Community Education offers writing courses in classrooms and online! For more information or to sign up for classes, call 360-442-2840.
Guidelines for Writing your First Book
If you have a great story, but no clue how to obtain an ISBN number, bar code permits, or copyright certification, this fun and entertaining workshop will help you navigate through these and other challenges you will experience along the way. Edna Ostermiller will tell you about pitfalls to watch out for when securing an editor, publisher or illustrator, and the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing.
For class on Thursday, October 2, from 5:30 - 8:30p.m. in WOODLAND, sign up for item number 2050; $20.
Write your Life Story
What is your story worth? Before you answer that, ask yourself how much you would value stories from your parents, grandparents, extended family, and friends. This class sparks your memory and encourages you to note special times or life events for your own enjoyment or to pass on to others! Whether triumph or tragedy, poem or short story, Woodland or Longview, get the motivation you need to express your unique viewpoint. Unless otherwise indicated, classes are held at St Stephens church. $20
- For classes on Tuesdays, Sept. 9 - Oct. 28, from 1 - 3 p.m. with Judy Whipple, sign up for item number 1976.
- For classes on Wednesdays, Sept. 10- Oct. 29, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. with Lyle Patterson, sign up for item number 1977.
- For classes on Thursdays, Sept. 11 - Oct. 30, from 1 - 3 p.m. with Judy Whipple, sign up for item number 1978.
- For classes on Wednesdays, Sept. 24 - Nov. 12, from 1 - 3 p.m. at Living Branch Lutheran Church with Carmen Webb, sign up for item number 1979.
- NEW!!! For classes on Fridays, Sept 26 - Nov. 14, from 9- 11 a.m. at the Kalama Community Center (216 Elm) with Billie Bevers, sign up for item number 1981.
ONLINE OFFERINGS
Click on the course title to learn more about each class. To view course fees and start dates available, click "Enroll Now".
Beginning Writer's Workshop
Our emphasis in this course is on developing your skills through practice, so you’ll spend more time writing than reading. You'll master important concepts by completing enjoyable writing exercises and assignments, and you'll discover a variety of strategies and techniques the pros use to develop characters, create a compelling point of view, build interest through dialogue, and add meaning to your stories.
Romance Writing Secrets
Romance writing is the hottest fiction genre going. From Nora Roberts to Jayne Ann Krentz to Linda Howard, readers gobble up romance novels to the tune of $1.2 billion a year. This course starts with the fundamentals of organizing your book, beginning with the overarching theme, and moves on to the basic elements of good storytelling—character development, structuring your plot, internal and external conflict, and point of view. The class then proceeds to the specifics of romance—the importance of writing emotions, love scenes, witty banter, and romantic imagery. The course concludes with hints and tips on getting published within the romance market.
Publish it Yourself: How to Start & Operate your own Publishing Business
Many associations, schools, churches, and other non-profit organizations are publishing books to develop new sources of revenue and to enhance their repuations in the community. Corporations and professionals are publishing proprietary works to maintain existing business, acquire new clients, or add to their prestige. And many individuals are publishing their own books or other undiscovered works to supplement their income.
Fundamentals of Technical Writing
Do you have a knack for explaining complex subjects in a way that makes them easy to understand? If so, you should consider entering the well-paying field of technical writing. This course will teach you the skills you need to succeed as a technical writer. You will learn how to translate complex information into easily understood language, and how to become a wizard at marrying the art of publishing with the science of technology. You'll learn the secrets of successful technical writers, including technical writing conventions, interviewing skills, desktop publishing and formatting techniques, key tips for developing graphics and templates, documentation management, and how to publish documents both on paper and electronically.
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