Classes in South Orange, Maplewood and Summit
July 9-August 19, 2012

TUITION: 6 weeks for $175

Register online below or use our mail-in Registration Form.

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The Writers Circle for Adults

Our Adult Writers Circles are the heart of our workshops. They're where The Writers Circle began. We provide a supportive environment where writers work freely various forms and genres, exploring projects developed in class or on their own.  Craft issues like structure, point-of-view, character development, pace, and style are addressed, as is the ever-changing publishing marketplace. With great respect for each writer, our workshops take on a life of their own as writers learn to trust each other for ongoing critique and inspiration as they move toward completion of work and eventual publication.

Mondays, 9:00-11:00 AM MONDO, 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ taught by Michelle Cameron	Register
Wednesdays, 9:15-11:15 AM St. George's Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, NJ taught by Judith Lindbergh	Register
Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 PM MONDO, 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ taught by Michelle Cameron	Register
Thursdays, 7:15-9:15 PM South Orange-Maplewood Adult School taught by Judith Lindbergh	Contact the Adult School directly for dates, fees and registration.

Race to the Finish: Completing Your Novel taught by Michelle Cameron - NEW!

Now that you've begun your novel, the work is far from over. Novel writing is like a marathon - you have to be in it for the long haul. This class will include "off the page exercises" to help solidify description, dialogue, character, plot, and more. And we will critique your work in progress, in a constructive, supportive environment that will help you keep moving towards the finish line: a completed first draft!

Monday Evenings 7:00-9:00 PM MONDO, 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ

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Writing For Young Adults taught by Jennifer Walkup - NEW!

Young adult novels have never been hotter than they are today. But writing for teens can mean many things – fantasy, real-life contemporary, suspense, romance, and more.  At its core, young adult literature captures a time and age where life is on the brink of happening, and the world opens up as things occur to the story’s characters for the very first time. In this class, we’ll explore not only the themes and subject matter appropriate for YA literature, but also the writing styles and structures that differ so greatly from adult fiction. The class will focus on tools very specific to YA, such as finding the correct author and character voice, pacing your novel to keep teen readers turning pages, and staying authentic to your audience. By the end of the session, you’ll be fully immersed in the young adult fiction world.

Tuesday Evenings 7:00-9:00 PM Sparkhouse Studio, 19 Scotland Road, South Orange, NJ

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Writing Your Life (Memoir Writing) taught by Sondra Gash

Writers are keepers of memory, and memoir is a powerful way to record life's many stages, joys and experiences. In this workshop, you will learn to use detail and scene to make the past come alive. You will develop voice, and focus not just on events but on the people involved in those events. Through discussion of classic and contemporary published memoirs and critique of personal writing, this class will explore the many ways in which memoir writers can strive for a deeper interpretation of their own lives. Whether your aim is to write informally, as part of a family history for your children and others, or to create a literary work for potential publication, this course will help you write your own truths.

Wednesday Mornings, 9:30-11:30 AM MONDO, 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ

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Mastering the Children's Picture Book taught by Tara Lazar - NEW!

This intensive workshop will jump-start your creativity and set you on the road to writing publishable children’s picture books. Author Tara Lazar will share all the things she wishes she'd known when she began writing for kids, from formulating “high-concept” hooks to creating irresistible characters to finding a literary agent. You’ll workshop your first drafts, learn revision techniques and have all your pressing questions about becoming a kidlit author answered.

Wednesday Evenings, 7:00-9:00 PM MONDO, 426 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ

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Screenwriting: From "Fade In" to "Fade Out" taught by Allie Dvorin - NEW!

Here's your chance to finally turn that great idea into a screenplay! In this class you'll learn how to craft a logline, develop it into a 15-beat outline, and start writing your first draft. We'll cover structure, story beats, character development, genres, the highs and lows of Hollywood and much more. This class is ideal for anyone who wants to kick-start their writing process, or for anyone who has been hard at work on a script and is looking for an active, supportive community with real time feedback to help them refine their craft and get their material ready for professional eyes.

Wednesday Evenings, 7:30-9:30 PM Sparkhouse Studio, 19 Scotland Road, South Orange, NJ

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Here’s what TWC adult students and private clients have to say about their experience: "I just received word from a publication that they'd like to publish one of the stories I worked on with Michelle Cameron. It's a pro paying market that has published, among many big name authors, Harlan Ellison. I'm thrilled beyond words. I really can't thank Michelle enough for all her help with the story, and for that matter, with all my stories. This tale simply would not have gotten to where it is without Michelle's guidance and advice." - Jeff Samson, musician, graphic artist, writer "Judy Lindbergh's writing workshops were invaluable to the publication of The Last Leaf. Her open and welcoming classes were a terrific forum for writing and editing the book's chapters. And Judy, a published novelist, is a wonderful resource for navigating the unknown waters of publishing and publicity." - Stuart Lutz, author of The Last Leaf: Voices of History's Last Known Survivors Paula Balzer leads a nurturing and supportive group for writers at all levels. This group really made me think about different approaches that will make my story a more well-crafted and compelling experience for readers. I highly recommend Paula's book, Writing & Selling Your Memoir and any opportunity to participate in her workshops and classes. She is the best! - Vivian Fransen, aspiring memoir writer "Judy gave me the motivation and the confidence I needed to take my book from scattered ideas and scribbles to detailed outline and manuscript draft. I’m a hundred pages in (so far!) and she’s still guiding me with her nurturing, insightful, deeply intelligent advice for dealing with not only the logistical struggles but also the emotional trials of writing." - Sandra Joseph, on writing “Phantom Girl”, a memoir of her ten years as the female lead of Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera "I must thank Michelle profusely for her edits. I think she taught me more about writing than anyone has -- I'm a grad of Columbia Journalism school so that's saying a lot!" - Pamela R. Winnick, lawyer, journalist, historical novelist Judith has created a supportive, yet productive environment. As someone who has spent his adult life critiquing and being critiqued, I can tell you how rare that is. Most critiques fall into one of two categories: "learn by being crushed" or "Everything everyone does is just awesome, we're all having a such a great time being creative." Both a waste of time. Thanks for “getting it". - Michael Pilla, Pilla Creative Marketing “Judith Lindbergh’s professional writing support is truly remarkable. It is so important to work with an editor or writing coach who is not only skilled at the craft of writing, but who is respectful, responsible, and sensitive as a human being. Writing is often such a personal endeavor that it is essential to work with people who know how to communicate what they see in your writing so that you can really grow. Judy has been providing me with such editorial care and my work has taken off as a result.” - Ruth Henderson, Ph.D., on writing “The Mysteries of Forgiveness: Finding Freedom and Peace in the Aftermath of Trauma” I've been in many writing groups in both NYC and suburbia, and benefited significantly from the experience. However, the diversity of people in the Writers Circle is unique and special; the supportive atmosphere is great. And sometimes, a session turns out to be not only useful but terrifically enjoyable too! Who could ask for anything more? - Jerry (Jay) Kaplan, columnist, memoir and fiction writer, retired textbook author