Writing Workshops

We offer a range of writing workshops here at the Community Writing Center where you can explore a variety of writing topics in theme-based classes. Past workshops include Journaling for Mental Health, Poetry, Novel Writing, Songwriting, Food Memoirs, and Creative Writing. Workshops are created in response to community requests and are taught by our talented Writing Assistants. If there's a workshop you'd like us to offer in the future, please let us know by emailing us at cwc@slcc.edu.

Most workshops take place at the Community Writing Center. We try to keep the cost of workshops as low as possible, and are able to offer some for free through partnerships and grant funding. Fees can be waived for financial hardship. Otherwise, donations are always welcome. Due to limited space, it is necessary to register in advance if you plan to attend a workshop. Registration will close twenty-four hours prior to the scheduled event. Registrants who choose not to attend may call to cancel up to one week prior to the workshop; after this time payments are non-refundable.

Note: If you have any issues or problems registering online for one of our workshops, please contact us at 801-957-2192 or cwc@slcc.edu for assistance.

Spring 2025 Workshops

Toxic Stereotypes in Romance Writing

1-part workshop
Tuesday, January 14, 6-8 pm

Learn the worst romantic tropes and toxic stereotypes and how to avoid them. Join romance writer extraordinaire, Keyra K. Allred, and the CWC to brainstorm ideas for expanding your plots and characters without alienating your audience. Trigger Warnings will be discussed. We'll also share stories of love, romance, healing, and defying stereotypes in the stories we tell.

Cost: $15. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8.

Writing for Change: Letter Writing

1-part workshop
Saturday, January 25, 10:30 am-noon

Join the CWC during this legislative session to learn techniques for writing letters to editors, institutional administrators, and public officials. Come with a social issue in mind and explore persuasive strategies and format recommendations.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8.

Write Your Rage

1-part workshop
Tuesday, January 28, 6-7:30

In this workshop, we’ll reclaim the power of our anger, dismantle societal messages that belittle it, and use writing to turn frustration into amplifying our voices and imaginations. Whether you want to write poetry, personal essays, or fiction, this space will help you channel your emotions into work that challenges norms and reshapes the possibilities for expressing our anger, rage, and despair.

Cost: $15. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

Writing as a Journey of the Soul

2-part workshop
Saturdays, February 8 and 15, 11:30-1:30 pm

Join us as we present a two-part workshop on writing that explores your connections with your inner-self, others, nature, universe, spirituality, or your cultural heritage in a meaningful and creative way. So, if you are interested in writing as a mindfulness practice, a meditative introspection, and as a spiritual exploration this workshop is for you.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

Queerly Beloved: Romance 101

1-part workshop
Tuesday, February 11, 6-8 pm

We all have stories within us. Maybe they’re our own. Maybe we wish they were. Either way, this class is going to talk about how to bring your inner romantic to life. Whether you’re a 2SLGBTQ+ ally or the formerly closeted Sapphic desperate for stories where love that looks like ours can conquer all, this class is for you. We’ll be going over tropes, double entendre, niche markets, finding queer agents and publishers, and most importantly, sensitivity and inclusion. You’re here, you’re real, and you deserve to be seen.

Cost: $10. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

Exploring Sci-Fi Futures for Teens

1-part workshop
Saturday, February 22, 10 am-2 pm

Science fiction combines future technology with themes of adventure and rebellion. In this workshop for teen writers, we’ll explore world-building, technology, and revolution in science fiction. We’ll also begin writing sci-fi stories of our own. For ages 12-14.

Cost: Free. Ages 12-14. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

Writing for Your Mental and Physical Health

1-part workshop
Thursday, February 27, 6-7:30

Mental health challenges can often arise in response to a person’s life circumstances and the environment. This workshop will examine the context for mental health challenges and present scientifically verified coping strategies that can help build resilience through creativity, connection, and guided journaling. Rather than relying on the formulaic, one-size fits all template journals, this workshop will result in a collage journal that reflects the uniqueness of each individual at the same time as providing a structure to help shape a narrative around your personal mental health experiences.

Cost: $15. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

Young Adult Sci-Fi: Technology and Revolution

1-part workshop
Saturday, March 1, 10 am-2 pm

Dynamic world building while creating realistic characters within a story can be tricky, especially when it comes to the plot. Often writers miss an important plot point while building their worlds and inventing the characters who will live in them. What is the difference between plot and story? Join the CWC as we delve into shaping stories with compelling plots while also exploring the important differences between "story" and "plot."

Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

Decolonial Storytelling

1-part workshop
Saturday, March 8, 12-2 pm

Decolonial storytelling is a genre of writing that emphasizes resistance, reclamation, and social change. This workshop will explore historical and modern examples, along with writing techniques that can be incorporated and used to challenge and deconstruct the dominant colonial constructs. We will have discussions, writing activities, and discuss how to amplify marginalized voices and themes.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

Writing Craft 101

2-part workshop
Tuesdays, March 11, 18, 6-8 pm

Join us for a transformative two-day workshop designed to ignite your writing passion and elevate your skills. This intensive course will explore the essential elements of storytelling, from crafting compelling characters to constructing gripping plots. You'll learn how to hook your readers, build immersive worlds, master the art of dialogue and description, and how to give and receive critical feedback. While designed for the budding author, seasoned writers will also find gems in this course.

Cost: $30. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

She Said: Goddess Embodiment & Philosophies

1-part workshop
Wednesday, March 19, 6-8 pm

The mythologies and philosophies of a myriad of goddesses across time, place, and cultures offer radical and diverse visions for the present and the future. From Kali to Freya to Tiamat to Pachamama to Mujaji, goddesses give us pathways of understanding, belonging, and empowerment. Join Amplify Utah and the SLCC Community Writing Center in exploring goddess mythologies and philosophies and how they can inspire our own stories, voices, and writing as women in Utah and beyond.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

She Said: Womanhood in Utah – Pop Culture vs. Reality

1-part workshop
Wednesday, March 26, 6-8 pm

Hit shows like The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Big Love, and Secret Lives of Utah Wives often paint exaggerated, narrow, or misleading portraits of Utah women, reinforcing stereotypes that feel removed from reality. Join the CWC and Amplify Utah for this special Women's History Month workshop, where we’ll dive into these portrayals, discuss the stereotypes they perpetuate, and share personal stories that celebrate the multifaceted lives of Utah women. Inspired by some of reality TV's most recent hits, this workshop presents guided writing exercises that foster self-discovery, reflection, and challenges to these cultural narratives. No previous writing experience or preparation required.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

NaPoWriMo ‘25

1-part workshop
Wednesdays, April 2, 9, & 16, 6-8 pm

April is National Poetry Month! Join Utah’s Poet Laureate, Lisa Bickmore, and the CWC for a workshop series that celebrates poetry in all its glory! We’ll explore various genres of poetry, learn to compose poems, and practice revising and sharing our work. We also encourage you to submit to our 30 Poems in 30 Days contest – winners will have a chapbook of their original work published by the CWC.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

Protegiendo nuestras historias inmigrantes por medio de la tradición oral: Poesía y Llevar un diario

2-part workshop
Saturdays, April 5 and 12, 11-1 pm

Part 1: Aprenderemos técnicas para reactivar nuestros recuerdos y reconciliarnos con el pasado. Join us in learning techniques to summon our memories and make amends with the past.

Part 2: Perdiendo la pena: Técnicas para leer poesía/historias en voz alta y compartir nuestras historias inmigrantes. Feeling shy? We will explore techniques to loosen up and read poetry/ stories out loud to share our immigrant stories.

Laura Ruiz Ortega is trilingual poet, a Mexico City native. She is the Sor Juana Prize winner of 2022, member of Plumas Colectiva, Slam Quetzal, adoptee of Reno’s Spoken Views Collective and former Artes de Mexico Poetry collective. Inventario de mis Musas is her first Spanish Language poetry publication. She focuses her writing on themes of undocumented single parenting, women’s rights, raising her two beautiful Chicano boys, activism, generational healing and reconciliation with the past.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

How to Implement Horror into Your TTRPG

1-part workshop
Tuesday, April 22, 6-8 pm

Dive into the dark side of roleplaying! This 2-hour workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques to craft terrifying and unforgettable horror experiences for your players. Learn how to build suspense, create unforgettable monsters, and manipulate the psychology of fear. Whether you're a seasoned GM or a curious newcomer, this class will elevate your horror game to new heights.

Cost: $15. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

Writing Creative Nonfiction: Beginning a Personal Essay and Memoir

1-part workshop
Saturday, April 26, 12-1:30 pm

Creative nonfiction involves utilizing creative writing techniques that are often used in other genres to tell a real story. Interested in exploring this genre, but unsure where to begin? Join us for an introductory workshop for writing nonfiction personal essays and memoirs. Together, we will start at the beginning and work through various brainstorming techniques regarding creative nonfiction writing.

Cost: $15. Registration is required.
Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8