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.
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Class schedules provided below may change.
Click the orange button above to view the most up-to-date class details, including dates, classrooms, etc.Classes offered in-person may be rescheduled, canceled or transitioned to an online format based on COVID-19 guidelines. Students are required to follow COVID-19 guidelines for classroom participation, which includes, but is not limited to, use of masks and social distancing requirements.
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
Unleash the Writer Within
Each one of us has a special story to tell. But, it can be hard in this busy, modern
world to access that creativity. During this class, you’ll peel away the familiar
outer layers of doubt, distraction and writer’s block. You’ll get to the core of what
you’re actually trying to say, and learn to say it with language that is irreplaceably
unique to you. 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 | $53.50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P02 Th 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Jordan Oakes
Jan. 21-Feb. 11 | Online
Boot Camp for Writers
Do you have an idea for a fictional tale, nonfiction story or 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 are welcome. If you have a work-in-progress,
bring copies to share for peer review.
WRIT-704 | 4 sessions | $53.50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P01 Tu 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Jordan Oakes
Feb. 16-March 9 | Online
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”? 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.
This class was formerly called Writing Basics Brush-Up (What You Should Have Learned
in High School!)
WRIT-704 | 4 sessions | $53.50 AGE 60+ | $89 REG
P02 W 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Jordan Oakes
March 24-April 14 | Online
Exploring the Creative Process
Writing Your Micro Memoir
In this introductory writing class, you’ll focus on the art of flash and micro memoir.
You’ll 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 | $56 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
P02 W 7-9 p.m. | Gabe Montesanti
Jan. 20-Feb. 24 | Online
Creative Writing-Going Beyond the Written Words
If you enjoy writing as a form of art and personal expression, this course is designed
for you! Explore a variety of literary elements that can help shape a story, making
it both impactful and relevant to the reader. You will be encouraged, inspired and
challenged. Participation in workshops and group sessions will help you to develop
an original written piece.
WRIT-701 | 8 sessions | $56 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
P01 M/F 6:30-8 p.m. | Alicia Sorenson
Feb. 1-Feb. 26 | Online
P03 M/F 6:30-8 p.m. | Alicia Sorenson
March 29-April 23 | Online
Journaling for Writers
Journals can contain to-do lists, diary entries and much more. But, for writers, journals
often include a section devoted to ideas and inspiration. A writer’s bullet journal
might also contain ideas to transform plans into concrete projects. Whatever your
goals are as a writer, this course will show you how a bullet journal can kick start
your creativity, your career or both. All you need to get started is any blank notebook,
your favorite writing implements and an open mind.
WRIT-710 | 1 session | $37 AGE 60+ | $55 REG
P01 Sa 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charlene Oldham
Feb. 20 | Online
Fun With Flash Fiction
In this introductory class, you’ll read, write and investigate the short, short story.
(For our purposes, flash will be defined as a story of less than 1,500 words.) Learn
flash techniques including foreground and background, plot lines, believable characters,
symbolism and negative space. Be prepared to read, write and have fun!
WRIT-724 | 6 sessions | $56 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
P02 W 6-9 p.m. | Gabe Montesanti
Feb. 24-April 7 | Online
NOTE: No class March 17.
Personal Essays For Publication
Do you want to learn to express opinions through the prism of your own personal experiences?
Effective personal essays can do just that while evoking happiness, sorrow and everything
in between for the writer and audience alike. In this class, learn more about this
form of creative nonfiction and gain an understanding of how to get personal essays
published in magazines or online. Please come prepared with some of your own ideas
as well as examples of personal essays from your favorite print or internet publications.
WRIT-714 | 1 session | $37 AGE 60+ | $55 REG
P01 Sa 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charlene Oldham
Feb. 27 | Online
Write Your Memoir
Creativity isn’t always required when it comes to good storytelling. When we write
about our own lives and experiences, the story within us comes complete with compelling
characters we already know and a great plot that’s already been lived. A memoir isn’t
necessarily the same as an autobiography. It can focus on your childhood, adult years
or simply one particular life-changing day. Every life is fascinating. Every story
deserves to be told. This class will guide you in writing your own unique and special
memoir.
WRIT-714 | 6 sessions | $54.50 AGE 60+ | $99 REG
P03 Tu 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Jordan Oakes
March 23-April 27 | Online
Writer’s Review: Harry Potter-Beyond the Magic Part I
In this course, you will have an opportunity to take a beloved story and explore the
rich, complex themes of race, power, identity, social classes, political systems and
more! We will practice and apply literary analysis skills in a way that will make
the reading and learning seem both enriching and effortless. We will cover one book
per week (books 1-4 of the series). This course is part one of a two part series.
Book list sent.
WRIT-765 | 8 sessions | $56 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
P01 Sa/Su 6:30-8 p.m. | Alicia Sorenson
Jan. 23-Feb. 20 | Online
NOTE: No class Feb. 14.
Writer’s Review: Harry Potter-Beyond the Magic Part II
In this course, you will continue your journey into the world of Harry Potter where
you will continue to explore, more in depth the rich and complex themes of race, power,
identity, social classes, political systems, and more! We will continue to practice
and apply literary analysis skills as you delve deeper in to the magic of witchcraft
and wizardry. This is the second part to the series and will cover books 5-8 of the
series. Book list sent.
WRIT-765 | 7 sessions | $56 AGE 60+ | $79 REG
P02 Sa/Su 6:30-8 p.m. | Alicia Sorenson
March 27-April 18 | Online
NOTE: No class April 4.
Publishing
WordPress® for Writers: Easy Website Design Online 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? WordPress
draws more than 409 million people who view 15.5 billion pages each month. It is one
of the world’s most popular web design tools that is free and easy to use while still
producing professional results. In fact, WordPress sites are so professional that
you can 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.
WRIT-704 | 1 session | $37 AGE 60+ | $55 REG
P04 Sa 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charlene Oldham
Jan. 30 | Online
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 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. Presented by the St. Louis Publishers Association.
WRIT-704 | 1 session | $45 AGE 60+ | $45 REG
P05 Sa 8 a.m.-noon | St. Louis Publishers Assoc.
April 3 | Online
Writing Career
Freelancing for Fun and Profit
Do you want to get paid for exploring your passion or sharing what you know with others
through carefully crafted non-fiction news and feature articles? This course teaches
you 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,
you will 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
P01 Sa 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charlene Oldham
Feb. 6 | Online
Find 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 are simply interested in exploring options
for earning extra income while working from home, this course will help you identify
multiple online job boards to find enjoyable, paid writing work.
WRIT-722 | 1 session | $37 AGE 60+ | $55 REG
P02 Sa 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Charlene Oldham
Feb. 13 | Online
WordPress is a registered trademark of the WordPress Foundation. Microsoft® Hotmail, Windows and Skype are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Yahoo!® is a trademark or registered trademark of Verizon Media. STLCC’s Continuing Education courses are independent seminars and are not affiliated with, or authorized, sponsored or approved by WordPress Foundation, Microsoft Corporation or Verizon Media. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.
Upwork is a trademark of Upwork, Inc. ProBlogger is a registered trademark of the ProBlogger. Microsoft® and Skype are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. STLCC’s Continuing Education courses are independent seminars and are not affiliated with, or authorized, sponsored or approved by ProBlogger or Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.
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