Community Writing Center
Writing Workshops
We offer a wide range of writing workshops here at the Community Writing Center. Explore a variety of writing topics in theme-based classes. Past workshops include: Letters to the Editor, Poetry, Memoir, Editing Tips, College Application Essays, Journaling and Creative Writing. Workshops are created in response to community requests and are taught by our talented Writing Assistants. If there's a workshop you'd like us to offer in the future, please let us know by email: cwc@slcc.edu
Most workshops take place at the Community Writing Center. Due to limited space, it is necessary to register in advance if you plan to attend a workshop. Registration will close one hour prior to the scheduled event. Registrants who choose to not to attend should call to cancel one week prior to the workshop; after this time payments are non-refundable.
To register for workshops on-line, click here!
If you are interested in more in-depth writing workshops, explore the Writer's Toolbox with the University of Utah's Lifelong Learning Program.
Workshop Descriptions |
Register here! |
New Perspectives: Book Reviews by Children for Children
The mind of a child is a fascinating place, full of unique insights and opinions ... especially when it comes to favorite reads. This workshop will engage young readers to write book reviews and to then share with other children (and through the city library publications). This workshop is most effective if he/she brings a favorite text for review. Space limited to ages 7 to 12.
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1-day youth workshop May 2 (Sa) |
The Power of Brevity: Writing Flash Fiction and Flash Factual
Sudden fiction, microfiction, postcard fiction, haibun, nanofiction, vignette ... Can you tell a story using less than 1000 words? Less than 500? Less than 100? Explore character, conflict, setting and dialogue while finding ways to condense and strengthen your words. This two-session workshop will assist writers in discovering methods to present a large idea within a small amount of space.
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The Art of Listening: Personal Interviews, Personal Narratives
Listening is one way to celebrate one another's lives and to better understand history and humanity. Please join the CWC, in partnership with YourStory (yourstory.utah.edu), to record interviews with friends or loved ones and then turn those recording into written personal histories or family stories. This three-session workshop works best if a friend or relative registers for the workshop with you.
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3-day workshop May 16, 23 & 30 (Sa) |
Tasteful Narratives: Food Writing
Write about a beautiful and simple necessity: food. It doesn't matter whether you're a chef, writer or just a good eater, food has metaphorical and transformative qualities. In this workshop, we'll share food history and heritage, recipes and anecdotes, while finding inspiration and creativity in the process.
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2-day workshop May 20 & 27 (Wed) |
Ease up: Writing Through Stress
Stressed out? Life getting on your nerves? Today's world is full of stresses and anxieties that are both immediate and long-term. we all need to take a break from it, but not everyone has the time (or money) to go on vacation to get away from it all. What we need are no-cost strategies to help us through the trying times. For some, writing can be a great stress-manager, and not just making lists (in fact, lists can create more stress than they take away!). Come to this high energy workshop that will give you new skills in how to use writing to keep on going when the anxiety gets too high.
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1-day workshop June 4 (Th), |
Time for Change: Writing Resumes and Cover Letters
In these uncertain times, one thing you can count on is a current resume prepared and ready to use. Whether you've been affected by the current economic climate or need to update your resume, this workshop can help you build an efficient resume that represents you. Come learn about the purpose, structure and tools to craft a well organized resume and a meaningful cover letter.|
2-day workshop June 6 & 13 (Sa), |
Beat the Blank Page: Getting Started and Overcoming Writer's Block
Do you suffer from creative paralysis? Did you put the "pro' on procrastination when faced with a writing project? If you answered yes to theses or any other questions you came up with while ignoring the blank page you may suffer from writer's block. Join us in sharing ideas and finding solutions to overcoming whatever keeps your creative juices from flowing.|
2-day workshop June 17 & 24 (Wed), |
Talking About Writing: Playwriting
Tennesse Williams writes, "I can't expose a human weakness on the stage unless I know it through having it myself." The CWC also understands how important it is to learn from experience. Come join the panel of local playwrights to discover favorite plays and learn about the emotional appeal from the stage. Featuring Troy Williams and Charles Lynn Frost, writers of The Passion of Sister Dottie S. Dixon, and Richard Scott, Director of the SLCC Grand Theatre. |
Evening panel discussion June 23 (Tues), |
Strength in Brevity: Writing Clearly and Concisely
Does your own writing confuse you? By the time you get to the end of your first paragraph are you already lost? Beauty and strength can be gained through an economic use of language. Explore methods to both condense and fortify your words. This workshop will assist writers in discovering methods to present a large idea within a small amount of space.|
2-day workshop July 1 & 8 (Wed), |
Want Fry Sauce With That? The Utah Field Guide
Few would deny that Utah is a unique culture. From Fry Sauce and Green Jello to Butch Cassidy and the Spiral Jetty - even the legends of locusts and Kay's Cross - Utah is surrounded with more lore than Paul Bunyon. We live in a state of stories, and sharing the intersection of those stories with our own lives makes for a creative journey of place and history. In honor of the Days of '47, join us for an engaging workshop using only Utah legends and lore as writing prompts. You don't need to be a local to participate.|
3-day workshop July 2, 9 & 16 (Thurs), |
The Digital Movement: Blogging for Change
It's true, the wave of the web has been more like a tidal wave. There are more millions of internet users worldwide, many of them with blogs about everything from the day's gossip to favorite movies. But can blogs do more than share our opinions and to-dos? Can blogs change views and encourage activism? In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to create and write effective blogs that can make a difference.|
2-day workshop July 11 & 18 (Sa), |
Young Minds: Writing for Children and Young Adult Audiences
One book can change a child for life. One book can encourage a child to read or a teen to explre his/her own feelings and ideas about the world. Just think of the impacts of such books as Skippy Jon Jones and Harry Potter. But writing to young audiences comes with its own set of challenges. Local children's book author will walk you through the ins and outs of writing for these engaged reader.|
2-day workshop July 22 & 29 (Wed), |
The Beat of Your Own Drum: Creative Writing Workshop for Teens
Do you enjoy doing things differently? Trying something just because it is new? These experiences and observations are the seeds from which great creative nonfiction and fiction stories can bloom. This workshop will introduce teens ages 13-18 the conventions of creative writing and how to plumb one's own memory and imagination for stories.|
2-day workshop August 1 & 8 (Sa), |
Writing as a Rolling Stone: Travel Writing
All aboard! Planning on jet-setting to a far-off place, hitting the highway with a couple of close friends, or exploring your favorite local destination? Share your journey with the world in a well-written, descriptive profile, guide or literary narrative. Join us in this exciting workshop about travel.|
3-day workshop August 6, 13 & 20 (Thurs), |
Be Involved: Volunteer Training for Coaching and Mentoring
Train to be a volunteer at the SLCC Community Writing Center! Learn the tools necessary to be an effective writing assistant — as a Writing Coach, Writing Group Mentor or Workshop Facilitator. If you are interested in becoming a CWC Volunteer, please register for one of the workshops above. (Volunteers need to be available for a six-month commitment to the program.)
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1-day trainings will be held on:
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sic: the CWC Online Magazine
sic is an online publication showcasing writing generated in CWC Writing Workshops. All workshop participants are welcome to submit their writing. Go to our Publications page to view all of the Community Writing Center's publications, or our newest issue of sic. For more information, call (801) 957-4992.
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