Ellen Higgins – Ellen Higgins

21 Day Challenge

Get your writing in shape in 3 weeks – offered seasonally (GROUP sessions) & now INDIVIDUALLY ON DEMAND.

Want to jump start a writing project or to revive your writing practice?

Though there is no one way to write, writers who follow a regimen produced 9 times the quantity and quality of those who write occasionally and in big blocks of time. Studies show that people can improve the quantity and quality of their writing by writing regularly, by tracking their time, and by being accountable to someone.

Why 21 days? Three weeks is often cited as the time needed to change behavior. While experts disagree on how just long it takes to develop a new habit, many people see 21 days as a comfortable period to build and maintain a new routine because it is manageable and requires low commitment.

Come join the Challenge and learn what it takes to cultivate the habit of writing and to see what works for your life and schedule. Resources and support are provided by regular emails with tips and strategies; opportunities to share your progress and difficulties; several group check-in meetings via Zoom, and unlimited email access to me, the instructor.

Are you ready to get your writing on track? Cost: $49

Writing More, Writing Smarter

Free Workshop — Writing More, Writing Smarter: What the research shows

Studies have shown that people can improve the quantity and quality of their writing. Though there is no one way to write, writers following a regimen produced 9 times the quantity and quality of those who write occasionally and in big blocks of time. Learn about the research and strategies you might apply to your own writing to express your vision and meet your story goals. Next session: Wed, Sept 27, at 7:00 pm ET

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sc-vrzMtHNGjfW2K2faXDdOqqqh6QXBm

Ellen’s Writing Essentials: Writing Workshop – the Basics

$249 — Eight sessions, offered Wednesdays, 7-9 pm, Oct 18 – Dec 13 (no class 11/22).

Taught entirely online, this class will offer similar material in my in-person Continuing Education program, but will provide opportunities for those out of the area to experience the same curriculum, including practical exercises and strategies to inspire and improve and share your work in a supportive environment.

Description: So you’ve always wanted to write a book or you’ve always written something-stories, letters, a journal? Perhaps there is a story you’ve always wanted to tell? In addition to mini-lectures on elements and techniques of writing, the virtual class will consist of large and small group discussion and exercises to connect with your creativity and to hone your skills. Online resources available outside of class.

Cost is $249. Registration required.

“I began to see that about

half the student's battle is learning basic skills,

while the other half involves

tapping into imagination, memory and

a singular view of life and the world,

a view no one else shares until you put it into words.”

Annie Bernays co-author of What If?

For questions, contact me at ellenhiggins189@gmail.com, with WW – The Basics in the subject line.

Advanced Writing Workshop – A Novel Fix

$299 — Eight sessions, offered Thursdays, 7-9 pm, Oct 19- Dec 14 (no class 11/23).

A Novel Fix, is an advanced writing workshop, not just for fiction: the “novel” refers to a new and different approach to long form writings. It’s for people who have written before, but haven’t attempted, or have been frustrated, with extended works, such as memoir, non-fiction, novel/novella, or poetry chapbook or collections.

After years of research and studying with others, I’ve gathered many resources and much practical advice for writers whose stories cannot be contained in short forms. There are some fundamentals and advanced elements most writers need to consider and address at some point in their process.

For instance, whether you work as a planner (outline), a panster (intuitive), or plantser (in-between) writer, all need to approach key elements in composition, such as structure, theme, imagery, and symbolism. There are a lot of options out there for organizing long works, but one-size truly does not fit all. Your writing style and choices are very individual.

In A Novel Fix, we’ll be using techniques to break through “writer’s block” or resistance. We will explore different planning or mapping tools to find techniques that resonate for you in order to help you shape your long work – at whatever stage you are. We’ll take a deep dive into descriptive techniques, learn how to create convincing characters and will practice ways to craft dialogue and action to show (reveal) character. Since all forms depend on scenes, we’ll examine how to setting the scene, justify its existence, and connect it to those that came before and those that come after. These will deepen your work, add texture, and make sure key lines and images reflect your theme or points. We’ll also use left-brain activities, such as analysis and global or developmental revision to line and surface editing.

In the class, we’ll use best practices for teaching and learning and practicing writing, as well as have opportunities for participants to share some work. Information will be provided in lectures and readings, along with large group and small group exercises and discussions.

$299 — Eight sessions, offered Thursdays, 7-9 pm, Oct 19- Dec 14 (no class 11/23). Registration Required.

Continuing Education Writing Workshop – Fall 2023

through the Bethlehem Central School District (BSCD) Albany, NY, area

Mondays, 6:30-8:30 PM ET, for 8 weeks, beginning October 16 through December 4.

Offered fall and spring, this is an in-person class at the BCSD High School (Albany, NY, area). Non-residents may enroll, but pay a slightly higher fee.

Description: So you’ve always wanted to write a book or you’ve always written something-stories, letters, a journal? Perhaps there is a story you’ve always wanted to tell?

This eight-week online workshop offers a supportive environment for your writing, with practical exercises and strategies to inspire and improve your work.

In addition to mini-lectures on elements and techniques of writing, the virtual class will consist of large and small group discussion and exercises to connect with your creativity and to hone your skills. Online resources available outside of class.

Registration is through the BSCD Continuing Ed Program. Check their website for the Program brochure, which is issued in the fall and spring, contains information for registering. Please note: Late registration is accepted for this course up until the Friday before.

For questions, contact me at ellenhiggins189@gmail.com with the words “Bethlehem Workshop” in the subject line.