Coaching and Private Writing Classes Available

The perfect gift for your family, friends, or yourself! Contact me to schedule private coaching sessions or structured private classes. Whether you’re working on a novel, starting a blog, or just want to start writing, I can help you achieve your goals. Customized coaching packages make great gifts for the writers in your life! We…

Introduction to Deconstructing the News – Spring 2019

Thursday, 1/17, 1-3 p.m. This class is part of the Illinois Press Association’s News Literacy/ Civic Engagement project which began in 2015. With the term “fake news” so prevalent, how can we determine what is reliable? With “posttruth” and “truthiness” in our vocabulary, is truth relevant in the news? Learn the secrets to unlocking the…

Novel Bootcamp – Spring 2019

Wednesdays, 1/23-2/13, 6:30-9 p.m. So, you want to write a novel. Now what? This class explores the path of writing a novel from planning to publishing and beyond. Learn what to expect along this epic writing journey, and what will be expected of you. Whether you’re still dreaming about writing a novel or have already…

The News Panel Lunch Club – Spring 2019

 Thursdays, 1-3 p.m., 1/24, 2/21, 3/14, and 4/11 Fact or fake? In today’s expanding media landscape, it can be hard to tell. Join this monthly discussion group to examine current news stories and determine their reliability. Prior to each meeting, a list of news topics will be sent to you to vote on. Based on…

Cozy Mysteries Book Club – Spring 2019

Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m., 1/31, 2/28, 3/21 and 4/18 Cozy Mysteries are to die for! Maybe not literally, but cozy fans are some of the most devoted readers in fiction. Join this book club to explore the charming elements of this beloved genre, including an amateur sleuth, quirky characters, quaint village, red herrings and justice served….

Introduction to WordPress – Spring 2019

Saturday, 2/16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn how to create a basic blog and web pages with WordPress.com. Hands-on exercises walk students through using the Dashboard, creating pages, posts, and custom menus along with adding images, links, videos, and a photo gallery. Course also covers moderating comments, creating user accounts, and simple theme changes. Prerequisite: Familiarity…

Writers Launch Your Online Presence – Spring 2019

Wednesdays, 2/20-3/13, 6:30-9 p.m. Writing a book is just the beginning. Whether you plan to be (or are) traditionally published or self-published, you need to create an online presence sooner rather than later. Perhaps you want to market other projects or promote your writing services. This class will walk you through the process of setting…

Art Inspired Writing: Impressionism and Munch – Spring 2019

Tuesday, 3/5, 6-8 p.m. Look at art through a writer’s eye and discover an amazing new source of creativity to spark your writing. Starting with an overview of the era of Impressionism, you will look at the period’s effects in the art, music and literary worlds. Learn how these artists looked at the familiar and…

Art Inspired Writing: Monet and Pissarro – Spring 2019

Tuesday, 3/12, 6-8 p.m. Monet and Pissaro, former # LLI6080) Look at art through a writer’s eye and discover an amazing new source of creativity to spark your writing. This class studies the art of Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, focusing on their mastery of manipulating light, shadow and atmosphere. “Happy are those who see…

Writeapalooza – Spring 2019

Tuesday, 3/19, 6-9 p.m. Want to get back into writing, but don’t know where to start? Suffering from writer’s block? Looking for a fun way to boost your creativity? Sometimes, you just need to put aside your project (or blank page) and schedule a play date for your writing muse. Have fun writing in this…

Fiction Writer’s Workshop – Spring 2019

Wednesdays, 3/20-5/1, 6:30-8:30 p.m., LLA0014 The Fiction Writer’s Workshop is designed for every level of writer who is seeking to develop the tools needed to write a story or begin a novel. By combining in-class exercises and reading your work out loud, you will gain an understanding of how to shape a compelling story. Everyone…

Memoir Writing Workshop – Spring 2019

Tuesdays, 4/2-4/30, 6:30-8:30 p.m Your life is full of memorable experiences and stories. You’ve probably thought or been told by friends that you should write a book. Now is the time to start writing your memoir. Whether you want to publish your story or create a legacy for future generations, this class will get you…

Telling My Story – Spring 2019

Thursdays, 4/25-5/9, 1:30-3:30 p.m., LLI0149 Create a legacy for future generations by writing your life stories. You don’t need to be a writer to record your experiences, just bring your memories. A list of questions and prompts will get you started, and you will learn tips to tell your tales in full detail. After class,…

Available for Public Speaking Engagements

Looking for an engaging program for your next convention, meeting or library program? My presentations have been featured at ComicCon, NaNoWriMo, Pop Culture Con and The University of Chicago Arts Panel, as well as local colleges and libraries. Topic include, but are not limited to: writing (general), blogging, novel writing, Pinterest for writers, creating your…