About DoriWriters in Progress Workshops
Writers in Progress' Mission is to provide the community, inspiration and editorial guidance to enhance writers' lives and work. Our small workshops and one-on-one mentoring support attract people who want to take their writing to the next level in a supportive, thoughtful atmosphere.
Founded by Dori in 1992, we have been helping writers discover their voices and complete their projects for two decades! WIP alums include Kris Holloway, Alison Smith, Ellen Meeropol and Sally Bellerose, among other published authors.
Our lovely studio is located in the Brushworks Arts & Inudstry building at 221 Pine Street, in Florence Ma. We host a seasonal reading series too, as part of our Live Literature Series.
Events:
Our Winter Open House/Reading has been rescheduled to April 14. The reading will feature work by members of the fall workshops: Linda Rowland-Buckley, Rich Buckley, Heidi Ehrenreich, Lisa Tennyson, Joyce Hayden, Bernadette Giblin and Maureen Sullivan. Reception to follow! Bring a friend!
Sunday, April 14, 2 - 4 pm at the Writers in Progress Studio.
Late Winter/Spring Workshop Schedule
Weekly Workshops
The Art of Narrative, with Dori Ostermiller:
Back by popular demand, this summer workshop will inspire you to make real progress on your writing projects! Each night, we'll explore an element of craft, generate work through innovative exercises, and discuss participants' work in a supportive atmosphere. Monday Nights, 6-9 pm. Includes manuscript critique. 8-week Summer Session begins June 10th ($320)
Tuesday/Thursday Morning Jumpstart, with Dori Ostermiller:
This wonderfully productive morning workshop provides quiet, structured writing time among peers, a handful of good ideas to get you rolling and your morning coffe, muffins and fruit. Starting with a variety of imaginative prompts, we'll engage in a sustained writing period, then share our work in a supportive environment. Appropriate for all levels and genres. Tues and/or Thurs mornings, 9:15 - 12:15. 6-week summer sesion begins week of July 2. ($195 for either Tuesday or Thursdays/ $325 for both Tuesday/Thursday).
One-day and Half-Day Workshops
A Winning Proposal: Pitching Your Nonfiction Book, with Suzanne Strempek Shea:
A great book proposal is often the key to landing an agent or editor: many non-fiction books are sold on the strength of a proposal alone! Whatever stage of writing you are in, it's never too early to start planning your proposal.
In this workshop we'll look at the components of a winning book proposal--often the next step after a good query letter. We'll go over queries a bit but will focus mainly on the proposal, including how to research for each part of your proposal, how to mine your life for helpful facts to mention, and the key factors that can make or break this all-important document! Saturday, April 27, 9 am - 4 pm ($125)
Suzanne Strempek Shea is the author of five novels and three memoirs. She is the winner of the New Enland Book Award and a long-time journalist. find out more...
May Splurge, with Dori Ostermiller:
Spend the day jumpstarting your writing in good company! We'll get you rolling with a variety of imaginative prompts, a heaping dose of inspiration and plenty of yummy treats! We will generate lots of fresh new material in the early May light of the studio, then give and recieve energizing, encouraging feedback. Saturday, May 4, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm ($125)
The Psychology of Strong Characters, with Jacqueline Sheehan:
The most memorable characters are driven by powerful forces of fear and desire. Jacqueline Sheehan is a New York Times bestselling author and psychologist who applies basic psychology to all her characters. In this One-day workshop, you'll learn to challenge your characters to take the necessary actions that reveal the white-hot core of your story. it's a tall order, but that's what all good stories are essentially about. Saturday, June 1st, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm ($125)
Jacqueline Sheehan is the best-selling author of Lost & Found, Now & Then, and Picture This. Find Out More...
Writing Historical Fiction, with Michele Barker, a half-day workshop:
Thinking of writing a historical novel but not sure where to begin? Finding yourself at a dead end at the Library? This half day workshop will discuss using primary and secondary sources like census records, diaries, letters, historic maps and more. Learn how these resources can help you create realistic settings, characters and plotlines. All levels welcome! Saturday, May 11, 9 am - noon ($65)
Writers in Progress Manuscript Intensive Series:
A 10-month program for writers with prose manuscripts in progress that call for constructive feedback and new writing. Writers can be working on novels, short story collections, memoirs or essay collections. We will meet for seven Friday night/Saturday intensives over the course of the year, beginning in September. This group will provide the structure, support, inspiration and constructive feedback to help writers complete a book-length manuscript draft. Applications accepted during the month of June.
Please email Dori for more detailsFor more information or to register, contact Dori here.
"Dori Ostermiller was my first and best teacher of memoir. Her workshops are gentle and rigorous, deep and thought-provoking. But most of all, Dori is a truly inspired teacher. She gave me the courage to write into the darkest and richest parts of myself. I could not have written my first book without her."
-Alison Smith, author of Name all the Animals
"I came to Writers in Progress needing to learn about narrative flow and character development. Dori's workshops did that for me, and more. At first, I needed support and encouragement to keep writing. Then, as my book began to take shape, Dori tailored her feedback and exercises to develop the skills I needed. I highly recommend her..."
-Kris Holloway, author of Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali
"Dori is a gifted teacher with the sharpest insight I've ever come across. The quality of her feedback is deep and powerful. She begins and ends with this premise: that we are already serious writers—whether budding, frightened, stuck or in progress—who wish to improve our craft."
-Julia Mines
Like us on Facebook
Writers in Progress
Promote Your Page Too