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Welcome toCentralia College Continuing Education! > Writing

Writing   

 Refunds & Withdrawals 
In-Person Classes - Withdrawal/refund requests must be made by phone or email prior to the start of the class to receive a 100 percent refund. No refunds will be made after that time. Unexplained absences from class without prior communication to the instructor will result in immediate withdrawal and the student will not be refunded.
Online/Zoom Classes - Withdrawal/refund requests must be made by phone or email 24 hours or more from the start of the class to receive a 100 percent refund. For the security of the virtual classroom, refunds for online classes will not be authorized after the Zoom link has been sent.
All Classes - Full refunds will be made if Centralia College cancels the class.

 Important - Zoom Links 
The CE office will email Zoom links 24 hours before the class starts. Please check your spam folder before requesting a new link. If you have not received the Zoom link and the online class is fewer than 24 hours away, contact the CE office immediately at 360-623-8940. If you do not contact the CE office about the missing Zoom link before the class starts, a refund will not be provided.

 
  • 10 Practical Tips to Writing Powerful Dialogue
  • Writing believable, relatable dialogue is an art-form, but fortunately there are some tried-and-tested methods and techniques you can use right now to improve the dialogue in your novel or script. In this fast paced session, you'll learn how to turn ordinary words into compelling dialogue, use clean dialogue tags, differentiate character voices, use dialogue instead of narrative/voiceover, avoid dialogue 'dumps,' and be real, but not boring.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/7/2025 - 3/7/2025
    Class 40952
    Room Virtual
    Time 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Fee $20.00
    Days F
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Creative Writing 101: A Beginner's Guide
  • You don't need a degree in creative writing to be an exceptional writer and get paid for it! Anyone with a passion for writing can learn and develop their fiction and non-fiction writing skills. Whether you're writing from your own life experience, creating new worlds, or informing readers about important information, this class will teach you about the different forms of creative writing, the top 10 creative writing tips for beginners, as well as how to brainstorm for new creative writing ideas, bring your words to life with engaging descriptions, develop your own writing style, and how to get paid for your creative writing.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/6/2025 - 3/6/2025
    Class 40946
    Room Virtual
    Time 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days Th
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Introduction to Journaling: A Beginner's Guide
  • Journaling is simply recording your thoughts, feelings, and insights in a written, drawn, or typed format. It can be done on paper or on a computer, and it's a low-cost way to improve your mental health. Journaling can help you reduce stress, improve your self-awareness, as well as prioritize problems, fears, and concerns, and provide an opportunity for positive self-talk. Youll learn how to start journaling (even when you don't know what to write), the 10 most popular types of journaling, how to kick-start self-reflection and self-discovery, and track your progress and personal growth.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/7/2025 - 3/7/2025
    Class 40956
    Room Virtual
    Time 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days F
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 23/24
 

  • Make Money as a Freelance Writer
  • If you've got a way with words and love to write, freelance writing has emerged as a significant force in the gig economy, offering flexibility, independence and a way to make money online and offline, for supplemental income or a full-time career. You'll learn the top 10 areas of freelance writing, as well as how to create writing samples and pitches/queries, develop your freelance writing 'brand,' and find reliable job boards and avoid content mills. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee, and include links to more than 1,000 ways to get paid as a freelance writer.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/7/2025 - 3/7/2025
    Class 40957
    Room Virtual
    Time 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days F
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Writing Short Stories: A Beginner's Guide
  • Writing short stories (1,000-30,000 words) helps you discover your writing voice and how to convey your ideas. You'll learn how to bring your story to life with an engaging plot, as well as character development, action, and dialogue. You'll also learn the technical parts of crafting a short story, including structure, important character moments, and progression in the story. You'll also know what to do with your short story once completed, including editing, proofing, and publishing options.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/6/2025 - 3/6/2025
    Class 40949
    Room Virtual
    Time 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days Th
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 23/24
 

  • Be a Better Writer: 10 Easy Tips to Improve your Writing NOW
  • We write everyday: emails, social media posts, work projects, and even non-fiction or creative writing. Improving is just a matter of knowing some simple tricks to make your writing more impactful and readable, and may help get you a promotion at work or avoid rejection from a publisher. In this hands-on session, there will be writing/editing examples and exercises so you can see in real time how to make sentences flow properly while still maintaining reader interest, and you will leave with a workbook full of writing tips and tricks, which is included in the class fee.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/1/2025 - 3/1/2025
    Class 40983
    Room Virtual
    Time 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Fee $45.00
    Days Sa
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 22/24
 

  • Beginner’s Guide to Starting a FREE Blog
  • Online blogging is a great way to get the word out about you, your service, your product, or information you want to share! You will learn step-by-step how to: start a FREE blog with WordPress, choose a blog template, emphasize your blog content with a creative name, use your unique voice to share your expertise, and connect your domain/website. You will also learn how to earn an income with your blog, including links to other websites and advertising on your blog, as well as increase your internet ranking.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/8/2025 - 3/8/2025
    Class 40986
    Room Virtual
    Time 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days Sa
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Beginner's Guide to Getting Published
  • If your goal is to become a published freelance writer by selling a magazine article, short story, poem, or even a novel to a traditional publisher, this comprehensive workshop will guide you to, then past the editor's desk. You will discover how to: become a 'published' writer overnight, submit manuscripts the correct way, find the right publisher for your work, write irresistible query letters, determine when and how to get an agent, and 100 ways to make money as a freelance writer. If you really want to succeed, this step-by-step workshop is a must!
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 2/26/2025 - 2/26/2025
    Class 40987
    Room Virtual
    Time 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days W
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Comedy Writing: How to Be Funny on Paper and Stage
  • Whether you need to make a dull work presentation more lively, mix laughter with learning in the classroom, or ultimately want to write for print/production or perform your own stand-up routine, this fast-paced session will show you how to apply humor to all aspects of your life. You will learn the anatomy of a joke, how to use your powers of observation to sharpen your wit, how to write different types of jokes, and how to use humor to entertain and influence people.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/8/2025 - 3/8/2025
    Class 40990
    Room Virtual
    Time 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days Sa
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Explore 50 Different Self Publishing Options
  • Self Publishing is all the rage, but is it the best option for YOU? (participants must also attend 'Beginner's Guide to Getting Published') And, can you do both? You will discover the pros and cons of all the self publishing options, including print-on-demand and e-book publishing, as well as Amazon options, and see how they compare to traditional publishing.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 2/26/2025 - 2/26/2025
    Class 40993
    Room Virtual
    Time 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    Fee $20.00
    Days W
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Explore the World as A Travel Writer
  • If you love to travel and love to write, this is for you! We will discuss how to use all your senses in a new destination to create more detailed and in-depth descriptions that capture and maintain readers' interest, and whether or not you need to include photos with your work. You will also learn how to find and submit your finished product to print and online markets, the business side of travel writing (how to take travel tax deductions), and how to avoid worn-out travel writing cliches.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 2/28/2025 - 2/28/2025
    Class 40995
    Room Virtual
    Time 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days F
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • How to Write Your Life Story
  • You don't need to be famous to have a legacy to leave behind. Create an inspirational autobiography for family, friends, and others. Learn how to recall vivid memories, analyze events and people that shaped who you are, and bring your story to life. Your handout, included in the class fee, will have an outline to help you organize and write your memoir step-by-step. Printing/publishing options will also discussed.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/1/2025 - 3/1/2025
    Class 40996
    Room Virtual
    Time 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    Fee $45.00
    Days Sa
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 23/24
 

  • Beginner's Guide to Using FREE ChatGPT (AI) for Writers
  • ChatGPT (AI) is here to stay and is the future for writers and content creators. Don't be left behind! No prior AI experience required. Do you want to learn how to incorporate the power of cutting-edge technology to gain ideas and inspiration, write web content, articles, and even novels or scripts? In this beginner-friendly course, you'll learn how to: register for a FREE ChatGPT account, input effective writing prompts to avoid nonsense responses, build creative content, from stories to marketing copy, determine its capabilities and limitations, and understand ethical/legal considerations using ChatGPT. There's no doubt ChatGPT and similar AI systems will force the job market to evolve. It's crucial for everyone to adapt, learn new skills, and be open to working in collaboration with AI, so start building your expertise in the world of ChatGPT now!
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 2/27/2025 - 2/27/2025
    Class 40999
    Room Virtual
    Time 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days Th
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Introduction to Screenwriting for Television or Movies
  • In this comprehensive session, you will learn about special screenwriting terms and formats for television and the big screen. You will also learn how to plot a story, develop characters, and execute your work in the proper screenwriting format. You will discover the difference between a Treatment, a Spec Script and a Shooting Script and when to do each. And, you'll get an inside look into the business of selling your script to agents and producers.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/1/2025 - 3/1/2025
    Class 41001
    Room Virtual
    Time 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days Sa
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 23/24
 

  • Using Amazon’s Kindle Direct to Self-Publish your Book for FREE
  • Whether you’re looking to publish a paperback novel or short eBook now or in the future, this detailed tutorial will teach you step-by-step how to create an Amazon KDP account, format your manuscript and upload it to the platform, easily create a book cover from available templates, determine pricing and royalties, develop a sales pitch for your Amazon page, and write an Amazon author bio.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/4/2025 - 3/4/2025
    Class 41004
    Room Virtual
    Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Fee $20.00
    Days Tu
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 23/24
 

  • Meet the Publisher/Agent — Get Your Manuscript Critiqued
  • Have you ever wanted to talk to a real agent or publisher? Are you tired of having your manuscripts critiqued by non-professionals or paying an editor too much money to change your writing to their voice? Email one page of your in-progress manuscript for an in-class critique of one page of your poetry, article, short story, screenplay, novel, non-fiction book, or children's book. (Optional: You can then send your manuscript for a professional critique for a fee of $50 for up to 25 double-spaced pages + $1/page thereafter, and a list of publishers/agents who are interested in your type of work.)
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/8/2025 - 3/8/2025
    Class 41006
    Room Virtual
    Time 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Fee $30.00
    Days Sa
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • How to Outline and Write an Irresistible Romance
  • Romance is the #1 selling fiction genre. Whether you're a new or experienced writer, this comprehensive session will help you sharpen your skills with practical step-by-step advice. You will discover the different romance sub-genres and understand the proven romance formula. You will also learn to create a unique setting, introduce your protagonist (lead character), percolate friction, and write relatable dialogue as well as intimate scenes. Publishing options will also be discussed.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 2/25/2025 - 2/25/2025
    Class 41068
    Room Virtual
    Time 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days Tu
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Write First Novel in 90 Days
  • This intensive course provides a schedule of crafting a novel from start to finish, which you can finish in as little as 90 days! This class will also help you stay motivated throughout the journey. You will learn how to: select your novel genre and develop a compelling premise, create multidimensional characters and immersive settings, craft a detailed plot outline, manage your time to keep your writing flow consistent, combat common roadblocks, including writer's block. Master the art of self-editing: refining your plot, and fixing pacing, dialogue, and characterization problems. Receive constructive criticism from beta readers and explore publishing options. By the end of this class, you will know how to complete your novel and have the knowledge and confidence to move forward with the publishing process.
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 3/5/2025 - 3/5/2025
    Class 41069
    Room Virtual
    Time 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    Fee $45.00
    Days W
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Write a Riveting Mystery, Suspense, or Crime Story
  • Become a mystery writer for fun or profit! You will discover the different sub-genres and three-act story structure of mystery writing and create an intriguing cast of characters. Learn how to research and pick your setting, make sure your opening grabs readers' attention, use 'red herrings' to misdirect your readers and create suspense until you're ready for the final reveal. Publishing options will also be discussed.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 2/25/2025 - 2/25/2025
    Class 41070
    Room Virtual
    Time 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days Tu
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Writing for Online Blogs, Magazines & Websites
  • You don't need a journalism degree or previously published articles to write for anyone's online blog, magazine, or website. Some opportunities offer exposure, while many pay well -- $1 a word and more. In this fast-paced session, you will learn how to: find ideas, sources, and more than 1,000 opportunities that pay, conduct interviews and create interesting content, protect your copyright, write query letters, and then use this credibility to sell other articles or even your self published novel.
     THIS COURSE IS ONLINE 
  • Meeting link(s) will be sent 24-48 hrs before class. Refer to the refund policy above. 
  • Instructor LeeAnne Krusemark
    Dates 2/26/2025 - 2/26/2025
    Class 41071
    Room Virtual
    Time 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Fee $35.00
    Days W
    Sessions 1
    Seats Available 24/24
 

  • Federal Grant Writing Boot Camp
  • Build your skills to write and successfully secure federal grants for your nonprofit, city, county, or tribe. This in-depth course covers strategic proposal planning; researching federal grant opportunities; the federal grant budget; writing a compelling narrative; effective goals, objectives, and performance measures; resolution of challenges; the logic model for planning and implementation; project evaluation plans; and more. Participants will learn tips and techniques in technical writing of federal grants. Detailed course description emailed on request.
     ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSED. CLASS IS IN SESSION. 
     If space allows, you may register over the phone at (360) 623-8940. 
    Instructor Lyn Craig
    Dates 1/16/2025 - 3/6/2025
    Class 37854
    Room Virtual
    Time 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Fee $295.00
    Days Th
    Sessions 8
 

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