This last series of workshops was just amazing. Sometimes, I couldn't get them back on track after they started talking about books, TV shows, or movies that exemplified the concept I'd taught. Last night was the 4th and final workshop. One of the guys BAKED cupcakes for the whole class. I believe he'd never baked cupcakes....and it was adorable.
Then, they were reluctant to leave...and so many final questions about all kinds of creative writing thoughts. It was just so fun.
I think tonight ends my third or fourth time leading this series of workshops. I had participants from my overview class asking for more writing time, so the workshops really gave that to them.
Tonight is Developing Your Writing Style. I've added a few more great videos that we will watch. I have my Legos! This has been a fantastic group!! I'm sorry the session is over. I hope some of them sign up for the mini retreats.
Linda - a participant in every class and sometimes she takes classes multiple times- has signed up for my beginner glass and the retreats. I would love her feedback on these new classes.
I had the opportunity to attend a free session that Michael Tabb hosted (WGA writer/actor/producer and author of a GREAT book). Sadly, he experienced a Zoom bomber. I tried to help a little on my end without us taking too much time. He's an interesting fellow. I took a class with him while getting my MFA, and another writer in my class hung out with him after our graduation. We had a great time at Disney Town, along with Jennie Jarvis, another writer/actor/producer. She's won a TON of awards this year with shorts and pilots. I may look at writing more of those.
I also got some amazing screenshots from my writing buddy. He was also a graduate of the program, and we formed a small writing group of alumnae. Unfortunately, his move to Vietnam has reduced our amazing talks and our writing work. - We also have a LLC called Agile Media Productions. We plan to use it to produce visual media and publish print media. But, we aren't ready for that yet.
I have the six week beginner class to create by Sept 15 - I have to commit to completing one session each week. It takes time to develop a class. I don't have semester-long classes, but they are time-consuming to create. I learned once from an instructional designer that for every 1 hour of class time, 8 hours are needed to create and prepare. That's pretty much true.
I don't know how many hours AIMS has me down for, but they are gracious in giving me pay for those hours. I really like this community college. I'd love to do more there, but I doubt the pay would be close to my corporate salary. Maybe it will be my retirement job like my mom did.
I've rambled enough. Thanks for being here!
My best,
Tess
Hello my friends,
I continue to be hard at work with classes, workshops, and retreats for creative writing. I have the following already created for AIMS Community College in Greeley, Colorado.
I love being part of the AIMS community. It's a great community college that strives to serve Greeley and surrounding towns.
In addition to all of this, I'm creating an in-person retreat located at a historic B&B in Fort Morgan, Colorado!!! I'm always trying to cram as much powerful information into what I offer so that my participants know they are getting more than they paid for. Along side of that, I try to make sure they also have time to apply what they've learned. It's a balancing act, for sure.
I'm still writing on my own novel (one of them), and I am loving the depth and scope of this story. I hate that it gets sidelined with creating the classes and retreats, but there's not enough time in the day.
I'm also trying to keep up with bellydancing, service on the board of a new nonprofit, and getting my music chops better and better. I'm picking up my violin and working on piano again. I have a new beautiful electric guitar. I think my vocals are getting better. As everyone around me has said, when I love the song, I belt a good one. Confidence is key.
I have so many amazing books I use as reference materials, and I strive to learn more about writing constantly. I'll have to add them to the pages on my site. Apparently, I'll also have to repost all of the graphics I had on the site. Somewhere along the way they were dropped????
As always, please be patient. Consistent blogging is headed to the top of my list as I open registration for my new retreat.
My best,
Tess
