Writing Teacher-Instructor
“The stories I see from students and the passion they bring to writing assure me that the long honored art of story telling and writing thrives. I’m glad to be apart of that.” Carmen teaches at SMU and conducts half day and one-day writing retreats and seminars, some at UTA.
Writing groups have invited her to speak about topics as diverse as: “Characterization,” “Description to Enrich, not Bore,” and “Dialogue.”
“Creating the Media Buzz—Don’t Sit Alone at a Book Signing” brings applause from groups with numbers of published authors—like Dallas-Fort Worth Writers’ Workshop), Austin Writer’s League and Western Writers of America.
Students say...
“Carmen’s personality is tremendous. She exuded professionalism while showing respect for each person’s efforts.” -Marilyn White (SMU)
“Ms. Goldthwaite is a remarkable teacher. I hold a BA in English with a Creative Writing Specialization...so I know about creative writing workshops. I must say that Ms. Goldthwaite’s course is among the best I’ve ever had. She finds that crucial balance that makes a workshop successful. –Heather Harper (SMU)
2008 Classes:
Saturday, January 26, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—UTA— “The Tension Engine in Fiction—Dialogue.” In a one day workshop, create sizzling dialogue and the pictures and language of context. You’ve created a fascinating character. Now give them an edge that defines them in the reader’s eye—through dialogue. Strong dialogue shapes and sharpens the story arc. Bring a manuscript OR ideas of characters that you’d be willing to practice putting words in their mouths in this day to retreat to learn and to write. Taught by Carmen Goldthwaite, author, national magazine writer, writing teacher and journalist. Bring a laptop and/or other writing materials PLUS a sack lunch for a working lunch. Register at University of Texas at Arlington Continuing Education 817-272-0408.
Saturday, February 9, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—TCU—“Bring Characters to Life in a Plot that Challenges.” Develop the art of bringing story characters to life on the page, growing and creating them through twists and turns of plot…and how to mesh characters, plot and theme. Create characters that readers want to root for, worry about or love to hate. These knacks of the fiction writer keep readers turning pages and opening editors’ eyes to new talent. Bring laptop, notebook, working manuscripts if you have them. And a working lunch. We’ll spend the day learning, writing and reading these valuable techniques of the art and craft of writing. Register at TCU Extended Education 817-257-7130 or www.lifelong.tcu.edu.
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Saturday, March 15, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—UTA—“Voice, Suspense & Style” for Fiction & Creative Nonfiction. Retreat for a day to discover your voice, to practice writing styles to bring power into your fiction and nonfiction writing, that distinctive quality sought by editors and agents. Taught by Carmen Goldthwaite, author, national magazine writer and creative writing teacher. Bring a laptop and/or other writing materials, a manuscript or a story idea, PLUS a sack lunch for a working lunch. Register at University of Texas at Arlington Continuing Education 817-272-0408.
Saturday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—TCU—“Dialogue: Add Grit to Your Characters, Tension to Your Plot.” Join a writers retreat for a day to learn and apply the skills of dialogue, the “tension engine of fiction.” Keep readers turning pages and rooting for your character in this one day session of information, practice and coaching. Develop dialogue skills to reveal personality, culture, values by “showing not telling,” creating a distinctive difference among characters. Bring laptops or pen and paper plus a sack lunch for a working lunch in this one day writing/learning session. Register at TCU Extended Education 817-257-7130 or www.lifelong.tcu.edu.
Evening Classes
Wednesdays, 6:30-9:00 p.m., January 30 – March 5—SMU—“Short Nonfiction—Newspaper, Magazine, Essay, Review.” Teaching the skills of writing compelling nonfiction articles both for newspaper and magazines, what works and what doesn’t, and matching your ideas with publications and their audiences. Develop enticing queries and author bios. Register at smu.edu/creativewriting or phone 214-768-THINK.
Mondays, 6:30-9:00 p.m.—March 31-May 5 --“Creative Writing Introduction.” Explore the inner writer—poetry, prose and screenwriting—to pick up the nuances of writing creatively for that stranger, the reader. A basic skills course. Register at smu.edu/creativewriting or phone 214-768-THINK.
Other students wrote...
“What a terrific teacher you are,”—Ruby Maxwell, Fort Worth ISD English teacher, retired. Fort Worth Woman’s Club Creative Writing.
”I appreciate your balanced critiques and positive comments...you have kept me inspired and excited about writing.” Paul Novak, Colorado
“This class was excellent ..exactly what I needed to jumpstart my writing goals. Carmen teaches a very professional class.” Diane Nichols, SMU
First, I loved the class on Saturday!
Kim Lansford Writing for Story, UTA
“ From pitching to the press to posing for the cameras, Carmen’s media seminar cuts through the fluff and lays out exactly what you need to know...chock full of clever tidbits and humorous anecdotes, this vibrant seminar will leave you psyched and ready.”
Lori Torrance, author, Tea for Texas, Republic of Texas
“Compelling, practical information to aid any person trying to present a graceful appearance in a public forum...” (Media Buzz seminar)
John McCormick, author, Baynes Clan family saga, Berkley and Doubleday
“Your understanding of all facets of media motivation and the nuts and bolts of communicating the message will serve any author well...I owe you special thanks, Carmen...”
Mackey Murdock, author, Last of the Old-Time Texans, Republic of Texas Press.
TO SCHEDULE: Writing retreats – Seminars - Talks with Carmen Goldthwaite:
Contact Carmen by phone 817-626-3910 or write to Carmen Goldthwaite, P. O. Box 470841, Fort Worth, TX 76147. Click here to email Carmen from this Web site.
