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Elements of Story: The Energy

with Vicki Phillips

Next session: November 8th, 2026

$30 More Info

What gives energy to a story, drives the main character, motivates their opponent, and engages readers? Having desire, taking steps to fulfill it, being thwarted, facing the decision to fold or to persist.

Typically craft talk names this element “conflict.” Ursula K. LeGuin says, “Conflict is one kind of behavior. There are others, equally important in any human life, such as relating, finding, losing, bearing, discovering, parting, changing. Change is the universal aspect of all these sources of story. Story is something moving, something happening, something or somebody changing.”

This workshop will invite writers to explore the diversity of behaviors, including conflict, identify the specific challenge their story relates, so that the best shape of the story will emerge.

This class runs: Sunday Nov 8, 3-5 PM
Open to: All Genders, Ages 18+

Elements of Story is a series of three new classes focusing on key elements of story telling: Scene, Characterization, and Energy. Take. one, two, or all three! Each class can stand alone and all are suitable for writers of fiction, memoir, or creative non-fiction.

PRICING POLICY: We use a three-tier pricing structure based on your financial circumstance. During registration, please select the tier that feels most true to your current financial ability. Learn more here.

Elements of Story: Characterization

with Vicki Phillips

Next session: October 25th, 2026

$30 More Info

Central to story is the main character, the protagonist. This is the person our readers will invest in, emotionally resonate with, and go on a journey with.

The focus of this workshop is how to create a compelling character, to render them as embodied, with a physical and spiritual self, dwelling in a specific cultural and social location, with their unique personalities, agency, desire and goals.

Class runs: Sunday Oct 25, 3-5 PM
Open to: All Genders, Ages 18+

Elements of Story is a series of three new classes focusing on key elements of story telling: Scene, Characterization, and Energy. Take one, two, or all three! Each class can stand alone and all are suitable for writers of fiction, memoir, or creative non-fiction.

Ordinary Wonders: A Writing Workshop

with Leighann Rechtin

Next session: November 14th, 2026

$45 More Info

Inspired by Wendy Cope's beloved poem The Orange, this Saturday afternoon workshop explores the extraordinary hidden within the everyday.

What small moments bring delight? What familiar objects deserve a second look? What ordinary experiences have quietly shaped your life?

Through poetry, reflection, and generative writing, we'll practice paying attention to the simple gifts that often go unnoticed. Together we'll discover how wonder is not something we find but something we cultivate.

Come prepared to slow down, notice deeply, and celebrate the beauty of ordinary things.

Open to: All Genders, Ages 18+

About the Facilitator: Leighann believes writing is one of the most powerful ways we come home to ourselves. As an educator, facilitator, and lifelong learner, she creates welcoming spaces where curiosity, reflection, and connection can flourish. Whether writing poetry, personal stories, or simply noticing the world with fresh eyes, she hopes participants leave feeling more grounded, inspired, and connected to their own voice.

PRICING POLICY: We use a three tier pricing structure based on your financial circumstance. During registration, please select the tier that feels most true to your current financial ability. Learn more here.