OVER 20 years ago, I began teaching my art and craft – writing and writing to publish. At SMU, TCU, UTA I taught weekly creative writing classes. And, developed retreat programs and seminars where I speak and lead workshops, as well as address writers’ groups and conferences. “I just love to talk about writing.” Today, I teach at the Writers’ Circles, and one-on-one, and edit a few manuscripts (by appointment).
“Carmen’s life experience as a reporter, author, activist, lecturer and world class storyteller is invaluable in helping writers find their own stories.”
Kay Dial, Dallas essayist and memoirist, has been a regular participant in Carmen’s Writers’ Circles and SMU classes
For 12 years, men and women have knocked on the door of my writing place, my home, “Scribblers’ Sanctuary,” nicknamed by early students who made the sign on the front door.
Writers’ Circles
“I’ve been attending the Tuesday Writers’ Circle for over six years, as I have worked on two historical fiction novels. Carmen’s guidance and feedback has been invaluable for my projects, and the group feedback has been a powerful resource also. The weekly meetings keep me motivated and making progress…”
David Ekstrom
Writers’ Circles meet Tuesdays at 7 pm on Zoom and when judged “safe,” or “fully immunized,” will return to in-person at my Fort Worth home.
Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, in-person.
The NEW Thursday night group, 7 pm, will remain on line.
To begin each class, I lead instruction on some element of story or style, then members read their work and receive suggestions. It’s mixed forms, mixed genres: Novels, Short Stories, Essays and Articles, Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir. Occasionally a poet or two or three.
Each Circle session runs for six weeks, then a new one begins for another six weeks. Many writers continue, working on longer writings.
These groups are small, usually 7 or 8 people.
To talk more about how a Writers’ Circle might fit your writing and your schedule, and to register, get in touch with me by phone or e-mail:
“No matter the form or genre, it’s all about ‘finding your story’ and then sorting through the ways and means to let the story live for the reader. It’s rewarding to help writers do that.”
Carmen Goldthwaite
I speak and teach at writing events – conferences, conventions, retreats, and writing organizations.
Below are a few comments from past events:
“Dear Carmen,
Houston writer/editor and beautiful poet Sarah Cortez at East Texas Writers Guild Conference
I have to confess that I felt as though I could listen to you all day long! Thank you for your graceful and classy presence at the conference!”
“You alone made the conference worth attending, and I’m looking forward to hearing you again.”
Caleb Pirtle after Northeast Texas Writers conference
Previous events & topics
Weatherford Public Library – “Weaving Genealogy into Stories” and “Finding Your Story.”
The Texas Writers Guild, Point of View
East Texas Writers Guild conference—Scene & Setting & Point of View
Northeast Texas Writers Organization, Point of View, Description with Movement.
Fort Worth Public Library, Finding the Story & Memoir
Dallas Fort Worth Writers Workshop Conferences 2011 – 2014: Addressing Dialogue, Creative Nonfiction, Finding the Story, Setting Scenes & Description & Movement, Narrative Nonfiction.
Professional Insurance Communicators of America (PICA); “Storycraft”
The Texas Writers Guild, “Creative Nonfiction”
National Novel Writing Month in November (NaNoWriMo), “Dialogue, the Tension Engine of Fiction”
Texas Writers League Annual Agents Convention, “Voice, Suspense & Style,” Austin, TX
Creative Writing department, “Dialogue” and “Story,” Woman’s Club of Fort Worth
Novice writing classes at First Christian, First Methodist and Arlington Heights Christian Church, all in Fort Worth
For more information about me and for downloadable photos, author bio, and resumé, please see: