Summer Workshops at the DWC

Summer officially kicks off this weekend (although, who are we kidding it has felt like summer all week). Hoping to get some writing in this summer? Let the DWC help.

Here's the list of summer workshops planned . . . including flash fiction, poetry, memoir, script writing and a brand new online class:

• Summer of Poetry, with Elizabeth Twiddy, Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:00. This short course will be fun during your busy summer: we’ll read poems, workshop poems and do exercises in class to generate new work on the spot. Open to a range of experience levels. Four weeks, beginning July 13^th.

• The Magic of the Moment, with Georgia Popoff, Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30. This workshop is intended to initiate the process of writing a memoir. With the suggestion of several techniques to access memories, specific prompts, and a chance to receive initial feedback, participants will start a series of personal memoir essays that could lead to the greater story. Appropriate for both new and seasoned writers of all levels of craft. Four weeks beginning the week of July 21.

• StretchWrite, an online writing workshop with Rebecca Sernett. As summer beckons, so does the urge to flex those writer muscles in new and creative ways. This online class will provide weekly writing exercises for participants to explore the way they approach their craft as well as to strengthen and tone their skills. All genres welcomed. Six weeks, beginning July 14^th.

• Write That Script! Hear It Read! Introduction to Script Writing with David Feldman and The Armory Square Playhouse Writers and Performers. Wednesday, July 21, 6 - 9 p.m. Ever wanted to write a play (or screen or television) script? This one-evening intensive workshop will help you develop your skills with an exercise to create interesting characters and provocative dialogue. Everyone will write a brief script and then have it read and discussed by members of Armory Square Playhouse.

• A Midsummer Night's Workshop with Chris DelGuercio, thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 Students will share their flash and short fiction pieces (2,000 words or less) with a group of peers for their generous feedback and scrutiny designed to hasten the next draft in the revision process. Three weeks, beginning August 5^th.

And don't forget about the (almost) August Occasion, taking place at Harding Farm July 23-July 25.

For summer workshop pricing, please contact Philip Memmer at 315.474.6851 ext 328

For all other questions regarding workshops or the August Occasion, please email Workshops Coordinator, Jennifer Pashley: jen.pashley@gmail.com.

Happy Summer!

National Short Story Month

Do you ever wonder what happens to DWC faculty when they move on to other careers, in other cities?

Dan Wickett, executive director at Dzanc Books and blog guru at Emerging Writers Network* has declared May National Short Story Month.

Nope, it's not as recognized as national poetry month . . . but that won't stop us.

In light of this celebration, the DWC Blog brings you two stories by past DWC instructor, Christopher Boucher, up now at Conjunctions.

Enjoy!

*Check back at EWN often to check out their fantastic efforts in recognizing National Short Story month, including crazy cool features, like watching Matt Bell write a story in real time.

Friday's Three Items: Reminder, Recommendation, & Writing Prompt

Happy Friday! To those who are mothers, we salute you. To those who are graduating, congratulations. To the rest of you, we hope you had a prolific week with words! We are closing the week with the following:

Reminder: Our last visiting writer of the season, Lynn Levin, will appear this evening, May 7th, at 7 p.m. at the DWC, 340 Montgomery Street, downtown Syracuse. Lynn will share her poetry and take questions about the work so please join us for this season closer. For more information about Lynn's work, Fair Creatures of an Hour (Loonfeather Press, 2009) was recently reviewed on the Comstock Review web site: http://www.comstockreview.org/review/l.html.

Recommendation: If you are an HBO subscriber with digital cable, treat yourself to a series called Master Class, available on HBO On Demand. The episode that particularly speaks to our DWC community is that of the Edward Albee mentorship of four young writers. Fascinating discussion on the elements of writing, craft, and the writer's identity! Make a cup of tea and take a half hour for yourself to sit with this literary master.

Writing Prompt: Two weeks ago, DéLana R.A. Dameron read at the DWC with Jane Springer. We asked DéLana to share a favorite writing exercise with our community and this was her response:

Choose a jazz song without lyrics. Spend as many times as you need listening to it. In the solo part you most resonate with, write the lyrics. If you need, use the title of the song as a guide. Here are some of my favorite jazz songs to get you started.

Robert Glasper: Maiden Voyage/Everything in its right place
Esperanza Spalding: Junjo
Miles Davis: New York Girl

Have fun!

One last thought: watch your email inboxes for announcements regarding the schedule for the DWC PRO Student Readings as our first class of PRO students prepare to graduate. These readings are celebrations of a 2-year course of study by these accomplished writers. We invite you to attend and support these remarkable achievements! If you are not on the DWC mailing/email list, please call Phil Memmer at 315.474.6851, extension 328.

How Famous is Greg Ames?

Here's something:

A few weeks ago, the DWC hosted Greg Ames as a visiting author, along with Bertha Rogers. Recently, The Believer polled readers on the best works of fiction published in 2009.

Who's at the top of the list?

Greg Ames, that's who.

Scroll down to discover who he beat out: Colum McCann, Lorrie Moore, and Thomas Pynchon, just to name a few.

Now, if you missed Greg's reading, you can officially start kicking yourself.

Visiting Author Lynn Levin Reviewed at Gently Read Lit

Check out the February issue of Gently Read Lit, in which Michelle Moore offers a fabulous review of Lynn Levin's Fair Creatures of an Hour. If you don't already subscribe to Gently Read Lit, do yourself a favor, and stroll around the grounds a bit.

Between the Ordinary & the Ecstatic: Michelle Moore on Lynn Levin’s Fair Creatures of an Hour

See you tomorrow night for Lynn's reading. 7pm!

Interview with Lynn Levin

Writer, poet and translator, Lynn Levin, whose third book of poems, Fair Creatures of an Hour was released from Loonfeather Press in 2009, reads at the DWC on Friday, May 7th at 7:00.

Read part one of The Examiner interview with Levin here.

In this part, Levin answers the Keats question, when she became a poet, and who else (besides Keats) has influenced her.

. . . and in part two, confesses her own obsession with poems.

See you downtown!

The (Almost) August Occasion

The third edition of our popular August Occasion writers’ weekend will feature two days of intense small-group writing workshops in fiction and poetry; readings by faculty, students, and a mystery guest; and plenty of food, drink and comradery. This year, it will all happen at our new location, Harding Farm in Clinton, NY (not quite an hour East of Syracuse).

Our faculty will be familiar to anyone who has taken classes at the DWC: Philip Memmer, Jennifer Pashley, Sarah Freligh, and recent DWC visiting author Jane Springer. What will be different is the overall experience… we’ll have time to be social, enjoy each other’s company, share some great meals together, and more. Plus, we’ll also be joined for a reading on the last day by a special Mystery Guest… because really, who doesn’t like surprises?

Summer can be a busy time, so we have a variety of program options available this year. You can join us for the full weekend, including sleeping quarters and meals, or you can join us for just the day-time activities. And if your schedule is really swamped, you can also take the Saturday-only program. Whichever you choose, we think you’ll have a fun, relaxing, and inspiring time.

Ready to apply? Download the complete brochure and registration form here. For more information email pmemmer@syracuseymca.org or leave us a message at (315) 474-6851 x380.