Creative Writing Classes & Workshops for Adults
In Toronto and Online
Inspiration, Technique and Community
for anyone who loves to write… and anyone who wants to try it.
Creative writing is enriching, cathartic, inspiring… and just plain fun. All of us have stories inside us, waiting for a chance to emerge. Whether you are a seasoned writer or curious beginner, join us in our Toronto studio or virtually and discover the joy of words.
The Joy of Words: An Adult Writing Salon
Saturdays 9.30am-11.00am, ages 18+ only,
Hybrid: In our Bloor West Studio or Virtual
5 weeks, starting Saturday 1 February
Leave the cares of the world behind and reconnect with your creative self! There’s something in this writing workshop for everyone – seasoned writers hoping to rediscover the joy of writing, curious beginners and anyone who feels they have a story to tell. We’ll gather over morning coffee to write, laugh and share. Each week we will meander through 2-3 creative writing prompts, mining our lives for story and exploring everything from poetry to memoir, fantasy to flash fiction, open letters to journalling. We’ll discuss techniques – but our main focus will be the pleasure of writing.
ALL of us can be creative, finding joy in the words we write and the stories we tell. Whether you’re hoping to reignite a passion, reconnect with your creative self or try something you’ve never done before, join us for this 8-week course and find inspiration in the words you write. Writers are welcome to join this program in our Toronto studio or from anywhere in the world.
Our studio is located just a 5 minute walk from Runnymede subway with ample parking closeby, making this course an option for anyone across the GTA. The instructor is Julie Hartley, Centre Director and Creative Writing Retreat Host. You can read her bio HERE
Special Introductory Fee: $199
Creative Writing & Critiquing
COMING SOON!
Offered Virtually, on Zoom. $275+HST
This lively salon is a combination of creative writing workshop and critiquing circle, and is intended for writers who either have a manuscript underway, or have already taken at least one previous retreat or workshop. In the first half of each session, we’ll revisit elements of memoir and fiction through prompts and discussions. The remaining portion of each class is given over to critique. Each week, 2-3 writers will be invited to submit an excerpt from a work in progress. Looking at what is working well in someone else’s manuscript is an excellent way to improve your own writing, and as we read each work-in-progress, we’ll examine stylistic features, discuss plot and character, and explore strategies for editing. Enrollment is limited; early registration is advised.
Instructor: Julie Hartley is the co-director of Centauri Arts and has taught creative writing in her Toronto studio, virtually and at her retreats in Costa Rica for the past 8 years. Her publications include the historical fiction novel Her Secret Soldier, a novel entitled The Finding Place, a collection of poetry called Deboning a Dragon, and a book for teachers on how to bring Shakespeare alive for students. Julie has an MFA in Creative Writing and is a freelance editor, specialising in novels, memoirs and children’s fiction.
Creative Writing Retreats in Costa Rica, UK and Mexico
Gift yourself the time and space to write.
Inspiration. Rejuvenation. Companionship. Joy. Discover all this and more when you leave behind the pressures and routines of daily life and reconnect with your creative self. Choose from a gorgeous eco-lodge in the heart of Costa Rican rainforest, or a tranquil boutique hotel in the vibrant, cultural city of Merida, Mexico. Enjoy daily writing workshops designed to hone your technique and provide an endless supply of ideas
