Upcoming Workshops

  • Student Creative Writing Workshop for Grades 5- 12

    • January 17, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte
    • 22
    Register

    Back By Popular Demand - Student Creative Writing Workshop!

    Join Charlotte Writers Club’s FREE creative writing workshop. Students will learn the elements and craft of narrative across all genres and formats. We’ll begin with a reading and a discussion around creative narratives, exploring character, plot, setting, and theme. You will then craft your own story and workshop your piece with peers and the instructors. Finally, since writing is all about rewriting and polishing your work, you’ll have the opportunity to recraft your piece after the peer review for further evaluation.

    Best of all, the workshop is FREE. Yes, FREE.

    Register today! Only 24 seats available.

    What parents are saying about this opportunity: 

    My daughter had such a great time. She talked of how the space you both created was wonderful for writing (which led to a great conversation about what makes a space wonderful for writing  ). I really appreciate all the time and attention you gave to creating such a nurturing, creative space for young writers. Your effort and energy mean a lot. My daughter is hopeful that she'll be able to participate in a future workshop. -- Patrice


    Our Instructors:

    Morgan Jackson is a historical fiction, young adult, and fantasy writer. Her stories center around Black women and girls doing extraordinary things for the people they love. She graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education, with concentrations in English Language Arts and Social Studies. She lives in Charlotte, NC where she works as a teacher and freelance editor.

    Axel Dahlberg holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English (University of Minnesota) and a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing (Arizona State University). He taught writing (creative, rhetoric, argumentation, technical, and business) for seven years at Arizona State University. He is a published author and a professional ghostwriter and editor. He is currently completing a novel.


    If you have questions or thoughts,

    please contact membership@charlottewritersclub.org

    We look forward to seeing you!

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  • Workshop: Plotting vs. Pantsing

    • January 24, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Providence United Methodist Church, Room 106, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
    • 20

    Plotting vs. Pantsing 

    Hosted by Sarah Archer

    Plotting vs. Pantsing: In this class, we'll tackle the age-old writers' debate: do you plot your stories in advance or discover them as you write? We'll cover tips and approaches to take you seamlessly from idea to first draft, including the difference between brainstorming and outlining, ways to employ act structures in an outline, how to enrich characters at the planning stage, digital and analogue tools for writers, and the benefits of leaving room for the spark of inspiration. This class is appropriate for writers of all levels and genres. 

    Sarah Archer is an acclaimed author, teacher, and writing coach known for her insightful guidance and deep knowledge of the publishing world. Her debut novel, The Plus One, was published in multiple countries and was optioned for film. She has also developed screenplays with studios and production companies. Sarah has been published in literary journals and national magazines and has taught writing workshops for CWC and across the country.


    https://saraharcherwrites.com/


    Workshop Refund Policy:

    If circumstances force the CWC to cancel a workshop or move it to an alternative date, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if asked to do so within 2 weeks. If a workshop is held according to schedule and an enrollee cannot attend, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if notified 48 hours before the workshop begins. Any credit issued must be used within 12 months.
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  • Workshop: Finding Your Organic Form: Shaping the Narrative Arc

    • January 31, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Providence United Methodist Church, Room 106, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
    • 20

    Finding Your Organic Form: Shaping the Narrative Arc

    Hosted by Barbara Presnell


    Finding the best structure—whether you’re writing memoir, poetry, short story, or—can be one of the most daunting tasks of writing and is one that stops many writers before they get started. What comes first?  How do I keep my readers turning pages or moving to the next lines? How do I create and maintain tension? Where does my story end? These and other questions are about the shape your story must take. The narrative arc—that inverted checkmark—is the traditional “look” for engaging readers in all genres, but it can seem formulaic as well as archaic. We’ll look at a variety of ways to sequence your story or poem to incorporate the necessary elements of the arc—tension, turning points, resolution, and more—without the feeling that you’re forcing your story into an artificial form. 

    Barbara Presnell is a writer and teacher of writing who lives in Lexington, NC. Her five books of poetry include Piece Work, which documents the textile industry in North Carolina through the eyes of its workers, and Blue Star, the story of 100 years of war and its effect on one family. In addition, her essays and columns appear in many journals and online sites. She has taught writing to students in community colleges, private schools, and public universities in Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina, and is Senior Lecturer Emeritus at UNC-Charlotte. Read more of her poetry and prose at www.barbarapresnell.com.

    Workshop Refund Policy:

    If circumstances force the CWC to cancel a workshop or move it to an alternative date, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if asked to do so within 2 weeks. If a workshop is held according to schedule and an enrollee cannot attend, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if notified 48 hours before the workshop begins. Any credit issued must be used within 12 months.
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  • Workshop: Prompt & Spark: Craft Your Own Book of Writing Inspiration

    • March 07, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Providence United Methodist Church, Room 106, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
    • 20

    Prompt & Spark:

    Craft Your Own Book of Writing Inspiration

    Hosted by Lisa Otter Rose

    Join author and educator Lisa Otter Rose for an inspiring, hands-on workshop where you’ll begin creating your own book of writing prompts using photos, words, art, and other sources of inspiration. Whether you write fiction, memoir, or poetry, this workshop will help you generate ideas and capture creative sparks that lead to powerful stories. Leave with a personalized collection of prompts designed to keep your creativity flowing long after the session ends. Perfect for writers at any stage looking to overcome writer’s block, ignite new ideas, or simply play on the page. Come ready to explore and create!  PS. Please bring scissors, glue stick, magazines and any other interesting ephemera.

    Lisa Otter Rose is the former treasurer of the Charlotte Writers Club. She is just as comfortable using the right side of her brain as her left. She is the author of You’ve Got Verve, Jamie Ireland! an award-winning children’s novel set in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC. Lisa enjoys writing children’s stories, personal essays, flash-fiction, and autobiofictional tales. She creates things with her hands and heart through her hand-made books, mixed-media art, and watercolor paintings. Her ABC prompt book serves as inspiration in her writing and art. 

    Workshop Refund Policy:

    If circumstances force the CWC to cancel a workshop or move it to an alternative date, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if asked to do so within 2 weeks. If a workshop is held according to schedule and an enrollee cannot attend, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if notified 48 hours before the workshop begins. Any credit issued must be used within 12 months.
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  • Workshop: The Method (and Madness) of Getting Published: Contests, Literary Journals & Beyond

    • March 21, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Providence United Methodist Church, Room 106, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
    • 20

    The Method (and Madness) of Getting Published: Literary Journals, Contests & Beyond 

    Hosted by Maureen Sherbondy

    In this dynamic two-hour workshop, award-winning poet and fiction writer Maureen Sherbondy shares her tried-and-true process for submitting poetry and fiction to contests and literary journals. Drawing from her extensive publication record in journals like Calyx, The Oakland Review, and Prelude, Maureen will offer practical strategies for identifying the right opportunities, polishing your work, and navigating rejections.

    Participants will gain insight into what editors and judges look for—and how to stay motivated through the highs and lows of the submission journey. Whether you’re new to submitting or looking to sharpen your strategy, this session will inspire and equip you to share your work with the world.

    Learn about Maureen at https://www.maureensherbondy.com/


    Workshop Refund Policy:

    If circumstances force the CWC to cancel a workshop or move it to an alternative date, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if asked to do so within 2 weeks. If a workshop is held according to schedule and an enrollee cannot attend, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if notified 48 hours before the workshop begins. Any credit issued must be used within 12 months.
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  • Workshop: Writing with Loss: Finding Light in Elegy

    • April 25, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Providence United Methodist Church, Room 106, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
    • 20

    Writing with Loss: Finding Light in Elegy

    Hosted by Irene Honeycutt

    Join acclaimed poet and teacher Irene Blair Honeycutt for a two-hour workshop exploring elegy as a gift that can help us transcend, not “get over” grief.  This session will focus on how the elegiac poem offers a place for us to not only mourn our losses— be they humans, pets, trees, relationships—but to also pay tribute to what has enriched our lives.  With compassion and insight, Irene will draw from her own elegiac poems and those of others, classical and contemporary, as ways of encouraging participants to write an elegy about one of their own deep losses.

    Writers will leave with insights into how the elegiac poem fosters healing, provides resilience, and shines some light on the path of grief. All levels welcome.  Bring paper, pen and a small object that reminds you of a particular loss. 

    Learn more about Irene's latest book at https://charlottelit.org/press/mountains-of-the-moon/                          

    Workshop Requirement: To fully participate in the discussion, all attendees are asked to have a copy of Mountains of the Moon by Irene Blair Honeycutt. We'll explore the elegiac thread throughout the collection and examine selected poems in depth, including the drafting process behind them.


    Workshop Refund Policy:

    If circumstances force the CWC to cancel a workshop or move it to an alternative date, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if asked to do so within 2 weeks. If a workshop is held according to schedule and an enrollee cannot attend, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if notified 48 hours before the workshop begins. Any credit issued must be used within 12 months.
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  • Workshop: The 3 Authors: The Path to Publication, a Candid Conversation

    • May 02, 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Providence United Methodist Church, Second floor Youth Room, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
    • 75


    The Path to Publication: A Candid Conversation with Three Authors

    Hosted by Ann Campanella, Lisa Williams Kline, & Gilda Morina Syverson

    In today’s evolving publishing world, writers have more options than ever—but which path is right for you and your particular project? In this dynamic and honest panel discussion and Q&A, three successful authors share their real-world experiences navigating the publishing landscape—from self-publishing to working with small presses to finding an agent and signing with the Big 5. You'll learn about the benefits and challenges of each path, how to evaluate your goals for each project, and what steps to take next. This workshop offers valuable insights and candid advice to help you make informed decisions about your publishing journey. Come with questions, leave with clarity.

    Ann Campanella, a former magazine/newspaper editor, is an award-winning memoirist and poet. Her first memoir, Motherhood: Lost and Found, was named “One of the best Alzheimer’s books of all time” by BookAuthority. Her second memoir, Celiac Mom, was a 2024 silver medalist in the Readers' Favorite Awards. Her recent memoir is The Shoulder Season: A Memoir of Fracture and Grace. She has experience with independent presses and self-publishing. An advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness, celiac disease and other health issues, she serves as a director for AlzAuthors.

    Lisa Williams Kline has published 14 books with publishers both large and small, for adults as well as children. Between the Sky and the Sea (Dragonblade) and Ladies’ Day (CamCat Books) are her most recent award-winning novels for adults. Her latest novel, The Bristlecone Writers’ Group, is just out from Harpeth Road Press. She lives in Davidson with her veterinarian husband, a cat who can open doors, and a sweet chihuahua who has played Bruiser Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical.

    Gilda Morina Syverson, an award-winning author, poet, artist and teacher, has taught memoir-writing classes for over twenty-five years, including 15 years at Queens University of Charlotte. Her expertise has earned her recognition as one of LinkedIn’s top memoir instructors. She is also a Healing Touch Practitioner. Her first memoir, My Father’s Daughter, From Rome to Sicily, won numerous awards, and her second memoir, A Healing Journey, from 9/11 Beyond the Pandemic was recognized as a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She has had success working with independent publishers.

    Workshop Refund Policy:

    If circumstances force the CWC to cancel a workshop or move it to an alternative date, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if asked to do so within 2 weeks. If a workshop is held according to schedule and an enrollee cannot attend, the CWC will issue a full refund or credit for a future workshop if notified 48 hours before the workshop begins. Any credit issued must be used within 12 months.
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