It’s Mardi Gras and the parades are back in New Orleans. What’s that got to do with “True Stories, Well Told”? It means my tradition continues. I mark this season by inviting readers like you to “Throw me somethin’, Mister.” But it’s not plastic trinket “throws” I want–it’s your stories, true and well told.

Here is a link to the New Orleans parade cams. Have yourself some virtual fun!

In other news….

Who’s up for some creative writing? In a real, live, in-person workshop?

I’m teaching Creative Writing, presented by Madison College, starting March 22. We’ll meet for 8 weeks on Tuesday mornings, 9:30-11:30, on the MATC Truax campus in Protective Services Rm 220.

Class Description: Beginning or advanced writers explore the possibilities of writing for fun and publication by practicing specific writing skills that enhance descriptive language usage, story telling, and exposition, including styles, grammar usage, and imagery. The format is primarily aural, meaning you mostly won’t turn in written assignments but you will read your writing aloud for feedback in real time.

What I love about this class in particular #1: This is the only class I teach where fiction is permitted. For the first four weeks I ask people to stay close to the truth; “write what you know.” It’s really interesting to see how those intent on writing Fantasy or Sci-Fi find a way to bring that into “what they know.” Aliens in the classroom, anyone?

What I love about this class in particular #2: I do review written submissions from students at two points in the class, up to 1500 words. Since I don’t often offer draft reviews as part of my workshops, this is an intriguing change of pace for me, and an opportunity for students to receive more detailed feedback than they get in class.

To register: The fee is $156.50. Call 608.258.2301, choose option 2 and ask for Class #60801121, or click this link to register online.

I’d love to see some of you in class. It appears we’ll be able to be in person, masks off, smiles on!