Refine your writing, connect with other writers, and find great spaces to write. Lopez Writes is a project to support local authors and includes workshops on the craft of writing, drop-in writing groups, opportunities to read your work, and more. All Lopez Writes programs are free and open to everyone. No registration is required. Space may be limited and is first come, first seated, so plan to arrive early. Bring a charged laptop and your own writing tools. Lopez Writes is inspired by the popular Seattle Writes program at the Seattle Public Library and generously sponsored by the Friends of the Lopez Island Library.
Winter 2018 Schedule
Wednesday, January 24th, 5 – 6:30pm: Writing Circle in the Community Room
Drop by a 90-minute writing circle, hosted by library staff, for writing exercises and motivation. Coffee and tea provided.
Wednesday, January 31st, 5 – 7pm, Writing Workshop in the Community Room
“Writing Your Life” with Karen Fisher
A two hour workshop of questions, ideas, and exercises for memoir writers
Karen Fisher is the author of A Sudden Country, and the upcoming Heart of the Monster. A PEN/Faulkner finalist, Washington State Book Award winner, and NEA fellow, she works as a developmental editor and novel coach, and has taught for the University of Washington, the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, and Fishtrap. She writes, teaches, and raises children and horses from her home on Lopez Island.
Saturday, February 17th, 2 – 4pm, Writing Workshop in the Community Room
“Screenwriting Jumpstart” with Laurie Parker
Screenwriting Jumpstart is a two-hour workshop for writers introducing screenwriting techniques. By far the most important is learning how to ‘write in pictures’ (non-verbal action). This is like learning to sketch as an artist before making the drawing or painting. We will practice this skill with exercises and will learn some tools to make it easy to continue practicing on your own.
Laurie Parker is a screenwriter, film producer and teacher. She has written screenplays for directors Jane Campion (Lucky, adapted from the novel by Alice Sebold), Alison Maclean (an original script entitled ‘+1’), and Christine Jeffs (Horse Heaven, adapted from the novel by Jane Smiley). She is currently developing TV series based on stories from the Jamaican literary anthology Kingston Noir, and The Stags, a series about the Pacific Northwest music scene.
Laurie has taught screenwriting and creative film development at UCLA, Hunter College, Brooklyn College, the IFP, the Screen NSW Aurora development course, the NZ film commission’s Screenwriters Program, and the Calabash Literary Festival Foundation.
Wednesday, February 21st, 5 – 6:30pm: Writing Circle in the Community Room
Drop by a 90-minute writing circle, hosted by library staff, for writing exercises and motivation. Coffee and tea provided.
Monday, March 5th, 5 – 6:30pm, Writers Read Out by the Library Fireplace
Writers read 5 minutes of their unpublished work. All genres and styles welcome. No sign-ups required, just show up to read or listen. You may read more than 5 minutes if there is space.
Wednesday, March 7th, 5 – 7pm, Writing Workshop in the Community Room
“Creating Characters: Tools and Techniques for Giving Life and Voice to People in Your Stories” with Lorrie Harrison
This class will help you learn to capture your subject’s personality and vitality on the page. Suitable for fiction, creative non-fiction, and memoir writers. There will be ample opportunity to practice in class; handouts and a follow-up assignment will help you stretch your writing muscles once you’re back home. Great for both new and experienced writers.
Wednesday, March 21st, 5 – 6:30pm: Writing Circle in the Community Room
Drop by a 90-minute writing circle, hosted by library staff, for writing exercises and motivation. Coffee and tea provided.