The Atlanta Writers Academy (AWA), A Comprehensive Writing School, Presents its First Series of Classes, Beginning April 4 at the MJCCA in Dunwoody
The MJCCA is pleased to present its new Atlanta Writers Academy (AWA), a comprehensive creative writing school that offers students of every genre the artistic and professional tools they need to be competitive in today's crowded marketplace, or to simply explore the art of writing. Facilitated by three professional writers, each commercially successful as writers and speakers, AWA workshops are designed to encourage and develop ideas, offer participants the opportunity to explore their creative writing abilities, strengthen existing written work, and provide guidance about the industry at large. For more information, contact Pam Morton at 678.812.3981, pam.morton@atlantajcc.org; or visit us online at atlantajcc.829stage.com.
All workshops are open to the community, and will take place at the Marcus JCC of Atlanta (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.)
The Atlanta Writers Academy Classes
Course: “Intro to Screenwriting”
This course will teach participants how to properly format a commercially viable script over the course of a four-session workshop designed to arm them with the tools needed to complete a first draft. The course includes the exact look and placement of scene headers, action sequences, introducing characters and helping them come to life, using parentheticals, and creating sparkling dialogue. In addition to learning the role of each of the three acts in a script, you will learn the significance of an inciting scene, climax, and finale for driving momentum and cinematic appeal.
Dates: Four Thursdays in April, 2013 (April 4, 11, 18, and 25) from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.
Price: MJCCA Member: $275.00 / Non-Member: $325.00 / Open to the Community
Facilitator: Instructor and Screenwriter Elisa Dimitria Bowman – Through entertainment industry positions, Elisa gained firsthand insight and knowledge on platforms available to writers; from major studio movies to network and cable television programs, and the ever-changing world of spec scripts and indie film. She has worked on hits like "Will & Grace"; "The Runaway Bride"; "Beverly Hills 90210"; "What Lies Beneath"; "Striptease"; "Nixon"; "The Getaway"; and more as a production resource executive. She is the producer of "Dear Willie" and currently develops properties for film and TV.
Course: “Intro to Memoir Writing”
This workshop will teach participants the fundamentals of memoir writing. It will include teacher critique on individual work as well as hand-outs, writing, and reading assignments. Topics include: Basics of Memoir; Point of View/Voice; Character and Theme; and How to write a query letter, book proposal, find an agent, and get published.
Dates: Four Thursdays in April, 2013 (April 4, 11, 18, and 25) from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.
Price: MJCCA Member: $275.00 / Non-Member: $325.00 / Open to the Community
Facilitator: Lisa Baron Shore - Award-winning writer and author of the acclaimed political memoir: Life of the Party (LOTP.) Upon release, LOTP, spent eight weeks on Amazon.com's political bestseller list and was recently optioned for a 30-minute television comedy by NBC Universal.
Course: “Novel Writing 101”
This course will help fiction writers to feel optimistic about their industry knowledge and potential, by encouraging open class discussion, while offering teacher critique and reading suggestions. In this four-week course, the writer interested in getting his or her novel out of their brain and onto the page will: Define their novel's genre; structure an outline that will serve as their most valuable tool of reference; zero in on the most effective plot possible; perfect a succinct synopsis; select and create a point of view and establish tone; define the climax; and learn how to “talk out” dialogue on the page.
Dates: Four Thursdays in April, 2013 (April 4, 11, 18, and 25) from 7:15 - 9:15 pm.
Price: MJCCA Member: $275.00 / Non-Member: $325.00 / Open to the Community
Facilitator: Acclaimed novelist and former literary agent, Zoe Fishman Shacham - The critically acclaimed author of Saving Ruth (Morrow, May '12) and Balancing Acts (Harper, March '10,) Zoe worked in the New York publishing industry for thirteen years: in the editorial department of Random House, the rights department of Simon & Schuster, and later, as an agent for two boutique literary firms before moving to Atlanta in August 2011.
About the Book Festival of the MJCCA
Heralded by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as “Atlanta's major literary event,” the Book Festival of the MJCCA (which takes place annually, in November) and the MJCCA's (year-round) “Page from the Book Festival” author events are some of the most prominent and well-known in the country, and are attended annually by more than 10,000 visitors. Over the years, the MJCCA's Book Festival has featured Pulitzer Prize winners, bestselling and up-and-coming authors, as well as nationally celebrated talent.
About the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), The Center of the Community, is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly-regarded community centers nationally. From preschoolers and adolescents to young adults and seniors, the MJCCA offers unique and engaging programs, events, and services for every member of the community.
Additional Information about The Atlanta Writers Academy
Contact Pam Morton at 678.812.3981, pam.morton@atlantajcc.org; or visit us online at atlantajcc.829stage.com.
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