Fun, affordable classes in the arts, offered through one of Seattle's most respected noncredit schools. For a full list of Seattle acting classes, writing classes, art classes, film classes and more, visit http://www.classesandworkshops.com
Writing Fiction and Short Stories Class 23.08, section 1: Writing Fiction and Short Stories Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College Wednesdays 7-9 p.m., 7/15-8/12 (5 meetings) Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle Nils Osmar, instructor Course fee: $125
Course description: Writing is a natural skill that everyone can develop. In this Seattle writing class, students will write short stories and other word pieces and get feedback from the instructor and others in the class. The focus will be on developing our writing skills, finding our genuine voices, learning to let the process happen effortlessly and spontaneously. Also: information about copyrighting and getting published. Instructor is the author of a short story collection, The Hungry Time, and has also written stage plays, screenplays and magazine articles. All levels welcome. See also: Writing Classes Seattle~ Acting classes Seattle ~ Filmmaking classes Seattle
To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the Add to Cart below. If you don't see a button, go to http://www.classesandworkshops.com
Thanks again for the writing class this quarter. I found your comments on my stories, and other students' stories, helpful and to the point. You said what you thought, but without trashing anybody. I also appreciated being able to hear other students' comments on what I'd written. - Megan C. (Edmonds) I liked the format, and the chance to things aloud.... hearing my own stories was an eye-opener. Just hearing them, I could tell when they were working or where the cuts needed to be. It was also great having a chance to get so much feedback. - Bill K. (Seattle) I spent two years not writing and getting ragged about it. I have to say that during your class I started writing and I've been writing my b_lls off ever since. It worked for me totally. - Andy J. (Seattle) I loved your class. - J.L., Seattle Thanks for a fun and interesting class. I appreciate how you value each student for their individual voice and style, and how you encourage and bring out the best in each of us. I always learn new and effective ways to look at things when I take one of your classes... - Barb B. (Bellevue) Thanks for an excellent class. The exercises were enjoyable. It was a pleasure to be in such a creative group.- Marylin H. (Bellevue) I was a little bit cautious when I signed up, because I'd had a bad experience in a class at _______ a few years ago. I'm glad to say that your class was different. I felt energized, and motivated, and loved the creativity and the energy of the group. Thanks for all the attention you put into the group and the exercises. - Chris K. (Seattle) Thanks again for encouraging us to form a writing group after the class. We've met four times since the course ended, and I expect we'll keep doing so. - Chris W., Bothell I took your class two years ago, and loved it at that time, then took it again this spring. While I always liked the class, and got a great deal out of it, I can also say that you've improved it dramatically in the past few months. The information about style, form, story structure and point of view, and your suggestions about editing our own stories, all are profoundly helpful. You'll probably see me again in a few months! - Sheila K., Seattle I took it because I was "stuck" in journaling, and wanted to shake myself loose and open up my writing abilities and inclinations in some new directions. Your suggestions and comments were great. I'm unstuck. Thank you!!!! I'll be back in the fall to take the class again. - Marie L., Lake Forest Park The amount of thought and care Nils put into the presentations was wonderful. I felt like he really listened to people and answered their questions.He was also very flexible.In the part of the story in which we shared stories, people were encouraged but not pressured to share things each week. Sometimes we would listen to nine of ten stories, and have a chance to comment on them. Other times we would really focus in on one of two students. It was all good, and I learned a lot from it. -M.R., Seattle I found this class to be both fun and educational thanks to both Nils and everyone in the class. -M.L, Seattle Suzie and I had lunch together today and we were commenting on how much we appreciated the gracious and respectful manner in which you taught the class. We both feel SO thankful to have 'happened' to have chosen your writing class, and we want to say THANKS NILS! The group you've birthed and created has lots of energy! (We've formed a writing group and are) plan to meet every 2 weeks. - M.C., Seattle I liked the combination of handouts, presentation, discussion, and reading student writing for feedback. The combination of all of these separate tools helped reinforce concepts and make each two hour session productive and varied. Nils makes the classroom comfortable for people at all levels. - J.F., Bellevue
What will we be doing in the class? We'll spend some time in each class session writing, and time will also be set aside for students to share their stories with the group and get feedback on them. (Students can share their stories with the class by email, by handing out copies, or reading them aloud.) There will also be homework assignments each week, designed to give people a chance to try something new and different than they might otherwise in their writing. We'll also spend some time in each class thinking about and discussing the elements of writing, including: - form and structure (what elements do all stories have in common? How can we learn about and have fun with these elements, while still writing spontaneously and trusting our own feeling of where we want to go in our stories?) - beginnings, middles and endings - point of view (first person, second person, third person - what does it all mean? How learning about point of view can free up your writing) - writing description and dialogue - trusting your impulses as a writer - finding ideas for stories - types of stories: character-driven, plot-driven, and event driven - what story "type" means and how to have fun with it - editing and rewriting - finding the time to work on your writing (yep, there are things that can help!) - unblocking writer's block, and forgetting all about it - copyrighting your stories and getting published Does Nils teach other writing classes? Yes, he also offers a screen writing class through the Experimental College called It's Time to Write Your Screenplay. Can you tell me more about the instructor? Nils Osmar has made his living in the arts for over twenty years, working as a writer (short stories, stageplays & screenplays), illustrator (traditional and modern media), filmmaker and teacher. He currently teaches at the ASUW Experimental College, (a noncredit program of the Associated Students University of Washington) and the Wonder School of the Arts. For a full list of upcoming classes, scroll down this page.
Questions about signing up
How do I sign up? To register, call 206-420-1309, or use the Add to Cart buttons above. Online registrations will be handled securely by Paypal Merchant Services.
Does that mean I need to have a Paypal account to sign up? No. You can use Paypal if you want, or pay using any Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express.
How do I pay using a credit card? Start by clicking the Add to Cart button, then click "proceed to checkout." You'll be taken to a page where you can choose how to pay. If you want to use your credit card just click at the bottom where it says "Use your Credit Card or Bank account," then enter your credit card information.
Can I pay by check? Yes. If you'd like to pay by check, just download this form, print it, and mail it in with your check or money order. If you have trouble downloading or printing out the form, email Seattleworkshops@aol.com and we'll mail you a form.
How soon will I receive a confirmation email when I sign up? You should receive a confirming email within a few hours of registering (usually sooner). If you don't get a confirming email, call or email Nils Osmar, instructor at 206-420-1309 Seattleworkshops@aol.com or Nilsosmar@gmail.com
What is your refund policy? 1) If you sign up for a class, and then it is cancelled, or if the date or location are changed in a way that prevents you from attending, you will receive your choice of either a full refund, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 2) If you sign up for a class, then change your mind or are unable to attend, and notify the instructor before the first meeting, you will receive your choice of either a refund of 2/3 of the course fee, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 3) If you notify the instructor after the first class meeting, but before the second meeting, that you have decided not to attend you will receive your choice of either a refund of 1/3 of the course fee or a tuition voucher in the amount of 2/3 of the amount paid. 4) If you attend some meetings of a class but miss some meetings, you can make up the meetings you missed the following quarter at no charge.
Wonder School home page Nils Osmar home page
Other summer quarter classes
Art classes in Seattle Drawing for absolute beginners ___ SATURDAYS 9 am-10:45 am ___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) Learn to Draw Faces ___________ SATURDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) Figure Drawing __________________ SATURDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings) Cartooning 101 __________________SUNDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Perspective Drawing for Beginners____SUNDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Acrylic Painting for Beginners ____________SUNDAYS 3 pm-5 pm__7/19-8/9 (four meetings) Exploring Color _________________SUNDAY 10 am-5 pm___ 7/12 only (one-day workshop)
Writing classes in Seattle Writing Fiction and Short Stories ______WEDNESDAYS 7/15-8/12, 7 pm-9 pm (five meetings) It's Time to Write Your Screenplay_THURSDAYS, 7/16-8/13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings)
Photoshop classes in Seattle Adobe Photoshop __________FRIDAYS 7/10-7/24___7 pm-9:15 pm___ (three meetings)
Acting & Filmmaking classes in Seattle Let's Make a Movie ___________________ TUESDAYS 7/14-8/18 (five meetings) Filmmaking for Beginners _________FRIDAYS 7/31-8/21, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (four meetings) Documentary Filmmaking___SUNDAY 8/16 only (one-day workshop) Beginning Acting ____MONDAYS 7/13-8/10, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (five meetings) ***
*** all classes are held on or near the UW campus in Seattle, except for Beginning Acting, which is held at the Seattle Center/Center House. Exact locations and driving directions will be emailed out when you sign up
Questions? Call 206-420-1309 or email Seattleworkshops@aol.com