Writing   

Got an idea for a movie but not sure how to turn it into a script? This class walks you through the process of writing a feature film, from shaping your idea to building a strong structure and revising your draft.

You’ll learn how screenplays work and how to tell a story that connects with an audience. Each class includes short writing exercises, examples from films, and discussion. You’ll look at different ways to structure a story and develop your own approach.

Come ready to write, share, and start building your script.

Supplies are required for this course.

This course is offered in partnership with North Seattle College Continuing Education.

This workshop has two parts and a celebration. 

In the first half, participants will enjoy reading three ancient tales on the theme of “Search and Find” (titles below). We will analyze core tenets of story-telling, choose one of the tales as Our Plot, rewrite it, and then illustrate it collectively to produce a 35-page picture book.

In the second half, we will each write and illustrate our own story. (Illustrations may involve drawing, making collages, or altering an existing book).

In the last class, we will share our work and celebrate our achievements!

Learning outcomes include: improved fluency in reading aloud, ability to identify narrative structures and genres, courage and persistence to craft an original illustrated book, improved writing and editing skills in English. The instructor plans to join in and write her own book too. A good time will be had by all!

This course is designed for adults (18+) who seek greater confidence in writing and narration, and who are curious to see what stories they have inside!

Tales we’ll read include: "Bluebeard" by Charles Perrault (1697); "A Little Matter of Marriage" by Patrick Chamoiseau (1988); and "The Buried Moon" by Sharon Blackie (2016).

This is a new, adult version of a workshop offered to children since 2012. For info on how it works, see: https://jdouthwa.wixsite.com/writeyourstory1

Lautréamont believed poetry belongs to everyone. The Surrealists saw it as a kind of magic. For many writers across time, poetry has been a way to speak freely and make sense of lived experience. In this class, you’ll write from prompts and read poems from a range of eras and voices. You’ll share your work with others in a space that values curiosity, respect, and thoughtful feedback. The focus isn’t on perfection or theory. It’s on showing up honestly, working through ideas on the page, and letting language do its work.

This class is offered in partnership with North Seattle College Continuing Education.