Spring 2024 Instruction
Monthly Nuts & Bolts Classes
The Nuts & Bolts of Poetry Writing
Saturdays 9:00–11:00 am (Pacific) /
12:00–2:00 pm (Eastern)
With Stacy Gnall, PhD
Author of Dogged
In this course, writers work intensively on creating compelling poetry through study, critique, and experimentation. We read and discuss age-appropriate poems by published authors in order to deepen our understanding of what makes a poem meaningful and impactful. We complete daily generative exercises geared toward specific craft topics such as diction and syntax, metaphor, tone, and the poetic line. Each student will have at least two poem workshops, in which they receive creative and constructive critique on their own writing. The objective of this poetry workshop is to learn the fundamentals of poetry at the same time that we experiment, play, and—best of all—challenge what can be done with language.
The Nuts & Bolts of Storytelling
Saturdays 9:00–11:00 am (Pacific) /
12:00–2:00 pm (Eastern)
With Sarah McColl, MFA
Author of Joy Enough
In this course, writers work intensively to create compelling prose through study, critique, and experimentation. We read and discuss age-appropriate stories by published authors and complete daily generative writing exercises geared toward specific craft topics such as point of view, tone, character, and temporality. Each student will have at least one story workshop, in which they receive creative and constructive feedback on their own writing from their peers and instructor. The objective of this story workshop is to generate enthusiasm for narrative possibilities in revision. Through the exchange of work and ideas, as well as shared creative risk-taking, our learning environment becomes a supportive community of writers.
Weekly Write Together Classes
May Session with Stacy Gnall, PhD
Thursdays 4:00–5:00 pm (Pacific) /
7:00–8:00 pm (Eastern)
In each weekly Write-Together class, instructors introduce students to a new style and/or technique of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, or lyric writing. Then, utilizing what they’ve learned, students engage in a fun and unique creative writing exercise. Students are invited to share their work and to offer feedback on the work of their peers.
Creative Writing Mentorships
In Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Multi-genre Creative Writing
or Expository Writing
Mentorships consist of private one-on-one sessions, in which a student is paired with a published, award-winning writer (creative writing) or a college professor (expository writing + creative writing). Sessions are highly individualized and focused, with instructors choosing readings, writing exercises, and revision strategies that best suit the student’s needs. Mentorships are a great option for students who are seriously invested in growing as a writer or who are working toward a specific goal with their writing.
Please email we.are.wordstruck@gmail.com to schedule.
How-To Mentorships
How-To: Write a College Application Essay
Wordstruck instructors are highly experienced in helping students craft personal essays. Work one-on-one with a college professor and professional writer to make your college application stand out from the rest.
How-To: Craft a Creative Writing Portfolio
Wordstruck instructors are highly experienced in helping students build creative writing portfolios for application to arts high schools and colleges. Work one-on-one with a college professor and professional writer to make your portfolio stand out from the rest.
Please email we.are.wordstruck@gmail.com to schedule.
How-To: Improve in your English Classes
Need help in your English classes? Wordstruck instructors are highly experienced in working with middle school, high school, and college-aged students on essay writing, reading strategies, and the fundamentals of grammar and usage. All of our instructors are college professors who have taught a wide range of university English courses.