative non-fiction
How much: $175 for both days, $100 for one day
Lunch:BYO, or buy nearbyTo register: Send name, phone, and email to beingnicolehardy@gmail.com Payment arrangements will be made upon receipt, via Paypal or personal check. Your payment in full confirms your registration and reserves your spot.
What to bring:
Bring something on which to write, be it paper and pencil or laptop. (Please charge up before coming and bring your power cord, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your charging needs.) Please also bring your mobile coffee mug or water bottle. We’ll provide coffee, tea, and water. And an extra layer always helps keep everyone in the room comfortable.
Teachers:
Nicole Hardy's memoir, Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin, was a finalist for the 2014 Washington State Book Award. Her other books include the poetry collections This Blonde and Mud Flap Girl's XX Guide to Facial Profiling, a chapbook of pop-culture inspired sonnets. Her work has appeared in literary journals and newspapers including The New York Times, and has been adapted for radio and stage. Her essay, "Single, Female, Mormon, Alone," was noted in 2012's Best American Essays. She earned her MFA at the Bennington College Writing Seminars. Learn more at nicolehardy.org.
Suzanne Morrison is the author of Yoga Bitch (Random House/Three Rivers Press), which was a Crosscut Best Northwest Book of 2011 and has been translated into six languages. A recipient of 4Culture and Artist Trust grants, Suzanne is at work on a new memoir and a collection of short fiction. Her fiction and essays have appeared or are forthcoming in Litro, Salt Hill, Washington Square, Printers Row, The Huffington Post, and elsewhere. She teaches memoir and fiction at Hugo House and at Veteran Centers through the Red Badge Program. Learn more at suzanne-morrison.com.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Scrivener Introduction Class
When: Thursday, January 21, 2016, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Tulinda Yoga Studio, 618 McGraw Street, Queen Anne
Where: Tulinda Yoga Studio, 618 McGraw Street, Queen Anne
Description:
Have you tried Scrivener, the software for writers, but felt daunted by its features? Or have you just been hearing about it and would like to learn more? This two-hour class will cover all the basics, including author Jason Hough's personal tricks and tips.
In class he'll cover the philosophy behind how Scrivener works (it is quite different from Word), outlining, creating a new project, compiling for different formats, and some tips to help you achieve success with large projects.
About Scrivener:
Scrivener is a powerful content-generation tool for writers that allows you to concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents. While it gives you complete control of the formatting, its focus is on helping you get to the end of that awkward first draft.
Jason is not affiliated with Literature & Latte (the makers of Scrivener) in any way. Please note this class does not include the Scrivener software. At the link below you can find a trial version, but if you want to use the trial for the class, make sure you don't install it until the week before. Find out more or download Scrivener software here.
Teacher:
Jason M. Hough (pronounced 'Huff') is the New York Times bestselling author of The Dire Earth Cycle and the near-future spy thriller Zero World. In a former life he was a 3D artist, animator, and game designer (Metal Fatigue, Aliens vs. Predator: Extinction, and many others). He has also worked in the fields of high-performance cluster computing and machine learning.
He lives near Seattle, Washington with his wife, two young sons, and a dog named Missbuster.
He lives near Seattle, Washington with his wife, two young sons, and a dog named Missbuster.
Bring your laptop (with Scrivener installed if you'd like to follow along. Not required but helpful.)
Class price: $45
Register here.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
"Writing Our Personal Stories" with Nicole Hardy
1-day, bring your own lunch
When: Saturday, Jan. 23, 10:30am - 4:30 pm
Where: Tulinda Yoga Studio, 618 McGraw Street, Queen Anne
Who: Suitable for beginning and emerging writers
Description:
In this one day class, we'll divide our time among lecture, discussion, and writing exercises as we delve into the art of creating memoir from memory. I'll pass on some lessons I learned the hard way, show samples from other authors, and explain how novelists' techniques can be useful in writing creative nonfiction.
10:30 – 2:30
Introduction to Creative Non-fiction, including personal essay & memoir
Why read it?
Why write it?
How is it similar to/different from writing fiction?
Checklist, culled from best advice from Dan Jones, editor of Modern Love
Read & discuss one sample essay, one memoir chapter with an eye to essential elements of craft
· Narrative structure
· Scene vs. Summary
· Dialogue
· Characterization
· Cultivating vulnerability
Series of 3 writing prompts
12:30 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 3:00
Topics Central To Writing Personal Stories
Writers of creative non-fiction are advised to be hardest on themselves not “let themselves off the hook”
· What does this mean?
· How does a writer achieve it?
· How does a writer share without oversharing?
Read and discuss one sample essay, one short memoir chapter, as models
Series of 3 writing prompts
3:00 – 4:00
Guided writing exercises, continuing with one or more of the 6 previous prompts
When: Saturday, Jan. 23, 10:30am - 4:30 pm
Where: Tulinda Yoga Studio, 618 McGraw Street, Queen Anne
Who: Suitable for beginning and emerging writers
Description:
In this one day class, we'll divide our time among lecture, discussion, and writing exercises as we delve into the art of creating memoir from memory. I'll pass on some lessons I learned the hard way, show samples from other authors, and explain how novelists' techniques can be useful in writing creative nonfiction.
10:30 – 2:30
Introduction to Creative Non-fiction, including personal essay & memoir
Why read it?
Why write it?
How is it similar to/different from writing fiction?
Checklist, culled from best advice from Dan Jones, editor of Modern Love
Read & discuss one sample essay, one memoir chapter with an eye to essential elements of craft
· Narrative structure
· Scene vs. Summary
· Dialogue
· Characterization
· Cultivating vulnerability
Series of 3 writing prompts
12:30 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 3:00
Topics Central To Writing Personal Stories
Writers of creative non-fiction are advised to be hardest on themselves not “let themselves off the hook”
· What does this mean?
· How does a writer achieve it?
· How does a writer share without oversharing?
Read and discuss one sample essay, one short memoir chapter, as models
Series of 3 writing prompts
Guided writing exercises, continuing with one or more of the 6 previous prompts
4:00 – 4:30
General Q&A, my best advice on writing & publishing creative non-fiction
Teacher:
Nicole Hardy's memoir, Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin, was a finalist for the 2014 Washington State Book Award. Her other books include the poetry collections This Blonde and Mud Flap Girl's XX Guide to Facial Profiling, a chapbook of pop-culture inspired sonnets. Her work has appeared in literary journals and newspapers including The New York Times, and has been adapted for radio and stage. Her essay, "Single, Female, Mormon, Alone," was noted in 2012's Best American Essays. She earned her MFA at the Bennington College Writing Seminars. Learn more at nicolehardy.org.
What to bring:
Bring something on which to write, be it paper and pencil or laptop. (Please charge up before coming and bring your power cord, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your charging needs.) Please also bring your mobile coffee mug or water bottle. We’ll provide coffee, tea, and water. And an extra layer always helps keep everyone in the room comfortable.
How much: $125
Lunch: BYO
To register: Send name, phone, and email to queenannewritersstudio@gmail.com. Payment arrangements will be made upon receipt. Your payment in full confirms your registration.
General Q&A, my best advice on writing & publishing creative non-fiction
Teacher:
Nicole Hardy's memoir, Confessions of a Latter-Day Virgin, was a finalist for the 2014 Washington State Book Award. Her other books include the poetry collections This Blonde and Mud Flap Girl's XX Guide to Facial Profiling, a chapbook of pop-culture inspired sonnets. Her work has appeared in literary journals and newspapers including The New York Times, and has been adapted for radio and stage. Her essay, "Single, Female, Mormon, Alone," was noted in 2012's Best American Essays. She earned her MFA at the Bennington College Writing Seminars. Learn more at nicolehardy.org.
What to bring:
Bring something on which to write, be it paper and pencil or laptop. (Please charge up before coming and bring your power cord, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your charging needs.) Please also bring your mobile coffee mug or water bottle. We’ll provide coffee, tea, and water. And an extra layer always helps keep everyone in the room comfortable.
How much: $125
Lunch: BYO
To register: Send name, phone, and email to queenannewritersstudio@gmail.com. Payment arrangements will be made upon receipt. Your payment in full confirms your registration.
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