In this four-session seminar, we will learn some of the basic principles of etymology. Through a series of linguistic puzzles we will follow in the footsteps of etymologists and historical linguists to reconstruct the relationships between languages and long-forgotten roots English words.

The concept of ‘game’, in comedy, is anything that happens more than once; and if played well, games are laugh-out-loud funny. Learn to master this tool for humour, and use it to trouble shoot common problems such as time jumps, crowd scenes, exposition and more.

An enthralling setting is key to children’s fiction, and can even become fodder for daydreams and games once the book is closed. With a focus on middle childhood (6-12 years), this workshop will give you tools to create mesmerizing worlds for young readers.

In this 90-minute spoken word event, Tayo will share his experiences growing up Black on four continents as he grappled with his identity, changes, growth, loss and realizing what his calling was. Participants will enjoy live performance from Tayo accompanied by many opportunities for Q&A and discussion of the timely topics his work raises.

In this 90-minute spoken word event, Tayo will share his experiences growing up Black on four continents as he grappled with his identity, changes, growth, loss and realizing what his calling was. Participants will enjoy live performance from Tayo accompanied by many opportunities for Q&A and discussion of the timely topics his work raises.

If you want to get a literary agent, you have to hook them quickly with your submission materials. The two most critical items during your initial agent first impression are the all-important query letter and first pages of your story. This workshop will teach you how to create an amazing agent submission and provide an opportunity to receive personalized feedback from Suzie on the first five pages of your draft manuscript or proposal.

This event will teach you the key principles of devising a successful book proposal. You will learn how to devise a clear pitch to maximise your chances of getting a publisher’s attention.

We will learn how the concept of a ‘character game’, used in improvised theatre, can help you produce unforgettable characters. Although the emphasis will be on examples from junior fiction, all writers who struggle with characters that ‘sound the same’ are welcome!

An enthralling setting is key to children’s fiction, and can even become fodder for daydreams and games once the book is closed. With a focus on middle childhood (6-12 years), this workshop will give you tools to create mesmerizing worlds for young readers.

The concept of ‘game’, in comedy, is anything that happens more than once; and if played well, games are laugh-out-loud funny. Learn to master this tool for humour, and use it to trouble shoot common problems such as time jumps, crowd scenes, exposition and more.

We will learn how the concept of a ‘character game’, used in improvised theatre, can help you produce unforgettable characters. Although the emphasis will be on examples from junior fiction, all writers who struggle with characters that ‘sound the same’ are welcome!

This intimate three-session workshop will offer personalized insight and feedback to help aspiring nonfiction authors craft the most important parts of their book: the thesis, the voice, and the first chapter. Each session will feature helpful craft exercises, resources, and feedback on your writing and ideas.

We’ll discuss four common pitfalls of early fiction drafts, and how to avoid them -- or, if necessary, to rescue yourself from the depths.

In this 60-minute session, aspiring authors will get a peek inside the elusive publishing process to learn how to take a simple idea and turn it into a six-figure book deal. Everyone will gain access to essential tips and sample materials, as well as a transparent Q&A with author Amanda Montell.

In this 60 minute session, aspiring authors will get a peek inside the elusive publishing process to learn how to take a simple idea and turn it into a six-figure book deal. Everyone will gain access to essential tips and sample materials, as well as a transparent Q&A with author Amanda Montell.

We’ll discuss four common pitfalls of early fiction drafts, and how to avoid them -- or, if necessary, to rescue yourself from the depths.

In this 90 minute session, participants will learn the history, composition, and theory of single-panel cartoons. Everyone will then have the opportunity to draw their own cartoon (but no artistic experience is necessary).

It’s no secret that 2020 has been a stressful year for everyone. Heal, laugh, and explore yourself through a spoken word poetry workshop taught by “the nicest poet in the country.”

It’s no secret that 2020 has been a stressful year for everyone. Heal, laugh, and explore yourself through a spoken word poetry workshop taught by “the nicest poet in the country.”

Today, images of Frida Kahlo are ubiquitous in mainstream culture. But in her time, Kahlo was a rebel who challenged the status quo with her paintings and her life. Join renowned literature professor and novelist Dr. Barbara Mujica for a two-part talk on the captivating life and art of Frida Kahlo.

As ice caps melt and temperatures rise, novels about climate change have moved from the margins to the center of world literature. In this seminar, we will explore the emerging genre of climate fiction (aka "cli-fi") and discuss how the best work in this genre helps us understand our moment and imagine possible futures.

Join acclaimed novelist Andrew Ridker for a fascinating talk and discussion on the past, present, and future of Jewish American literature, including how Jewish American literature responds to and shapes the ever-changing role of Jews in America.

Oxford English professor Merve Emre explains the bizarre origins of personality testing and explores why these tests continue to intrigue us.

Join acclaimed novelist Andrew Ridker for an engaging talk and discussion on the past, present, and future of Jewish American literature.

Join acclaimed novelist Andrew Ridker for an engaging talk and discussion on the past, present, and future of Jewish American literature.