Lighthouse Writers Workshop Moves to Denvers Highlands Neighborhood, Offers March Course Roster

Lighthouse Writers Workshop will begin meeting the week of March 15 in Lighthouses new office and workshop space at 2785 Speer Boulevard, just off I-25 and Speer at Zuni Street. Lighthouse also added a new instructor, TJ Gerlach, M.F.A., Ph.D.

DENVER, CO )PRWEB) February 16, 2004---Lighthouse Writers Workshops is moving on up-to Denvers north side, where workshops begin meeting the week of March 15 in Lighthouses new office and workshop space at 2785 Speer Boulevard, just off I-25 and Speer at Zuni Street.

Located two blocks from I-25, between the booming Central Platte Valley and West Highlands neighborhoods, Lighthouses new digs offer ample lighted parking and a nearby coffeehouse, sure to please the 150 students who participate in each workshop session.

Lighthouse also added a new instructor, TJ Gerlach, M.F.A., Ph.D., who will lead one session of the Novel Workshop in March. Gerlach earned his M.F.A. from the University of Utah and his Ph.D. from the University of Denver. Gerlach currently also teaches at the University of Denver. His fiction has appeared in such journals as Press, The Wisconsin Review and Literal Latte, and his first novel is currently out for consideration.

Sixteen eight-week workshops will be offered this spring, in addition to occasional one-day intensive workshops. Lighthouse workshops are limited to 10 students each. Course registration is available online at www.lighthousewriters.com or by calling Lighthouse Writers Workshop at 303-297-1185. Tax-deductible Lighthouse memberships cost $30 annually.

Eight-week workshops meet weekly for two hours, at a cost of $199 for Lighthouse members and $229 for non-members. Workshops beginning in March include:

·   Creative Writing Workshop
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 17, instructor: Jenny Vacchiano, M.F.A.
The perfect introduction for beginner writers or experienced journalers who wish to form their spontaneous jottings into more crafted works. This group helps members develop confidence in their writing and introduces the important elements of finished pieces, such as tension, character development, description, and dialogue. The focus is on writing and enjoying the process. Members may bring in pieces for supportive critique, but its not mandatory.

·   Entering the "Write" Mind
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 15, instructor: Scotty Dupree, M.S.W.
Move beyond the blocks that keep you from realizing your full potential as a writer. The workshop focuses on goal setting, writing as a way of actualizing, reframing negativity, embracing the power of the writing process, and much more. (Held in Lakewood.)

·   Memoir & Personal Essay
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 17, instructor: Michael J. Henry, M.F.A.
Online, beginning March 15, instructor: Michael J. Henry, M.F.A.
An intermediate weekly workshop for those working on book-length memoirs and on shorter forms, such as the personal essay, general nonfiction pieces, and family history. Meetings focus on workshopping of member writing and on weekly exercises devoted to this very popular genre.

·   Nonfiction Writing
Thursdays, Noon to 2:00 p.m., beginning March 18, instructor: Lisa Ray Turner.
Workshop uses a critique process, weekly exercises and discussion to instruct writers of nonfiction books, book proposals, magazine articles and essays. Discuss creative writing techniques common to all types of nonfiction writing, and cover specific forms of nonfiction, how to utilize fictional devices, and issues pertaining to the writing life (marketing, creativity, etc.).

·   Novel
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 15, instructor: T.J. Gerlach, M.F.A.
Tuesdays, 12 noon -- 2 p.m., beginning March 16, instructor: Lisa Ray Turner
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 16 -- instructor: William Haywood Henderson, M.A.- COURSE FULL
Ideal for those already working on a novel, or for those just thinking about it, this workshop concentrates on critique of member writing and includes weekly discussions and exercises devoted to elements of book-length fictional works.

·   Poetry workshop (introductory)
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 16, instructor: Kathryn J. Bass, Ph.D.
This workshop concentrates on introductory elements of poetry, including form, rhythm, musicality, meter, etc. Members will read poetry as well as writing it. Includes weekly exercises, freewrites, and discussion of published poetry. Suitable for absolute beginners or for poets who need a refresher.

·   Intermediate Poetry Workshop
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 15, instructor: Michael J. Henry, M.F.A.
An intermediate workshop that incorporates freewriting, member critiques, and discussions of craft-including meter, rhythm, metaphor, image, clarity, and poetry in form. Also includes study of contemporary poets. Explore basic concepts and expand your creativity.

·   Screenwriting
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 15, instructor: Alexandre Philippe, M.F.A.
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 17, instructor: Alexandre Philippe, M.F.A.
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 18, instructor: Alexandre Philippe, M.F.A.
Practice the craft of screenwriting through lectures, exercises, screenings, discussions and workshops. Topics include screenplay format, story ideas and structure, character development, dialogue, adaptation, and the writing process. Apply effective, up-to-date techniques to develop, structure and begin the first draft of a feature-length screenplay.

·   Writing the Short Story
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 16, instructor: Jenny Vacchiano, M.F.A.
The dramatic elements of the short story are distinct from any other form of fiction. Writers can begin or further their study of the contemporary short story form, and apply their learning to their own projects. Focus equally on reading published works and writing/revising original short stories, as well as discussing aspects of publishing. Weekly writing exercises, readings, and workshops of peer stories provide direct, effective training in this dynamic form.

·   Intermediate/Advanced Short Story
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 18, instructor: Andrea Dupree, M.F.A.
A weekly workshop for intermediate to advanced writers of short stories. Sessions concentrate on critique of member submissions and include writing exercises and discussion of published works as models of craft. Pre-requisite: Writing the Short Story (at least three cycles) or permission of instructor.

·   Young Adult Novel
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 15, instructor: Jenny Vacchiano, M.F.A.
Suitable for those already working on a young adult novel, or for those wanting to begin one. This workshop will include critique of members' work and writing exercises that focus on various aspects of craft, such as voice, dialogue, and theme development. We'll also discuss award-winning YA novels.

Since 1997, Lighthouse Writers Workshop has enabled writers of all genres and abilities to explore their craft in a supportive yet challenging environment. Lighthouse offers small, graduate-level writing workshops that are both affordable and convenient for busy people. Lighthouse Writers Workshop became a Colorado nonprofit organization in 2004. For more information, visit www.lighthousewriters.com.

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