Take a Class from Leslie J. Hall
Becoming a Planner: Workshop for Recovering Pantsers
Pantser is a term for writers who write by the seat of their pants, vs. starting with a detailed outline. There is no right or wrong way to structure a story, but bit of planning, tailored to your style, can increase the chances of finishing a more workable first draft and creating a strong foundation for your story. Covers character arcs, big scenes, theme, and story question.
Workshop leader has written twelve novels (or partial novels) as a pantser and has learned the hard way the value of having a bit of an idea of where a story is headed before diving in. Workshop is for beginning and intermediate writers of any genre of fiction.
June 13, 2026
11:30am-12:30pm EST
RWA-Hearts Thru History Chapter
Register Here
Show AND Tell: A Writers Secret Weapon
Ready to breathe life into your writing and make your stories leap off the page? Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop that unpacks the classic writing advice: Show, Don’t Tell. We’ll break down what it really means—and more importantly, how to actually use it. Through real examples, you’ll learn how to spot ‘telling’ in your prose and transform it into dynamic, engaging ‘showing’ using grammar, voice, point of view, and character reactions. This class is perfect for writers in any genre who want to tighten their storytelling and create a deeper emotional impact on their readers. Whether you’re just starting out or polishing a novel, you’ll walk away with practical tools and a fresh perspective. Let’s make your words work harder—and have some fun doing it!
May 21, 2026
7:00-8:30pm EST
Online via Zoom
Women’s Fiction Writers Assn.
AND
Sept. 11-12, 2026
In-Person
Southwest WA Writers Conference
https://southwestwashingtonwriters.com
Beginning Fiction Crash Course
Improve the depth and flow of your storytelling in a class designed for new and developing creative writers. You will work step-by-step through a plan for a complete story including developing characters, mapping plot, writing dialogue, and creating exciting beginnings and resolutions. Bring pen and paper and be prepared to write; you will have lots of exercises and opportunities for feedback. Don't spend another day NOT writing--join us and bring your stories to life.
Coming in Summer 2026
Online via Zoom
6:30 - 8:30pm PT
North Seattle College
Use Write-a-Novel-in-30-Days Fundamentals to Support Your Writing Journey
Want to supercharge your writing and finally get that story out of your head and onto the page? This energizing workshop borrows the best principles from the Write-a-Novel-in-30-Days method to help you set big goals, build better writing habits, and draft faster than you ever thought possible. Whether you’re working on a novel, short story, or nonfiction project, you’ll learn how to plan ahead, write without editing, and embrace the glorious messiness of a first draft. We’ll explore how to push yourself creatively, carve out time even in a busy life, and stay motivated through the ups and downs of a writing sprint. It’s all about progress over perfection. Perfect for writers at any level, this class offers practical tools, fresh energy, and the encouragement you need to hit your goals and maybe even surprise yourself. Come ready to write—and to prove just how much you can do!
Sept. 1 - Sept. 26, 2026
Forum-Style Class via a website - follow at your leisure
RWA FFP Chapter
Register here
Oct. 5 - Oct. 30, 2026
Forum-Style Class via a website - follow at your leisure
RWA Hearts Thru History Chapter
Registration TBD
Got Ideas?
Do you have trouble producing new story ideas? Perhaps you start ideas but get bored part-way through or can’t finish. This workshop will help you work through ways to generate ideas that excite you and have enough detail to become a finished work. This workshop also includes discussion of audience, genre, working titles, determining a hook, and different kinds of outlining techniques. This workshop will help writers wrangle multiple ideas or come up with a new idea that will work for the format they want and one they are excited about writing. Get the jump start you need to start writing!
Online via Zoom
May 9, 2026
11:00am-12:00pm EST
RWA-FFP Chapter
Avoiding Burnout for Writers: Learn to Thrive Before You Burnout!
We do our finest work when we are operating at our best. Protecting our time and managing tasks is important. However, running on adrenalin, sleep deprivation, and an over-arching feeling of not being good enough can derail our plans. Time out! Let’s slow down and look at how we can create smoke detectors—processes and plans--to help us identify burnout before it combusts. Self-care yes, but there is so much more we can do. Communication, setting boundaries, and setting goals to keep focused. Come and learn how to be the best version of yourself so you can accomplish big goals!
Coming Soon
Sept. 19, 2026
RWA-Hearts Thru History Chapter
Registration TBD
WRITE NIGHT
A Gathering of Puget Sound Fiction & Nonfiction Writers
Write Night is a small weekly facilitated writer's support/critique class. Enjoy coaching, creative writing exercises, and a chance to share your writing with people who understand you. Get regular feedback and create a support system for your writing life. Write Night can become your built-in deadline and will help you write more, high-quality manuscripts.
Write Night IS ONLINE!
Weekly - Thursdays Nights
6:15-7:45pm pacific time
Online via Zoom
Email us to get on our mailing list to get notice to RSVP and recieve weekly logon details. writenightwa@gmail.com
Corporate training available
Business Writing Basics
Quote from recent attendee:
“It was the best three hours of training in which I’ve participated in a long time. You did a great job of covering a lot of material and giving us enough in the handout to be able to go back over what you taught us after the training session ended. It was time and money well spent.” Jamie
Climb Out of The Exhaustion Pit: Avoid Burnout and Learn to Thrive!
Connections Matter: Mentoring
Goal Setting for Personal and Professional Success
Improving Your Email Communications
No Magic Lamp Needed: How to Ask for What You Need for Professional Development
Setting And Sticking to Priorities for Professional and Personal Success
The Power of Words
Writing About Me (How to write resume summaries, performance self-reviews, and more)
“Leslie is always such an awesome and motivational speaker. I love any subject she presents and can't wait for her next webinar!”