Writing
Personal Enrichment
Offered through Continuing Education
@ Online
The Writing Program is designed for the beginning or experienced writer. We have classes that give you the opportunity to develop your writing voice, build expertise in the art and craft of writing, and gain insight into today’s publishing environment.
Please call 314-984-7777 to register for classes by phone, or click the button above to register and pay online.
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Class schedules provided below may change.
It happens every so often: classes are rescheduled, moved to a different classroom,
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Unless otherwise specified in the course description, registration for online classes
closes three business days prior to the class start date.
The Craft of Writing
Grammar You Should Know
After graduating from high school and even college, many of us still have gaps and
lapses in our grammar and spelling. For example, should you use “who” or “whom” and
what’s the difference between “effect” and “affect"? The years may have chipped away
at your knowledge of English, but this class will apply a fresh coat of literacy to
your writing no matter what kind you do. This class was formerly called Writing Basics
Brush-Up (What You Should Have Learned in High School!).
WRIT-704 | 4 sessions | $52 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
F03 Th 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Jordan Oakes
Sept. 17-Oct. 8 | Online
Unleashing the Writer Within
Every one of us has a special story to tell, but it can be hard in this busy, modern
world to access that creativity. In this class, we’ll peel away the familiar outer
layers of doubt, distraction and writer’s block. We’ll get to the core of what we’re
actually trying to say, and learn to say it with language that is irreplaceably unique
to each of us. When the writer within is unleashed, the words will come freely and
the stories we need to tell will finally occur to us. While not a class requirement,
those interested in sharing their work will receive the benefit of a thorough, productive
critique from the instructor and fellow students.
WRIT-701 | 4 sessions | $52 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
F01 M 7-9:30 p.m. | Jordan Oakes
Sept. 21-Oct. 12 | Online
Remastering the Writing Process
Writing an essay, novel or any sort of long work comes in steps. From the beginnings
of a brainstorm to sharing your work, the writing process can seem long, daunting
and nearly impossible. In this three-session study, explore the path to publication
while meeting all the requirements for finished work. Learn how to write an outline,
edit and revise, and get down to the details of the description. Your writing will
benefit from all of the grammar-learning opportunities this class offers.
WRIT-706 | 3 sessions | $43.50 AGE 60+ | $65 REG
F01 Tu 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Elliot Laurence
Nov. 10-24 | Online
Exploring the Creative Process
Writing Your Micro Memoir
In this introductory writing class, focus on the art of flash and micro memoir. Read
a variety of brief memoirs by a diverse range of voices and learn how to craft short
pieces about your own life. Class sessions will be composed of discussion, in-class
writing and informal workshop. No writing experience required!
WRIT-714 | 6 sessions | $49.50 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
F01 W 7-9 p.m. | Gabe Montesanti
Sept. 9-Oct. 14 | Online
Boot Camp for Writers
Do you have an idea for a fiction or nonfiction story or a memoir but are struggling
to get started? Are you working on a project but need feedback as you go? With weekly
assignments and guided in-class critiques, start writing, stay writing or improve
the writing you already do. All genres welcome. If you have a work-in-progress, bring
copies to share for peer review.
WRIT-704 | 4 sessions | $52 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
F04 Tu 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Jordan Oakes
Sept. 22-Oct. 13 | Online
Developing Diverse Fictional Characters
Do you want to create engaging characters from different backgrounds and cultures,
but aren’t sure where to start? This workshop introduces the basic components to consider
while developing realistic and diverse characters for your novel or short story.
WRIT-719 | 1 session | $29 AGE 60+ | $39 REG
F01 Sa 9 a.m.-noon | P.A. De Voe
Oct. 17 | Online
Writing What You Don't Know: Including Diversity
A well-rounded story needs a diverse group of well-rounded characters. Creating multifaceted
characters comes with a lot of questions. How do you write about what you don’t know?
Is it safe to write about experiences that differ from yours? How do you portray them
accurately? Learn how to write about other genders, cultures, abilities, and walks
of life respectfully and honestly while staying true to your story. This course allows
for personal growth against stereotypes and biases in order to make your story realistic
and relatable. Help your story by dabbling in the art of research and finding primary
sources.
WRIT-706 | 2 sessions | $31.50 AGE 60+ | $45 REG
F02 Th 6:30-8 p.m. | Elliot Laurence
Nov. 12-19 | Online
Publishing
How to Publish Your Own Book: What You Need to Know
Have you been thinking about writing a book or perhaps you have written one and are
curious about how to publish it yourself? In this four-hour workshop, explore the
realities of independent publishing, how editing and design can make your book look
great, options for getting your book into print, sales channels, e-book production
and tips for book marketing.
WRIT-704 | 1 session | $45 AGE 60+ | $45 REG
F01 Sa 8 a.m.-noon | St. Louis Publisher's Association
Nov. 14 | Online
WordPress® for Writers: Easy Website Design Publishing
Looking for a place to share your poetry, essays, short stories and other creative
works with the world? Why not design the perfect online forum yourself with WordPress,
which draws more than 409 million people who view 15.5 billion pages each month? WordPress
is one of the world’s most popular Web design tools because it is free, easy to use
and produces professional results. In fact, WordPress sites are so pro that you can
even use them as an online hub for marketing your work to journals, magazines and
other print or online publications. Prerequisite: Windows® Introduction class or equivalent
experience. Students must have a generic email account through Gmail™, Yahoo or Hotmail
and know this email address and password. Wordpress is a registered trademark of the
WordPress Foundation. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. St. Louis Community
College Continuing Education courses are independent seminars and neither affiliated
with, nor authorized, sponsored or approved by Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owner.
WRIT-704 | 1 session | $37 AGE 60+ | $55 REG
F02 Sa 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charlene Oldham
Oct. 24 | Online
Freelancing for Fun and Profit
Interested in earning money by sharing news or knowledge through the written word?
Learn how to develop ideas and mold them into pieces fit for newspapers, consumer
magazines, trade magazines, blogs, online magazines and more by covering some of the
basics of reporting, writing and selling stories. No matter what your interests or
expertise, learn how to identify markets, write query letters, research and interview
and write articles that will get you published for profit. Bring recent copies of
your favorite publications as well as any original story ideas you’d like to see in
print.
WRIT-722 | 1 session | $37 AGE 60+ | $55 REG
F01 Sa 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charlene Oldham
Oct. 17 | Online
Finding Writing Jobs Using Online Resources
Online job boards including Upwork and ProBlogger offer thousands of new writing jobs
every day, but they are only starting points for finding work online. Whether you
are already an experienced freelancer or you are simply interested in exploring options
for earning extra income while working from home, this session will help you identify
multiple online job boards to find paid writing work you will enjoy.
WRIT-722 | 1 session | $37.50 AGE 60+ | $55 REG
F02 Sa 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charlene Oldham
Oct. 3 | Online
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