Debra R. Sanchez

Workshop Descriptions

 

 

Writing Groups

Writers Alone, Writers Together

 

Writers generally do work their craft alone. That does not mean that writers should be alone. Finding support with a good writing group can make the difference between solitary uncertainty and celebrated successes.

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There are many kinds of writing groups. This workshop will cover the following topics:

 

• What are the different types of writing groups?

• What do writing groups do?

• How to find the right kind for your needs.

• How to create your own if you can’t find one.

  

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Writing Prompts

 

Writing Prompts Can Help All Writers

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Whether you are just beginning or are a seasoned author, it can be beneficial to use prompts to jumpstart an idea or build on existing skills.

 

This workshop will answer your questions about prompts:

Who needs them?
What are they?
When they are most beneficial?
Where can writers find them?
Why they are necessary?
How can writers use them?

Workshop includes in-class prompts exercises to build writing skills.

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Stage Playwriting

From Page to Stage

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Writing for the STAGE is not the same as writing for the PAGE. It is also not the same as writing for the SCREEN.

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This workshop will focus on basic principles of writing for live stage performance.

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• Elements of a play

  • Character development

  • Dialogue & Monologue

  • Setting

  • Stage Action/Directions

• Formatting

• Markets

 

Workshop includes hands on exercises, if time permits.

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Editing Basics

 

Tips, Traps, and Tricks

 

Writing is just the first step. Before you can send your work to be considered for publishing, you need to be sure it is ready to go. How? Editing. Don’t count on “spell-check” to find everything for you.

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This workshop focuses on some of the common errors that writers commit.

How to find them. How to fix them.

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• Easily Confused Words

• Finding Typos

• Grammar

• Punctuation

• Spelling

 

Workshop includes worksheets, guidelines, and hand-on editing exercises.

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Formatting Manuscripts

 

Looks Matter

 

Your manuscript is written and ready to go. Are you sure?

 

They say “you can’t judge a book by its cover” but the truth is that they will judge it by the look of the words. Whether you plan to self publish or take the traditional route and send your work to an agent or publisher, you need to be sure that your work is properly formatted. It may be amazing and perfectly edited, but the reader/editor/publisher will not read it if it is not properly formatted.

 

This workshop will help you learn how to:

• Define basic formatting elements

• Format for self-publication

fonts/ front and back material/justification/line spacing/margins/

• Know what the publisher/agent wants

• Set up the page in Word

• Understand the importance of justification

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Memoir Writing

 

Write Your Life

(weekly class)

 

Everyone has a life story worthy of writing. Join us to get yours started. This memoir class will give you the basic tools you need to begin to write the story of your life.

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• Who should take this class? This class is for anyone who is alive. It is geared toward adults, but suitable for younger writers, too.

• What level of writing is required? The only thing you need is the desire to get your stories in writing. You will be guided through exercises and assignments that will teach the beginner and enhance the experienced.

• What to expect? Classes will be a combination of lecture, in class exercises, assignments, and critique sessions where you will learn the importance of editing.

 

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Write Your Life

(workshop)

 

This workshop covers the following topics which will help you to write the story of your life.

 

What is memoir?

How do I start?

Differences in memories

Writing basics – grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting

 

Workshop includes in-class worksheets, activities, and exercises.

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Spanish Basics

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¿Cómo Se Dice? How Do You Say?

(series of classes)

 

This class will start with the basics and build vocabulary and skills as students progress.

 

Beginning with:
Introductions, Pronunciation, Numbers, Colors, and Days/Months/Seasons

Continuing to:
Articles – Gender and Number

Basic Sentences

Nouns

Verbs

Vocabulary

 

Developing Skills:

Conversations

How to Ask Questions

How to Say What You Want to Say

 

Helpful websites and other sources will be shared for additional DIY learning.

 

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¿Cómo Se Dice? How Do You Say?

(workshop)

 

This basic workshop will help beginners learn how to say some vital words and phrases in Spanish. Topics include:

Introductions

Pronunciation

Numbers

Colors

Days/Months/Seasons

How to Ask…

 

Helpful websites and other sources will be shared for DIY learning.

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