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Anyone Can Write Fiction
When was the last time you read a novel and said, “I could do better than that?”  Whether you are interested in short stories or novels, genre fiction (mysteries, romance, sci-fi, fantasy) or mainstream, this workshop will give you the basic tools needed to get jump-start your writing.  Learn how to create characters, select point-of-view, write dialogue, structure a plot, and more!  A cram course in fiction writing for the beginner!  Bring your pen and paper and be prepared to write--this workshop includes lots of exercises to get you writing.  Don’t wait any longer—start that story today! 

Help!  I Don’t Know What to Write!
Want to write fiction but have trouble coming up with a new idea?  Or you start with great ideas but can’t finish the story or you get bored part-way through?  This class will work through exercises to generate new ideas—ideas that excite you.  It will also discuss testing a story idea, writers block, sustaining the muse, organizing your work (process), and how to stay inspired in the face of rejection. Includes discussion of audience/forum (fiction or non, adult or YA, long or short), Genre (gives you guidelines), working title (for you to grasp), hook (determine now), Outlines (different kinds/ways, doesn’t have to be scenes, could just be ideas, or by topic/theme).

Intro to Mystery Writing
Great class for all fiction writers interested in mysteries or just adding mystery and suspense to their stories. The dark side of life and the search for truth and justice is fascinating and intriguing background for any writer. In this workshop, we’ll discuss favorite mystery novels, and cover the various types of mysteries, the basic components of a mystery, research sources, and how you can get started writing your novel. Participants should read Sue Grafton’s C is for Corpse before class.

Fiction Writers Workshop
This workshop will help you hone story ideas, learn tips for getting finished with a story, and offer feedback on works in progress.  Class covers basic fiction writing techniques like characterization, dialogue, and plotting, as well as self-editing tips.  Includes writing exercises and tips for preparing manuscripts for submission.  Designed to be an open forum to ask questions about writing fiction and learn more about the critiquing process.  Attendees should bring their work-in-progress to class.

Check classes out on-line!
Cascadia Community College

All workshops taught by Leslie Adkins. Leslie is a well-received writing instructor at numerous locations around the Pacific Northwest. She has written seven novels, five of them mysteries. Her non-fiction has appeared in many local and national publications. Leslie is a former board member for Pacific Northwest Writers Association and a previous contest winner for that organization, as well as a Write On The Sound Steering committee member. Leslie continues working on writing mystery novels and sharing her passion for writing with others.

Call each individual college’s venue to register at least four days before the start of any workshop to avoid cancellations! Questions? E-mail lesliejadkins@msn.com

 Quotes from Leslie’s  writing students:

“I’ve taken classes from Leslie Adkins before and find her outstanding always… and again!”

 “I like the mix of activities—lectures, critiquing others writing, and especially the writing exercises.” 

 “I got a lot out of this class—theory, discussion of other’s writing, and a reason to write!” 

 “The writing exercises helped me to shut down my critical mind and let my imagination do what it’s meant to do.” 

“Reading my writing for the class was extremely valuable.” 

“Motivation and inventive was very valuable.  I found the writing exercises to be valuable and motivating.”

© Leslie Adkins 2005,
All rights reserved

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