Joyce teaches regular writing classes in the Artschool at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, North Carolina. For some years she also taught the Novel in Progress class in the Duke University Continuing Studies program and still does occasional workshops there. She has given writing workshops for a number of organizations, and coordinates a writersgroup.

"€œI discovered I love working with people who are exploring a process that I love myself. It gives me energy, and feeds my own creative needs. And since the participants seem to like it too, I've kept on."

Winter 2010 courses taught by Joyce Allen

*New Class* at Duke University Continuing Studies:
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Experiments in Writing Fiction: Exploring the Craft

A six-week no-threat experience with the art and craft of storymaking. If you haven’t written a story since you were nine but want to try it out, here’s a chance. Or if you’ve done some writing but want a boost and new ideas, find them here. And if your imagination needs a good workout this is an opportunity. We’ll explore story ideas and experiment with elements such as shaping a story, creating character, building a scene, using dialog, viewpoint, etc.  We’ll do some writing in class and some at home. It’s all first-draft, experimental writing—and there’s no way to do an experiment wrong.  Everything you write here—whether you decide to do more with it or not—will add to your skill and help free your imagination.  And you’re likely to come up with some pieces that you want to develop into finished stories.

Thursdays, 1:30-3:00 pm
January 14-February 18,2010 (6 weeks)
The Bishop's House, Duke East Campus

To Register, go to www.learnmore.duke.edu/olli/

A Weekend for Writing in the Blueridge Mountains

Join us on the weekend of March 12-14, 2010, at beautiful Ambrosia Farms Studio/Gallery/Bed &Breakfast in Floyd, Virginia, near the Blueridge Parkway just a little north from Mt Airy, NC., for a weekend of writing and writing-talk, and no-threat, hands-on experience with the art and craft of story making. Come with zero writing experience, or come with some, or come with more than some. This is a workshop for those who want to explore writing, learn more about the craft, generate fresh ideas, and have a workout for the imagination—whether writing is a major part of their lives or whether they want mostly to try out the experience and stretch their wings.

Workshop led by Joyce Allen. Fee: $100.
See the Ambrosia Farms website for complete details.

Classes held at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, NC (registration info below)

Priming the Pump

For a new writer who wants to try out the experience and explore elements that go into making a story, or for someone who has done some writing but wants to generate fresh ideas, sharpen craft or break the dreaded Writer’s Block.
Priming the Pump can be taken alone or can supplement other writing courses.

Mondays, 6:30-8:30 pm
January 25-March 1, 2010 (5 sessions: no class 2/15/10)

Short Subjects: Experiments in Writing

In-class, no-threat writing experiences designed to give your imagination a workout, let you experiment with the process and craft of writing, and help you explore ideas, whether you’ve been writing for years or are trying it out for the first time.
This class is offered in response to requests for a follow-up to Priming the Pump, but it can stand alone, too.

Mondays, 6:30-8:30 pm
April 12-May 3, 2010 (4 sessions)

A supportive and constructive workshop for those who want to write fiction or creative non-fiction—story, novel, memoir, personal essay, etc.—whether they are just beginning or well into a project.  New writers, as well as those with some experience are welcome, and the group regularly includes both. The workshop-style format is flexible and individually-focused: designed to help members progress with their projects, increase their skill with the craft, and learn more about the process.  We’ll also give some attention to the process of marketing.
Writers at Work is offered during all Artschool terms.  Come for a single term or come back as often as you like.

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm
Section A: January 13-March 3, 2010 (8 sessions)
Section B: March 24-May 19, 2010 (8 sessions: no class 3/31/10)

• Online at www.artscenterlive.org
• By phone at 919-929-2787 weekdays 10 am-6 pm or Saturday 10 am-4 pm
• In person at the box office