Personal Reflections: How The Writer's Center Helped Me Get Published

By Sonja Williams

I want to testify.

I’m living proof that if you are beginning, refining, or marketing your writing project, The Writer’s Center (TWC) can help you accomplish your goals. About six years ago, I took my first TWC workshop. After enrolling in several subsequent classes, I was able to get a contract to publish my biography, Word Warrior: Richard Durham, Radio, and Freedom, which will come out early September 2015. 

Richard Durham’s pioneering accomplishments as a broadcast dramatist, journalist, and activist (1917–1984) grabbed my attention long before I knew TWC existed. As an experienced public radio producer, I had written and produced a radio feature about Durham and his award-winning radio dramas of the 1940s. Later, I wrote brief articles about Durham’s radio scriptwriting career, which began during the Great Depression and extended to the early 1950s in his Chicago, Illinois hometown.

But Durham’s versatile and politically outspoken writing style, along with his eventful life, was so fascinating that I decided to write a book-length account.

However, this type of writing was way out of my comfort zone. So I searched for places where I could learn from and be inspired by others with similar writing aspirations. As a result, The Writer’s Center came into focus. My first workshop was with award-winning writer C. M. Mayo. She helped participants develop or fine-tune their literary voice. 

I was hooked. What other gems did the Center offer, I wondered? 

Soon enough, I enrolled in workshops that helped me tackle grammatical pitfalls, storytelling dilemmas, and social media platforms. I even took several–yes, several–workshops about writing effective book proposals. And I gained insights from them all.  

Thankfully, my finished my book proposal was favorably received by two well-regarded academic presses. I eventually signed a contract with the University of Illinois Press and the real heavy lifting started. I slowly wrote chapter after chapter; one word, one sentence, and one painstaking paragraph at a time. 

Once again, I turned to The Writer’s Center. 

Two of the Center’s non-fiction workshops—led by established biographers David O. Stewart and Ken Ackerman—were extremely valuable. With Stewart’s and Ackerman’s insightful critiques, along with thoughtful comments from fellow workshop participants, I left each of those weekly sessions with renewed dedication and knowledge.

Currently, I remain connected to veterans of those nonfiction workshops. Each month eight writers, six of whom are TWC alums, meet to continue critiquing and supporting each other.  Several articles and two books—Cheryl LaRoche’s Free Black Communities and the Underground Railroad: The Geography of Resistance (The University of Illinois Press, 2014) and my Word Warrior—have come out of our group. More publishing success stories are on their way; a testament to the skills we honed as The Writer's Center's workshop attendees.

So, wherever you are in your writing process, I hope that you’ll take the time to engage in and succeed as a result of The Writer’s Center experience. And I look forward to reading your testimony.

Weekly Spotlight on Local Literary Events: July 11-16

 “Writer’s on the Green Line” Series: Free Inter-generational Writers Workshop

Saturday, July 11 from 12:30-3 p.m.

CentroNia

1420 Columbia Rd. NW

Washington D.C. 20009

http://www.meetup.com/DC-Poetry-Project/events/223250495/

The D.C. Poetry Project hosts the “Writer’s on the Green Line” Series the second Saturday of every month. The series is a free inter-generational writers workshop located at CentroNia.

Literary Event: Transformations

Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

1250 New York Avenue, NW

Washington D.C. 20005

http://nmwa.org/events/literary-event-transformations

Author of Chrysalis: Maria Sibylla Merian and the Secrets of Metamorphosis, Kim Todd will be at the National Museum of Women in the Arts to lecture on Maria Sibylla Merian’s trip to Surinam in 1699 and how this trip influenced her art. The program will be followed with a book sale and signing. Free admission.

Susan Coll and Frederick Pollack, Reading

Sunday, July 12 from 2-4 p.m.

The Writer’s Center

4508 Walsh Street

Bethesda, MD 20815

http://www.writer.org/page.aspx?pid=299&cid=1&ceid=1640&cerid=0&cdt=7%2f12%2f2015

The Writer’s Center hosts a weekly reading each Sunday. This Sunday will feature novelist Susan Coll and poet Frederick Pollack. Coll will be reading from her recently published novel, The Stager, a comic story of rabbits and D.C. suburbia. Pollack will read from his newest collection of poetry, A Poverty of Words, which was published this past spring. The reading will be followed by a reception and book signing. Free admission.

The Phantom Tollbooth: A Celebration of a Classic with Author Norton Juster and Bill Harley: Family Event with Film Screening and Book Signing

Sunday, July 12 at 3 p.m.

Baird Auditorium, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

10^th and Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20560

http://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?ID=232180&utm_source=CAGW&utm_medium=OAnonSI&utm_content=cagwEVMay2015&utm_campaign=CAGW&tmssource=206729

Singer-storyteller Bill Harley and Norton Juster, author of the 1961 novel The Phantom Tollbooth, and will be reflecting on the book at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The discussion will be moderated by Janice L. Kaplan who recently produced the documentary The Phantom Tollbooth: Beyond Expectations. There will be a screening of the film and a book signing. Tickets for this event are $20-$25.

Joaquin Miller Poetry Series, Hiram Larew & Matthew Thorburn

Sunday, July 12^th at 3:00 pm

Rock Creek Nature Center

5200 Glover Road, NW,

Washington, D.C. 20015

http://wordworksbooks.org/miller_cabin.html#schedule

Poet Hiram Larew and poet Matthew Thorburn will be reading at the Joaquin Miller Poetry Series. If you wish to share your work, you can sign up for open reading at 2:45 p.m.

Give Me Something to Believe In: A Spiritual Poetry Program on Blogtalk Radio

Sunday, July 12 at 5 p.m.

Blogtalk Radio

http://www.meetup.com/DC-Poetry-Project/events/223368414/

The D.C. Poetry Project brings you this Blogtalk radio program featuring spiritual, motivational, reflective, or inspiring poetry. Tune in or call in to share a poem. The free call in number is (646)-716-8754.

Iota Poetry Series, Maritza Rivera & Barrett Wolf

Sunday, July 12 at 6 p.m.

Iota Bar and Restaurant

2832 Wilson Blvd.

Arlington, VA 22201

http://www.wordworksdc.com/collaborations.html#iota

Poet Maritza Rivera and poet Barrett Wolf will be reading at the Iota Poetry Series. The reading will begin at 6 p.m. and will be followed with open readings. The Iota Poetry Series is hosted on the second Saturday of every month. Free admission.

Dumplings: A Global Wrap and Savory Culinary History: Evening Program with Tasting and Book Signing

Monday, July 13 at 6:45 p.m.

Smithsonian S. Dillon Ripley Center

1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20560

http://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?ID=232091&utm_source=CAGW&utm_medium=OAnonSI&utm_content=cagwEVMay2015&utm_campaign=CAGW&tmssource=206718

Explore the world of dumplings with food expert Barbara Gallini at the Smithsonian S. Dillon Ripley Center. The program will include a food sampling and lecture from Gallini. She will also be signing copies of her new book Dumplings: A Global History. Tickets for this event are $30-$42.

Monday Night Open Mic Poetry hosted by 13 of Nazareth

Monday, July 13 from 8-10 p.m.

Busboys and Poets (Shirlington location)

4251 South Campbell Avenue

Arlington, VA 22206

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/monday-night-open-mic-poetry-hosted-by-13-of-nazareth3113

Busboys and Poets Shirlington location’s weekly Monday night open mic features two hours of entertainment from rookie and professional performers alike. This week,s open mic will be hosted by performance poet 13 of Nazareth. $5 cover charge. 

The Garden Open Mic feat. Arvind Venugopal (hosted by Gowri K.)

Monday, July 13 from 8:30-11 p.m.

Bloombars

3222 11^th Street, NW,

Washington D.C. 20001

http://www.bloombars.com

The Garden Open Mic is a weekly variety open mic that includes anything from writing to music. The show is appropriate for all ages. This week will feature musician Arvind Venugopal and is hosted by Gowri K. Sign up list opens at 8:30 p.m. and show starts at 9 p.m. $5-10 suggested donation.

Monday Night Open Mic hosted by Joseph LMS Green

Monday, July 13 from 9-11 p.m.

Busboys and Poets (Brookland location)

625 Monroe St NE

Washington, D.C. 20017

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/monday-night-open-mic-hosted-by-joseph-lms-green2761

Busboys and Poets Brookland location’s weekly Monday night open mic invites local poets and performers to take the stage for a night of entertainment hosted by poet Joseph LMS Green. $5 cover charge.

Glenn Taylor, A Hanging at Cinder Bottom

Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m.

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/glenn-taylor-hanging-cinder-bottom

Author Glenn Taylor will be at Politics & Prose to discuss his third novel A Hanging at Cinder Bottom. He will converse with writer, author, and critic Bethanne Patrick.

Speakeasy DC, The Charismatic Leader: Stories about those we follow for the right & wrong reasons

Tuesday, July 14 at 8 p.m.

Town Danceboutique

2009 8^th St, NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

http://speakeasydc.com/events/item/the-charismatic-leader1

Speakeasy DC hosts a storytelling open mic the second Tuesday of every month. Eight to ten first time or returning storytellers will take the stage to share a story corresponding with the theme “The Charismatic Leader,” stories about people we follow for the right or wrong reasons. If you have a story, submit your pitch to Speakeasy DC. You must be at least 21 to attend this event. Tickets for this event are $16.

Tuesday Night Open Mic hosted by Pages

Tuesday, July 14 from 9-11 p.m.

Busboys and Poets (14^th & V location)

2021 14^th St, NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/tuesday-night-open-mic-hosted-by-pages3310

Busboys and Poets Tuesday open mic at their 14^th and V location invites locals to come out for a night of performance and entertainment. This week’s open mic will be hosted by artist Pages Matam. $5 cover charge.

Potsdam: The End of World War II and the Remaking of Europe

Wednesday, July 15 at 12 p.m.

National Archives

Constitution Avenue, NW, between 7^th and 9^th Streets

Washington, D.C. 20408

http://www.archivesfoundation.org/event/potsdam-end-world-war-ii-remaking-europe/

Historian Michael Neiberg’s book Postdam: The End of the World War II and the Remaking of Europe discusses how Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin brought World War II to an end. Neiburg will be at the National Archives for a program on his new historical book and a book signing. Free admission.

Family Night Open Mic Poetry Hosted by Sista Joy Alford

Thursday, July 16 from 6-9:00 p.m.

Annie’s Art Gallery

5814 Allentown Way

Camp Springs, MD 20748

http://www.anniesartgallery.net/#!calendar

Annie’s Art Gallery will be hosting a Family Night Open Mic featuring poetry, music, and the arts. Come for an evening of entertainment or share your own work. The event will be hosted by poet Sista Joy Alford. Free admission.

Writer’s and Scholars Roundtable on Civil Rights

Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m.

National Archives

Constitution Avenue, NW, between 7^th and 9^th Streets

Washington, D.C. 20408

http://www.archivesfoundation.org/event/writers-scholars-roundtable-civil-rights/

The National Archives will be hosting a roundtable discussion on Civil Rights featuring author Taylor Branch (Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-1963), author Gilbert King (Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America), author Diane McWhorter (Carry Me Home), and civil rights activist and personal adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Clarence Jones. The program will be followed with a book signing. Free admission.

Spit Dat! Open Mic

Thursday, July 16 at 9 p.m.

ECAC, 2^nd floor

733 Euclid Street, NW

Washington D.C. 20001

http://spitdat.wix.com/dc

Spit Dat! is a weekly open mic held every Thursday hosted by Drew “Droopy” Anderson and Dwayne B. $1 cover charge.

Novel Year: This is the Year You Finish, Revise, and Pitch Your Novel

Writing a novel is thrilling and daunting all at once. Workshop leader Amin Ahmad is intimately aware of all that goes into creating a novel-length piece. He has published two books thus far—The Caretaker (2013) and The Last Taxi Ride (2014), both suspense novels from St. Martin’s Press, and he is currently working on a literary novel. Fueled by his personal writing experience and inspired by similar courses at other literary centers, Ahmad is taking the lead on a new endeavor at The Writer’s Center—The Novel Year program, which will launch in September.

The program will allow ten participants to workshop their entire novel over the course of a full year. It will meet weekly during fall, winter, and spring, and more sporadically in the summer. During the summer, participants will have the opportunity for one-on-one sessions with Ahmad to address specific issues in their novels. They will be motivated by regular writing deadlines, studying aspects of craft, and creating a supportive community. In addition, they will be introduced to the publishing process and have the chance to meet experts in the industry, including literary agents. Panels of visiting writers will offer their thoughts on craft and their publishing experiences as well. Participants will be able to use the Studio at The Writer’s Center twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. 

To be admitted into the program, potential candidates will need to submit a cover letter and a twenty-five page writing sample for review between July 1 and August 30. Partial scholarships will be available. Each week, the class will workshop a large portion of a student’s novel, as well as deal with a different craft issue, such as dialogue. Participants will read examples, discuss and dissect them, and then focus on their own related writing exercises. Comparing writing to other crafts, Ahmad said, “There is a big difference between reading as a reader versus reading as a writer. Like a master carpenter, you must learn how to take the writing apart and put it back together.” 

“You learn a lot by reading other people’s work in that you can return to your own work with a critical and informed eye,” said Ahmad. Developing an inner editor is the next step. “When I’m looking at my work I’m hearing the voices of my former writing teachers. It’s become part of my self-editing.”Ahmad attended courses at GrubStreet literary center in Boston, New York University, and The New School, all of which influence the way he teaches the intensive twelve-week Master Novel class at The Writer’s Center. That class has been a great success. “Students kept signing up over and over,” he said. “They got to know each other’s work and created a supportive community. They also learned a lot about the publishing industry.” Establishing a year-long workshop was the next logical step. 

Ahmad and Stewart Moss, executive director of The Writer’s Center, spent more than two years talking to other writers centers and developing the format for the Novel Year program.The program may be especially appealing to students who want to experience the rigor and structure of an M.F.A. program, but without the financial commitment and two-year time frame. And while M.F.A. programs are modeled around writing and revising short stories, Novel Year will focus exclusively on writing a novel. 

Vickie Fang was working toward her M.F.A. when she took Ahmad’s Master Novel class. “Amin shows us all respect as members of a community of writers, and he works to bring in authors and agents to discuss the paths they’ve taken. He gives a sense of having wider possibilities while still preparing us for the often grim realities of publishing.” She found his style of critique to be particularly helpful. “Although I was already attending a very good M.F.A. program that was workshop-based, Amin taught me new, more helpful ways to critique. Through the practice of critiquing other people’s work, I became much better at analyzing and revising my own. As a result, I have the tools to improve my writing when I’m not happy with it.”

This is perhaps the most important lesson writers will learn from the Novel Year. Aspiring novelists will discover how to recognize what “works” and what doesn’t in their writing and be given a set of tools, like an artisan, to fix problematic areas. This program will focus on how to develop an individualized writing process. Some make up their novels as they go along, but others use outlines, plot summaries, index cards, and other methods to structure their novels and stay on track. “It’s no longer scary when you have tools,” Ahmad said.

For pricing and detailed submission guidelines, please visit www.writer.org/novelyear.

Weekly Spotlight on Local Literary Events: July 5-9

Joaquin Miller Poetry Series, Karla K. Morton & Charles Edward Wright

Sunday, July 5th at 3:00 pm

Rock Creek Nature Center

5200 Glover Rd., NW,

Washington, D.C. 20015

http://wordworksbooks.org/miller_cabin.html#schedule

Poets Karla K. Morton and poet Charles Edward Wright will be reading at the weekly Joaquin Miller Poetry Series. If you wish to share your work, you can sign up for open reading at 2:45 pm.

*SPARKLE* Queer Open Mic

Sunday, July 5^th from 8:00 pm- 10:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (14^th and V Location)

2021 14^th St, NW,

Washington, D.C. 20009

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/sparkle-queer-open-mic4739

*SPARKLE* Open Mic is hosted at the Busboys and Poets 14^th and V Location on the first Sunday of every month. Hosted by Regie Cabico and Danielle Evennou, it is a queer-friendly and focused reading series dedicated to LGBT poetry. $5 cover charge. 

Café Muse Literary Series, Poets W.T. Pfefferie and Barbara Ungar 

Monday, July 6^th at 7:00 pm

Frienship Heights Village Center

4433 South Park Avenue

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

http://wordworksbooks.org/cafe_muse.html

Poet W.T. Pffefferie and poet Barbara Ungar will be reading for the Café Muse Literary Series. Their readings will be followed with open readings. Free admission.

James Wood – The Nearest Thing to Life

Monday, July 6^th at 7:00 pm

Politics and Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/james-wood-nearest-thing-to-life

James Wood will be at Politics and Prose Bookstore to discuss his collection of essays The Nearest Thing to Life in which he examines the art of reading through the consideration of literary works and through is personal experiences and relationship with reading.

Straight No Chaser: The Jazzier Side of Poetry – A Monthly Blogtalk Radio Show

Monday, July 6^th at 8:00 pm

Blogtalk Radio

http://www.meetup.com/DC-Poetry-Project/events/223135206/

Straight No Chaser is a monthly Blogtalk radio show that features jazz-influenced poems from local, national, and international poets and spoken word artists. This program is brought to you from the D.C. Poetry Project. The free call in number is (646)-716-8754.

Monday Night Open Mic Poetry hosted by KaNikki J

Monday, July 6^th from 8:00 pm-10:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (Shirlington location)

4251 South Campbell Avenue

Arlington, VA 22206

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/monday-night-open-mic-poetry-hosted-by-kanikki-j3029

Busboys and Poets Shirlington location’s weekly Monday night open mic features two hours of entertainment from rookie and professional performers alike. This weeks open mic will be hosted by performance writer KaNikki J. $5 cover charge. 

The Garden Open Mic feat. David Tisel (hosted by Gowri K.)

Monday, July 6^th from 8:30 pm-11:00 pm

Bloombars

3222 11^th Street, NW,

Washington D.C. 20001

http://www.bloombars.com

The Garden Open Mic is a weekly variety open mic that includes anything from writing to music. The show is appropriate for all ages. This week will feature David Tisel and is hosted by Gowri K. Sign up list opens at 8:30 pm and show starts at 9:00 pm. $5-10 suggested donation.

Monday Night Open Mic hosted by Omekongo Dibinga

Monday July 6^th from 9:00 pm-11:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (Brookland location)

625 Monroe St NE

Washington, DC 20017

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/monday-night-open-mic-hosted-by-omekongo-dibinga2094

Busboys and Poets Brookland location’s weekly Monday night open mic invites local poets and performers to take the stage for a night of entertainment hosted by poet and performer Omekongo Dibinga. $5 cover charge.

David E. Hoffman – The Billion Dollar Spy: A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal

Tuesday, July 7^th at 7:00 pm

Politics and Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave NW

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/david-e-hoffman-billion-dollar-spy-true-story-of-cold-war-espionage-and-betrayal

Journalist David E. Hoffman will be discussing his new book The Billion Dollar Spy: A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal, a real-life thriller about Adolf Tolkachev’s secret Cold War career as a CIA spy.

Tuesday Night Open Mic hosted by Twain Dooley

Tuesday, July 7^th from 9:00 pm-11:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (14^th & V location)

2021 14^th St, NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/tuesday-night-open-mic-hosted-by-twain-dooley4945

Busboys and Poets Tuesday open mic at their 14^th and V location invites locals to come out for a night of performance and entertainment. This week’s open mic will be hosted by poet Twain Dooley. $5 cover charge.

Book Launch, The Migrant Report

Wednesday, July 8^th from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm

Busboys and Poets (14^th and V Location)

2021 14^th St, NW,

Washington, D.C. 20009

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/book-launch

Join author Mohanalakschmi Rajakumar at Busboys and Poets as she launches her new book The Migrant Report. This is the first novel in her new crime series, which tells the story of Manu, a character who is working in the Arabian Gulf.

P.W. Singer – Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War

Wednesday, July 8^th at 7:00 pm

Politics and Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/p-w-singer-ghost-fleet-novel-of-next-world-war

P.W. Singer will discuss his new novel Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War. The novel, set in 2026, envisions the next World War as a futuristic Cold War.

The DC Poetry Project Blogtalk Radio Show Presents: Poets on Fire Live!

Wednesday, July 8^th at 8:00 pm

Blogtalk Radio

http://www.meetup.com/DC-Poetry-Project/events/bsprhlytkblb/

Poets on Fire is a weekly open mic call-show brought to you by the DC Poetry Project. Every Wednesday night you can tune in or join the show, which is open to poets, spoken word artists, and other writers. The free call-in number is (646)-716-8754.

Our Crime was Being Jewish: Hundreds of Holocaust Survivors Tell Their Stories

Thursday, July 9^th at 12:00 pm

National Archives

Constitution Avenue, NW, between 7^th and 9^th Streets

Washington, D.C. 20408

http://www.archivesfoundation.org/event/crime-jewish-hundreds-holocaust-survivors-tell-stories/

Historian Anthony S. Pitch will be at the National Archives to discuss his book Our Crime was Being Jewish: Hundreds of Holocaust Survivors Tell Their Stories. Pitch has collected and published hundreds of accounts from Holocaust Survivors and will be talking about their experiences from the start of the war to the times they spent in concentration camps. The program will be followed with a book signing. Free admission.

Author Community Book Signing and Panel Discussion on Child Abuse

Thursday, July 9^th from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (Brookland Location)

625 Monroe St NE

Washington D.C. 20017

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/author-community-book-signing-and-panel-discussion-on-child-abuse

Busboys and Poets will be hosting Joy T. Riley as she discusses her book Shh Don’t Tell. The program will include a book signing and a panel discussion on the issue of child abuse, which is the topic of Riley’s book.

Book Signing, Jimmy Carter – A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety

Thursday, July 9^th at 7:00 pm

Politics and Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Avenue NW

Washington D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/jimmy-carter-full-life-reflections-ninety-signing-only

Former President Jimmy Carter will be signing copies of his new autobiography A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety. In his book Carter reflects on his life from childhood, to his presidency and beyond.