About DoriWriters in Progress Workshops
Dori is the founder and Director of Writers in Progress, a literary arts center in the historic Brushworks Arts & Industry Building in Florence, MA.
We offer creative writing workshops for writers of every level and genre, with this underlying premise: anyone can learn to write powerfully, and great writing rarely happens in a vacuum.
In addition, Writers in Progress hosts a seasonal open house/reading as part of our Live Literature Series.
Fall 2011
Weekly Workshops:
The Art of Narrative, with Dori Ostermiller:
What are the special ingredients that make for a compelling story? In this ten-week workshop, we’ll revisit the art of story-telling, be it fiction or narrative non-fiction. Through imaginative exercises and group work, we’ll delve into the craft elements that create a riveting tale. We generate lots of new material in this group, look at some great work by published writers, examine our stories in a constructive light and deepen our commitment to the writing life. Open to writers of all levels. Professional manuscript critique included! Mondays, 6:00 – 9:00 pm; 10-week session runs Sept 19 – Dec 5 (we’ll skip Columbus day and Halloween) $395/$355 for alums
Thursday Morning Jump-start, with Dori Ostermiller.
“If I could just fit writing into my schedule…” is the #1 lament I hear from both aspiring and professional writers. This wonderfully productive workshop provides quiet, structured writing time among peers, a few inspiring ideas to get you rolling, and your morning coffee, fruit and muffin. Starting with a variety of imaginative prompts, we’ll engage in a sustained writing period, then share our work in a supportive atmosphere. Appropriate for all levels and genres! 12 Thursdays, 9:30 am – noon, starting September 15 ($360/324 alums)
Writers in Progress Manuscript Series, with Dori Ostermiller:
An inspiring, rigorous, year-long program for writers who have made progress on a book-length manuscript and are motivated to complete it. We will meet for eight Friday night/Saturday intensive workshops and will exchange work and feedback on a regular basis. This workshop will provide the inspiration, structure, focus and editorial support to enable writers finish a draft of a book! The group will culminate with a public reading and celebration. Next application deadline August 1, 2012. Contact Dori for more information.
For more information or to register, contact Dori here.
"Dori Ostermiller was my first and best teacher of memoir. Her workshops are gentle and rigorous, deep and thought-provoking. But most of all, Dori is a truly inspired teacher. She gave me the courage to write into the darkest and richest parts of myself. I could not have written my first book without her."
-Alison Smith, author of Name all the Animals
"I came to Writers in Progress needing to learn about narrative flow and character development. Dori's workshops did that for me, and more. At first, I needed support and encouragement to keep writing. Then, as my book began to take shape, Dori tailored her feedback and exercises to develop the skills I needed. I highly recommend her..."
-Kris Holloway, author of Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali
"Dori is a gifted teacher with the sharpest insight I've ever come across. The quality of her feedback is deep and powerful. She begins and ends with this premise: that we are already serious writers—whether budding, frightened, stuck or in progress—who wish to improve our craft."
-Julia Mines
