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“for writers by writers”

About the club.

Established in November 2007, the Northern Virginia Writers Club is a chapter of the Virginia Writers Club serving aspiring and published authors alike in the northern Virginia region. Currently, meetings are hybrid or entirely virtual, usually on the third or fourth Saturday of every month.

The club offers workshops, panel discussions, and expert speakers designed to assist members in the art and craft of writing, as well as to support members with the business side of writing. Club meetings and a members-only Facebook Group offer members the opportunity to exchange ideas and establish contact with other writers having similar interests. We also have a critique group and beta readers.

Important Upcoming Dates: May 11: Deidre Lovegren on Comedy June 15: Scott Ellis on Audiobooks July 20: Picnic!

Interested in joining? Click here .

News & Activities

March 2024 minutes.

Apr 4, 2024

Members, please review the March minutes for approval during the April meeting.   Northern...

February 2024 Minutes

Feb 28, 2024

Members, please review the February minutes for approval during the March meeting.   Northern...

Bylaw Update

Feb 5, 2024

Members, please review the updated bylaws. We will be voting to approve these at the February...

January Minutes

Members, please review the January minutes for approval during the February meeting. Northern...

February Meeting – Book Design

Feb 4, 2024

Book design encompasses the visual aspects of a book such as font, layout, and paper choice....

Annual Meeting 2024

Jan 16, 2024

January 20th is our annual meeting. We will elect new officers, recruit volunteers, and talk about...

November 16th -Jason E. Maddux – Publication of We’re Here to Help…Ourselves

Nov 16, 2023

VP Jason E. Maddux will be publishing his anthology of short stories, LIVE in our next meeting. If...

October Minutes

Nov 5, 2023

Members, please review the October minutes for approval during the November meeting.  ...

September Minutes

Oct 7, 2023

Members, please review the September minutes for approval during the October meeting.  ...

September 16-A Little Weird Can Go a Long Way: Generating New Stories

Sep 5, 2023

Writing compelling speculative fiction doesn’t always require the creation of a whole new world—a...

August Minutes

Members, please review the August minutes for approval during the September meeting.  ...

Symposium and Journal

Aug 7, 2023

The Northern Virginia Writers Club had a good showing at the Virginia Writers Club Symposium this...

August 26th: PRO PROSE: TIPS FOR TIGHTENING YOURS

On August 26th, Art Taylor will speak to us about PRO PROSE: TIPS FOR TIGHTENING YOURS.With an eye...

June Minutes

Jul 8, 2023

Members, please review the June minutes for approval during the August meeting. Northern Virginia...

May Minutes

Jun 6, 2023

Members, please review the May minutes for approval in June. Northern Virginia Writers Club May...

May 20th: Catch Fire: Getting Noticed

May 7, 2023

On May 20th, Ralph Peluso will speak with us about Tips and Techniques for a Successful Interview....

April Minutes

Members, please review the following for approval at the May 20th meeting. Northern Virginia...

April 15th: Self-Publishing Scams, Pitfalls, and Biggest Boo-Boos

Apr 3, 2023

Polly Letofsky will talk on scene building, from 1-3pm, virtually on Zoom. This meeting will be...

March Minutes

Apr 2, 2023

Members, please review the March minutes for Approval at the April meeting. Northern Virginia...

February Minutes

Mar 9, 2023

Members, please review the following for approval at the March 18th meeting.   Northern...

Golden Nib Winners!

Nov 8, 2022

Click to enlarge.  

May 2024 Minutes

May 24, 2024

Members, please review the May minutes for approval during the June meeting.   Northern...

April 2024 Minutes

Apr 25, 2024

Members, please review the April minutes for approval during the May meeting.   Northern...

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Programs Search and Views Navigation

Program views navigation, call for auditions: comedy, storytelling, or spoken word.

Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) invites all military-connected artists to submit your content for upcoming performance opportunities. Outside of graduation and community shows, ASAP hosts curated performances through partnerships (corporate […]

Start Writing, Keep Writing… Write Now

Finding your writing voice doesn’t have to be hard work. It’s just a matter of letting your words and ideas flow onto the page without tinkering and re-tinkering your way […]

Sketch Writing Workshop

Have you ever watched “In Living Color," “Chappelle's Show,” or perhaps “Saturday Night Live”? Do you have a burning desire to learn the basics of writing your own sketches? If […]

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Supporting writers through writing workshops, free events, and so much more.

Supporting Writers and Everyone Who Wants to Write

The Writer’s Center offers hundreds of writing workshops, hosts dozens of free events, and fosters a community of writers, virtually and in-person.

Workshops & Free Events Calendar

Events search and views navigation, event views navigation, calendar of events, 9 events, 26, novel year with dr. mathangi subramanian.

Application deadline extended to August 31! Finish your novel in just one year! Do you have a book-length work of fiction that can't seem to find the time to finish? […]

Personal Essays from Start to Finish: 10 Essays in 5 Months!

Inspiration, accountability, and the tools you need to get your essays out into the world! Join us for five months of craft lessons, workshops, editor visits, and personal editorial feedback! […]

Novel Year with Diane Zinna

Complete your novel and prepare for publication! Novel Year is an intensive, advanced workshop geared toward writers with either a draft of a novel ready for revision or a novel […]

Intermediate Novel: The 8 Cs of Novel Writing

Are you serious about writing a novel but struggling? This intermediate course will examine the eight fundamental elements of the novel to help you find the strengths and weaknesses of your work-in-progress. From Concept to Conclusion, we will study the key components of a novel, with generative and evaluative exercises along the way. Written lessons, curated online resources, and targeted exercises (along with instructor and peer feedback) will help guide you as you continue to draft your novel. (Note: This course is a good follow-up to Tammy Greenwood’s Intro to the Novel workshop.)

From Idea to Script: A Beginner’s Guide to Screenwriting

Discover how to translate your passion for screenwriting into actionable skills. Every week students will build on the foundations of story, structure, character arcs, the do's and don'ts, industry standards, and the technical side of writing a script until they have a completed short screenplay that will be workshopped during the last weeks of class. We'll start with one page scripts, build to a three-page script, and finally five to ten page scripts for the final workshop. Please come to class with a few ideas you'd like to use to create a final script.

How to Write a Stand-Up Comedy Act

How do comedians come up with ideas? It all starts with finding the funny in your life and turning it into material. Learn how to recognize a premise, extract the humor and hone it into a stand-up act or funny story. We study comedians and styles and work on your unique voice in a fun and supportive class. This is for people who want to go out and try performing or just want to learn how to polish up their writing with wit and humor. No preparation or experience necessary.

Crafting Fiction: Element by Element

By working through basic craft elements of fiction, participants will build a strong foundation for their writing--be it stories or novels. This 7-week workshop will explore craft elements one at a time and ask participants to practice them through in-class exercises. Reading published fiction will also help us understand how writers regularly employ these elements. You'll also begin to put the elements together as you start a story. You'll leave the workshop with the tools you need to write wonderful, authentic fiction.

Crafting Short Stories

In this workshop, participants will examine the qualities of good writing and good storytelling. After a recap on the constituent elements of short fiction, we will take a fresh look at contemporary and classic stories alike. Each week, writers will craft a new piece and offer feedback to fellow participants. By the course's end, writers will have workshopped several stories each and revised them with an eye toward publication.

Plotting Your Novel

Whether you are an organized planner or a writer who flies by the seat of their pants, a novel still needs structure. In this workshop, participants will study the architecture of a novel and devise plans for plotting their novels. Using the three-act structure as a map, we will explore the basic components of a novel's plot.

9 events, 27

9 events, 28, 9 events, 29, facing your writing fears.

Not only is writing a lonely process, it can be downright scary. And, when it comes to mustering the courage to share our work with others, fear can turn to terror. In this session we'll look at understanding what frightens us -- and how to get beyond those fears.

10 events, 30

Micro memoirs.

Join us to explore the elements of memoir in small manageable bites. We'll read and discuss Micro Memoirs, also called Flash Memoir, (50-250 words) to inspire your own writing and enhance your storytelling skills. Each week, with provided prompts, you’ll write about a variety of incidents, stories, or memories while building specific craft skills (image, metaphor, point of view, rhetorical strategies to address memory “gaps,” and more). In each class there will also be time for students to read their work out loud, to receive specific appreciations. Using a writer-focused workshop process, we’ll replace opinions and invasive "fix-its" with specific answers to their questions to best serve the writer and support them in revision. This class is perfect for poets and prose writers who want to write about their lives or family histories, get out of their writing ruts, and enhance their skills with feedback and revision.

Virtual Craft Chat with Poet Amanda Shaw in Conversation with Majda Gama

The Inner Loop and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by Amanda Shaw to discuss her debut collection, It Will Have […]

9 events, 31

12 events, 1, evoking reader empathy.

Even when a story is skillfully written, it may not be enough to make the reader care. The key lies in the emotional impact your story has on readers — inviting them to not only invest in your characters, but to embark on an emotional journey of their own. We’ll discuss how to avoid cliché and heavy-handed moralizing; determine the most effective balance of internal thought, scene, and underlying tension; and discover how to let an object or image (your father’s watch, a specific place, work of art, etc.) carry the emotional weight of your story. Reading examples and short exercises will give participants the opportunity to experiment with creating empathy on the page.

Creating Backstory & Flashbacks

Every character has a hidden history from before your story starts. Learn how to masterfully weave in details and experiences that enrich your characters and create believable motivation. Novelists, short story authors, and creative nonfiction writers will all benefit from these twin skills. You’ll see your writing grow in sophistication and depth.

American Identity Through a Literary Lens

The Writer’s Center presents an informative and inspiring symposium addressing the subject of American identity in literature and popular culture, offering free creative writing workshops followed by a panel discussion. […]

10 events, 2

Danny lawless & amanda newell book launch.

Plume, Poet Lore, and The Writer's Center welcome poets/editors Danny Lawless and Amanda Newell for a book launch celebration of their brand new collections, plus guest poets Leeya Mehta, Gloria […]

10 events, 3

Poetry of the erotic.

For many poets, writing poems about sex can feel intimidating and difficult. Yet for as long as there's been poetry, there have been poems that celebrate the joys, mysteries, and chaos of erotic connection. This workshop offers an opportunity for poets to write their own poems with Eros at the center, as well as read and study poems featuring a wide range of poets of color, and queer and trans poets. In this workshop we'll ask ourselves questions like: How can poems about sex gesture toward even larger considerations than sex itself? What might we learn from poetic traditions that blend erotic poetry and spiritual poetry? How does Eros locate the body both within itself, while transcending the self? By the end of this workshop, students can expect to leave with new poems and new insights into their own poetic process. Students should plan to come to the first workshop with a favorite poem by another poet, to share with the group.

11 events, 4

Susan coll & paul goldberg book launch.

The Writer's Center welcomes novelists—and spouses—Susan Coll and Paul Goldberg for a book release celebrating their new books, featuring a reading and discussion on their shared writing life. FREE & […]

13 events, 5

The extreme novelist.

Can't find the time/energy/inspiration to get your novel written? This popular course, developed by the author of the book by the same name, will help you complete a rough draft in just 8 weeks. Students receive the encouraging guidance of professional writing coach Kathryn Johnson. Each author will commit to an aggressive writing schedule and learn the tricks pros use to create a productive working environment and meet their deadlines, despite life’s distractions. Classes will include accountability and progress reports from each student, troubleshooting discussions, a brief lecture on some aspect of the fiction craft, and the opportunity to submit portions of the work-in-progress to the instructor for individual feedback and guidance. (Note: This is not a work-shopping course. Further information will be sent to registered students, in advance of the first class.)

Plant Writing

This workshop is a mix of botanical science and literary explorations of non-fiction forms of writing that focus on ecology and plants. Together, we'll discuss and practice writing traditions such as garden writing, science communication, and personal essays with a focus on our relationships to plants and land around us.

LGBTQ+ Writers Mixer

Are you a writer who identifies as LGBTQ+? Let’s hang out and talk writing! Come join us for an informal gathering at The Writer’s Center. Please bring a drink or […]

How to Write a Novel

A practical plan that takes you from the mere germ of an idea all the way through the creative process, with an eye on getting a finished book into the hands of potential fans. We'll discuss how to transform the nub of an idea into a book-length project, populated with interesting characters, a twisty-turny plot, snappy dialogue, and an interesting setting. We'll also look at strategies for finding an agent and marketing the finished product. You’ll come away from the class with the encouragement to begin and perfect your writing project.

12 events, 6

Virtual craft chat with poet s. fey.

Poet Lore and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by S. Fey to discuss their debut collection, decompose. S. Fey is […]

11 events, 7

13 events, 8, finding subjects that move and entertain.

Do you have sensibility of a writer, but your subject eludes you? Have you written many pieces but not the story you were born to tell? Does your subject feel too big, too vague, or perhaps too difficult to confront? Uncertain what genre suits your story? Using published examples, writing exercises, lively discussion, and inspiring instruction, this workshop will distill from memory and imagination the story you are meant to write. Perfect for new writers wishing to explore and for more advanced writers seeking fresh inspiration or a new direction to energize their work.

Experimenting with Form

What do immigration forms, censored letters, and dictionary definitions have in common? They're all ways to tell a story! In this class, we'll free our imaginations by writing stories, poems, and essays in expected ways. Come take a risk and see what you discover about your craft, your inspiration, and yourself.

11 events, 9

11 events, 10, 12 events, 11, care and feeding of a writing group.

Six local authors discuss how a Writer’s Center workshop spun off into 25 years of monthly critique meetings, leading to numerous literary journal and anthology publications, awards, fellowships, and at […]

12 events, 12

Open mic @ the writer’s center.

Prose, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 4-5 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 6:45pm, and […]

11 events, 13

Virtual craft chat with essayist heather bartel.

The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of the essay! We’re joined by Heather Bartel to discuss her new essay collection, Exit the Body. Heather is […]

10 events, 14

10 events, 15, creating conflict & tension.

It's often said that without conflict there is no story. Strengthening the conflict in any type of fiction will bump up the tension and turn limp, ordinary fiction into an extraordinary tale that will keep readers turning pages. Whether you choose to write literary fiction, mysteries, family sagas, thrillers, historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy or even creative nonfiction—you can learn techniques for drawing readers into your tales through action, dialogue, setting details, and plot twists that make your work stand out from the crowd. Join us and leave with ideas to apply to your stories.

Write Through It: A Generative Workshop on Grief and Loss

Grief and loss are topics often written about in poetry. In this workshop we'll read poems about loss and use them as prompts to write our own poems about the people/things/places/ideas we've lost or are grieving. Expect to write 2-4 new drafts of poems.

8 events, 16

8 events, 17, 10 events, 18, bipoc writers mixer.

Calling all BIPOC writers in the DMV! Let’s hang out and talk writing! Come join us for an informal gathering at The Writer’s Center to meet new writers, make new […]

UnClogging Your Brain

Prompts will spark memories, characters, and places, turning them into poems, scenes, dialogues, and stories. During 'UnClogging' you will likely come up with an 'idea' that you feel compelled to expand on, or perhaps be re-inspired to continue an unfinished work later. Find new perspective and confidence!

8 events, 19

9 events, 20, 5 women poets.

One outstanding poet will be featured in each class, and as we examine their work we will write 3 or 4 of our own poems, for a total of 15-20 poems during the course. We will share our work as we write it, and in the last class will workshop a few of the most promising pieces by each student. The poets we will learn from are Ada Limón, Linda Pastan, Natasha Trethewey, Denise Levertov, and Elizabeth Bishop—they will guide us with new and old forms, metaphor, voice, subject matter, and more. Note: No meeting July 4.

Virtual Craft Chat with Poet Lauren Camp

The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by Lauren Camp to discuss her new collection, In Old Sky. Lauren is in conversation […]

6 events, 21

7 events, 22, ekphrasis & inspiration writing workshop.

ek•phra•sis (noun) ˈɛkfrəsəs. A literary description of or commentary on a visual work of art A free two-day, generative, in-person workshop 2 Sessions Saturdays, June 22 & 29 10:00am – […]

9 events, 23

Freedom with forms.

Here’s an opportunity to shed any misconception that received forms are constricting. Inspired by Richard Moore’s “The Rule That Liberates,” we will do brief writing exercises that use the enchantment of meter and rhyme to liberate your deeper imagination. After exploring several traditional forms, we will experiment with creating improvised (nonce) forms. Participants may leave with at least one new draft poem and ideas for creating more.

Inspiration Station — A Multi-Genre Workshop

Helpful exercises and prompts can free your imagination and lead you to surprises in your writing. If you’ve already chosen a genre to pursue, this workshop can help you broaden your approach by using techniques from other genres. If you write poems, perhaps you could write poetic fiction. This will be a positive space in a can’t-fail atmosphere. Your writing is greeted with support and (often) applause from your workshop colleagues. Receive generative tips to take with you. You will leave with a finished poem and flash fiction or memoir excerpts—and the fun you had writing them. Bring your favorite writing instruments. If you have a poem or paragraph you love that makes you want to write, bring that too.

Vulnerability in Personal Storytelling

Each of us has the power to look at our lived experiences to find meaning and wisdom that we can transform however we want: into art, into lifestyle, into legacy. In this workshop, you will learn how to view creative vulnerability as generosity, and how to offer up your humanity through story as a gift to yourself and others. You will come away from this workshop with perspective on your unique storyteller type and how grasping it can build courage, as well as best practices for taking care of yourself as you do this introspective work. Writers will produce a rough draft of a personal story.

6 events, 24

7 events, 25, beth konkoski reading & open mic.

The Writer’s Center welcomes Beth Konkoski for a reading from her award-winning short fiction collection, A Drawn & Papered Heart. Beth will host an open mic following her reading, celebrating […]

7 events, 26

7 events, 27, writing disability intimacy.

The Writer's Center presents a FREE virtual panel on the making of the new anthology Disability Intimacy: Essays on Love, Care, and Desire. We're joined by contributors to the anthology […]

6 events, 28

Natural meter crash course.

Have you ever wondered how scanning the lines of your first draft can make for a better poem? Here’s an opportunity to improve your ear for meter—a major element of poetic prosody—and to fine-tune your understanding of how it works. Guided by an internationally published author of sonnets, villanelles, and other metrical poems, this one-day workshop includes scansion of well-known poems, writing exercises, and, if you like, close examination of a poem you’ve drafted prior to class. You’ll leave with new insights about improving the auditory qualities of all your poems and prose.

Plot Like a Pro

You have a great idea for a story. Do you dive in and just begin writing, or start by drafting an outline? Are you a born planner or a writer who loves to discover stories organically (i.e., a pantser)? Understanding how to structure a well-conceived story around a main character and central conflict, while paying attention to pacing, can make the difference between a finished, publishable manuscript and an abandoned work-in-progress. Plotting provides a safety net that never robs the author of the joy of writing, and always reduces revision time. Think you can’t plot? Join us for this course, and we’ll show you how!

Picture Book Revision Workshop

Bring your completed picture book manuscript to work on as we complete real-time revision that addresses the big picture, plot and character beats, and line by line strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript.

5 events, 30

5 events, 1, 5 events, 2, 5 events, 3, 5 events, 4, 5 events, 5, 5 events, 6.

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Make The Writer’s Center the venue for your next meeting or event in Bethesda, Maryland! From off-site business meetings to theater productions, we have a space that’s right for you.

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How We Support Writers

Writing classes. Free events for writers. New friends and networking. Every year, The Writer’s Center delivers hundreds of ways to connect more deeply with the literary life. Our writers hone their writing craft, master editing and revision, share their work, and get published. Most importantly, we bring likeminded writers together into a fun and welcoming community.

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Curated Conversation(s): a Latinx Poetry Show

Curated Conversation(s) is a virtual discussion series. Season 1 features debut Latinx poets, and Season 2 pairs Latinx poets from the United Kingdom and United States.

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Our June 2024 schedule for all events! Just RSVP at writer.org today. All events are free! See you there.

Our June 2024 schedule for all events! Just RSVP at writer.org today. All events are free! See you there. ...

Local authors discuss how a workshop spun off into 25 years of monthly critique meetings, leading to numerous literary journal and anthology publications, awards, fellowships, and at least ten books. Former TWC board member Jim Mathews moderates. RSVP at writer.org.

Local authors discuss how a workshop spun off into 25 years of monthly critique meetings, leading to numerous literary journal and anthology publications, awards, fellowships, and at least ten books. Former TWC board member Jim Mathews moderates. RSVP at writer.org. ...

TWC presents an informative and inspiring symposium addressing the subject of American identity in literature and popular culture, offering free creative writing workshops followed by a panel discussion. All events are FREE. Register at writer.org.

TWC presents an informative and inspiring symposium addressing the subject of American identity in literature and popular culture, offering free creative writing workshops followed by a panel discussion. All events are FREE. Register at writer.org. ...

Can’t find the time/energy/inspiration to get your novel written? This popular course, developed by the author of the book by the same name, will help you complete a rough draft in just 8 weeks. Apply at writer.org under workshops today!

Can’t find the time/energy/inspiration to get your novel written? This popular course, developed by the author of the book by the same name, will help you complete a rough draft in just 8 weeks. Apply at writer.org under workshops today! ...

City of Alexandria, VA

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Literary Programs

Alexandria’s DASHing Words in Motion - Poems selected, Poets Named

The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Transit Company have joined forces to host the 10th anniversary of Alexandria’s annual poetry contest  “ DASHing Words in Motion.”   The annual contest has been celebrating poetry by writers 16 years or older who live, work or study in the City of Alexandria.

The winning poets were selected from 53 submissions. The poets are Nathan Brownback, Kacie Candela, Alex Carrigan, Meredith D’Amore, Peter Heimberg, Stephen Lally, Jonathan Lewis, and Jennifer Veech. Zeina Azzam, Poet Laureate’s poem, along with the eight winning poets, will have their poems displayed inside the DASH buses and trolleys fo r the 2024 National Poetry Month (April) and will remain up until August.  2024 DASHing Words in Motion Winning Poems.   To learn more about the 2024 DASHing Words in Motion poets, click here to view their bios. 

"DASHing Words in Motion"   launched in 2014 and has highlighted our regions poets and creative writers and has placed poetry on dozens of Alexandria’s buses each April to celebrate National Poetry Month. To read the past winning poems scroll down on this page.  

For more information about other Office of the Arts’ programs and services visit their website or email  [email protected] .

"DASHing Words in Motion" Winning Poets and their poems:

• "2023 DASHing Words in Motion"
• "2022 DASHing Words in Motion"
• "2021 DASHing Words in Motion"
• "2020 DASHing Words in Motion"
• "2019 DASHing Words in Motion"
• "2108 DASHing Words in Motion"
• "2017 DASHing Words in Motion!"
• "2016 DASHing Words in Motion!"
• "2015 DASHing Words in Motion!"
• "2014 DASHing Words in Motion!"

Poet Laureate Program

Zeina Azzam, Poet Laureate, City of Alexandria, VA

The City of Alexandria has appointed Zeina Azzam as Alexandria’s new Poet Laureate. The first Arab American to hold the title, Azzam succeeds KaNikki Jakarta, whose three-year term ends in April 2022.

Azzam is a Palestinian American poet, writer, editor, and community activist. Her full-length poetry collection, Some Things Never Leave You, was published in 2023 by Tiger Bark Press. Her chapbook, Bayna Bayna, In-Between,  was released in 2021 by The Poetry Box, which nominated one of her poems for the prestigious Pushcart Prize (she garnered another Pushcart nomination the following year for another poem). Azzam's poetry is also published in over sixty literary journals, edited volumes, anthologies, and art exhibition catalogs. An active member of the Poetry Society of Virginia, she regularly participates in local and national poetry readings.

Azzam’s professional career includes 27 years at the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, Georgetown University, where she was Director of Educational Outreach to K-12 teachers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. She has also worked as an editor of academic and think-tank publications and serves as a mentor for We Are Not Numbers, a writing program for youth in Gaza. She holds an M.A. in Arabic literature from Georgetown University, an M.A. in sociology from George Mason University, and a B.A. in psychology from Vassar College. Visit:   www.zeinaazzam.com

The Alexandria Poet Laureate program was reestablished in 2007, to promote appreciation of poetry as an art form; to encourage creative writing and reading of all forms of literature; and to promote literacy through poetry. Past incumbents have included Wendi Kaplan, Mary McElveen, Amy Young, Tori Lane Kovarik, Ryan Wojanowski, and KaNikki Jakarta. 

Articles written by Zeina Azzam:

"The Wonder of Words" in  Alexandria Times ,  January 5, 2023 "The Power of Poetry" in  Alexandria Times ,  November 18, 2022 “What Is a Poet Laureate?” in  Alexandria Times , June 23, 2022

Poetry by Zeina Azzam:

Prayer for Syria

Potomac River

Hugging the Tree

Coronavirus Spring

Nine Spice Mix

More Guns Than People

For the River, for Our City

Like the Trees in Alexandria

A Poem for Benjamin Thomas

To Bring Just Near -- A Poem for Joseph McCoy

The Earth Speaks: Honoring the Lives of Joseph McCoy and Benjamin Thomas

Former Poet Laureate

KaNikki Jakarta Poet Laureate 2019-2022 

The Office of the Arts announces the appointment of KaNikki Jakarta as the new Poet Laureate. Ms. Jakarta replaces Wendi Kaplan whose term as Poet Laureate ends at the end of March.

Ms. Jakarta is an award-winning Performance Poet who has toured the US and UK performing poetry. KaNikki founded, facilitated, and/or hosted 15 presentations in the last 17 years ranging from open mics, award ceremonies, conferences, and workshops. With over 26 years of writing and almost 2 decades on the poetry scene, KaNikki has opened for Jill Scott, Raheem DaVaughn, and Lyfe Jennings. She has authored 3 works of fiction, 2 poetry collections, a poetry cd, and a memoir. She aims to utilize her Public Relations/Marketing Degree and love for the arts to promote creative writing, reading of literature, and literacy with poetry. KaNikki is an advocate for the art of poetry and believes that positive poetry can connect people from all walks of life. She brings to the role of poet laureate a passion to create platforms of safe spaces to highlight the talents of other artists. Ms. Jakarta writes and recites what she calls “real life fiction.” She says, “If you think something I say on the microphone may change your life; you’re probably right.”

The role of the City's Poet Laureate is to promote appreciation of poetry as an art form; to encourage creative writing and reading of all forms of literature; and to promote literacy through poetry. The Poet Laureate serves a three year term.

Poetry by KaNikki Jakarta:

• Patience Poet
• A Community's Mission
• Alexandria Connected
• Alexandria The Beautiful
• Benjamin Thomas Thompson - Tale of Two Names
• Charles E. Beatley Library Birthday Poem
• DASHing Words Poem - ON TIME 2020
• EARTH MATTERS for Earth Day
• Joseph McCoy Revamp
• Mother Alexandria
• NEVER FORGOTTEN, For the 1700 of Freemen's Cemetery
• TAKING SOLACE IN SOLITUDE                                                                                                                                                                                                        
• EVEN A TREE

In 2004, then Councilman Ludwig Gaines proposed the designation of a Poet Laureate for the City of Alexandria. In response, a steering committee of citizens and City staff was established to develop a protocol for selecting a Poet Laureate. On April 25, 2006, City Council received the proposal submitted by the steering committee. Following a public hearing on May 20, 2006, City Council unanimously approved the establishment of the Poet Laureate program.  

Past Poet Laureates:

• Wendi R. Kaplan, 2016-2019
• Ryan Wojtanowski, 2016
• Tori Lane Kovarik, 2013-2016
• Amy Young, 2010-2013 
• Mary McElveen. 2007-2010 
• Jean Elliot, 1979-1999 

For additional about the Poet Laureate and other literary programs, email the Poet Laureate at  [email protected] , call Cheryl Anne Colton at 703.746.5565 or email  [email protected] .

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact  [email protected]  or 703.746.5565, Virginia Relay 711.

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Young Writers

Lighthouse's Young Writers Workshops are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing. There are no grades here, just the stories. We offer workshops at Lighthouse including afterschool and weekend workshops, the Young Authors Collective, and summer camps, as well as youth outreach in schools, at juvenile residential treatment centers, and in collaboration with other arts organizations.

For the latest on workshops and events,  sign up for our Young Writers Program e-newsletter . 

Lighthouse connects kids and teens to words, new friends, and a writing community. We offer workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and many other genres and topics. Our classes are taught by published authors and are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing.

Summer Writing Camps

Lighthouse's Young Writers Camps are led by published and award-winning writers, and each workshop is designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing in young writers aged 8 to 18. Registration for half-day camp and applications for full-day camp will open on January 1, 2019.

School Outreach

The Young Writers Program offers creative writing workshops in public and private schools as well as juvenile residential treatment centers throughout the Denver metro area. Led by working, published writers with a passion for sharing their craft, our outreach workshops provide access to our innovative creative writing programming for young people who cannot come to Lighthouse.

The Young Authors Collective, or YAC, is a group of talented, word-obsessed high school writers dedicated to experimenting with new creative forms, collaborating with other arts organizations, and writing a ton. We meet once a week at Lighthouse to generate new pieces, give friendly feedback, and work towards publication.

Support Young Writers

Our Future Scribes Depend on Your Support. Nearly all of the workshops and projects that will engage 2,300 students this year are free to attend, and for the sessions that do have tuition, such as summer writing camp, financial aid is available for any student who needs it. We want all young people who want to write to be able to do so and for them to be nurtured by the best instructors and mentors available. This only happens with the support of generous donors like you.

Introduction to Creative Writing

Course description.

Introduces the craft and practice of creative writing. Engages with both contemporary and classic authors within the primary genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. May also include exploration of other genres such as drama, screenwriting, digital storytelling, film, and performance genres. Develops use of craft elements discussed in class to compose original work in at least two genres. Covers revision practices for voice and purpose. Audit Available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

• Identify the basic craft elements of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction writing. 
• Read critically to analyze poetry, fiction, essays, and other written works. 
• Write original poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction works. 
• Participate in workshop method of critiquing creative writing. 
• Revise works within the creative writing process.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios. 

Department suggestions: Original poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction works, peer workshop, written analysis of creative texts.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: identify the basic crat elements of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction writing..

• point of view
• symbolism/allegory
• figurative language
• rhyme scheme
• speaker vs poet
• basic poetic forms (i.e. sonnet, haiky, villanelle, sestia, acrostic, ballad, ode, free verse, limerick, etc.)

Outcome #2: Read critically to analyze poetry, fiction, and essays.

• identiry genre
• identify main idea/point/purpose
• describe structure
• impacts of author choices
• annotating a text
• making claims
• summary vs analysis
• in class workshop
• instruction in constructive feedback (both written and verbal)
• crafting question as feedback

Outcome #3: Write original poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction work.

• Brainstorming
• writing journal 
• acrostic prompts
• hermit crab/mimic forms
• written description of images
• timed freewriting
• at least one fiction draft
• 2-5 poem drafts
• at least one creative nonfiction draft

Outcome #4: Participate in workshop method of critiquing creative writing.

• set community standards for in class workshop
• written drafts submitted in advance
• instruction on constructive and polite feeback
• guided workshop process
• both verbal and written feedback among peers

Outcome #5: Revise works within the creative writing process.

• reverse outlines
• cut & amp; rearrange
• scan and highlight
• revision checklists
• diction/word choice
• consistent point of view
• shifts in verb tense
• sentence/line variety
• paragraph breakdown
• integrate insights from workshop process in revision work
• integrate insights from readings in revision work
• write self-assessment of revision process

In this Book

• Edited by Alexandria Peary and Tom C. Hunley
• Published by: Southern Illinois University Press

Table of Contents

• Title Page, Copyright
• 1. Rhetorical Pedagogy
• Tom C. Hunley and Sandra Giles
• 2. Creative Writing and Process Pedagogy
• 3. Mutuality and the Teaching of the Introductory Creative Writing Course
• Patrick Bizzaro
• 4. A Feminist Approach to Creative Writing Pedagogy
• Pamela Annas and Joyce Peseroff
• 5. Writers Inc.: Writing and Collaborative Practice
• Jen Webb and Andrew Melrose
• pp. 102-125
• 6. Writing Center Theory and Pedagogy in the Undergraduate Creative Writing Classroom
• Kate Kostelnik
• pp. 126-152
• 7. Service Learning, Literary Citizenship, and the Creative Writing Classroom
• Carey E. Smitherman and Stephanie Vanderslice
• pp. 153-168
• 8. Creative Literacy Pedagogy
• Steve Healey
• pp. 169-193
• 9. The Pedagogy of Creative Writing across the Curriculum
• Alexandria Peary
• pp. 194-220
• 10. A Basic Writing Teacher Teaches Creative Writing
• Clyde Moneyhun
• pp. 221-242
• 11. Digital Technologies and Creative Writing Pedagogy
• Bronwyn T. Williams
• pp. 243-268
• 12. Ecological Creative Writing
• James Engelhardt and Jeremy Schraffenberger
• pp. 269-288
• pp. 289-292
• Contributors
• pp. 293-298
• pp. 299-310

Additional Information

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Meet The Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society

First published: March 2017.

The Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society (AWCS) was incorporated in 1981 as a non-profit organization and registered charity, and has been offering creative writing programs for all writers in the Calgary area with a mission is to enhance the creative writing experience through learning, community and support. The organization has many award-winning and published Canadian authors and continues to have new and emerging writers of all genres join their membership of over 350.

Together with AWCS’s creative writing classes and workshops, programs and events are designed to enhance the core offerings and bring writers and the community together. Programs include Student readings, monthly Open Mics, an annual Writer in Residence program, and community events that bring prominent Canadian writers for special speaking presentations and workshops.

We spoke with AWCS Program Director, Robin van Eck:

Q: What makes AWCS different from other writing – based organizations in Calgary ? What are your influences and inspirations , local or afar ?

A: Like other local writing organizations in the area, we foster a community of writers who can come together and share and learn, get feedback and support on their work. Where we differ is in our focus on ALL writers. We offer courses and workshops and other programs for the brand new writer who may have had an inkling of an idea to write at one point in their life but never did anything with it and now wants to give it a try and we offer programs for those who may be a little more seasoned and want to improve on their craft to create the best possible version of a story or poem or creative nonfiction piece. While many of the other writing organizations out there might be focused on one genre or style of writing, we are multi-genre focused. We offer courses and programs on poetry, creative nonfiction: articles, personal essay, travel writing, nature writing, memoir, fiction: contemporary, science fiction, romance, mystery, urban fantasy, noir etc.

We are also focused on writing as an art form, as a means for catharsis, to inspire and foster creativity in an individual. Courses such as journaling, working through Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way , women’s issues, truth and reconciliation, engaging with our senses and the landscape around us, all help to nurture the artist inside and connect with our world in a new way.

And of course we can’t forget out about our youth program. Reality is Optional Creative Kids Program is more than just writing. It’s a great group of kids who are writers and artists. We have a cartooning club and poetry slams. Lots of great fun for everyone.

Q: Who are some of the writers that have been nurtured by AWCS , and where might our readers be able to read and find their work ?

• Betty Jane Hegerat has published numerous books, her most recent young adult book, Odd One Out, can be purchased at Owl’s Nest Books and other independent book sellers.
• Sarah L. Johnson recently published a collection of short stories called Suicide Stitch. It can be purchased from Owl’s Nest Books and online at Amazon. Her first speculative fiction novel, Infractus, will also be coming out later this year.
• Rea Tarvydas ’ first short story collection, How to Pick Up a Maid in Statue Square will be coming out this fall.
• Karen Lee wrote a memoir, The Full Catastrophe, also available at Owl’s Nest Books.
• Inge Trueman’s novel, A Rootbeer Season , is available at Owl’s Nest Books.

Besides book deals, many of our members have had short stories and poems and essays published in literary magazines across North America and have been finalists for contests and awards across the country.

Q: Why is the “ Free Fall ” method of writing AWCS method of choice , and how can this help writers ?

A: The free fall method of writing was first designed by WO Mitchell . Our founder, Michael Fay, had the opportunity to work with Mitchell back in the late 1970’s and adopted and adapted his method and made it the basis for all writing for the AWCS. Because of that, it’s always been a part of us, but also something we firmly believe in.

The hardest part for a writer is shutting off that inner critic and just allowing words to flow onto the page in whatever way they want to. We’re so worried about it sounding bad or that our ideas are going to be judged that for many it can stall the writing process. Free Fall writing allows the writer to just let the ideas flow. It’s a great way to get around writer’s block, it’s a great way to discover new ideas, it’s a great way to get over a hurdle when you’re in the midst of story and don’t know where to go. It’s freeing, it’s liberating, it’s creative.

Q: What are your plans for cSPACE Marda Loop ( future programming , how you plan to interact with other tenants etc. )?   How do you imagine that being in this space will affect your membership , organizational sustainability and future .

A: We have been in discussions with Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners and Alliance Francaise (fellow cSpace Marda Loop tenants) to see how we can work together. Writing and other forms of art go together very well, and it’s our hope that we can collaborate with various groups and create some dynamic collaborative art.

We believe this new space will be a place that our writers will want to come to, whether it’s to take part in a course or workshop or drop in program or just hang out with friends and talk about writing and share ideas. I think we will fill more classes and be able to continually develop the programming that our writers want.

Q: For those who have never had the pleasure of attending a workshop at AWCS , could you please describe to aspiring writers what they might expect ?

Our classes are small. No more than 10-12 participants. This allows a better way of learning and sharing and connecting. Our instructors are supportive and encouraging and no one will ever be judged for what they write. The classes are typically a lot of writing exercises to energize and motivate, as well as group discussion and some lecture. It’s a very interactive experience and can be very rewarding.

Writers are very solitary people by nature, but what we have learned over the last 35 years and what we try to share with people is that it can’t be done alone. There comes a point where you can no longer see the story for what it is because you’re so close to it. That support you get from other writers is invaluable and necessary to continue to develop your craft.

Writers also struggle with a lot of self-doubt. When you get together with other writers you realize you’re not alone and there are people who can help you because they are going through the same thing.

Q: Do you have any advice to aspiring writers in town ?

A: All I can say is come check us out. There’s something for everyone!

Our fall courses are online now.

Want to try free fall writing? Drop in to our current location, every Friday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. It’s lots of fun and a great group of people.

For Calgary is a city where creative enterprise thrives in vibrant communities.

Our Mission

To develop creative places that activate people and ideas to ignite collaboration and community-led change.

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cSPACE Marda Loop Location

ADDRESS: 1721 29th Avenue SW, Suite # 125 Calgary, Alberta T2T 6T7

OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

403-476-2025

[email protected]

Land Acknowledgement

cSPACE acknowledges that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, which includes Siksika, the Pikani, and the Kainai. We also acknowledge the Tsuut'ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

Idea Commitment

cSPACE believes that by ensuring our culture is Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable and Accessible (IDEA) that we are open to vast creative potential. Read more about our IDEA commitment here .

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