Workshops
 

"Sensible, solid information from a seasoned writer, with real-life examples and good handouts."



"You deglamorized the process and gave us the brass tacks. No ego on your part. I appreciated your attitude that 'anyone can do it.' Also your willingness to answer our spontaneous questions."



"I especially enjoyed Claire's energy and enthusiasm, and her helpful explanations."



"Claire created a comfortable atmosphere where it was possible to learn from the other students, and from her about the 'writer's life.'"



"Claire knows the writing business, and teaches it with a no-hype approach that's inspiring!"
 

Working one-on-one and with groups, I offer consulting services and lead workshops on the creative process and skills of writing—for universities; businesses; organizations in health care, the arts, community service, the environment and others; freelance and creative writers; and other artists.

Here are a few who have benefitted from my workshops:
University of Alaska Anchorage
Columbia College Chicago
Attic Institute
PDX Writers


Dreams and Bones: Branching to Brainstorm and Organize
Circular and flowing, the pencil-and-paper approach of branching helps you generate ideas you never expected. Applied differently, it also keeps track of those ideas and your research materials, making it much easier to do that outline or just start writing. Along the way, it serves as an index. Indispensable! In this workshop, you'll start with various topics and branch from there, igniting your imagination. You'll also learn just how to apply the structural framework of branching to your research efforts and writing projects.

Voice-to-Voice: The Art of the Interview
That article or speech you're writing may require quotes and information from others. In this workshop, you'll learn how to research the people you want to interview and formulate intelligent questions. You'll role-play to hone your listening and rapport-building skills, and practice challenging interview situations—how to rouse the reticent, let the person run, reign in the rambler, redirect the course and wrap it all up. Ethical issues will also be addressed. You'll leave this workshop being able to conduct any interview with confidence, grace and flair.

From Passion to Print: Writing and Placing Articles
In this hands-on series of two to four workshops (depending on your needs), you'll learn how to find the most appropriate magazine, newspaper and website editors, as well as approach and interact with them. You'll also learn how to research your subject and craft an irresistible query letter. Then, you'll organize and write that article—from its opening paragraph that can't help but grab the reader, to an ending that shuts the door with a solid click. Group critiques direct your revisions, further refining your results and preparing you for publication.

  
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