If you’ve always wanted to write, but don’t know where to start, join us for this Zoom writing workshop series instructed by local authors this summer. See all the dates, titles, and authors included below. Each author will introduce participants to their published works, instruct on the craft of writing, and provide exercises and time to share writing related to their genre.

We are offering this series as part of our adult summer reading program. Record every book you read with this form and for each one you will be entered to win a raffle for a $50 Go Local Mystic Chamber of Commerce gift card. Check out our programming related booklists to start reading!

Navigating Nonfiction: Write Compelling True Stories | Ruth Crocker
Monday, June 28 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Nonfiction writing (memoir, autobiography, personal essay, journalism, and more) is sometimes thought of as the stodgy, boring stepsister of glittering, exciting fiction. In fact, the opposite is true. You can’t make this stuff up! It’s all in how you tell the story. This workshop will take you through the process of zeroing in on true stories and crafting them with the same tools and techniques that fiction writers use to bring words to life on the page. We’ll explore theme, structure, voice, dialogue and more, along with exercises for sourcing material from life experience. Read more about Ruth Crocker in her bio, and her publications on her website.

Writing Fiction: The Art of Storytelling | Susan Kietzman
Monday, July 12 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM
A writer brings to a story unique perspective, voice, and imagination — all of which shape how the story is told. In this workshop, we’ll explore the creation of fiction, as well as dive into some key elements: character, setting, dialogue, plot, and point of view. We’ll talk about style, discipline, and what it takes to turn your idea into a novel. Be prepared to write, discuss, and learn from one another. Read more about Susan Kietzman in her bio, and her publications on her website.

Writing Through Trauma: Steps for Post Traumatic Growth | Regina Bartlett
Monday, July 26 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Pain. Anxiety. Fear. Depression. What if the source of your greatest struggle became the key to your freedom? This workshop will show you steps to take to look inward – in your own time – and discover how to use writing as a healing place and channel past pain points to forge a path for growth. Prompts will gently guide you to excavate your past, and provide the tools to craft your story into something meaningful for others to read. Read more about Regina Bartlett in her bio, and her publications and other speaking engagements on her website.

Get Published with a Small Press | Leslie M Browning
Monday, August 2 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM

You’ve joined in our local authors writing workshop series, you’ve started some stories of your own, and now the question arises… How do I get published? Among many other options, like finding an agent, sending out query letters, and self-publishing, this program will help you explore an option you may not have considered before: publishing with a small press. Local author Leslie M Browning, and founder of the small press Homebound Publications based in Stonington, will close our local authors writing workshop series with this introduction to publishing with a small press: what they are, the kinds of authors and stories they publish, and how you can submit your work to them. Celebrate ten years of business operations for Homebound Publications and learn more about the important role small presses have in today’s publishing landscape.

Registration is required to attend this program. You will receive a Zoom invitation the morning of the program.

Register