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.

Upcoming Workshops Make a Difference: Writing Letters to Public Officials When We Say We’re Home: From Another Realm: Writing Speculative Fiction: The First Impression: Writing Cover Letters Writing to Voice: Speech Writing A Dance of Words: Avante-garde Poetry and Salon Get in Control: Managing the Writing Process A Walk in the Woods: Nature Writing Talking About Writing: Mystery Writing Panel Say it in Cyberspace: Writing for the Web Playing with Words: Poetry Workshop for Kids Before It’s Too Late: Writing for Warning Be Involved: Volunteer Training for Coaching and Mentoring sic: the CWC Online Magazine Writing Workshop F.A.Q.

Upcoming Workshops

Register here!


Make a Difference: Writing Letters to Public Officials:

Public officials get an earful from lobbyists and special interest groups, but do they really know how their decisions affect you? A well-written letter may be just the thing to                sway a public official to change his or her mind. Utah State Legislator Pat Jones will visit the workshop for a Q&A session on letters that get attention. Cost: $10

When We Say We’re Home:

Writing About Place

A nook in a basement apartment? The town in which you were born? Writing about the places in our hearts’ memories and imaginations can offer unexpected pathways to deeper levels of connection (and reconnection) with others and with our own experiences. Editor and author Dawn Marano will help you explore various versions of homecoming. This workshop is offered in conjunction with the SLCC Grand Theater’s production of A Trip To Bountiful; participants will receive free passes to selected performances.

From Another Realm: Writing Speculative Fiction:

Does the idea of a magic wand-waving, starship-flying vampire named Lenni living in a strange new world sound exciting? Join us as we explore the unique genres of                        speculative fiction, including fantasy and sci-fi, and learn how to incorporate the fantastic into your writing. Cost: $30

The First Impression: Writing Cover Letters

Are you seeking a new job, applying for school or just submitting a manuscript, but don’t know how to express your excellence in a few short paragraphs? Grab the attention             of your soon-to-be boss or reader with an extraordinary cover letter. This fun workshop will explore techniques in persuasive brevity. Cost: $10

Writing to Voice: Speech Writing

Mmm, uh, like... Having trouble expressing yourself in front of other people? This workshop will explore techniques for organizing your thoughts through writing in order to                 more effectively express them at your next presentation, speech, business meeting, or in a simple conversation. Cost: $20

A Dance of Words: Avante-garde Poetry and Salon

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ballets Russes’ dance company, the CWC and Ballet West are offering an avant-garde poetry workshop which will culminate in a poetry salon where participants will share their poems. Taught by award-winning poet, Lisa Bickmore, participants will also receive discount tickets to Ballets Russes celebration performances at Ballet West. For the Ballet West schedule, please see www.balletwest.org.

Get in Control: Managing the Writing Process

Putting pen to paper is one thing, but managing your writing process is time-consuming—from tracking multiple storylines to simultaneous submissions. Guest writer, Don Merrill, will guide you through online writing management systems so you can focus on your writing process and not record-keeping. Guest publisher, Brenda Rogers, will also share tips for organizing the self-publishing process.

A Walk in the Woods: Nature Writing

Inspired by nature, but think only scientists write about birds and trees? Do your favorite memories take place outside? Ever grimaced at the demolition of a park? This workshop will help you reflect, learn from, and share your greenest memories. This workshop is offered in conjunction with the Dewey Lecture Series’ guest author, Richard Louv on April 4th.

Talking About Writing: Mystery Writing Panel

Do you own a tweed hat and pipe? Are your friends tired of hearing you say, “It’s elementary my dear Watson!”? Join the CWC for a panel discussion about mystery writing. Local mystery writers will address the different aspects and techniques of the genre that leave readers guessing until the last page.

Say it in Cyberspace: Writing for the Web

How often do you read or write articles, advertisements, or other information online? If the answer is often, then this workshop is for you. Join us as we explore web-specific writing techniques, ways to make your writing stand out online and tips for attracting more viewers to your website.

Playing with Words: Poetry Workshop for Kids

Whether it’s a sonnet or a nursery rhyme, kids are drawn to the rhythm of poetry. And as much as they enjoy reading it, they love to create it. This workshop offers young ones the opportunity to play with words by using silly phrases and creative images, writing rolling haiku and simile poems, creating rock poetry, and much more. Kids 8-13 will have fun writing without boundaries.

Before It’s Too Late: Writing for Warning

Concerned about the future of our society? Want others to see things from your perspective? Learn how to present your messages of warning without being labeled a doomsayer. This workshop will enable writers to effectively spread messages of forewarning and action. This workshop is offered in conjunction with the Dewey Lecture Series’ guest author, Bob Reiss on May 2nd.

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.)

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.