Writing Classes

Meet and Critique Fall Offerings, 2009, taught by Sarah Cortez

Beginning Poetry

Based on her years of meditation, author Natalie Goldberg tells us that to be a writer there are few things as important as “beginner’s mind.”  This state of wonder and curiosity balanced with a desire to learn is the framework we will bring to this course as we explore the magic that makes a poem into a poem.  Numerous cross-cultural examples will enliven our discussion.  Enrollment is limited to eight students.

Classes will be held on ten Mondays beginning September 7 and ending November 9th.

A registration fee of $20 will reserve your spot.  Weekly fee of $20 for each two-hour class.  Classes are 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  See “General Information” below.

Advanced Poetry

This course will help a student whose poems are “almost ready” for publication to finalize the poems based on what the poem is trying to become.  This class would be appropriate for students who have already published or who are ready for a master’s level class.  Publication opportunities will be shared and encouraged.  Enrollment will be limited to six students.

 Classes will be held on ten Wednesdays beginning September 2 and ending November 4th.  Registration fee is $25, and two-hour class weekly is $25.  Classes are 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  See “General Information” below.

Memoir

This class will take the writer through all the mechanics of dealing with prose required to write memoir, such as moving back and forth in time, writing believable dialogue, creating a sense of place.  Additionally, we will explore numerous examples of current memoir, as well as historical, with an emphasis on finding our own unique voice on the page.  Enrollment will be limited to eight students.

Classes will be held on ten Tuesdays beginning September 15th and ending November 17th.  A registration fee of $25 will reserve your spot.  Weekly fee of $25 for each two-hour class.  Classes are 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  See “General Information” below.

General Information

All classes begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.  Every effort is made to end each class at 8:30 p.m.  However, if all students’ work hasn’t been critiqued by that time, those students who are willing to stay later are encouraged to remain for critique. The teacher will ensure that each student who brings work to class will receive a critique from the teacher that evening. Classes are open to both men and women.  The course location is a private residence in the Montrose area of Houston Texas. 

Please email Sarah Cortez at sac117@juno.com to register for courses.  Please also email if you have any questions.  I look forward to hearing from you!