Literature & Writing   

This workshop is designed for those who enjoy writing short fiction. 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 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. 
 

This class will explore examples of famous poets and their forms of writing. Students will discover various types of poetic inspiration such as art, music, and photography. Learn ways to publish your work.

Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is a play about ambition in politics as apt today in our time as was in the days of Julius Caesar in Rome or Elizabeth I in England. The play tells how the blows of Caesar's assassins meant to preserve the Roman Republic led inexorably to its demise and the emergence of Rome ruled by an Emperor.  Come join the conversation as this drama presents us with questions we must answer ourselves in our own time.

One of the first lessons that Lori Szepelak learned from her first editor more than 35 years ago was simple, "there is a story around every corner and it is your job to find it!" She took that message to heart and sought out human interest stories in her daily travels. In this program, she will talk briefly about the way she created contacts over the years, and how her passion for getting the story always lead her to interesting people, places and things. Now residing at OTOW, she is the "editor" of her neighborhood newsletter and seeks out contacts to find the interesting stories to share with neighbors each month. She will also share a couple of the newsletters so that participants will have a reference when starting their own.

On the 25th of October, in the year 1415, the crowns of both England and France were staked on a battle nearby to the French town of Agincourt, where a band of 5,000 war weary English under the command of HenryV defeated an army of 30,000 French commanded by the Dauphine, heir apparent to the French crown.  In this play, Shakespeare examines the levers of kingship, and how King Henry used them to orchestrate an invasion of France and victory at Agincourt. Was it a glorious victory or just a pyrrhic one? What does it teach us about those who walk the hallways of power today? Join in the conversation.

Sharing meals has nourished bodies and fed the souls of loved ones for eons. It was a time to strengthen bonds and to take a few moments to reflect on their day. Here are a few questions about your mealtime traditions. Do you have Grandma’s secret recipe for roast chicken? How about Stevie's favorite dessert or Dominick's special ingredients for fantastic meatloaf? Do you use a dash of this or a sprinkle of that and what exactly does that mean? Join local author Colleen J. Pallamary and explore the many options of creating your own personalized family recipe book. No computer, no problem. Please bring a simple recipe to share with others if you’d like and let's have fun!

 

Having been a newspaper reporter for more than 30 years, Lori Szepelak has had her share of writing obituaries. Many obituaries are cut and dry and lack any imagination about the person who passed. In this class, attendees will be given examples of obituaries written over the years. Additionally, examples for text to read at services will be discussed. Lastly, a handout will provide an outline of what people should consider in his/her obituary.

Join author and freelance writer Colleen J. Pallamary on a journey of self-discovery. Learn how to cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude by tapping into nature and exploring the muse that resides in each and every one of us. Who and what are we grateful for? Ever put that feeling down on paper? Learn simple techniques for starting and keeping a Gratitude Journal. No prior writing experience required- just a willingness to learn the power of your own words.

This work of Leo Tolstoy is considered his best after "war and peace."  And much shorter! "It is 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." What makes it a classic is its relevance to today and our lives. It affords us a sense of urgency to our life and death.

Reading the book is a prerequisite for the class discussion. The book can be purchased online for $.99 and may be free on some sites.