Online Class: Flash Fiction Bootcamp!

05/26 By Victoria M. Johnson Leave a Comment

New Online Class: Flash Fiction Bootcamp

Come learn how to create very short stories, also known as short shorts and sudden or flash fiction. Flash stories have all the elements of fiction but are condensed to as few as 100 words and cap at 1,000 words! Discover how to free your creativity to write your own flash pieces. For beginning writers or pros, this is a fun and motivating class that will help you improve your storytelling skills. Write new pieces each week based on the topics introduced and prompts to get your creative juices flowing. By the end of the session you’ll have at least 12 new stories written.

This is a LIVE class offered on Zoom.

Meets four Wednesdays: June 10, 17, 24, and July 1

At 5:00pm – 6:30pm.

Fee is $56. City of Santa Cruz residents get a discount.

FMI or to register call (831) 420-5270

Or go to: URL Santa Cruz Recreation

Register Today!

The course is offered through the Santa Cruz Recreation Department.

Use Class ID: 213405-01

Instructor Bio: Victoria M. Johnson is a published author of six books. Her poetry appears in online literary journals and print anthologies. Victoria is both writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries. She has presented workshops on writing in the Bay Area; Chicago; Washington, DC; Vancouver, Canada; and New York.

Filed Under: Events and Appearances, writing Tagged With: class, flash fiction, online class, Santa Cruz, short shorts, storytelling, writers

Sustain Your Creative Writing Habit

05/06 By Victoria M. Johnson Leave a Comment

photo by Kristin Hardwick

We’re all sheltering-in-place a bit longer than expected. It is a challenging time causing hardships, isolation, and uncertainty. Now is also the best time to write! Could you use encouragement to cultivate your writing practice? For beginners and pros alike this fun and encouraging class will motivate you and set you on a path for developing and sustaining your writing habit. Every week students will receive inspiring in-class writing exercises. Filled with tips and feedback (for those who choose to share their work) this class is perfect for writers eager to ignite their creative writing and those ready to learn the next steps.You’ll learn techniques of craft and tips for editing and polishing. You’ll end with plenty of new material, inspiration to keep your creative practice on fire, and knowledge of publishing opportunities for your work.

Class offered through Capitola Recreation Department. FMI or to register:

https://apm.activecommunities.com/capitolarecreation/Activity_Search/sustain-your-creative-writing-habit/7871

5 Meetings beginning May 11, 2020 and runs through May 25th. LIVE classes on Zoom.

We’re all in this together. Let’s write together.

Filed Under: Events and Appearances, Homepage, writing Tagged With: class, creative writing, online class, tips, writing, writing habit

New Class: Short Short Fiction Bootcamp

08/11 By Victoria M. Johnson Leave a Comment

It’s Back to School Time for Writers!

Calling all fiction AND memoir writers… Come learn how to create very short stories, also known as short shorts and flash or sudden fiction. Flash stories contain all the elements of fiction and have the power of their longer cousins to transform the reader. Discover tried-and-true techniques, look at great examples and free your creativity to write your own short pieces. Memoir writers will benefit from the lessons, too. For beginners or pros, this is a fun and motivating class that will help you improve your storytelling skills. Following a lecture each week students will write new pieces based on the topics covered and prompts designed to incite your creativity. You’ll also learn editing tips and opportunities for publishing your polished works.

For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.

Sep 5, 2018 to Oct 3, 2018

Held at Capitola Community Center from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. 5 weeks.

Meets Each Wednesday.

New short fiction writing Class by Victoria M. Johnson

It’s back to school time for writers! Photo by Scott Webb

Instructor Bio:Victoria M. Johnson is a published author and filmmaker. Her published works include The Doctors Dilemma (Avalon Books), the nonfiction work Grant Writing 101: Everything You Need To Start Raising Funds Today (McGraw-Hill), and four other books. Her poetry appears in online literary journals and print anthologies. Victoria is both writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries. She has presented workshops on writing in the Bay Area; Chicago; Washington, DC; Vancouver, Canada; and New York.

Filed Under: Events and Appearances, Writing Craft Tagged With: Aptos, Author, Capitola, class, fiction, memoir, Santa Cruz, Soquel, Watsonville, writers, writing

New Class for Nonfiction Writers

04/14 By Victoria M. Johnson Leave a Comment

NEW Class! – HOW TO WRITE THE BOOK OF YOUR HEART

Have you been thinking about writing a nonfiction book? Whether you’ve already started or only have the idea, this class provides the guidance and inspiration to get it written. Learn the secrets of bestsellers and how to implement those elements in your book. Gain an understanding of the writer’s craft and apply strategies to help you organize and revise your work – and get your nonfiction manuscript ready for publication. The motivating instruction, handouts, and in-class writing exercises will provide you with all the tools you need to write the book of your heart. Santa Cruz area nonfiction writers, this class if for you!

For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.

April 16, 2018 to May 14, 2018

Held at Capitola Community Center from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. 5 weeks.

New Class! How to Write the Book of Your Heart

Get inspired to Write the Book of Your Heart. Photo by Milos Tonchevski.

Instructor Bio: Victoria M. Johnson is a published author and filmmaker. Her published works include The Doctors Dilemma (Avalon Books), the nonfiction work Grant Writing 101: Everything You Need To Start Raising Funds Today (McGraw-Hill), and four other books. Her poetry appears in online literary journals and print anthologies. Victoria is both writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries. She has presented workshops on writing in the Bay Area; Chicago; Washington, DC; Vancouver, Canada; and New York.

Filed Under: Events and Appearances, writing Tagged With: Aptos, book, Capitola, class, How-to, Santa Cruz, Soquel, Watsonville, writers, writing

New Class: In Praise of Poetry

02/07 By Victoria M. Johnson Leave a Comment

Join me for this invigorating class where you’ll explore and write several forms of poetry. From Acrostic to Haiku—from Ode to Triolet—and a few other poetic forms—you’ll have fun while learning and creating. We’ll look at work by experienced poets and discover how to put some of their techniques and craft elements into practice. Gain exposure to new poets, forms, and styles, while unearthing your own voice. This inspiring class is for anyone with an interest in poetry. Novices as well as seasoned poets will find the class enriching and fruitful.

In Praise of Poetry by Victoria M. Johnson

Poetry photo by Trust “Tru” Katsande on Unsplash

For more information or to register, click here.

Feb 28, 2018 to Mar 28, 2018

Held at Capitola Community Center from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. 5 Wednesdays.

Any writers in the Santa Cruz, CA area will be interested in this class.

Instructor Bio: Victoria M. Johnson is a published author and filmmaker. Her published works include The Doctors Dilemma (Avalon Books), the nonfiction work Grant Writing 101: Everything You Need To Start Raising Funds Today (McGraw-Hill), and four other books. Her poetry appears in online literary journals and print anthologies. Victoria is both writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries. She has presented workshops on writing in the Bay Area; Chicago; Washington, DC; Vancouver, Canada; and New York.

Filed Under: Events and Appearances, Poetry, Writing Craft Tagged With: Aptos, Capitola, class, Poetry, poets, Santa Cruz, Soquel, writers

Two NEW Workshops Coming in 2018!

12/04 By Victoria M. Johnson Leave a Comment

Jan 8, 2018 to Feb 5, 2018

Sustain Your Creative Writing Habit

Could you use encouragement to cultivate your writing practice? For beginners and pros alike this fun and encouraging class will motivate you and set you on a path for developing and sustaining your writing habit. Every week students will receive inspiring in-class writing exercises and optional homework. Filled with tips and feedback (for those who want feedback) this class is perfect for writers eager to ignite their creative writing and those ready to learn the next steps. You’ll learn techniques of craft and tips for editing and polishing. We’ll explore submission strategies and a variety of publishing options. You’ll end with plenty of new material, inspiration to keep your creative practice on fire, and knowledge of publishing opportunities for your work.

For more information or to register, click here.

Held at Capitola Community Center from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. 5 Mondays.

Any writers in the Santa Cruz, CA area will be interested in both of these workshops.

* One Day Only * Jan 20, 2018

How to Write Your Novel in Two Weeks!

Discover techniques to write fast and get your first draft written in two weeks. Learn how to prepare for the two-week event, how to execute during the two weeks, and how to fine-tune your masterpiece. For beginners or pros, this is an exciting and motivating workshop that will help you improve your storytelling skills. Don’t waste years trying to get your novel written. Learn secrets to avoiding writer’s block and write your novel once and for all!

For more information or to register, click here.

Held at Capitola Community Center from 9:30am to 2:30pm. One Saturday.

Instructor Bio: Victoria M. Johnson is a published author and filmmaker. Her published works include The Doctors Dilemma (Avalon Books), the nonfiction work Grant Writing 101: Everything You Need To Start Raising Funds Today (McGraw-Hill), and four other books. Her poetry appears in online literary journals and print anthologies. Victoria is both writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries. She has presented workshops on writing in the Bay Area; Chicago; Washington, DC; Vancouver, Canada; and New York.

Filed Under: Events and Appearances, Writing Craft Tagged With: Capitola, class, fiction, How-to, novel, Santa Cruz, writing

How to Write a How-To Book

09/30 By Victoria M. Johnson Leave a Comment

I’m offering a new How-To class for writers. Space is limited. Register today.

**How to Write a How-To Book**

Oct 30, 2017 to Nov 20, 2017

Do you want to write a book that will help people? If you have experience or knowledge in a topic for a book that gives instruction, guidance, and tips to inspire others then come learn how simple and fun it is to write a How-to book. How-to books are among the most popular with readers. They are seeking your wisdom and know-how to improve their lives. Discover the types of how-to writing and find the best one for your topic. The motivating instruction, handouts, and in-class writing exercises will provide you with a blueprint to write your own how-to book.

Held at Capitola Community Center from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. 4 Mondays.

For More Information or to Register by Phone: (831) 475-6115

Instructor Bio: Victoria M. Johnson is a published author and filmmaker. Her published works include The Doctors Dilemma (Avalon Books), the nonfiction work Grant Writing 101: Everything You Need To Start Raising Funds Today (McGraw-Hill), and four other books. Her poetry appears in online literary journals and print anthologies. Victoria is both writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries. She has presented workshops on writing in the Bay Area; Chicago; Washington, DC; Vancouver, Canada; and New York.

Filed Under: Events and Appearances, writing, Writing Craft Tagged With: book, Capitola, class, How-to, Santa Cruz, writer, writing

New Class For Writers!

08/19 By Victoria M. Johnson Leave a Comment

Kickstart Your Creative Writing Habit

Sep 11, 2017 to Oct 9, 2017

Is your creative writing lacking creativity? Are you too busy to make writing a habit? Or perhaps you’re on a roll and want to stay there. Wherever you are in your writing journey, this class will energize you and set you on a path for writing furiously and regularly. Every week students will receive inspiration for in-class writing exercises. You’ll learn techniques of craft and imagination to use immediately whether you write poetry, fiction, memoir, essays, songs, or blog posts. You’ll never again ask yourself, what do I write about? In this fun and motivating class you’ll end with plenty of new material, inspired and equipped to keep your creative fires burning.

Held at Capitola Community Center from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. 5 Mondays.

For More Information or to Register by Phone: (831) 475-6115

Instructor Bio: Victoria M. Johnson is a published author and filmmaker. Her published works include The Doctors Dilemma (Avalon Books), the nonfiction work Grant Writing 101: Everything You Need To Start Raising Funds Today (McGraw-Hill), and four other books. Her poetry appears in online literary journals and print anthologies. Victoria is both writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries. She has presented workshops on writing in the Bay Area; Chicago; Washington, DC; Vancouver, Canada; and New York.

Filed Under: Events and Appearances, Writing Craft Tagged With: aspiring writers, Capitola, class, fiction, Poetry, Santa Cruz, writing

Online Class: Flash Fiction Bootcamp!

Sustain Your Creative Writing Habit