VERGENNES — Bixby Library will offer a five-week writing course, titled “Release the Writer in You,” with the help of Goddard College master’s student Kristen Johannesson. The class starts Wednesday, March 9, at 6 p.m. in the library’s Otter Creek Room, and will meet weekly for the next four weeks. The sessions are organized to allow individual participants to miss a session, if necessary, and attendance at all sessions is not required.
Johannesson is also offering classes at the University of Vermont and through UVM’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She will apply more than two decades of teaching experience to help the participants on an exploration of questions on plot, setting and conflict, and whether to dialogue or not to dialogue. The class will investigate the components of the short story, while also examining contemporary short fiction as guide and inspiration. Participating writers will begin to create their own modern, inventive narratives.
Each weekly two-hour meeting be fun and rewarding. Contemporary short fiction readings will be provided. Each session will be designed to stand on its own.
Johannessonhas been teaching for over 25 years with students of all ages. She is currently finishing her MFA in creative writing with a focus on Harlem Renaissance literature, and both short and long fiction.
This class will mark the fourth local author to give a writing workshop or class at the Bixby Library. Annie Downey, Jay Dubberly and Keith Morrill have preceded Johannesson, and all four enhanced the regular writing workshops led by Bixby’s Adult Services Librarian Muir Haman. These instructional offerings are one aspect of a growing initiative at the Bixby to incubate and encourage local creators.
The class will be free of charge and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. Questions and registration should be directed to Haman at 802-877-2211, ext. 208, or [email protected].