November Writing Workshops at the Storyteller's Cottage

SIMSBURY, CT – There’s always something inspirational for writers to do in Simsbury, CT. The Storyteller’s Cottage has released their schedule of November creative writing classes taught by talented local authors.

Songwriting Workshop for Adults & Teens: Professional songwriter HannaH Ardenski will guide you in turning your ideas, thoughts or poetry into a fully written song. Learn how to tap into the stories that surround you and transform them into lyrics and music. No musical experience necessary. Instruments and singing voices are very welcome. Saturday November 3rd- November 24th from 11:00 am-12:30 pm. Cost: $125 for four classes

Art Journal Guild: Join resident artist, Heather Murray, to make charming, Pinterest-worthy works of art and write short pieces based on fun writing prompts. Bring a blank journal; they'll provide the craft supplies. Meets every other Tuesday evening. The theme for November is “Journaling for Memory Keeping”. November 6th’s prompt is “10 places you would like to visit” and November 20th’s prompt is “what would you be doing if money was no object?”. November 6th & November 20th from 7:00-8:30 pm. Cost: $15 per session

Into the Land of Dreams: Did you know dreams come to guide you? Did you know the dreams of your heart guide you, too? Dreams are not just about our nighttime journeys but more encompassing than you can ever imagine. And, dreams are our birthright. But how do we understand our dreams and the dreaming time? This workshop will give you tools to begin your journey and excite your imagination. Dream sharing is a part of every class and you will learn an easy but profound technique to capture the meaning and essence of your dreaming and create practical action. Materials are provided. Tuesday November 6th-November 20th from 6:00-7:30 pm. Cost: $120 for 4 weeks (with Judith Dreyer)

NaNoWriMo Writing Games: Want to write a novel? Come to the Storyteller's Cottage on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons in November, along with fellow writers, to work on your novel (in conjunction with the Simsbury Library). Most of the time will be spent free writing along with some writing prompts and games for those who need some inspiration to get their ideas flowing. Wednesdays November 7th, 14th, 28th from 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturdays November 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th from 2:00-4:00 pm. Cost: Free

Nature Poetry Workshop: Join poet and essayist David K. Leff for a nature poetry writing workshop. There will be lively readings, discussion, a walk outdoors with acute observing, and a writing assignment with feedback. Participants can expect an emphasis on sharpening all the senses to better perceive the world around them and more readily translate that experience into words. Come dressed to go outdoors for a period of time regardless of the weather. Feel free to bring lunch or a snack to munch on during the session. Beginners and well published authors are equally welcome for a supportive learning experience. Saturday November 10th from 12:00-5:00 pm. Cost: $100

The Art of Combat: In this class you will learn to develop your fantasy plot and more bellicose characters, as well as how a fight can be written to be believable. With JP Behrens. Saturday November 10th from 2:00-4:00 pm. Cost: $40

Writing with Intent-Healing Resentment: This class/workshop will explore resentment through personal writing. Short writing exercises will help you to identify resentments, explore your role in these resentments and ultimately, address them head-on through writing. Through writing, you will share words, thoughts and emotions that may otherwise be left unsaid. You will release the hurt and the anger and slowly begin the process of letting go. With Suzanne Hayes. Tuesday November 13th from 7:00-9:00 pm. Cost: $40

I Have a First Draft; Now What?: In today’s competitive market, a first draft is nowhere near good enough to show to an agent or editor. Award-winning author Steve Liskow offers a practical approach on how to polish your work. He starts with the major issues (character, plot, structure, and pacing), then tackles smaller but crucial problems including dialogue, transitions, and tense. He offers hints on proof-reading and copy-editing, and the all-important beta reader to help you make your writing as strong as it can be. With Steve Liskow. Saturday November 17th from 2:00-3:30 pm. Cost: $30

Learn to Write a Picture Book: Have you ever wanted to write a picture book? Join Author Heidi E.Y. Stemple for this entry level class that will take you step by step from an idea to a manuscript. Authors and author/illustrators are welcome. Are you a published author already? This will work as a refresher course in how to elevate a picture book manuscript that isn’t working. With Heidi Stemple. Tuesday November 27th-December 18th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Cost: $200 for 4 weeks

Writing with Intent- Think Less, Write More: Join Suzanne Hayes for a healing workshop where you will learn to express your emotions through writing. Writing is a form of expression and a great method of communication; it is also a lot of fun and can be a great escape for the overactive mind! In this class, we will de-stress and de-compress with fun writing activities that will challenge your mind and make you laugh out loud. The class will explore both individual and collaborative writing activities that will spark your creativity and have you thinking less, but writing more. Music, pictures, and writing challenges and games will be used in this fun class for writers of all levels. The goal is to have fun with words, thoughts, and storytelling and explore writing as a hobby. With Suzanne Hayes. Tuesday November 27th from 7:00-9:00 pm. Cost: $40

“Small Business Tools” Writing Retreat: Are you a small business person looking to upgrade your image and move your marketing into the 21st century? Spend one Saturday at the Storyteller's Cottage and learn from three talented local authors how to improve your business writing, set up a blog for your business, and how to build a brand. It's one-stop shopping! Meet lots of other local small business people as well. Classes and instructors include How To Be a Great Business Communicator with Tracy McKee, Building Your Brand with Pamela Goulardt, Setting Up Your Blog with Beverly Army Williams. Saturday December 1st from 10:00 am-4:30 pm. Cost: $225

The Storyteller’s Cottage is located at 750 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, and features all manner of literary events and adventures, from author nights, to book-themed social hours, to challenging mystery room games. Parking for The Storyteller’s Cottage is free, and is available on the street in front of the building, and in the Fiddler’s Green parking lot on Wilcox Street (behind the house). For more information, please call 860-877-6099 or visit www.StorytellersCottage.com.