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WORKSHOPS


Write Now!: AAPW's Creative Writing Classes

AAPW offers creative writing classes to the greater Los Angeles community. From the curious person who has never written before to the student interested in pursuing an MFA, and from the closet writer who has never shown her work to anyone to the seasoned veteran looking for a change of scene, all are welcome.

Our workshops are craft-based courses focused on teaching the technical aspects of writing, while also providing a safe space to examine themes central to the Asian American experience: identity, family, immigration, and bi-culturalism. Our instructors are experienced teachers with a rich background in creative writing instruction, publishing, editorial work, and the vast of world of writing.

FALL 2008

An exciting collaboration in the heart of Los Angeles. Award-winning writers. A world class museum.

This Fall 2008 Asian American Poetry and Writing (AAPW) and the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) are proud and excited to offer community-based creative writing workshops for aspiring and emerging writers. Our goal is to create affordable and culturally sensitive classes that allows writers the space to explore craft and theme in their work.

When: October 4, 2008 - November 8, 2008
(Saturday mornings and afternoons)
Where: The Japanese American National Museum
Little Tokyo, near downtown Los Angeles
Cost: $150 for six sessions. $125 for JANM members
(Minimum 5 participants, maximum 12).

Courses:

1. Stories Make us Real (1pm - 3pm)
Introduction to Fiction with Noel Alumit
In this introductory class, we will read stories and then write our own. What are the elements of narrative? How do we utilize character, point of view, dialogue, plot, setting and tone? Through close reading and discussion, we will examine how others have created powerful fiction. We'll also workshop our own writing, helping each other to dig deeper and unearth the core of our stories and in the process--ourselves.

Noel Alumit's first novel "Letters to Montgomery Clift," has received many awards including the Stonewall Book Award (American Library Association), Violet Quill Award (Insight Out Books), the Global Filipino Literary Award (Our Own Voice), and the Gold Seal (ForeWord Magazine). He has also been nominated for the PEN Center USA West Literary award, the Lambda Literary Award, and the Asian American Literary Award. His second novel "Talking o the Moon" was published in 2007 and went on to become a Los Angeles Times Bestseller. He also teaches for UCLA Extension. He blogs at http://thelastnoel.blogspot.com/

2. Claiming Your Voice (11am - 1pm)
A memoir/personal writing class with Naomi Hirahara
 Have you always wanted to write, but are not sure quite how to put your thoughts and experiences on paper? How do you find your written "voice" and how do you nurture and sustain it? Instruction will include writing exercises that allow students to take creative risks in a safe and encouraging environment. Participants will learn how to remove obstacles that keep them from being truly free in their writing. Basic craft skills will also be covered.

* Please note: Naomi's class will run from Oct 4 - Nov 15 with Oct 25 off

Award-winning writer and former Rafu Shimpo editor Naomi Hirahara is a Los Angeles literary treasure. She is the author of the Edgar Award-winning Mas Arai mystery series, which includes Summer of the Big Bachi, Gasa-Gasa Girl, and Snakeskin Shamisen.

3. Lights, Camera, Write (11am - 1pm)
Introduction to Screenwriting with Koji Steven Sakai
For the cinephile who has the next great American Film within them, this six-week course will introduce you to the craft of screenwriting, where students will focus on story structure, scene development and dialogue. From plot-driven action to independent drama, students will write and workshop short scenes, basic outlines and short treatments.

Koji Steven Sakai is a graduate from USC's Masters of Professional Writing program. He co-wrote, Haunted Highway, which was directed by Junichi Suzuki and distributed by Lions Gate DVD. He has held several fellowships, starting with the most recent, which include: Film Independent's Project: Involve (2007), Visual Communication's Armed With a Camera (2006), and Screenwriting Expo 4 New Visions Fellowship award (2005). When he isnt' fighting crime or making movies, he is the Manager of Pubilc Programs at the Japanese American National Museum.


WORKSHOP ENROLLMENT


To enroll, please complete the following application. All fields are required except otherwise noted. After submission, select a payment option that is right for you. Submit your payment to complete the enrollment process.


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Write Now! Workshops are co-sponsored by the Japanese American National Museum