Do you need some inspiration and a few tricks of the trade to get you started on that long-thought-of writing project?
Jeanette Taylor and Annette Yourk bring their popular nonfiction writing class to Quadra Island Feb. 16 to March 23. The six sessions run on Sunday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. at Quadra Island Community Centre.
Yourk is a graduate from SFU’s Writing and Publishing program, and holds an instructors’ diploma in adult education. She has many years of experience writing and editing, and has created and taught coursework to a range of learners.
Taylor is a historian who has worked at the BC Archives, the Museum at Campbell River, and most recently at the Campbell River Art Gallery. She has four nonfiction books in print, including Tidal Passages, A History of the Discovery Islands. She’s currently writing a history of the Victorian era on Vancouver Island, told through one man’s experience.
The instructors use a tag team approach to give students the benefit of their varied perspectives.
“This is an in depth course,” says Taylor. “We provide an overview of all aspects of a writing project, from organizing research material, to story structure, writing craft and publishing options.”
She adds that while it’s aimed at nonfiction writing, the course is also applicable to fiction.
Participants delve into these subjects through discussion, class exercises and assignments. For this series, Taylor and Yourk have added an optional writers’ circle, to allow time for informal conversation following each class.
Registrants should bring a project idea – or their in-process writing – as the focus for exercises designed to launch them into the thick of writing.
“I am going over everything now at a slower pace,” wrote Jeanne (Smith) Dobson, after a fall 2013 class, “and realize the treasure trove you and Annette imparted to us.”
The fee for the upcoming class is $140 and includes a binder of comprehensive materials. Register at Book Bonanza in Quathiaski Cove or call Taylor at 250-285-3651 or check her website: www.thescribes.ca. While you’re there have a look at the blog – The Writers’ Study – for topical discussions and some B.C. history tales. Class registration includes a questionnaire to help the instructors meet your specific interests and needs. Participants are also asked to submit a short writing sample for the first class.