​ Treat Yourself to Some Creativity: Fall Creative Writing Classes hosted by Miami Book Fair

By Lisa Palley, Palley Promotes

There is always time to do what we love. Really, there is. And just because we’re adults with complicated schedules of mile-high commitments, there is always time for ourselves. Because that is what keeps us going.

But sometimes we need help to keep the inspiration flowing. Sometimes we need an excuse to take time away from phones, schedules, and commitments. Because you know you really are more than meetings, deadlines, and commitments. And you don’t have to do it alone, but with others, with other creative people, people you can learn from.

South Florida is home to many seasoned professionals in the fields of theatre, music, dance, and writing. I know many of them, and all are willing to and want to take time out of their busy schedules to share their time, experience, and expertise. And it is up to us — the community to take them up on it.

Look no further than the fall creative writing workshops hosted by Miami Book Fair. Every semester, they offer a variety of opportunities for in-depth literary study, using the written word to expand and explore. According to Marci Cancio-Bello, the Fair’s creative writing program coordinator, “Whether you’re looking to try something new or start that novel you’ve been talking about for years, our ever-changing creative writing courses with established writers can inspire you to take the next step.”

There is still time to register for classes that start in September. All workshops are designed to meet all levels and desires of writers. Choose from a class that meets the needs of the historical writer: Fiction Through Time & Place with Fabienne Josaphat Sept. 15-Oct. 20; or a class that provides assistance to organize your time and turn your ideas into a full book draft on paper: Write Your Book (Draft) in Six Weeks led by Lominy Books and Sliver of Stone Editor M.J. Fievre Sept. 13-Oct. 25.

To continue the fall lineup offered at MDC’s Wolfson campus, learn how to Laugh About It: Humor in Autobiography taught by Dawn S. Davies Sept. 15-Oct. 20. And if you already know what to do but still seem to get stuck, kick your doubts to the curb with Dan Grech, who employs techniques used in improvisational theater – how to obliterate writer’s block, uncork creative juices, and conquer doubts. During the one-day workshop Sept. 17, participants will spend part of this dynamic workshop on their feet, learning the basics of “collaboration without a net.”Now who doesn’t need that!

Finally, for those who already have polished, final-draft pieces but don’t know what to do next, FIU Creative Writing Professor and award-winning author Lynne Barrett will share what is actually in the minds of editors with her class, What Editors Want: Understanding the Process of Submitting a Manuscript, also on Sept. 17.

The summer might be almost over, but that doesn’t mean we have to put aside all of our summer activities. Don’t lose control of that vacation vibe. Treat yourself. Cultivate and nurture your creative side. You’ll thank us in the morning.

Click here to register for any of these classes.