Creative Writing Workshops

Inspire the creative writer in you.

Enroll in our writing workshops today! Enjoy these noncredit creative writing classes in multiple topics. Workshops are open to adults of any age or education level and take place in hybrid or online formats.

Making the Mixtape

Online via Zoom | 2 sessions
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturdays
April 20 & 27
Taught by Angelique Palmer
Tuition: $120

There's a way to say what you mean and give the right emphasis to the right words. There’s a way our words out loud can become living things that bop to a beat and sway to the melody. I'm not a flat-on-a-page poet. I’m a conductor, a choreographer, and an animator. So are you! I am here to help you electrify not only your poems but your poem's performance. Let me help you create your mixtape.

Angelique Palmer is a performance poet, Kindergarten Teacher, and Spoken Word instructor at Wilkes University. A finalist in the 2015 Women of the World Poetry Slam, she is also a member of the 2017 Busboys and Poets/Beltway Poetry Slam Team.

After 10 self-published chapbooks, her first full-length book, The Chambermaid’s Style Guide, debuted on Sargent Press in 2016. Her second book is the 2021 follow-up ALSO DARK on Etruscan Press.

Her publications include Drunk in A Midnight Choir, Wus Good?: A POC Magazine, Borderline, and The Mud Review. The New Orleans native and Florida State University Creative Writing graduate now calls Northern Virginia home. She makes her own ice cream and yogurt!

ANGELIQUE'S WEBSITE external website


Look Who's Talking: Voice in Memoir and Nonfiction

Online via Zoom | 6 sessions
7-9 p.m. Tuesdays
March 12 - April 16
Taught by Vicki Mayk
Tuition: $120

Registration is Full

As writers we are urged to “find our voice,” but for many of us it’s an elusive - and confusing - search. This class will explore the many voices that we use to tell our stories in nonfiction and memoir. We'll try out different narrative voices, exploring their unique personality, tone and vocabulary on the page.

Vicki Mayk is a nonfiction writer and teacher whose work has appeared in the Brevity Blog, Hippocampus, Literary Mama, The Manifest-Station, and others. Her narrative nonfiction book, Growing Up on the Gridiron: Football, Friendship and the Tragic Life of Owen Thomas, was published by Beacon Press.

Vicki's website external website


More than a Name on a Page: How to Turn our Characters into People

Online via Zoom | 6 sessions
7-9 p.m. Mondays
March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22
Taught by Alicia Williamson
Tuition: Free

Registration is Full

This workshop will explore ways to make characters real, relatable people—ones that will stay with the reader after they’ve put down the book. During this workshop, we will explore ways to create 3 dimensional characters - looking specifically at character maps, backstory, wants/needs/goals, stakes, obstacles, along with the importance of other craft elements in creating characters.

Alicia Williamson is finishing up her final semester in the MFA Creative Writing Program at Wilkes University. She has her MA in Creative Writing and her BA in English. Alicia also has 8 years of teaching experience. She previously taught grades 7th-12th in various English courses including: Creative Writing (10th-12th), 7th and 8th Grade Reading, College Reading, and PSSA Prep.


Hook Readers and Learn How Setting is Your Narrative's Super Power

Online via Zoom | 6 sessions
7-9 p.m. Wednesday
March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24
Taught by Laurie Stephens-Hunter
Tuition: Free

Registration is Full

The element of setting is sometimes overlooked or viewed as the least important component of a writer’s toolkit. In reality, setting – time, place, location and the stuff of life – are valuable tools to help writers improve their work and connect with readers. This series offers a deep dive into the use of the craft element of setting to heighten emotion, enhance character development and drive plot in works of fiction.

Laurie Stephens-Hunter is a fiction writer and experienced facilitator. She holds an MA in Fiction from Wilkes University and is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing. She is a published children’s book author and is in the revision phase of her novel. Laurie works for Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where she lives with her family. When not working, writing, reading or parenting, you will likely find her in the kitchen up to her elbows in flour and sugar. Baking is a favorite pastime, second only to travel.