An In-Person Nonfiction Workshop
ALL LEVELS
When we “write what we know,” we sometimes lose track of what our readers don't know. If we’re writing about science, technology, politics, history, or some other technical field, we might find ourselves using words or phrases that mean nothing to the average person, squandering our reader’s attention with dense prose. We fall into the jargon trap.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! With a bit of intention and practice, we can train ourselves to write beautiful, engaging prose while still conveying complex information. We can write for the reader.
In this workshop, we will discuss a few nonfiction magazine stories (provided in advance) that tell engaging, fact-filled stories. We will explore how thoughtful word choice, strong narrative arcs, colorful characters, and vivid scenes all help translate difficult concepts into material readers can easily understand and enjoy. We will work to detect and replace jargon in samples of our own writing and will give and receive brief feedback in a thoughtful and supportive workshop setting.
+ PLEASE NOTE The week of the workshop, attendees will be emailed the room location for the class.
Laura Poppick is an environmental writer and journalist with stories that have appeared in Smithsonian, Scientific American, National Geographic, Audubon, and elsewhere. She has a B.S. in geology from Bates College and a graduate degree in Science Communication from UC Santa Cruz. She is currently at work on STRATA, a book to be published by W.W. Norton that melds creative nonfiction, journalistic reportage, and personal narrative to bring our planet’s geologic history to life. She has taught science writing at Bates College, Inside Climate News’ Institute for Environmental Journalism, The Telling Room, and elsewhere. She lives in Portland, Maine.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION
QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact programs@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.
REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.
$80 Members/$135 Nonmembers
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one partial scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Application Due by March 29 at 9:00 a.m.
→ MORE INFORMATION
MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION