What Happens in the Workshops?
The workshops are intentionally small (Max 10). We meet for 2 ½ hours, during which we write and respond to 2 thoughtfully curated writing prompts put forth by the workshop facilitator. A prompt might be a phrase or an image, an object, a smell; something to trigger a memory or to draw the imagination out to play.
We write without fear because we are pledged to confidentiality and because there is no hierarchy in these workshops. We pause and share what we wrote (always optional). Our fellow writers listen deeply and provide POSITIVE feedback, telling us what was strong in the piece.
We write, we find and hone our writer’s voice, we smile, laugh, cry and evolve as writers and as a supportive group. All the while our understanding of writing craft evolves as supplemental materials and mini writing craft lessons are seamlessly incorporated.
The workshops are informed by the Amherst Writers & Artists Method (www.amherstwriters.org) devised by author and teacher Pat Schneider and described in her book Writing Along and With Others.
What Happens In The Workshops?
The workshops are intentionally small (Max 10). We write to prompts, share our work, receive positive feedback from fellow writers. Each participant’s writing is equally respected. And you are free to experiment and dig deep as your writing will not be shared outside of the workshop. As your writing advances beyond the generative stage, you can request a peer review and editing support.
Guaranteed! You will write, find your voice, find direction, smile, laugh, cry, and evovle as a writer.ve fun!
Join A Workshop
Spring 2025 Workshop
From Prompt to Polished Piece
Registration open (Max 10) 4 Seats open
Thursday Evenings 6:30-9:00pm
February 6- April 10
@ Roland Park Community Center
5802 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210
$289
- Facilitated by author Holly Lewis Maddux and spoken-word poet Claire Dorsey. All levels, all genres welcome.
- Write to thought-provoking, multi-sensory prompts.
- Share with fellow writers who provide positive feedback.
- Small group. Confidentiality assured.
- If desired, develop a piece of writing with support of the group for a Spoken Work soiree and/or publication in From the Hilltop: A Collection of Prompted Writing.Whether your purpose is artistic expression, communication with friends/family, the healing of the inner life, or achieving public recognition for your art, you are welcome here.
To register, call 410-963-0858 or email Hilltopwriters20@gmail.com
Spring 2025 Workshop
“The Plot Whisperer”
Registration open (Max 10)
Tuesday Afternoons 1:00-3:30
February 11- April 15
@ Roland Park Community Center
5802 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210
$289
In this workshop, you’ll learn about story structure and the Universal Story. We will write to prompts curated for plot development and build the story scaffolding by creating plot boards and scene trackers. Every element in every scene will advance our stories forward. We’ll use Martha Alderson’s The Plot Whisperer as our guide.
