Story Circle

by, for, and about women

Online Classes

Writing Classes for Women

Since 1997, Story Circle Network has offered courses (onsite and online) in memoir, reminiscence, journaling, family stories, writing-as-healing, place writing and nature writing, writing for personal growth and spiritual development, and poetry. We also offer classes in fiction (using fiction techniques, fiction in memoir, and fictionalizing women’s lives) and teach general writing skills, organization, critical editing, and blogging.

Classes offered vary from term to term.

Click a class below to learn more and enroll.

Current & Upcoming Classes

Memoir & Life Writing

Do You Have A Story That Is Waiting To Be Told?

Each class will include a review of writing wisdom from The Memoir Project, study and discussion of essays by Patchett and Thomas, and an opportunity to share your own writing and receive constructive feedback. Please purchase or borrow The Memoir…

Hope Whispers, Nature Speaks; How Both Aid us in Reframing our Life Stories

This six-week course will offer opportunity to spend time in nature as a means for extracting symbolism and messages for then writing and reframing stories of one’s life. Physical time in nature is not mandatory; if there are physical and…

Wild Life Stories

This five-week class is for “Wild Women” who want to write about their adventures and relationships with animals and other beings, human and non. You’ll see and think about the natural world in fresh ways through readings from exceptional writers…

Would I, Could I, Should I Write a Memoir? (Part One)

This interactive class is designed to address concerns and answer participants' questions, in-depth. By sharing what I and others wish we'd known at the outset of our self-publishing adventures, participants will learn to consider all aspects of conceiving, writing, and…

Memoir & Lifewriting

Do You Have A Story That Is Waiting To Be Told? Part 2

Each class will include a review of writing wisdom from the Memoir Project, study and discussion of essays, and an opportunity to share your own writing and receive constructive feedback. It is recommended, not required, that you purchase What Comes…

Poetry

Turning Life Experience into Poetry

We will analyze and discuss sample poems and explore topics including imagery, use of detail, tone, setting, rhythm, and theme. We look at how these elements work together to create a poem that has universal appeal. We’ll use prompts and…

Writing Craft

Learning How To Craft a Scene

This class will use Crafting Scenes by Raymond Obstfeld (a tried and true book) to learn the specifics of how to write effective scenes. We will explore scene length, point of view, character, setting, beginnings and ending so that you…

So, You Want to Write a Book

This course covers essentials for nonfiction and fiction, critical writing mistakes that anger readers, “must-have” edits, and more. You will have a stronger understanding of what your readers seek and how to deliver it, options for publication, and potential pitfalls…

Write Hot!

WRITE HOT! Learn techniques that define what drives character's intentions and desires. In this workshop writers will find their personal ‘hot’ button, energize their authentic voice and discover what drives their characters. Be authentic! Write authentic! Ignite your writing from…

Independent Study

Independent Study Program, Session 1

What is keeping you from your dreams? Do you have an idea for a story but don't know how to start? Do you have a draft but need an editor? Are you stuck on your summary? Cover letter? Query? Do…

Independent Study Program, Session 2

What is keeping you from your dreams? Do you have an idea for a story but don't know how to start? Do you have a draft but need an editor? Are you stuck on your summary? Cover letter? Query? Do…

Propose a Class

Our faculty members, all women, are experienced teachers and published writers with a special interest in helping women explore their lives. If you are a skilled writer who is experienced in teaching memoir, journaling, life-based fiction, and other lifewriting forms and are interested in joining our faculty, we would like to hear from you.

Submit Proposal