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• Map Your Novel Plot (Kristie Smeltzer) - New Section

  • When
    February 28, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    WriterHouse
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  We are offering a second section of this seminar. This section will meet in person at WriterHouse for 2 sessions (note different time durations):

  • Saturday, 2/28/26 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, 3/14/26 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

  Description:

  Sometimes structural choices are all that separate a successful novel that gets published from one that doesn’t. This seminar series aims to demystify story structure and enable participants to feel confident incorporating one or more narrative frameworks into their writing process. 

  In the first seminar, we’ll discuss several story structures. These frameworks provide different ways to look at the key plot points that become our novel’s skeleton, and the structures vary in the level of detail and complexity. We’ll also look at the role of causality in fiction and how it drives effective plots. 

  In between the seminars, participants will pick one framework we discussed and apply it to their novel in progress. They’ll map out the entirety of their narrative arc and prepare to present their work to the group. 

  During our second seminar, each participant will share their story map. Classmates and the instructor will ask questions and make suggestions with the intention of helping the writer ensure their plot feels solid. 

  This seminar series will be helpful for fiction writers just starting on a novel who want to write to a plan, those who’ve hit a “what next” point in a draft, and those who’ve completed a draft and are wondering “what now”? 

  About the Instructor:

  Kristie Smeltzer's fiction has been published by Scribes*MICRO*Fiction, MonkeyBicycle, Atticus Review, and others. She is currently working on several novels. She earned her MFA in creative writing at the University of Central Florida. Kristie has taught at WriterHouse since 2016, and her students have gone on to publish their work in literary magazines, with small presses, and through large publishing houses. She also helps others tell their stories as a developmental editor and writing coach. Learn more at www.kristiesmeltzer.com. 
  

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• Map Your Novel Plot (Kristie Smeltzer)

  • Start
    February 28, 2026
  •  
  • End
    March 14, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    WriterHouse
  • Spaces left
    0

  This seminar will meet in person at WriterHouse for 2 sessions (note different time durations):

  • Saturday, 2/28/26 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Saturday, 3/14/26 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

  Description:

  Sometimes structural choices are all that separate a successful novel that gets published from one that doesn’t. This seminar series aims to demystify story structure and enable participants to feel confident incorporating one or more narrative frameworks into their writing process. 

  In the first seminar, we’ll discuss several story structures. These frameworks provide different ways to look at the key plot points that become our novel’s skeleton, and the structures vary in the level of detail and complexity. We’ll also look at the role of causality in fiction and how it drives effective plots. 

  In between the seminars, participants will pick one framework we discussed and apply it to their novel in progress. They’ll map out the entirety of their narrative arc and prepare to present their work to the group. 

  During our second seminar, each participant will share their story map. Classmates and the instructor will ask questions and make suggestions with the intention of helping the writer ensure their plot feels solid. 

  This seminar series will be helpful for fiction writers just starting on a novel who want to write to a plan, those who’ve hit a “what next” point in a draft, and those who’ve completed a draft and are wondering “what now”? 

  About the Instructor:

  Kristie Smeltzer's fiction has been published by Scribes*MICRO*Fiction, MonkeyBicycle, Atticus Review, and others. She is currently working on several novels. She earned her MFA in creative writing at the University of Central Florida. Kristie has taught at WriterHouse since 2016, and her students have gone on to publish their work in literary magazines, with small presses, and through large publishing houses. She also helps others tell their stories as a developmental editor and writing coach. Learn more at www.kristiesmeltzer.com. 
  

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• Introduction to Scrivener: Word Processing Software Meets Project Management (Kristie Smeltzer)

  • When
    March 07, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    WriterHouse
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  This seminar will meet in person at WriterHouse for 1 session on Saturday, March 7, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. 

  Description:

  Scrivener software can be a book-altering tool for writers, but many find the learning curve to implement it into their practice intimidating. Join us for a high-level overview of Scrivener’s functionality followed by real-life examples of how it may be used to organize book-length writing projects, such as novels and memoirs.

  This hands-on seminar will provide participants the opportunity to apply concepts immediately in Scrivener. Explore features and practice setting up projects with the support of an experienced user on hand to answer your questions and make suggestions to help you get the most out of the tool’s functionality.

  This seminar is a good fit for those who have already started with Scrivener or are interested in trying it. The software is useful to anyone working on a book-length manuscript. Participants will be asked to download the Scrivener free-trial or buy the software prior to the seminar.

  About the Instructor:

  Kristie Smeltzer’s fiction has been published by Scribes*MICRO*Fiction, MonkeyBicycle, Atticus Review, and others. She is currently working on several novels. She earned her MFA in creative writing at the University of Central Florida. Kristie has taught at WriterHouse since 2016, and her students have gone on to publish their work in literary magazines, with small presses, and through large publishing houses. She also helps others tell their stories as a developmental editor and writing coach. Learn more at www.kristiesmeltzer.com.
  

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• Write On! Summer Camp for Middle Grade Writers 2026

  • Start
    June 29, 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • End
    July 03, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    WriterHouse
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  Who: Rising 6th to Rising 8th Grade Students
  When: June 29 — July 3, 2026
  Time: 11 AM to 3 PM
  Where: WriterHouse classroom and community field trips

  Early Registration ends March 31!

  Unleash your creativity in this week-long writing workshop! You will have the freedom to write what you want (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, songs!) while also learning specific tools and techniques that are crucial to all types of writing. We will explore and discuss a variety of writing across genres, and use prompts and exercises to help you dive into your writing. We will also engage in activities around town to spark inspiration and creativity. Throughout the week you will have the opportunity to share ideas, work on something new or a work-in-progress, get feedback, and refine your work. Join us on this writing adventure! Note: returning campers are welcome!
  

  Register online or send a check to WriterHouse, PO Box 222, Charlottesville, VA. Please complete and return the permission slip as campers will not be able to participate without it.
  

  About the Instructor:

  Erin has taught English and Creative Writing for over a decade and received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University in 2024. 

  In addition to working with students at WriterHouse for the past ten years, she has been a judge for the Writer‘s Eye Creative Writing Contest hosted by the University of Virginia’s Fralin Museum of Art. She has also been a student and teacher-counselor at UVA’s Young Writers Workshop. She has attended two week-long workshops for Teachers as Writers at Bard College’s Institute for Writing and Thinking in 2014 and 2016 and received an author fellowship to attend the Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing in 2021. Before she began teaching, she studied Journalism and English at New York University and received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Virginia. In addition to writing, Erin loves reading, hiking, practicing and teaching yoga, cooking, being outside, traveling, and spending time with her sons Noah and Jacob, and friends.

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• Write On! Summer Camp for High School Writers 2026

  • Start
    July 13, 2026
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • End
    July 17, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    WriterHouse
  • Spaces left
    21

  Register

  Who: Rising 9th to Rising 12th Grade Students
  When: July 13 — July 17, 2026
  Time: 11 AM to 3 PM
  Where: WriterHouse classroom and community field trips

  Early registration closes March 31!

  Unleash your creativity in this week-long writing workshop! You will have the freedom to write what you want (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, songs!) while also learning specific tools and techniques that are crucial to all types of writing. We will explore and discuss a variety of writing across genres, and use prompts and exercises to help you dive into your writing. We will also engage in activities around town to spark inspiration and creativity. Throughout the week you will have the opportunity to share ideas, work on something new or a work-in-progress, get feedback, and refine your work. Join us on this writing adventure! Note: returning campers are welcome!
  

  Register online or send a check to WriterHouse, PO Box 222, Charlottesville, VA. Please complete and return the permission slip as campers will not be able to participate without it.
  

  About the Instructor:

  Erin has taught English and Creative Writing for over a decade and received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University in 2024. 

  In addition to working with students at WriterHouse for the past ten years, she has been a judge for the Writer‘s Eye Creative Writing Contest hosted by the University of Virginia’s Fralin Museum of Art. She has also been a student and teacher-counselor at UVA’s Young Writers Workshop. She has attended two week-long workshops for Teachers as Writers at Bard College’s Institute for Writing and Thinking in 2014 and 2016 and received an author fellowship to attend the Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing in 2021. Before she began teaching, she studied Journalism and English at New York University and received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Virginia. In addition to writing, Erin loves reading, hiking, practicing and teaching yoga, cooking, being outside, traveling, and spending time with her sons Noah and Jacob, and friends.

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