Upcoming Courses

Offerings

Get Published!

If you are writing or have written your fiction novel or memoir and want to learn about the next steps toward publication, this course will show you what is needed to acquire an agent or publisher. You will learn how to write a pitch, query letter, long and short synopsis, potential back cover blurb and more.

May 7, 2026 to June 11, 2026 | 5:00pm-7:00pm PDT | Bend

Publishing with Substack

Substack is the newest trend to hit the publishing world. It is an easy, online way for anyone to make an income by writing. Many big-name authors, journalists and personalities have started their own Substack publications. The good news is that you don't have to be a big name, have a large following or be tech-savvy to get yourself started. All you need is you! In this class, learn how to start your own Substack publication, how to get paid to write and how to leverage this new platform for your creative dreams.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Bend

Writing Workshop: Delicious Food Writing

Taught by experienced recipe creator, food and wine writer and restaurant critic, Dani Nichols, this class will help you write about the things you taste. Whether it is getting your mother's biscuit recipe out of your head and onto paper for future generations or reviewing a new hot spot in town for publication, this class will help you generate new ideas. Learn to pitch your food and drink pieces for publication and write descriptive, mouthwatering prose.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Bend

Writing Workshop: Nature Writing

Living in Central Oregon, we all have experience with nature, but sometimes it can be hard to capture: you don't want to interrupt a peaceful moment with a photo, or maybe there's an idea that you want to use nature to convey. In this class, you will learn what makes great nature writing, how to notice small things and describe them in vivid detail, how to bring your reader on a journey with you and how to translate your experiences outdoors to ideas inside. Bring your stories and inspiration to this workshop-style class, or just come ready to share your passion for nature in written form. Either way, you will leave with a renewed sense of wonder, and actionable ideas for writing about our world.

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Bend

Writing Workshop: Travel Writing

Whether you've traveled across the world or back to your hometown for the holidays, you have a story to share about travel: what you experienced, what you ate, and how it changed you. Learn to describe the food, environment, culture and experiences of the trips you've taken in this class. Through expert coaching and hands-on advice, learn how to create vivid travelogues for personal use or for publication with precise descriptions and captivating hooks. This is a hands-on, workshop-style class, so come with questions and ideas, ready to remember past adventures and prepare for the ones to come.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PDT | Bend

Writing Workshop: Western Genre

The western is an essential American writing style, and in this class you can bring your western-themed fiction or nonfiction for editorial feedback and expert guidance. Instructor Dani Nichols is an award-winning western author and can help you hone your work and create stylized western writing that elevates the genre. Samples of western fiction, nonfiction and children's literature will be available for inspiration and students are encouraged to come with a WIP or a story idea, as there will be writing and editing time in class.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 5:00pm-8:00pm PST | Bend

Writing: Novel and Memoir

In this course, learn essential building blocks for fiction and memoir, including plot, setting, theme, characterization, point-of-view and dialogue. What is the hero's journey and how does a writer develop a story concept into a page-turning bestseller? Award-winning author and college educator Kathryn Mattingly will inspire you to begin your novel, complete your first draft or reassess what you have written so far. Open to novel and memoir writers of all levels!

February 12, 2026 to March 19, 2026 | 5:00pm-7:00pm PST | Bend