Writing Classes with The Writer’s Workshop

Nick O’Connell’s Seattle writing classes really opened up my eyes to using fictional techniques (dialogue, telling detail, characterization) in my nonfiction writing. Writing assignments I produced for Creative Nonfiction were later incorporated into Inside the Pike Place Market (1999). I highly recommend Nick’s classes to other writers looking for direction and inspiration.

The online travel writing class was my first experience with a course geared specifically towards writing, and Nick gave me a great experience to set me on my way in pursuing a career in writing. All of the basics of the writing and editing process are covered expertly and the focus on strategies for marketing the finished product was a huge help. I fully recommend this course if you’re looking into an online class!

Thank you so much for the wonderful Follow The Story Seattle writing class. In eight weeks you’ve taken my writing skills farther than the four years I spent on my Bachelor’s degree in English.

This is just to let you know that I have been published in Northwest Lawyer magazine!  I was inspired to publish by the class. I would not have thought to submit an article without your encouragement. I have more confidence now, thanks to your classes.

If it weren’t for Nick O’Connell, I would not be a soon-to-be-published author.  Nick’s Seattle writing classes helped me find my unique writing voice, and his enthusiastic and insightful critiques inspired me to expand a short story idea into a book. I highly recommend Nick’s classes to anyone who has any interest in writing. You’ll not only be given structure and advice, you’ll also learn how to get your work published!

I took Nick O’Connell’s Seattle writing class “Stalking the Nonfiction Narrative” when I was stuck on the first draft of my book. He helped me break through barriers, giving me the techniques to create a solid structure for my book. Then he worked with me as a writing coach and gave insightful feedback that enabled me to craft my story into a publishable manuscript. Throughout the whole process, he encouraged and advised me on all aspects of the writing and publishing. Nick was a huge part of my recent book sale, and I would recommend him to any writer–-whether you just want to improve your technique or to publish professionally.

Nick’s writing Seattle writing classes have been critical for me to get started as a professional writer. He teaches an excellent mix of craft and marketing–both of which are essential for successful writing. He taught me how to write a gripping lead, set the scene, and finish in a way that brings the piece full circle. On the marketing side, Nick willingly shares his own strategies for breaking into publications. I found his tips about querying editors, as well as his market insights, invaluable and have used them successfully in publishing my first essay–a story about my first car. I’m grateful for his encouragement of my career in writing. In the fall, I will study Creative Nonfiction at the University of Idaho’s MFA program. I’ll also be TA’ing and hope to model my teaching style on his!

Nick O’Connell, founder of The Writer’s Workshop, helped me with the concept for my book, Colors of the West, published in 2017 by Mountaineers Books. We worked together for six months on one of the chapters. Nick gave me valuable assistance with four drafts, which he read with care, offering detailed suggestions for crafting a lively non-fiction narrative. My book would not have gotten off the ground without his insights and experience!