Workshops & Events

Regularly Offered Courses

I teach the following classes through the Center for Creative Writing year-round:

Writing through Trauma to Truth, Parts 1&2

Writing about trauma is often an attempt to make sense and meaning; to unravel what can’t easily be felt or said; to stitch torn cloth together again with well-crafted words that make, from struggle, something good and beautiful and true – for yourself and for future readers. Read the full c o u r s e description.

Writing the Wave, Parts 1-4

Writing the Wave is an organic approach to writing that will jump-start your creative process and free the writer inside you—even if you’re just starting or have been struggling for years. Working with both your creative and analytical mind through a series of imagination-boosting techniques, the course has helped thousands of aspiring writers get to the page and thrive there. Read the full course description.

Writing Your Web Presence

You know the hows and whys of starting a blog. Now you need to generate some quality content. On a blog, you can write about anything you want as long as you have a strong “voice.” You can blog on one topic or many, but a strong voice allows you to wander with your creativity while staying in “niche.” Read the fu ll course description.

Independent Study Options

I periodically accept independent students for Generative Writing and Private Writing Guidance.

Generative Writing

Generative writing sessions are designed to get you writing. Enjoy the benefits of weekly deadlines and regular, in-depth feedback from your teacher as you develop new or existing projects. These sessions follow the same format, pricing (includes a free consultation), and schedule as our regular six-week courses, but without formal assignments. Read the full description.

Private Writing Guidance

Whether you want to polish or publish your writing, the Center offers expert, one-on-one guidance for the next stage of the process such as first reader, copy editor, manuscript midwife or content editor. Read the full description.

All courses run for six weeks and utilize the Wet Ink platform. Please consult the 2024 session dates below:

~~Jan. 9-Feb. 22~~
~~Feb. 27-April 11~~
April 16-May 30 *now enrolling*
June 4-July 18
July 23-Sept. 5
Sept. 10-Oct. 24
Oct. 29-Dec. 12

Sliding Scale Options

I recognize that not everyone is able to access the classes I teach through various institutions. For that reason, in addition to these regularly scheduled courses, I take 2-3 private students per month for courses priced on a sliding scale of $75-125. These sessions typically last 4 weeks and are scheduled with me via email. Generally, I reserve these spaces for queer, BIPOC or differently-abled individuals, and includes anyone on a fixed income. Course goals are curated to client need. Coursework is assigned and completed through email exchange. However, video conferencing is an option.

Payment can be made through Paypal, Venmo, CashApp or Zelle. Email me using the form on my Contact Page to set up one of these sessions.

Retreats & Workshops

I generally teach single-session workshops or weekend retreats on a quarterly schedule.

Discovering Your Memoir

This is a dynamic five-week writing course designed to help participants explore the rich tapestry of their lives and discover the unique stories waiting to be told. Through a series of engaging exercises and discussions, students will uncover their hidden memories, embrace their vulnerability and develop a deeper connection with their personal narratives.

Students will be given in-class writing assignments with the expectation that they will further develop their work between classes and bring it to the next class for discussion. At-home writing development should take about 20 minutes.

Mondays, April 29-June 3 (no class May 27)
11:00 AM- 12:30 PM
$85
In-Person at JRC, 1933 West Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC 27705

Writing True & Difficult Stories

This five-week course delves into the transformative power of expressive writing, with a specific emphasis on crafting true and difficult stories. Participants will explore how expressive writing serves as a therapeutic outlet for release and recovery. Through engaging readings, interactive discussions and hands-on writing exercises, students will develop the skills needed to articulate and navigate their own personal and challenging stories. Students will be encouraged to actively participate in class discussions and seek feedback on their writing throughout the course.

Mondays, Apr 29-Jun 3 (no class May 27)
9:00 AM- 10:30 AM
$85
In-Person at JRC, 1933 West Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC 27705.

Writing the Body

It’s a well-researched fact that we store our emotional experiences in our physical bodies. On anniversaries of loss, for example, it is common to feel body pain, heaviness, or fatigue. In this Zoom workshop, we will practice feeling into our body stories safely in order to capture them in words. As a group, we will learn about how the body stores memory, and why, and take home practices for listening to the stories our bodies want to tell us. While this course is appropriate for writers at every level and of every genre, it can also be taken to build off “Writing Great Essays,” offered March 30th.
Writers will take home a packet of writing examples as well as prompts, and can contact Shawna for written feedback within two weeks of this workshop.

April 28th, 2:00-4:00 PM via Zoom
Cost: $75, $100. Scholarships available. Please contact info@rcwms.org.
Minimum Students: 3
Maximum Students: 10

Collaboration & Hosting

I am open to scheduling collaborative workshops with queer, BIPOC, and differently-abled individuals. If this is you, please reach out to me via the form on my Contact Page. I’d love to hear more about what you think we can do together.

Likewise, I would love to hear from you if you know of a place you would love to see my courses offered.

In short, if you’d like to work with me, reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you!