Writers Institute at Miami Dade College Offers Classes for the Writer in Everyone
~The workshops are taught by renowned writers and industry professionals, from May 4 – 7
South Florida’s celebrated Writers Institute, presented by the Florida Center for the Literary Arts (FCLA) at Miami Dade College (MDC), kicks-off on May 4 featuring four days of intensive workshops in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, plot and more!
In addition, the Writers Institute will host some activities that are open to the public, such as the Pitch-o-rama on May 7 and the daily Lunchtime Reads, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Free lunch will be served for those registered for at least one Institute workshop. Others can purchase lunch for $8.
The Pitch-o-rama on Saturday, May 7, at 2 p.m., provides a unique opportunity to pitch your book or idea to a panel of literary agents and other industry professionals. Participation is free. Those not registered for the workshops may sign up starting at 1 p.m.
Manuscript Consultations will be available as well. Get feedback from literary professionals Betsy Lerner, Ayesha Pande or Jill Marr, who will read participants’ work, and meet afterwards for one-on-one, 15-minute consultations. The cost is $80. Space is limited and registration is required. Visit www.floridacenterlitarts.com for full submission guidelines and deadlines.
Seating is very limited, so please register early! Some workshops are already sold out.
THE OPEN WORKSHOPS ARE:
Writing Poetry with Elizabeth Alexander
Meets daily: Wednesday, May 4 - Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. - Noon
Immerse yourself in creating and revising poems in all forms. Over the four-class meetings participants will bring in poems to workshop. In-class discussion of these and other poems will lead to assignments that will spur new work and aid in revision.
Writing the Unthinkable with Lynda Barry
Meets daily: Wednesday, May 4 - Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. – Noon
This workshop is designed for non-writers, anyone who has a curiosity about writing and those who have always wanted to write, but have no idea how to begin. All you need is about 100 sheets of notebook paper, a three-ring binder (no other kind will work for this class) and a couple of favorite pens.
Stories from Life with Greg Bottoms
Meets 3 days: Wednesday, May 4 – Friday, May 6, from 2 – 5 p.m.
Explore the use of memory, fact, autobiography, biography, encounter, incident, and speculation about the real and the possible as a way to begin writing pieces that can develop into full creative nonfiction or fiction stories. Participants will generate material in different ways, experimenting with point of view, narrative distance, etc. The work will be workshopped during class meetings.
Un taller sobre la novella (IN SPANISH ONLY) with Martin Solares
Meets daily: Wednesday, May 4, - Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. – noon
Some of the themes discussed will include what is learned through the novel, how to begin and how to end, the many resources developed by different authors to resolve issues related to time and space. Participants will share their own writing.
Fees for the workshops:
One three-day workshop: $225 (includes lunch)
One four-day workshop: $250 (includes lunch)
Any two workshops: $400 (includes lunch)
Publishing Q & A with Betsy Lerner: $40 each
Manuscript consultation: $80
The Whole Enchilada – any two workshops, Publishing Q & A, plus one manuscript consultation: $500
Manuscript consultation fees go toward supporting the programs and initiatives of the Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College. MDC employees and students enrolled in a degree seeking program receive a discount on all workshops.
Registration for the Writers Institute is ongoing. Some events are on a first-come basis and some classes require early submission of manuscripts. For more information on fees and deadlines, call 305-237-3940 or visit the center’s website at www.flcenterlitarts.com.
***