The Writer's Rock

11/28/2023

Come write with us as fall turns to winter! Check out our new upcoming *Generative FICTION* workshop, meeting Tuesdays from 1-2:30pm on Zoom starting December 12th! With a special focus on character development, types of conflict, and uses of dialogue, we'll take a deep dive into the mechanics of effective fiction writing. Exercises introduce new approaches and methods of invention, while our discussions consider where you might go next, and all the different ways to get there. Link in comments.

09/18/2023

This Fiction Workshop welcomes writers with projects of every shape and size. Bring us your incomplete short stories, your novels-in-progress, and your formless prose in search of something more. Exercises introduce new approaches and methods of invention while our discussions consider where you might go next, and all the different ways to get there.

Starts tomorrow evening! Link in comments.

08/30/2023

We're getting into the back-to-school spirit here at The Rock with new fall workshops both online and in-person for writers age 18-108! No matter your chosen genre(s), we've got you covered, with a Generative Fiction Workshop and Generative Open Genre Workshop, supportive Non-generative Workshop Groups, and a never-before offered Two-day Mystery Writing Workshop. Take a look at all the new offerings!

Each workshop offers prompts, in-class time to write and share, and a community of readers eager to engage in your work.

06/12/2023

If trying to publish a book is like applying for a job, then writing a query letter is like writing a cover letter. It can be a deciding factor in making it to the next stage. In this two-hour class, writers of fiction and nonfiction alike will learn exactly what goes into a query letter. We’ll learn about mistakes to avoid and details that make letters sparkle.

We'll also talk about publishing in a larger context, including editors, agents, advances, and royalties. Most importantly, we'll talk about how we can take advantage of the publication process to make ourselves more confident writers. Writers of all experience levels are welcome!

https://bookwhen.com/thewritersrock/e/ev-s15t-20230614183000

06/05/2023

This Wednesday! Sending writing to literary journals can be an intimidating process. In this two-hour class, we'll take a step-by-step tour through the world of journal submissions. Learn directly from Samantha Steiner, MFA, who has experience as both a journal editor and as author of 50+ publications including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art.

We'll give special attention to one of the most rewarding parts of the submission process: writing a cover letter that makes a stellar first impression. By the end of this class, everyone will have a clear sense of where they are in the submission process and the next steps to publication. Writers of all experience levels are welcome.

https://bookwhen.com/thewritersrock/e/ev-st7q-20230607183000

And sign up for the second part, Publishing Your Book & Writing A Query Letter, the following Wednesday for a discount!

01/25/2023

A brand new Open Genre workshop begins this Friday, January 27th, and will meet for 8 weeks from 11am-12:30pm in our cozy Park Slope location! Join Jane Young and other writers for creative prompts, shared writing time, literary techniques, and feedback on your work.

Our workshops are open to all writers, regardless of writing experience, and prioritize a desire to explore over finely polished prose. Small classes of eight or less guarantee everyone gets individual attention, and make space for you to write, share, and try a little more than you might have on yo...

01/05/2023

We have a new Fiction workshop starting next week in Park Slope, Brooklyn! Bring us your incomplete short stories, your novels-in-progress, and your formless prose in search of something more.

Exercises introduce new approaches and methods of invention, while our discussions (on comfy couches) consider where you might go next, and all the different ways to get there.

In addition to sharing what you make together, everyone will have multiple opportunities to have a longer submission workshopped by the class.

What's your story? ✍️

Our workshops are open to all writers, regardless of writing experience, and prioritize a desire to explore over finely polished prose. Small classes of eight or less guarantee everyone gets individual attention, and make space for you to write, share, and try a little more than you might have on yo...

12/28/2022

It's almost 2023...what will your New Year's resolution be?

If you want to make more time for your writing this year, check out our upcoming workshops. We've got three 8-week workshops starting in January: Fiction in Park Slope, Open Genre in Park Slope, and Memoir on Zoom. Then there's our Young Adult Fiction workshop, which will meet for 4 weeks in February on Zoom.

Take a peek at our calendar and sign up! ✍️

Each workshop offers prompts, in-class time to write and share, and a community of readers eager to engage in your work.

02/08/2022

How much time do you spend thinking about what you're going to write, instead of writing it? What would it mean to write without thinking at all?

Join us Thursday night for our ninety-minute class, Writing Without Thinking, and learn how to better get out of your own way.

01/24/2022

There are only two days left to sign up for our one-day class, Publishing Your Book! Led by Samantha Steiner, the class explains the pros and cons of large presses, small presses, and self-publishing, and teaches you how to write pitches and synopses and the difference between the two.

You'll be led step-by-step through the publishing industry, including the roles of literary agents and editors. At the end, each participant will set an achievable goal that will bring them a little closer to publication.

Ready to get started on your publishing journey? Sign up today!

Our writing classes offer a chance to try something new on a smaller scale than our workshops. Led by published authors across genres, each class is different from the last—in length, size, and focus. Meanwhile, our weekly drop-in Writing Rooms are an easy way to get a little writing done and see ...

01/07/2022

Our comedy writing workshop starts Monday! Led by late night writer Arthur Meyer, the six-week class mimics a writers room and explores different types of comedy, including one-liners, humor pieces, sketch comedy, standup, and more. Click the link to learn more!

Our workshops are open to all writers, regardless of writing experience, and prioritize a desire to explore over finely polished prose. Small classes of eight or less guarantee everyone gets individual attention, and make space for you to write, share, and try a little more than you might have on yo...