Q: Hi, Eileen. Happy New Year and welcome to Project Write Now. How did you arrive here? 

A: I missed being part of a creative community after my last writing group went inactive, so I joined Allison Tevald's Creative Writing Intensive class this past fall. During that time, I drafted five new stories and really enjoyed preparing personal, useful feedback for others. As a member of the class, I had the chance to informally put some of my teaching skills to work, to reveal interesting things I'd spotted in others' writing, and to share relevant book recommendations. Based on my background and interests, Allison and I began talking about bringing me into the Project Write Now instructor family--and here I am today!

Q: This session, you are teaching Fiction on Thursday evenings and your bio tells us that you have a background in fiction instruction. Can you tell us why you are drawn to this genre? Is there a particular type (science fiction, historical fiction) you prefer?
A: A main difference between fiction and nonfiction is that fiction lets you ask the question, "What if?" Your questions can be fun and fantastical (What if cats could talk?) or serious and personal (What if I'd stayed?)--sometimes all in the same piece. As you write fiction, you explore what could be. Although I read, write, and provide feedback to others in a variety of genres, I consider science fiction (SF) and fantasy to be my "home turf." Growing up reading SF is what inspired me to write! I've been in writing programs that discouraged students from writing in genres like SF, romance, and young adult fiction, but I've read wonderful pieces in all genres and always enjoy helping other writers tell the stories they want to tell.

Q: You have a Master of Arts in Teaching from Bard College. How would you categorize your teaching style? What can the students who sign up for your fiction class expect?

A: My standard in designing the Fiction class is that every example should be approachable enough for a complete beginner and meaningful enough for an experienced fiction writer. In this class, students will be able to set their own goals and hold themselves to the level of engagement that is right for them. Each day is designed around a central topic based on key elements of fiction, such as character, conflict, and style. These topics will build on one another so that students have the opportunity to deeply explore one element of craft at a time and are given a path to follow to create their first, 50th, or 100th story. We'll read related published stories or novel excerpts, and then discuss what we notice about what is (and isn't!) on the page. Perhaps most important, we'll have dedicated, supportive time to write. We'll have the chance to share in-progress stories and advice with one another as we build a writing community.

Q: You are a technical writer for a software company. Does being a technical writer help or hinder your creative writing?
A: In most ways, technical writing and creative writing go hand in hand. My writing process is similar for both--starting out with an idea, conducting research, drafting and organizing, seeking feedback, revising, and sending the final version out into the world. Being a technical writer has helped me become more concise and clear in my creative writing. That said, it also takes a lot of my creative energy! I have to be really disciplined to carve out personal writing time in my week. I'm glad that Project Write Now formalizes the practice of setting aside time to write in generative classes such as Fiction.

Q: So you collect postcards? My doctor does as well and has them plastered all over his office. He has run out of space and and now keeps them in shoe boxes. What do you do with the postcards you collect?
A: I've received postcards from friends, participated in international postcard swaps, and even found vintage postcards in antique stores. I love postcards for their bite-sized stories! One of my favorite vintage cards was sent by a waitress and describes her nerves after her first shift. Her writing is vivid, brief, and relatable. Isn't that what we all strive for as writers? My postcards are currently in decorative jars and boxes near my writing desk; I flip through them sometimes when I'm looking for inspiration. There's so much to each postcard: Each writer, each stamp, each image has its own stories to tell.

Thanks for talking with us, Eileen. We look forward to seeing you around the studio. 

Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m.

Six Weeks: January 17 to February 21

A strong work of fiction captivates a reader--with intriguing characters, a page-turning plot, and a setting that enhances the narrative, be it realistic or fantasy. In this class, we look at mentor texts--short stories, excerpts from novels--to discuss what makes fiction compelling, and we write during each session with a focus on some aspect of craft, including characterization, narrative arc, point of view, setting, style, and more. Sharing is encouraged to help you discover and develop your own voice and style. Be inspired by a writing community--whether you are new to the fiction writing experience or want to take your writing to the next level.  Read more and register.

Memoir (Level 1) FULL

with Jennifer Gaites

Mondays, 7 to 9 p.m.

Six Weeks: January 14 to February 18

If you have thought about writing a memoir but have no idea where to begin, this is the class for you. In a safe, supportive environment, we invite you into the storytelling mindset with guided prompts while also introducing the fundamentals of memoir writing.  Read more.

Creative Writing Intensive (Level 3) FULL

with Allison Tevald

Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Six Weeks: January 15 to February 19

In this class, we workshop your writing each week, following workshop rules to analyze and discuss what the writer is accomplishing and how. In addition, you are given a close-reading assignment that will be discussed the following week. Together, we learn from published writers, as well as from one another, how to create engaging, clear nonfiction and fiction stories. Be inspired by fellow writers in the community and push yourself to generate writing at a higher level.  Read more. Email  [email protected] for submission guidelines.

Just Write (Level 1)

with Lisa Hartsgrove

Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.

Six Weeks: January 15 to February 19

Do you want to write but have no idea where to start? Do nerves prevent you from joining a writing class? This class is aimed at the shy, closeted, or new writer. In a safe, supportive environment, we invite you into the storytelling mindset with the help of guided writing prompts. We bring in mentor texts as inspiration--including samples of fiction, poetry, memoir, essay, and more--and we motivate you to start and continue your own writing practice.  Read more and register.

Memoir (Level 2) 

with Jennifer Gaites

Wednesdays, 9 to 11 a.m.

Six Weeks: January 16 to February 20

Are you ready to discover the story you were meant to write? During this course, we discuss how to find the moments that resonate with readers and turn them into a compelling narrative, using craft elements such as characterization, dialogue, setting, structure, and theme. Analyzing mentor texts, we explore concepts such as story arc, voice, purpose, and emotional resonance.  Read more and register.

Short Memoir (Level 2) 

FULL

with Jennifer Chauhan

Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Six Weeks: January 16 to February 20

Do you find yourself capturing scene after scene from your life experiences but are not sure what to do next? In this class, we select a handful of pieces that we can develop into stand-alone short memoirs. Analyzing mentor texts, we explore concepts such as story arc, voice, purpose, and emotional resonance. We also spend time workshopping to get your pieces ready for submission. Read more. Instructor approval required; email[email protected] to be put on a wait list.

Creative Writing Intensive (Level 3)

with Ray Brunt

Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.

Six Weeks: January 16 to February 20

In this class, we workshop your writing each week, following workshop rules to analyze and discuss what the writer is accomplishing and how. In addition, you are given a close-reading assignment that will be discussed the following week. Together, we learn from published writers, as well as from one another, how to create engaging, clear nonfiction and fiction stories. Be inspired by fellow writers in the community and push yourself to generate writing at a higher level.  Read more. Email [email protected] for submission guidelines.

Memoir (Level 2) 

FULL

with Allison Tevald

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Six Weeks: January 17 to February 21

Do you find yourself capturing scene after scene from your life experiences but are not sure what to do next? In this class, we select a handful of pieces that we can develop into stand-alone short memoirs. Analyzing mentor texts, we explore concepts such as story arc, voice, purpose, and emotional resonance. We also spend time workshopping to get your pieces ready for submission. Read more. Email [email protected] to be put on a wait list.

Get Unstuck (Level 1/2) FULL

with Gay Norton Edelman

Fridays, 9 to 11 a.m.

Six Weeks: January 18 to February 22

How many times have you thought, "that's a great book idea," or "someday I'll write that article," only to abandon the project before the first word hits the page? By the time we're 40, we all have enough wisdom and experience to launch an entire series of books, yet too often we stifle ourselves. In this class, we develop strong writing habits, learn how to tame the "inner critic," and begin drafting the stories only we can tell. Read more. Instructor approval required; email [email protected] to be put on a wait list.

KidLit: Picture Books (Level 1) NEW

with Michele Prestininzi

Fridays, 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Five Weeks: January 18 to March 1 (No Class February 8 & 15)

Have an idea for a picture book but not sure how to begin? In this class, we help you map out your ideas, focusing on the storyline. We experiment with narrative techniques, such as beginnings, endings, plotting, pacing, and age-appropriate language. We customize each week's lesson based on your needs and interests. Students leave with a rough draft by the end of the six-week class.  Read more and register.