Classes

Classes are being offered online through Zoom at UNM Continuing Education.
To register, call 505-277-0077 or go to ce.unm.edu. For information about a class, call Carol at 505-235-9753

Writing the Story of Your Life (Live Online)

September 8 through October 13, 2021. Wednesday, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Our stories tell us where we’re been, what we’ve learned, and who we are. As we write, we remember, evaluate, and deepen our perspective. If you want to explore your life story, whether for legacy, published memoir, inspiration for fiction, or personal development, this course will give you the tools you need. Classes include writing exercises, prompts, resources, and discussion. Feedback on writing provided if desired. No previous writing experience necessary.

Elements of Story (Live Online)

November 3 through December 15, 2021. Wednesday, 5:30 PM 7:30 PM

Are you ready to tell your stories? Fiction or creative nonfiction, all stories have common elements. Learn about effective beginnings and endings. Develop memorable characters doing fascinating things in settings that jump off the page. We’ll cover internal and external plots, description, scene and narrative, and how to choose the best point of view. Students may share their writing in class if they choose. No writing experience required, only a strong desire to get those stories out of your head and onto the page. Safe, supportive environment for beginners and experienced writers.

Self Publishing: Getting Your Work Out There! (Live Online)

November 29 through December 13, 2021. Monday, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Do you have a story to share or are you looking for a wider audience for your previously published work? It is now easier than ever to self-publish, both electronically and in paperback. You’ll have total control of promotion and content, and instant access to sales figures. Best of all, it’s free! Explore the ins-and-outs of self-publishing. After three classes, you could be ready to hit the ‘publish’ button on Amazon.

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Valentine for a Beloved Dog

I thought my dog Buddy would enjoy a companion because he loved playing with other dogs at the dog park. But when I brought Zena home one scorching August day in 2010, I learned I was wrong. Buddy was jealous, annoyed, and intimidated by this big Shepherd/heeler...

Dancing With the Creative Self

Many of my students sign up for a writing course because they have an urge to bring forth their experiences. They want to write stories, poems, memoirs. Many have never written before. They don’t know where to start. What to write about. How to choose fiction or...

Is the Story of Your Life Changing?

The stories of our daily lives have changed. We had no choice. We’re working at home. Not working. Home schooling the kids. Can’t travel. No baseball games, concerts, movies, or parties. We learned to operate on Zoom and discovered you can order anything, literally...

Why We Need Visionary Fiction

I have always written visionary fiction. It wasn’t as much a choice as how I perceived the world. Dreams, visions, alternate realities that peek from behind the veil, reincarnation, ghosts, messengers from other worlds—all the stories that dropped into my mind...

What Do You Want to Have, To Do, To Be?

A good question, posed in a graduate social psychology class, and an eye-opener for me. I had recently moved from Philadelphia to California to escape an abusive relationship. What I wanted for the past year was crystal clear. Get my affairs in order, plan the move,...

Now Is The Time

Well, here we are. It’s been a month since I’ve attended a meeting outside my home. A month since I’ve taught in a classroom. Since I’ve had lunch with a friend, gone to a movie or stood in line at the grocery store. Even for an introverted writer who loves solitude,...

Believe in Miracles

Do you believe in miracles? Sure, you might say. I’ve seen miracles. And I expect to see them again Or, There are no such things. Science has explanations for everything. Actually, both perspectives are right. Miracles are prayers answered, hope fulfilled, stories of...

Easy Methods to Reduce Holiday Stress

Yes, we love the holidays. Family, food, out of town guests, parties, long lunches, shopping, and evergreen trees in the living room. Of course we do. But it can be overwhelming.

Easy Methods to Reduce Holiday Stress

Yes, we love the holidays. Family, food, out of town guests, parties, long lunches, shopping, and evergreen trees in the living room. Of course we do. But it can be overwhelming. Too much family, food, guests, parties, lunches, and shopping. What happened to the tree?...

Change Your Life, Reduce Your Stress

Meditation is an easy, simple way to calm down, reduce mental chatter, and take more pleasure in life. For many years, my meditation practice has formed the foundation of my creative work. It helps me listen better, understand what my body needs, and stay present for...