Barbara Shine, Workshops for Writers

Writing and editing workshops can benefit both individual
writers and businesses that rely on effective technical
communications. Barbara Shine has designed workshops to
meet the needs of writers at various skill levels and with a range
of writing goals:

"Making the Most of Your Personal Journal" is a new
workshop that will help people who want to start a journal
and those who are already journaling and want ideas to
make the experience more meaningful. A brief, one-time
session with immediate results.

"Yes, You Can!" is a workshop primarily for people new to
creative writing, those who long to capture their true-life
stories or imagined adventures on paper but are unsure
how to get started. During this workshop, writers will learn
about what creative writing is, where it comes from, and
how each of them can craft their own stories. Activities
include settling into a productive mindset, finding and
selecting topics, and composing uniquely creative short
works.

"Writing Our Lives," "Keys to Creative Writing," and
"Advanced Personal Essay" are expanded versions of
"Yes, You Can" that give participants a chance to learn
from outstanding examples of creative nonfiction, to offer
critique on the work of classmates, and to create and
refine at least one work of their own. The workshops
typically meet once a week for six or eight weeks. Each
writer attending an in-person workshop receives a free
book that will help with future writing.

"Keep the Fun in Writing" is designed to help writers
who may have projects under way but find they're losing
steam or feeling stuck. Activities will show how to break
through writer's block, use sensory stimuli to tease out
ideas, make writing a habit, and put more fun than work
into each writing project.

"Be Your Own Best Editor" will guide writers with
finished manuscripts through the process of editing and
formatting their work to present it in the best possible light
to magazine and newspaper editors, agents, and book
publishers. A compelling story isn't enough: You need to
make it easy for an editor to say 'yes.' Activities will
involve manuscript polishing, grammar and proofreading
skills, standard manuscript formats, cover letters, and
submission procedures.

Ms. Shine presents workshops through sponsors, such as a local
organization -- Red Hat Club, church group, or quilt guild, for
example -- or with at-home hosts -- like a Tupperware party! If
you or your club would like to offer a workshop for neighbors or
club members, contact Ms. Shine by e-mail to discuss the many
possibilities.

Praise for the workshops:

Marvelous and fun! It left me with
the confidence to say, "I can do
this." ― M. Sibley

Barbara led us through several fun,
yet challenging exercises designed
to stimulate our creative abilities. I
was astonished at the short pieces
I wrote under her direction. ―
Sharon Dillon, Williamsburg, VA

First, bounce words until one gently
thumps on your brain.Then wake
up. Next, read, out loud. Listening
to the creations surrounding you,
realize. Allow your hands to shake,
if they must. Then go home and
write some more. ― Kate Powell
Shine

Barbara Shine's workshop was
instrumental in improving my
skills. I'm more confident in my
growth as a writer. -- Debra L.
Miller, M.S.Ed.