A Writer’s Workshop 2-Hour Beginner Writing Class

Whether you've always wanted to write or you're just looking for a creative outlet, A Writer’s Workshop is the perfect place to start. In this welcoming and supportive 2-hour session, we'll explore foundational writing techniques through guided prompts, engaging exercises, and light discussion. No experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity, a pen, and a willingness to play with words. You'll leave with fresh inspiration, new ideas, and the tools to keep your writing momentum going beyond the workshop.

Come write with us—you might be surprised by what stories are waiting inside you.

The Art of Writing: An 8-Week Writing Workshop Across Genres

NO CLASS JULY 3

The Art of Writing is an 8-week generative writing workshop designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and explore a variety of writing forms. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this course offers a space to experiment, grow, and share your voice.

Each week focuses on a different genre—from prose fiction and nonfiction to screenwriting and poetry—with guided prompts and peer critiques in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Weekly Breakdown:

Week 1: Introductions & creative warm-up prompts

Weeks 2–3: Prose fiction prompts + gentle feedback

Week 4: Nonfiction prompts + light critiques

Week 5: Script/Screenplay exercises + feedback

Week 6: Poetry prompts + optional critique

Week 7: Submit pieces to Story Factory; more prompts + sharing

Week 8: How to format your work & where to publish

By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of fresh writing across genres, peer feedback, and practical tools to continue your writing journey beyond the workshop.

Come ready to write, share, and grow.

This workshop is open to writers of all levels and genres.

For Ages 15+

Instructor: Kay Hanifen

Tuition: $300

Prep for Publication: An 8-Week Writing Workshop

NO CLASS JULY 4

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Prep for Publication is an 8-week intensive writing workshop designed for writers who are ready to polish their work and explore the path to publication. Whether you're refining short stories, personal essays, or creative nonfiction, this workshop offers a supportive space to grow your craft and gain insight into the literary world.

Each week, we’ll combine thoughtful critique, generative writing prompts, and practical guidance on submitting your work for publication. By the end, you'll have two polished pieces, a deeper understanding of the submission process, and a list of resources to keep you moving forward.

Workshop Schedule:

Week 1: Introductions, formatting tips, critique ground rules, key resources, and writing prompt exercises to spark creativity

Weeks 2–6: Workshop and critique two pieces from each participant + weekly reading discussions and generative writing prompts

Week 7: Submit your final drafts for Story Factory, learn where to submit your work, and demystify the publication process

Week 8: Literary Magazine Workshop — dive into real lit mags to understand what editors look for and how to tailor your submissions

This workshop is ideal for writers looking to share their work, receive feedback, and gain the confidence to submit to publications. Bring your voice, your stories, and your curiosity—we’ll take care of the rest.

For Ages 15+

Instructor: Kay Hanifen

Tuition: $300, Payment plan eligible

Join ARTFactory in celebrating the literary arts with a dual-session workshop in poetry! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious, this two-part workshop poses the question: what is poetry, really? Together we will read, write, reflect on, & workshop poems as well as discuss how and where to get published. Come ready to read, create & connect!

Lead by Gwen Fletcher, BA in English, Creative Writing from the University of Mary Washington. A former bookseller, Gwen has over a decade of experience in the book industry and has hosted countless poetry book clubs, writing workshops, author talks, open mics, and more.

Session 1 --

Open-ended prompt to start, free write

Reading: Delphiniums in a Window Box, Dean Young

Discussion: The Rules -- form, rhyme, metre, historical context

Group activity: Collaborative haiku (Renku)

Workshop: Read aloud & critique Renkus

Instructor: Gwen Fletcher

Tuition: $38

Join ARTFactory in celebrating the literary arts with a dual-session workshop in poetry! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious, this two-part workshop poses the question: what is poetry, really? Together we will read, write, reflect on, & workshop poems as well as discuss how and where to get published. Come ready to read, create & connect!

Lead by Gwen Fletcher, BA in English, Creative Writing from the University of Mary Washington. A former bookseller, Gwen has over a decade of experience in the book industry and has hosted countless poetry book clubs, writing workshops, author talks, open mics, and more.

Session 2 --

Open-ended prompt to start, free write

Reading: Olio, Tyehimba Jess

Discussion: Breaking the Rules -- free verse, calligrams, prose-poems, return to form

Workshop: In small groups or as a whole, depending on class size, review and critique homework pieces

Group activity: Acts of self publication -- review of publication opportunities, lit mags, zines, Poets & Writers, prizes, etc.

Instructor: Gwen Fletcher

Tuition: $38