I went skiing last weekend and I was reminded why it is so important for writers to experience the world. It is through all of our senses that we write the words that create the story. To write of winter, I must feel the cold breath of falling snow, see it glitter in yawning waves, taste its vanishing wetness and hear the silence that accompanies it after it has smothered all of the rustling on the forest floor. I live in the snow and I can speak of the joys and sorrows that accompany such a beautiful but often barren, landscape.
I suggest to all of you writers to get out into the world. Don't let the blistering winds and knee-deep snow drifts deter you from experiencing this glorious planet. Look below for a whole slew of activities from writing events to art classes that get you out of the house and into the realm of sensation.
Writing Classes and Workshops
Learn to Writer Love Letters: Virgil Carr Cultural Center in Detroit: Feb. 10th at 6PM
NMC Extended Ed Writing Courses: Classes range from Broadcast Journalism to Writing as a Means to Heal: Traverse City (Times Vary)
LCC Continuing Education Classes include Memoir Writing, How To Write for Magazines and Others: Spring of 2011 in Lansing (Dates and Times Vary)
Springfed Arts Winter Writing Workshops (Times and Locations Vary Beginning in Feb.)
826 Michigan Writing Workshops for Kids and Teens: (Times and Locations Vary)
Author Readings and Signings
Book Signing and Author Talk with True Crime Writer John Timmerman: @ Schuler Books in Grand Rapids: Feb. 8th at 7PM
Support Debut Author Courtney Allison Moulton at her launch party for Angelfire: @ Schuler Books in Lansing: Feb. 19th at 2PM
Horizon Books Author Signings with Linda Rau from 12pm to 2pm and Marie Cook from 2pm to 4pm: Saturday December 5th in Traverse City
Aunt Agatha's Books: Saturday, February 12 at 2 p.m. meet authors Barbara D'Amato, Sharon Fiffer and Vicki Delany, when they talk about and sign their new books: Ann Arbor
Launch Party for Gaylord Author Mary Backlund: @ Saturn Booksellers in Gaylord: Thursday Feb. 24th
Several Events at Kazoo Books in Kalamazoo including Discussions that explore Black History, The World of Children's Books: Writing, Editing and Publishing, and Author Signings (Dates and Times Vary)
Fun Stuff to Do
Art Class- Winter Landscapes in Oils: Feb. 5th and 12th in Brighton
Box Factory for the Arts: Lots of awesome art-centric activities from writers' groups to valentine making: St. Joseph, MI (Dates and Times Vary)
Traverse City Comedy Festival: Feb. 10-13 in Traverse City
Cherry Capital Winter Wow Fest: Feb. 18th - 21st in Traverse City
An Evening with the Writers of Mad Men: Feb. 3rd (Today!) @ 7PM: Traverse City Opera House
7th Annual Midwest Hip Hop Summit: Feb. 4th and 5th: Ann Arbor
Body N' Soul Wellness Expo: Feb. 11th in Mount Clemens
Crystal Mountain - Mardi Gras on the Mountain: March 5th at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville
Detroit's Winter Blast: Feb. 11th thru 14th in Detroit
Mark Your Calendars for Future Writing Events
National Dzanc Workshop Day : Date- 04/09/11 : Two separate workshops - one in Royal Oak and one in Ann Arbor
Grant Writing Class: May 5th and 6th 2011 - Detroit
