LEADING A WRITING LIFE
Instructor: Mrs. Anne Stanford
Have you always wanted to write? Stumped on how to get started? This class will explore how to lead a writing life, whether your interest lies in fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between. Topics will include tips for how to make writing practice a part of your daily routine and how to write from personal experience. We will discuss how to build memorable characters, set the scene, and engage readers. Be prepared to write and share (if you’d like!); each session will include prompts and active writing time.
Session 1: Creative Writing 101 — exploring the differences in fiction and creative non-fiction; what makes stories resonate; writing exercises and discussion.
Session 2: Writing your life — mining your experiences as fodder for stories; quieting the inner critic; writing exercises and discussion.
Session 3: Revision equals re-envisioning — how to edit and revise your own work; tips for integrating writing practice into your daily routine; writing exercises and discussion; parting thoughts.
Mrs. Stanford is the assistant director of communications at Marist School, where she serves as the school’s primary storyteller. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College and has taught creative writing to all ages and levels. Mrs. Stanford has written for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Parent, and Womenetics, among other publications. Prior to joining Marist, she served in communications roles at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Margaret Mitchell House.
Marist School’s Alumni Engagement program, which is a key part of the Office for Institutional Advancement, focuses on building, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with the school’s 10,000 alumni as well as with the growing body of parents of alumni. Various alumni initiatives, events, awards, and publications are aimed at fostering relationships that bind the school and alumni in a sense of common purpose and advance the school’s mission and goals.