RBWG Fall 2021 Classes
In-Person; Email Tutorials; and Zoom
Weekly Calendar
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Register Here Please register first with Maribeth at fischer.maribeth@gmail.com to make sure that the class is running (at times we do not have enough participants to make the class work) or is not already filled. Maribeth will respond to you within a day. Pay Here Because we are committed to keeping our classes small and because we can only continue to do this if participants commit to and pay for all classes, we ask that ONCE WE CONFIRM THE CLASS WILL RUN, you pay for the full class amount up front. If you are interested in a class and cannot pay for it up front, just send Maribeth an email and we’ll work out a payment plan. Please do not pay prior to hearing from Maribeth that the class is running and a seat is available. We are unable to make full refunds if payment is received without confirmation from Maribeth first.
Our Instructors
Click on the link below to read brief biographies for each of our instructors.
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As always, we are open to suggestions about classes you’d like to see offered.
Please send suggestions to Maribeth at fischer.maribeth@gmail.com.
Please send suggestions to Maribeth at fischer.maribeth@gmail.com.
Single Sessions
The Business of Books: Marketing to Your Audience — Ilona Holland
When: Wednesday, September 15, 10:30a–12:30p
Where: Zoom
Cost: RBWG Members $55; Non-Members $65
We write in hopes that our words will land in the hands, minds, and hearts of readers. Understanding our audience is half the challenge of reaching them. In this workshop, we will address several topics including the importance of audience identification, the essentials of an author’s website, ways to tap local resources and connections, the benefits of creating targeted channels in social media, and opportunities for building partnerships. Participants will leave with ideas on how to expand their reach, as well as some outside-the-box ideas for marketing their work.
Guild member Ilona Holland has worked in the field of audience research for 25 years for clients like WGBH public television, museums, and I-Max movies. She is currently an award-winning children’s book author. This workshop will be offered over Zoom so you can be anywhere and still join in. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.
Self Publishing 101: A Guide to Prepping Your Book for Print — Crystal Heidel
When: Saturday, September 25, 10:30a–12:30p
Where: Lutheran Church of Our Savior (Behind Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth)
Cost: RBWG Members $55; Non-Members $65
Once you have decided to self-publish, there are a number of steps and decisions writers need to make. It’s not just a matter of uploading a file into the Amazon self-publishing vehicle; it’s not even a matter of simply sending your Word document to a friend or a book designer who knows how to do this. There are things the writer must address before this step. Byzantium Sky Press owner Crystal Heidel, who has uploaded and designed numerous books for Guild authors interested in self-publishing, will offer writers a check-list of key issues in the self-publishing process. These include how to select a designer; why writers shouldn't try to design the interior of the book themselves; why writers shouldn't use Word for the final interior design; what fonts to use and why; how to order galley copies; how and where to purchase ISBN numbers, and how to apply these ISBN numbers to KDP (the new Createspace).
Book Cover Design: 8 Elements for Covers that Sell — Crystal Heidel
When: Saturday, October 16, 10:30a–12:30p
Where: Lutheran Church of Our Savior (Behind Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth)
Cost: RBWG Members $55; Non-Members $65
In this two-hour workshop geared toward any writer thinking about self-publishing a book (in any genre), designer and owner of Byzantium Sky Press, Crystal Heidel, will walk writers through the essential elements of cover design all writers should understand when thinking about the cover for their book. The goal, of course, is to attract readers and not lose them before they even read the first page. Whether you plan to design your own cover, work with an artist friend, or hire a designer, these tips and tools—dealing with everything from why your name should not be larger than the title, to color choices, use of image and font style—will allow you to package, showcase, and market your book in the most compelling way possible.
When: Wednesday, September 15, 10:30a–12:30p
Where: Zoom
Cost: RBWG Members $55; Non-Members $65
We write in hopes that our words will land in the hands, minds, and hearts of readers. Understanding our audience is half the challenge of reaching them. In this workshop, we will address several topics including the importance of audience identification, the essentials of an author’s website, ways to tap local resources and connections, the benefits of creating targeted channels in social media, and opportunities for building partnerships. Participants will leave with ideas on how to expand their reach, as well as some outside-the-box ideas for marketing their work.
Guild member Ilona Holland has worked in the field of audience research for 25 years for clients like WGBH public television, museums, and I-Max movies. She is currently an award-winning children’s book author. This workshop will be offered over Zoom so you can be anywhere and still join in. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.
Self Publishing 101: A Guide to Prepping Your Book for Print — Crystal Heidel
When: Saturday, September 25, 10:30a–12:30p
Where: Lutheran Church of Our Savior (Behind Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth)
Cost: RBWG Members $55; Non-Members $65
Once you have decided to self-publish, there are a number of steps and decisions writers need to make. It’s not just a matter of uploading a file into the Amazon self-publishing vehicle; it’s not even a matter of simply sending your Word document to a friend or a book designer who knows how to do this. There are things the writer must address before this step. Byzantium Sky Press owner Crystal Heidel, who has uploaded and designed numerous books for Guild authors interested in self-publishing, will offer writers a check-list of key issues in the self-publishing process. These include how to select a designer; why writers shouldn't try to design the interior of the book themselves; why writers shouldn't use Word for the final interior design; what fonts to use and why; how to order galley copies; how and where to purchase ISBN numbers, and how to apply these ISBN numbers to KDP (the new Createspace).
Book Cover Design: 8 Elements for Covers that Sell — Crystal Heidel
When: Saturday, October 16, 10:30a–12:30p
Where: Lutheran Church of Our Savior (Behind Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth)
Cost: RBWG Members $55; Non-Members $65
In this two-hour workshop geared toward any writer thinking about self-publishing a book (in any genre), designer and owner of Byzantium Sky Press, Crystal Heidel, will walk writers through the essential elements of cover design all writers should understand when thinking about the cover for their book. The goal, of course, is to attract readers and not lose them before they even read the first page. Whether you plan to design your own cover, work with an artist friend, or hire a designer, these tips and tools—dealing with everything from why your name should not be larger than the title, to color choices, use of image and font style—will allow you to package, showcase, and market your book in the most compelling way possible.
Email Tutorials
These involve one-on-one interaction between you and the instructor, conducted through email;
these are not workshop classes where you will be sharing your work with others.
these are not workshop classes where you will be sharing your work with others.
Yes, You Can (Become A Blogger, That Is!) — Elise Seyfried (6 weeks)
When: Thursdays, September 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21
Where: Email Tutorial
Cost: RBWG Members $300; Non-Members $340
"Sometimes I think of blogging as finger exercises for a violinist; sometimes I think of it as mulching a garden. It is incredibly useful and helpful to my 'real' writing.”
—Kate Christensen, PEN/Faulkner Award-winning novelist
Curious about blogging (literally, “web-logging”, or online journaling)? A blog is a terrific way for authors, including self-published authors, to promote their books and other writing. But blog posts can also be wonderful snapshots of your personality and interests. With a blog, you can share a passion: for cooking, travel, music, art, our beautiful Rehoboth area. With a blog, you can connect to an eager audience for your written words. Maybe you know all that, but still find the idea of starting a blog intimidating.
This is the class for you! Join Elise Seyfried in a fun, exhilarating, take-the-plunge adventure for beginning bloggers. Elise started her blog, “Working Title,” in 2011 as a total newbie, figuring she’d write a couple of posts (maybe), then quit. Instead, over the years, Elise’s weekly mini-essays have become vital to her writing life, and have been the springboard for many longer published essays too.
In this class, you’ll learn about different types of blogs, and the nuts-and-bolts of writing and maintaining a personal blog. Participants will be set up with his or her own blog, and the assignments (“finger exercises”) will be the initial entries. At the end of the six week class, students will have blogs they can continue posting on, far into the future. Don’t be surprised if your blog becomes one of the most valuable parts of your writer’s toolbox!
Writing About Place in Creative Nonfiction — Sarah Barnett (4 weeks)
When: Wednesdays Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct 20
Where: Email Tutorial
Cost: RBWG Members $200; Non-Members $230
"I would really rather feel bad in Maine than good anywhere else." —E. B. White
In this tutorial we will focus on writing about the places that intrigue us, places we return to in our dreams, places that trigger a desire to capture in words how that place makes us feel. Places may be hometowns or exotic cities, but also places within places—houses, apartments, kitchens, porches, backyards, basements. Also, boardwalks or bookstores, museums, parks, shopping malls, libraries, etc. Each week you'll receive sample writings and suggested exercises. The ultimate goal is for participants to write two or three short (approx.250-300 words) pieces or one longer piece (approx. 750 words).
The Magic of the Ordinary II: Poetry — Gail Comorat (4 weeks)
When: Wednesdays, October 13, 20, 27, November 3
Where: Email Tutorial
Cost: RBWG Members $200; Non-Members $230
"In this year of Covid, unrest, isolation, fire, and flood, I am more aware of, and grateful for, the small, soothing, quotidian aspects of life."
--Donna Hilbert
Quotidian events are the everyday details of an ordinary life. Carol Ann Duffy says that we “can find poetry in what people say on the bus.” We might see our lives as dull, but if we look closely enough we can find wonder in our experiences. Poets like Stephen Dunn, Albert Garcia, Kim Stafford, and Rosemerry Trommer examine ordinary moments and illuminate them through the power of their observations. In this class we’ll use our senses to reflect on what we see as we read and write poems about shared meals, crows in gardens, and common details that won’t make the evening news.
Each writer will send a new poem weekly to me, on which I’ll comment and offer suggestions for revision. The classwork stands on its own, there are no prerequisites for this class. Open to beginning and experienced writers.
When: Thursdays, September 16, 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21
Where: Email Tutorial
Cost: RBWG Members $300; Non-Members $340
"Sometimes I think of blogging as finger exercises for a violinist; sometimes I think of it as mulching a garden. It is incredibly useful and helpful to my 'real' writing.”
—Kate Christensen, PEN/Faulkner Award-winning novelist
Curious about blogging (literally, “web-logging”, or online journaling)? A blog is a terrific way for authors, including self-published authors, to promote their books and other writing. But blog posts can also be wonderful snapshots of your personality and interests. With a blog, you can share a passion: for cooking, travel, music, art, our beautiful Rehoboth area. With a blog, you can connect to an eager audience for your written words. Maybe you know all that, but still find the idea of starting a blog intimidating.
This is the class for you! Join Elise Seyfried in a fun, exhilarating, take-the-plunge adventure for beginning bloggers. Elise started her blog, “Working Title,” in 2011 as a total newbie, figuring she’d write a couple of posts (maybe), then quit. Instead, over the years, Elise’s weekly mini-essays have become vital to her writing life, and have been the springboard for many longer published essays too.
In this class, you’ll learn about different types of blogs, and the nuts-and-bolts of writing and maintaining a personal blog. Participants will be set up with his or her own blog, and the assignments (“finger exercises”) will be the initial entries. At the end of the six week class, students will have blogs they can continue posting on, far into the future. Don’t be surprised if your blog becomes one of the most valuable parts of your writer’s toolbox!
Writing About Place in Creative Nonfiction — Sarah Barnett (4 weeks)
When: Wednesdays Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 13, Oct 20
Where: Email Tutorial
Cost: RBWG Members $200; Non-Members $230
"I would really rather feel bad in Maine than good anywhere else." —E. B. White
In this tutorial we will focus on writing about the places that intrigue us, places we return to in our dreams, places that trigger a desire to capture in words how that place makes us feel. Places may be hometowns or exotic cities, but also places within places—houses, apartments, kitchens, porches, backyards, basements. Also, boardwalks or bookstores, museums, parks, shopping malls, libraries, etc. Each week you'll receive sample writings and suggested exercises. The ultimate goal is for participants to write two or three short (approx.250-300 words) pieces or one longer piece (approx. 750 words).
The Magic of the Ordinary II: Poetry — Gail Comorat (4 weeks)
When: Wednesdays, October 13, 20, 27, November 3
Where: Email Tutorial
Cost: RBWG Members $200; Non-Members $230
"In this year of Covid, unrest, isolation, fire, and flood, I am more aware of, and grateful for, the small, soothing, quotidian aspects of life."
--Donna Hilbert
Quotidian events are the everyday details of an ordinary life. Carol Ann Duffy says that we “can find poetry in what people say on the bus.” We might see our lives as dull, but if we look closely enough we can find wonder in our experiences. Poets like Stephen Dunn, Albert Garcia, Kim Stafford, and Rosemerry Trommer examine ordinary moments and illuminate them through the power of their observations. In this class we’ll use our senses to reflect on what we see as we read and write poems about shared meals, crows in gardens, and common details that won’t make the evening news.
Each writer will send a new poem weekly to me, on which I’ll comment and offer suggestions for revision. The classwork stands on its own, there are no prerequisites for this class. Open to beginning and experienced writers.
Zoom Class
Memoir — Rae Tyson (5 weeks)
When: Fridays, 10a-12p Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5,
Where: Zoom
Cost: RBWG Members $250; Non-Members $285
As a means of preserving your personal legacy, memoirs offer a powerful alternative. “Writing about one’s life is a powerful personal need,” wrote William Zinsser, the acclaimed teacher and writer. But crafting a good memoir can be a challenge. For some, the mere act of getting started can be a formidable task. This five-week workshop will help launch that memoir writing journey even if you have never written before or don’t consider yourself a writer.
When: Fridays, 10a-12p Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 and November 5,
Where: Zoom
Cost: RBWG Members $250; Non-Members $285
As a means of preserving your personal legacy, memoirs offer a powerful alternative. “Writing about one’s life is a powerful personal need,” wrote William Zinsser, the acclaimed teacher and writer. But crafting a good memoir can be a challenge. For some, the mere act of getting started can be a formidable task. This five-week workshop will help launch that memoir writing journey even if you have never written before or don’t consider yourself a writer.
In-Person Classes
Writing the Ordinary: Nonfiction—The Language of Daily Life — Maribeth Fiascher (6 weeks)
When: Mondays, 3-5p September 20, 27, October 4,11, (no class on 18) 25, and Nov. 1.
Where: Lutheran Church of Our Savior (Behind Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth)
Cost: RBWG Members $300; Non-Members $340
"It wasn’t the twists and turns that kept me reading. It was the language of daily life.
Good literature examines the way the biggest moments of life happen in the quiet moments."
“Some Room to Breathe,” Leesa Cross Smith, Poets and Writers, May/June 2018
We’ve all had plenty of twists and turns in the last two years, but we’ve also had opportunity to find joy in the small, quiet moments. These moments, lacking the urgency of drama, the high emotion of both tragedy and celebration, are difficult to write about, though. What in the story of a routine day, the description of an ordinary object, a list of unremarkable moments will interest a reader who knows nothing about us? In this class, we’ll discover together how to pay close attention to the world and write about it. We’ll write about colors one week, about objects another, about the ordinary days in our extraordinary lives. Each week participants will be given a short assignment that they will workshop in the class. Our goal will be to write beautiful, compelling (perhaps publishable) essays that explore subjects we too often deem unimportant.
When: Mondays, 3-5p September 20, 27, October 4,11, (no class on 18) 25, and Nov. 1.
Where: Lutheran Church of Our Savior (Behind Big Fish Grill, Rehoboth)
Cost: RBWG Members $300; Non-Members $340
"It wasn’t the twists and turns that kept me reading. It was the language of daily life.
Good literature examines the way the biggest moments of life happen in the quiet moments."
“Some Room to Breathe,” Leesa Cross Smith, Poets and Writers, May/June 2018
We’ve all had plenty of twists and turns in the last two years, but we’ve also had opportunity to find joy in the small, quiet moments. These moments, lacking the urgency of drama, the high emotion of both tragedy and celebration, are difficult to write about, though. What in the story of a routine day, the description of an ordinary object, a list of unremarkable moments will interest a reader who knows nothing about us? In this class, we’ll discover together how to pay close attention to the world and write about it. We’ll write about colors one week, about objects another, about the ordinary days in our extraordinary lives. Each week participants will be given a short assignment that they will workshop in the class. Our goal will be to write beautiful, compelling (perhaps publishable) essays that explore subjects we too often deem unimportant.
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