2026 workshops

“Thank you for sharing your mentoring gifts with compassion, clarity, and joy.” — Jan Meyer

Each day was a dose of love and caring as we shared our stories.” — Barbara Tarka Leonard

All of my workshops are designed to validate the personal experience of participants and to help them express themselves with freedom and confidence. I care deeply about the craft of writing, but my teaching technique is gentle coaching, never harsh criticism. I believe that learning is enhanced by a safe, supportive environment.  

I have led workshops for people of all ages, from preschool children through seniors. Topics include fiction, songs, short essays, journaling, playwriting — and, recently, origami containers! Workshops may range from a single, one-hour classroom visit to residencies of one to two weeks. A singing performance or reading may be added to any workshop. Please contact me for information about fees or to develop a custom workshop for your group. 

Learn more about upcoming workshops below:

FEBRUARY 14, MARCH 14, APRIL 11, and MAY 9

STEP BY STEP at BIG UGLY COMMUNITY CENTER

Creativity in Action: A series of workshops for all ages

 These ongoing workshops are focused on fun! Designed to be accessible for participants from youngsters to elders, each workshop will have a different theme. From simple origami and collage creations to heartfelt poetry and song, each session will offer an introduction to a new creative outlet.

For more information and directions to the Center, call (304) 855-5402 or visit the Step By Step website.

APRIL 19-24, 2026

CEDAR LAKES CRAFTS CENTER

Postcards from Life’s Journey: Making a Memoir in Small Pieces

The term “memoir” can seem daunting, but it’s a much more approachable if you think of it as a collection of small, treasured moments and memories from different times in your life. In this workshop, you’ll get ideas and daily prompts to get your creative juices flowing. You’ll hear examples of ways in which other writers have imbued their stories, essays, and poetry with humor, love, and meaning. And you’ll get gentle feedback to help you burnish those memories into shining gems. You’ll be asked to bring a few photos of treasured objects and/or family members.

For more information and to register, visit the Cedar Lakes Conference Center website.

JUNE 22-26, 2026

BIG UGLY COMMUNITY CENTER

Music and Arts Camp

This weeklong workshop and celebration brings together visual and musical arts for children from two West Virginia counties. Several days of learning and creating will culminate in performances at Big Ugly Community Center and Piedmont Elementary School. This exciting week fosters friendships as well as creativity.

For more information about Big Ugly Community Center events, visit the Step By Step website.

AUGUST 28-30, 2026 (weekend workshop)

CEDAR LAKES CRAFTS CENTER

Origami Containers

This weekend class will focus on containers made of paper. We’ll make envelopes, folders, and holders of all kinds, from very simple wallets to keep business cards or receipts to beautiful modular boxes that are perfect for holding small gifts. No prior experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. There will be a $5 supplies fee. For more information and to register, visit the Cedar Lakes Conference Center website.

OCTOBER 25-30, 2026

CEDAR LAKES CONFERENCE CENTER

Body Language: Beholding the Body in Words

Mary Oliver called the five senses the “five rivers,” and writers know that sense imagery is key to vivid writing. What a rich source of inspiration, then, when we turn our five senses toward the body they inhabit! In this workshop we will discuss several approaches to writing about the human body. We will celebrate the taken-for-granted life forces of breath and heartbeat. We will contemplate the large and small movements of our limbs, fingers, and toes. We will mark milestones: birth, growth, and loss. We will consider body embellishments, from clothing to jewelry to tattoos: What messages do they send, what stories do they tell? Each day will include a selection of poems, essays, and songs to inspire you; a prompt to get you going; and time for discussion. 

For more information and to register, visit the Cedar Lakes Conference Center website.