Upcoming Workshops

Now that September's here, I'm feeling that annual back-to-school energy: an urge to get organized and get going on some writing projects, new and old. Are you feeling the same? If so, I've got a slew of in-person writing workshops coming up, just for you! Whether you want to wander in the woods and write and sketch about your experiences or you want to sit down in the classroom and plan that book you've been dying to write, I've got you covered. The first two are free but require registration; the third is a bargain. Hit the link in the class title to learn more and sign up.

Nature Writing in the Field. River Brook Preserve, Waldoboro, ME,
Saturday, September 20, 10 am - Noon
Join Maine Master Naturalist Andrea Lani as we take our notebooks outdoors and seek inspiration in the natural world. Exploring River Brook Preserve, we'll engage in exercises designed to hone our observation skills and sharpen all of our senses. We’ll then observe an element of the natural world closely, working our way from description to metaphor, from metaphor to memory, and from memory to emotion. Through this process, we'll each generate a short poem or vignette and come away with a practice for close observation and writing that can be used anywhere. We’ll be outside the whole time, so dress for the weather, be prepared for ticks and bugs, and bring snacks and water. Please bring a journal or notebook and pencil or pen. You may also want a sit pad or small, portable camp chair.

Nature Journaling: Story Mapping, Hidden Vally Nature Center, Jefferson, ME,
​Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m - Noon
Join Maine Master Naturalist Andrea Lani as we explore Hidden Valley Nature Center and create story maps that depict our journey. Our illustrated story maps will depict the route we travel, interesting features we encounter, and events that occur along the way. We'll hike from the parking lot, around Crossbill Loop, and along Warbler Way, creating our story maps as we go. By noticing and recording the sights, sounds, and moments that draw our attention, we'll sharpen our observation skills and deepen our connection to the natural world. When we arrive at the barn, we'll spend some time at the picnic tables refining our maps, adding details and color, and sharing our creations. The program will end at noon at the barn, so please factor in an extra five to ten minutes to walk back to the parking lot. We’ll be outside the whole time, so dress for the weather, be prepared for ticks and bugs, and bring snacks and water. Please bring a journal or paper and clipboard and pencil or pen. The instructor will provide colored pencils and basic watercolors.

Blueprint for a Book: Plan Your Novel or Memoir. Kennebec Neighbors Adult Education, Gardiner, Maine
Tuesdays, October 7 - 28, 6 - 8 pm, $100
Do you have a story that you’ve always wanted to turn into a novel or memoir? In this workshop, we’ll take your dreams and set them on the road to reality. Over the course of three weeks, writer and Author Accelerator-certified book coach Andrea Lani will guide you into your deep-level why of writing your book, help you articulate the point your novel will make or the question your memoir will answer, and lead you in constructing the sturdy tripod of setting, character, and plot on which to rest your narrative. You’ll complete the course with an outline that will set you on the path to writing your best book. Please bring a pen and notebook or laptop to each class.