Take a Class from Leslie J. Hall

Dazzling Drafts: Fiction Works in Progress

Hone your story ideas and refine your writing/editing skills in this hands-on class for beginning fiction writers. Designed as an open forum to ask questions about writing and publication, as well as gain support during the writing process. Work on specific problem areas in your writing and participate in in-class assignments to strengthen scenes and develop characters. Additionally, you will review rewriting and editing skills, and tips for preparing a manuscript for submission. For students who have taken a previous fiction or memoir writing class and/or have completed a draft of a short story or part of a novel.

Class Info:
Online via Zoom
Wed. May 8 and June 5, 2024
6:30pm–8:30pm
North Seattle College Continuing Education: conted.northseattle.edu

Mystery Writing 101

A mystery is a story that has some form of crime at the heart, often a murder or other ‘significant’ crime. Readers love to try and solve the puzzle the writer creates. So how do we write one?. Workshop will cover sub-genres of mystery, mystery characters, how to plant clues and red herrings, how to plan the crime and set up suspects, and how to pull it all together into a page turner.

July 10 -17, 2024
6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual via Zoom
North Seattle College

July 23-30, 2024
6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual via Zoom
Tacoma Community College

confessions of a contest judge

Winning a contest can be the thrill, validation, and encouragement a writer needs to keep writing. Contest submission can also be an excellent practice ground for submitting work to an editor or agent. Leslie has judged (and entered) numerous writing contests for both youth and adults. Come and learn what you can do to help your entry rise to the top!

July 24, 2024
6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual via Zoom
North Seattle College

SHOW, DON’T TELL: A FICTION WRITERS SECRET WEAPON

Most writers have heard the advice, Show, Don’t Tell. But what does it really mean and how do we use it in our stories? We’ll review the meaning and discuss how this tool helps connect with readers in a deeper way. Also, when it’s okay to tell, using it in point of view and setting, showing character and character reactions. Workshop focuses on fiction but techniques apply to non-fiction and memoir as well.

RWA COFFIN Chapter
Virtual via Zoom
May 18, 2024

Details to come!

Women’s fiction writing assn retreats

Must be a WFWA Member to attend. Workshop style with lots of time to write!

Retreat West
September 4-7, 2024

Albuquerque, New Mexico 
Presenter, Cleyvis Natera, will lead us through workshops designed to support you, your writing, and your writing community.

Retreat East
October 16-19, 2024
Alexandria, Virginia

Join us in historic Alexandria! Our presenter, Angie Hodapp, will lead us through workshops that will help you understand your work and the world of publishing. This will also be the home for the Star Award and Rising Star Award Ceremony this year. (Leslie is retreat chair!)

Classes for Business

Strenghten Your Backbone with Confidence: The Power of No via IAAP, Thurs. Feb. 29, 2024 register on Eventbrite

“Leslie is always such an awesome and motivational speaker. I love any subject she presents and can't wait for her next webinar!”

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 Info:
Weekly - Thursdays Nights
6:15-7:30pm 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

Need a brush up on your writing skills?  Need to produce more effective writing or email? Learn or re-learn the basics of business writing.

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