Two Writers’ Workshops Set For Spring

In an effort to enhance the quality of creative writing on Delmarva, Hal Wilson, the President of the Eastern Shore Writers Association (ESWA) announces the inauguration of two workshops, one for fiction and another for poetry. Prospective novelists and short story writers can improve their craft under the mentorship of Lynn Schwartz and poets with Sue Ellen Thompson.

Bay-to-Ocean Conference favorite Lynn Schwartz will conduct a seminar entitled “Fiction: Ten Steps to a Great Tale“ on Saturday, April 6 at Trinity Cathedral in Easton from 9-11:30am. Ms. Schwartz is the founder of Writer’s Wordhouse and teaches fiction at St. John’s College and The Writer’s Center in Bethesda. Her plays have been performed in New York City including Lincoln Center, her stories have appeared in literary journals, and she is the recipient of an Individual Artist Award in fiction from the Maryland State Arts Council.

“I invite Eastern Shore writers who wish to advance their skills to gather for a fun and informative workshop,” Ms. Schwartz says. “Participants will leave inspired to finally begin a new story or to improve a work in progress.” Ms. Schwartz’s workshop will be held in the church hall behind the cathedral which is located at 315 Goldsborough Street near Easton village (Goldsborough is an extension of Route #328).

Award-winning poet Sue Ellen Thompson will conduct a Poetry Workshop entitled “How to End a Poem” on May 4 at Christ Church in Easton from 9-11:30am. A nationally-known literary treasure, Ms. Thompson is the author of four books of poetry. Two of her collections, The Leaving and The Golden Hour, were nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

“It’s at the end of a poem where the magic happens,” says Ms. Thompson. “It can be a surprise leap to another level or a quiet affirmation.”The Poetry Workshop will be held in the church hall at 111 S. Harrison St. on the southern edge of Easton village.

Writers who wish to attend either or both of these workshops should send a check to Charlene Marcom, Treasurer, ESWA, P.O. Box 1773, Easton, MD 21601. The charge for each workshop is $15 for ESWA members and $20 for non-members. Registrants should include their e-mail address. Further information is also available at sweeneygf@aol.com or (410) 476-3917.