Literature & Writing   

This class is your invitation to step into the world of storytelling and bring your imagination to life. Whether you're just starting out or already crafting your own tales, you'll explore the essential elements that make fiction come alive, memorable characters, compelling plots, vivid settings, and more. Through hands-on practice and creative exploration, you'll build the skills and confidence to shape your ideas into engaging stories. By the end of the course, you won't just understand how stories work, you'll be able to create your own with purpose, style, and flair.

Student Learning Outcomes
•    The basic techniques and terminology of fiction writing
•    The basic elements of fiction writing
•    How to identify point of view in fiction and how to write from one specific point of view
•    How to craft a scene with evocative detail and tension
•    How to develop empathetic characters
•    How to identify plot in a story
•    How to tie all the above elements together into a cohesive structure 
•    Each student will complete one story of a minimum of 1000 words.
     These outcomes will be achieved through the following work:
•    Critical examination of selected writing examples
•    Examination of student writings created from in class assignments
•    Lecture on various elements of fiction writing to include:
o    Plot
o    Character
o    Point of View
o    Scene/ Summary
o    Dialogue

Humans have long had a deep connection with horses and this has contributed to them having a preeminent place in the stories we tell. This course shall explore horses as depicted in the ancient and medieval myths and folktales of Europe, highlighting both the semi-historical and the fantastical accounts to explore how people have thought of and talked about horses through the ages. From heroic horses to spectral steeds, we shall explore a range of fascinating tales and characters which have contributed to the rich lore of these creatures in the western tradition.

In this discussion-based session, we will explore The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy, described as “one of the most lacerating works of literature ever written, a hard, pitiless stare into the abyss, not just of death, but of human nature.” Through the story of one man facing his own mortality, Tolstoy examines how people live, how they confront death, and how others respond when life nears its end.

This is not a lecture but a guided conversation. Participants are expected to read the novella in advance. The book is widely available online at low cost, often free, and through most libraries.

Romance novels have consistently sold more copies yearly than any other genre. This course will introduce you to the tools you need to write your own love story. Learn the sub-genres, character development, plot points, conflict and resolution. A multi-award winning author with feedback from classmates, will start you on your journey.

Learn how to write a meaningful obituary that honors a loved one’s life and legacy. With more than 35 years of experience as a newspaper reporter, Lori Szepelak will share her expertise and discuss how obituaries have evolved over the decades. Participants will learn the essential elements of an effective obituary and receive a comprehensive handout featuring an outline, sample obituary, and key considerations for crafting a lasting tribute.

Are you aspiring to become an author? Do you possess a compelling, inspiring, or thought-provoking narrative that has been held back from being shared due to the daunting prospect of writing a book? Join author Lori Szepelak as she guides you through the steps she employed to self-publish three books through Balboa Press, a division of Hay House. If you are prepared to embrace the challenge and have the financial means, perhaps it is the opportune moment to embark on the journey of writing your own New York Times best-seller. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their book ideas and receive constructive feedback. It is never too late to share your story if you feel compelled to do so.

One of the first lessons Lori Szepelak learned from her first newspaper editor more than 40 years ago was simple: "There is a story around every corner, and it is your job to find it!" Throughout her career as a reporter, she took that message to heart and sought out human interest stories that would resonate with readers. In this program, she will discuss her passion for uncovering compelling stories and how connections always led her to intriguing individuals, places, and events. Currently residing at OTOW, she serves as the "editor" of her neighborhood newsletter and will share insights for those aspiring to create their own newsletter, which promises to foster a sense of community among neighbors.

Are you ready to relax and open your heart and mind to what is possible from messages on "The Other Side"? Join author Lori Szepelak as she describes the way automatic writing with her mother's assistance from The Other Side assisted her in writing her third book. Participants will be asked to bring a journal or writing pad and pen or pencil as we listen to quieting music - allowing any messages to flow.

Are you aspiring to become an author? Do you possess a compelling, inspiring, or thought-provoking narrative that has been held back from being shared due to the daunting prospect of writing a book? Join author Lori Szepelak as she guides you through the steps she employed to self-publish three books through Balboa Press, a division of Hay House. If you are prepared to embrace the challenge and have the financial means, perhaps it is the opportune moment to embark on the journey of writing your own New York Times best-seller. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their book ideas and receive constructive feedback. It is never too late to share your story if you feel compelled to do so.

Learn how to write a meaningful obituary that honors a loved one’s life and legacy. With more than 35 years of experience as a newspaper reporter, Lori Szepelak will share her expertise and discuss how obituaries have evolved over the decades. Participants will learn the essential elements of an effective obituary and receive a comprehensive handout featuring an outline, sample obituary, and key considerations for crafting a lasting tribute.

For those wishing to share their values, wisdom, and experiences with their loved ones - a legacy letter is a wonderful way to touch the hearts of those closest to you. Through a simple writing exercise, learn how to create a heartfelt letter that will be cherished by others for years to come. The process may also be a healing exercise for the writer since it will be necessary to reflect and analysis one's life.

This workshop is designed for those who enjoy writing short fiction or woulf like to try their hand at it. Led by published writers, each session will include a facilitated discussion of one or more of the critical ingredients of fiction writing along with the opportunity to share, review and discuss individual group members' writing. The workshop is based on the concept that feedback from peers can contribute to a writers' confidence and creativity. The goal is to build writing skills and help one another to strengthen things like story lines and character development.

If you enjoy writing and have a creative, bent our monthly meetings will inspire you to dig deeper. You will spend time with other writers, some published, some not, all whom, regardless of their level of experience, want to exchange ideas with other writers, and by doing so, improve their own craft.  As an example, we will work on character development, story content, writing convincing dialog and the importance of Show-don't tell.