Beginning and intermediate writers are invited to join Spencer Cowles for a 6-week writing workshop on Thursdays at 6:30 pm starting March 23 and running through April 27.

The purpose of this workshop is to improve the effectiveness of our writing by determining why we write which, in turn, determines what we want to say and how we say it. Effective writing, compelling writing, genuine writing flows from a deep knowledge of–and appreciation for–who we are.

This 6-week workshop will start with writing short pieces and sharing out writing with a classmate. The second half of the series will be devoted to polishing our own work and then asking a classmate for their comments on it. Along the way, we’ll also share some of the things we’ve learned about writing with each other by beginning each class with a question about writing to discuss as a class. A syllabus will be handed out during the first class to set expectations for the workshop.

This class is limited to 12 participants. By registering, you are committing to attending all 6 weeks. Participants should have a basic understanding of writing mechanics and grammar.

Free and open to adults.

About Spencer Cowles

Following eight years working at a large commercial bank in Rhode Island, Spencer moved with his family to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to teach in the Department of Business & Economics at Eastern Mennonite University. One of his primary purposes in that role was to teach students how to express themselves accurately in both the written and spoken word. 

From Spencer: I love to write and I write just about every day, especially in my journal. It might be a few sentences or it might be a few pages; it depends on what I have to say. I have written professionally for publication in academic journals and I also write ‘creatively’ in several genres that I enjoy.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Barrington Library.