Friday Workshops
Friday Workshops presented by MSCWC offer attendees an opportunity for in-depth instruction by our highly qualified faculty. These workshops are three hours in length, from 1:00 to 4:00 Central Standard time. Registration for a Friday workshop costs $55. See the Registration page for more details.
“He Said/She Said” (Dialogue in Fiction)
with Gregg Bridgeman
Learn to write dialogue that sounds like real people talking—especially men and women. The core of the class is a set of working distinctions between typical male and female speech in story: active verbs and ownership (“I did this”) versus passive “to be” constructions and consensus-seeking.
Give your characters language that fits how they process the world, so they become individuals and scenes feel lived-in rather than interchangeable to the reader.
Participants learn to create tight, character-true speech, and develop practical techniques to make each character sound unique.
“Writing Devotions and Devotional Books”
with Dianne Neal Matthews
If you’re interested in writing standalone devotions or devotional books, this class is for you. Dianne Neal Matthews will take participants through an in-depth look at the construction of different types of devotions and discuss finding ideas and illustrations, concise writing, using humor and fiction techniques, incorporating Scripture and spiritual truths to give their words power. They also learn practical applications for maximum impact and planning a book project. She’ll also share input and tips on devotional writing from authors and editors and discuss possible markets for students’ work. Come prepared to brainstorm and complete hands-on exercises. Students are encouraged to bring a devotion-in-progress to polish. Students are also invited to submit a devotional ahead of time for anonymous critiques in class.
“Freelance and Magazine Writing”
with Harriet Michael
Come ready to write! In this three-hour workshop, award-winning author and freelance writer Harriet E. Michael, author of over seventy-five magazine articles, will help participants better understand the why. what, where, and how of magazine writing. During part of the workshop, participants will be encouraged to write a short article and then receive guidance on how and where to submit it. Participants should bring their laptops, iPad, or just paper and pen with them to practice writing an article in class.
“The ABC’s of Writing and Marketing Your First Children’s Book”
with Becky Thomas
Join former elementary school teacher Becky Thomas on a journey from concept to creation of writing and marketing your children’s book. Becky is the creator of the Roscoe the Rooster series. She will share her experience as a self-published author with five published children’s books that have sold thousands to young readers. Learn the steps to launch your ideas out of your mind and into the marketplace.