RICK OHLER
-AWARD-WINNING COLUMNIST-
The only thing I know about writing for sure is that the more you write, the better you write, and the more you read, the better you write. I've been saying this for forty years, and I seen the truth of it borne out many times. If you're thinking that Stephen King said the same thing in his wonderful book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, you're right, he did. But his book came out in 2001; he stole the idea from me. Okay, just kidding; all writers understand this. Take any book on writing--I have most of them--and you'll find useful tips. But boil those books down to their essence and you'll be left with: the more you write, the better you write. The more you read, the better you write.
The winter season of Writing Classes begins January 16, 2024. Join us.
Fall Back Into Writing
2023 Writing Classes with Rick Ohler
-Creative Writing Workshop (Tuesday evenings) begins September 12
-Writing Your Memoirs and Family Histories (Thursday afternoons) begins Sept. 14
Almost 40 years ago, September 1984, East Aurora Continuing Education director Dan Brunson asked me to teach my first creative writing class. It was the beginning of a fantastic journey that continues in January of 2024. Hundreds of writers, from reluctant never-evers to published authors and everyone in between, have played a part in this ongoing, affirming, encouraging and nourishing gathering of storytellers.
You are welcome to join us this winter.
Here is the lineup:
1. Creative Writing Workshop. Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 16-Apr. 23. Fifteen meetings $85. In-person at the Aurora Senior Center or on Zoom. We welcome writers of all experience levels from complete beginners to published authors. Share your stories in all genres—fiction, non-fiction, memoir, essay, family history, poetry, children’s literature. The atmosphere is always supportive and encouraging. The group dynamic quickly evolves into one where everyone, even the most reluctant reader, can feel comfortable sharing. The bargain we make is that we will listen with genuine interest to your stories if you will do the same for us. Bring your project in progress or respond to suggestions from me and your classmates. It’s a special two hours every week.
2. Writing Your Memoirs and Family Histories. Thursdays 4:00-6:00 p.m. Jan. 18-April 25. Fifteen meetings $70. In-person at the Aurora Senior Center or on Zoom. We welcome writers of all experience level from complete beginners to published authors. Share the stories of your life or those of your family members past and present. Over the years, writers have produced precious documents that are as simple as family stories stapled together or as sophisticated as hardbound books. They have reached back across generations and written about events taking place right now. The atmosphere is always supportive and conducive to sharing. We ask only that you be as enthusiastic a listener as you are a writer. Bring your project in progress or respond to suggestions from me. It’s a special two hours every week.
Feel free to contact me at rightfieldwritingworks@gmail.com or find me on Facebook or Instagram.
A Prompt to Get You Started:
With the approach of the holidays, consider this prompt: Anticipation.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
