“Most people won’t realize that writing is a craft. You have to take your apprenticeship in it like anything else.”
—Katherine Ann Porter
Creative Writing Class
Napa Valley College, Upper Valley Campus
1088 College Ave., St. Helena 707-967-2900
Seasoned writers, and new, work on creative projects outside of class and join to read and critique for revision. The focus is on excellence as students prepare manuscripts for submission. We use prompts and selected readings that illustrate craft techniques, which are discussed in-depth through e-lectures, reserving class time for workshop. All genre welcome including poetry and non-fiction.
This on-group welcomes new participants in its inspiring and supportive atmosphere. Many participants have placed in competitions and published both locally and nationally. Other participants now write popular blogs, columns, and have formed peer revision groups. Everyone agrees that this is a fun workshop for serious writers.
Three Spring sessions: Room 4 Upper Valley Campus Each $105
section 1 #62737 six meetings 1/19 through 2/23section 2 #62739 five meetings 3/1 through 4/5
section 3 #62740 six meetings 4/19 through 5/24
~no class on March 29th for Spring Break~
Craft and Critique in Penngrove
Investigate prose craft through discussion, short readings, and weekly prompts, then read and critique your work with an eye to the weekly topic. The short readings and weekly prompts will be done outside of class, reserving class time for topical discussions and workshop. Topics include: shaping your story, finding your voice, setting and detail, deepening your characters, scene and dialog, when to show and when to tell, and moving beyond the facts to reach the heart of the story. In the workshop, develop a gentle, honest approach to the exchange of ideas and techniques. Learn how to use differing opinions of your work in the drafting process, make useful comments about others’ work and how to apply your observations to your own writing. Come be inspired.
New class to be announced. Check back!
Handouts, short lectures, prompts, readings, critique practice and lots of inspiration!
PenGrove Revision Workshops
On-going facilitated revision groups in Penngrove for serious writers of long fiction and memoir.
We revise novels and book length memoir while learning craft as it applies to our individual work and styles. Three participants read each session and the group responds with kind and constructive critique.
Genre/first books: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 9:30-12:30 pm (forming)
Mainstream/creative non-fiction: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in 9:30-12:30 pm
4 meeting commitment Cost $80 Limited to 6 participants
Read what Ana’s students have to say:
Mark—
“I’ve decided to put some of my writing from your class together and send it off to the Stegner Fellowship which takes submissions until Dec. 1. And I want to tell you that being in your class has opened me to trying new things and being much more directed and disciplined that I have been before.”
Betty—
“In case you have somehow overlooked it, you have been responsible for inspiring your students and you should pat yourself on the back (difficult maneuver) for bringing out the best in us and giving us the confidence to keep on pitching. You are what all teachers should aim for!”
Gene—
“Thanks Ana. I must say that in the 15 (?) years I have been taking classes at the college, you are the best teacher we’ve had.”
Kent—
“Just a short note to thank you for welcoming us to your home. I thought the session was informative and most enjoyable.”
Kit—
“You mentioned when you talked to Ana Manwaring’s class in Napa last year to say hello when we submitted work to you. I am pleased to be doing that. I wish to let you know how much I appreciate her teaching: professional and enthusiastic. As I am a teacher also, it has been instructive to me to observe her growing skills in the classroom. Plus she seems to love teaching!”
What a thought provoking response to the question, Kit! I’ll be pleased to post it next month! And thanks for re-establishing our connection via Ana. It’s always wonderful to see how a writer comes to Tiny Lights! I love Ana’s enthusiasm, too. She is one-of-a-kind! Susan