StoryStudio:
A storybook haven for professional and aspiring writers
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When Jill Pollack couldn't find a place for writers to learn, take classes, network or just share thoughts with fellow writers, she decided to open StoryStudio Chicago in August 2003. After speaking with others who were also interested in the idea, she decided it was not a huge leap for her. “I just wanted a place for writers to meet, study and hang out,” Pollack says. Carol Ludwick has been a student at the studio for two and a half years and she says that what she enjoys most are the teachers and the sense of community that the studio offers. “When I moved here from Cleveland I wanted to meet other writers, and I wanted a place to just hang out. The studio provided all of that; it gave me the face-to-face interaction that I needed to help master my craft and it also gave me the energy to keep going.” Ludwick also came to the studio because she wanted to get published and bring her work to the public. She says the teachers are a huge influence on the overall sense of community. “They are good at encouraging the students.” Pollack agrees. “We are very fortunate to have the teachers we have. They are all talented and great teachers who get a lot out of it as well.” StoryStudio offers classes ranging from creative writing, fiction, nonfiction, freelance magazine writing, memoir writing, personal essays and more. For the prospective student, Ludwick and Pollack agree that the best way to get started is to sign up for the "Just Get Me Started" workshop. The workshop helps the student get started with their first word, image or idea, and it also helps them to better understand the process of writing. “We have such a wide variety of classes offered. This class was something I could do that was a one-nighter and that helped to ease me in,” says Ludwick. There are not a lot of quizzes and tests at StoryStudio and the assignments consist of take-home readings that are later used for class discussions. The classes usually don’t start until 6:30 p.m. and they can last for about two or two and a half hours. Saturday programming and summer classes will also be offered. Pollack says that they are currently working on certificates for people who complete the creative nonfiction courses and the fiction courses. It can be a great opportunity for people in MFA programs or people who already work in the field. Along with the many classes offered, the studio also has various writing workshops, writing cafes, salons and retreats. The Sunday writer’s cafe is held at StoryStudio for a small fee, and writers can receive private coaching and reviews of their manuscripts and can learn more about the studio and the programs offered. For a more relaxing time, StoryStudio offers a retreat for writers. March 23-25 is the Annual Writer's Retreat in Michigan. Pollack says that it is a relaxing weekend at a bed and breakfast with a fireplace to warm up to and a Jacuzzi to relax in. While relaxing and writing there will also be a wide variety of programs offered such as basic grammar and punctuation, grant writing and public relations writing. There will also be discussions on the different elements of writing and readings too. The students at StoryStudio have also made connections with other professional writers, either through their own writing groups or writing-related jobs. Pollack and Ludwick agree that among the many opportunities offered at the StoryStudio, many people walk away with a good learning experience and great friendships. For more information on the StoryStudio Chicago visit their Web site at www.storystudiochicago.com. Lea Erwin is a Chicago-based freelance writer and a contributor to the Clips newsletter. |