Creative Writing Class for Beginners in Reading, MA | Writers' Collaborative
Getting Started: Foundations of Story
This intensive serves as a starting point for new writers. We explore the fundamental elements of story, structures and outlining strategies, and effective goal setting.
- Format
- Intensive
- Length
- One session. Six hours, lunch provided.
- Where
- In person, Reading, MA
- Tuition
- $225
Description
This intensive serves as an overview of the writing process for writers new to the craft. We explore the fundamental elements of story, outlining strategies, story structures, and writing-specific project management techniques.
You’ll walk away with everything you need to get started on that story you’ve always wanted to write.
Upcoming Sessions
Registration closes 48 hours before a session begins.
Saturday, October 10, 2026
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM ET
Reading, MA
Open
RegisterSaturday, November 7, 2026
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET
Reading, MA
Open
RegisterWe add new dates regularly. Additional dates for Fall and Winter 2026 will be announced soon.
Session Breakdown
Three lessons and three exercises, ending with a plan for your own project. Lunch included and provided on-site.
Arrival and Opening Writing Exercise
We open the session with a brief writing exercise.
Introductions and Initial Thoughts
Our opening discussion on story structure.
Lesson One: Outlining and Story Structure
Outlining strategies, three-act and five-act structures, and where to start. How one idea evolves into a full outline.
Exercise One: Your Outline
You'll choose a structure that fits your story, and draft a one-page outline.
Lunch
On site, provided.
Lesson Two: Essential Elements of Story
Beginnings, rising action, tension, climax, falling action, and endings, plus reveals and turning points.
Exercise Two: Foundations of Story
You'll return to your outline and plot the essential elements we discuss in lesson two.
Lesson Three: Project Management, Goal Setting, and Accountability
We review writing-specific project management strategies to help you finish what you start.
Exercise Three: Your Roadmap
You'll set a project timeline, make an accountability plan, and build a writing process that fits your life.
Beyond the Intensive
Further reading, your resource packet, and a closing question and answer.
Session content and sequence may vary.
What You'll Leave With
- ✓ An understanding of story structure and the fundamental elements of a story
- ✓ An outlining method you can return to for future stories
- ✓ A one-page outline of your story
- ✓ An actionable plan for your project
- ✓ A resource packet with further reading and exercises
Before You Register
What to bring, how registration works, and our cancellation policy.
What to Bring
Nothing needed. You're welcome to bring something to write with and take notes.
Who It's For
Any writer at any stage, in any genre. Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years, this is for you.
Registration
48 Hours Ahead
Registration closes 48 hours before the session starts. Register using the button in Upcoming Sessions above. Members and non-members register the same way; the only difference is that members receive 20% off.
Cancellations
What Happens If a Session Can't Run
Unfortunately, we sometimes need to cancel due to extreme weather or insufficient enrollment. When a cancellation is necessary, we'll notify you.
- ✓ You'll be credited the amount toward another course or intensive at a comparable price.
- ✓ If it was canceled due to insufficient enrollment, you may request a refund instead.
If you need to cancel a session you've registered for, let us know and we'll issue a credit toward another offering of comparable value.
Membership
Members Receive 20% Off
Writers' Collaborative members receive 20% off every course and intensive, along with workspace access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, every writing group, and all our weekly programming.
Not sure if this intensive is for you? Give us a call at (781) 663-2800 or email info@writersclc.com. We're happy to discuss with you.