About Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop
"Can't say enough about PVWW, Joy, and her amazing team of teachers! Writing is very much about the ability to sit in your seat for hours and put pen to paper, but coming to PVWW helps you build a community around your writing, breathe new life into your efforts, and get out of your own head a bit. And beyond that, I've learned lots of practical, nuts-and-bolts techniques that have vastly improved my work."
- Emily Everett, Managing Editor at The Common
"PVWW is the most effective writing platform/service/group I've tried in the local area. The variety offered when it comes to events is a great mix-up between workshops, free writing sessions, and one-day classes, which specifically focus on particular areas of writing/craft. Each time I go to one of these events, I feel not only reenergized, but capable of carrying out the various techniques and tools that are shared. Always looking forward to the next event, you'll probably see me there. Wonderfully led and designed. As I said: most effective local group, but also the most enjoyable one to be a part of. Thank you!"
- Meg Granger, English Professor at Western New England University & reader for The Masters Review
"The two workshops I have taken with Pioneer Valley Writers' Workshop were both excellent, chock full of information, handouts, and intelligent discussion. Workshop leaders really knew their stuff!"
- Adrian Fox Dunn
"The space, an old school building, is the perfect setting in which to let your mind wander as your fingers try to catch all your thoughts. I loved it so much I will be back on Tuesday for another workshop and my two sons will be joining me."
- Beth Ann Jedziniak
"All the classes are super well organized...I leave every class feeling inspired."
-Shaun Lamory
About Specific Writing Workshops
Suspense & Momentum: Sustaining Narrative Interest (with Sarah Jane Cody)
"Sarah is a terrific instructor--passionate, knowledgeable, unpretentious and generous in sharing her very useful advice for writers new and seasoned."
- Christine Lebel
"Sarah offered a new framework for thinking about narrative movement that I'm eager to implement in my own writing. Not to mention each student left with a gigantic packet of information for later use. Great value!"
- Brian Westerlind
"It was a thought provoking, intensive dissection of the subject of suspense, and left me with not only tools, but the necessary perspective to take what I learned and put it toward my current work. Sarah was friendly, informed, and revealed a passion for the subject that was contagious and helped to inspire the group to jump in and share their thoughts...It was a delightful class."
- Gabrielle Kelly
Five-Year Creative Planning (with Francine Puckly)
"Francine is a great instructor with a friendly style that drew everyone into the workshop conversations that would take place after the individual exercises. I discovered things I can change now that will help me focus on my plan for the next 5 years."
- Marj Snyder
"Francine was so experienced, knowledgeable, organized, thoughtful, and kind. Great outcomes for me."
- Steve Bernstein, author of Stories from the Stoop
Creating Characters (with Carolyn Zaikowski)
“Great discussion about character development and the relationship to dialogue. I now know what is meant when referring to a trope as a character and to avoid them when I’m writing a story. I’m finally able to develop my characters. I was all over the place before I took this workshop. Thank you Carolyn!"
- Marj Snyder
Surprising, Yet Inevitable: The Art of the Ending (with Joy Baglio)
"I've always admired the ability of good writers to craft a powerful closing, but had never recognized/analyzed the mechanics of the craft. Identifying these techniques with concrete examples was very helpful. Joy is an outstanding instructor."
-Ed Orzechowski, author of I Think You'll Like It Here: The Story of Donald Vitkus, about The Art of the Ending workshop
"Couldn't have wished for anything better. Joy really has a talent. It was well structured. The way she presented the different types of endings was just excellent....All I can say is thank you, Joy, and thank you all who attended."
-Dennis Dymek, about Surprising, Yet Inevitable: The Art of the Ending workshop
"Joy's knowledge and her ability to transfer this knowledge is exceptional. A confident communicator and facilitator, she effectively achieves the goals of the session through the interplay of the participant's ideas and concepts."
-Jim Spencer, author of Red, White, and Black Lies, about Surprising, Yet Inevitable: The Art of the Ending workshop
4-Week Fiction Workshop: The Art of Connecting with Readers (with Seth Harwood)
"The readings were excellent and introduced me to helpful concepts and practices such as triggering/generated subject, how a writer's workshop works, steps of revision, and how to give/receive helpful feedback. Seth's feedback in writing and in class were helpful and instructive. I liked being able to do short assignments each week, hand them in, and get feedback. I really liked our group, and Seth helped create a space where we could enjoy learning together. [He] did a great job structuring this as an introduction to the writers' workshop. I feel very prepared and ready to join a writing group to continue my development."
-Daniel Ritchie
"Seth was a great instructor. He was engaging yet low key and knowledgable about the subject matter...I walked away from this 4-week workshop motivated and inspired...A learning experience for sure!"
-Laura Mikolaitis
"As a novice writer, Seth introduced me to a lot of concepts I hadn't thought of, like focusing on meaning, sense, and clarity. I also learned about the writing process finding the story as you go. I enjoyed the readings he selected for us too."
-Nikolas Guardia
Hooking the Reader from the First Line: The Art of the Opening (with Joy Baglio)
"A truly excellent class. Joy is wonderful. Her teaching is very clear and allows all involved to be included in discussion and clarification when needed."
-Dot Wentworth
"Great class - great participants - great energy - great (and skilled) instructor - I couldn't ask for anything more. It was all over too quickly."
-Jim Spencer, author of Red, White, and Black Lies
Flash Fiction Workshop (with Joy Baglio)
"I got a very thorough introduction to what flash fiction writing is, and how to do it. Joy walked us through several examples of flash fiction, then gave us a writing assignment that helped to cement what she had taught us. Throughout the class, she encouraged dialogue amongst herself and the students, which helped keep me engaged in the process of learning to write flash fiction."
-Patrick Regan
"Joy is very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly... [She] was well prepared and utilized the time well, allowing time for her instruction and our input. She was interested in what everyone had to say and offered ample support and encouragement. The handout continues to be useful for me, as well as her suggestions. She was clearly committed to the success of her class."
-Kimberly Smith
"The tone was serious but fun and Joy was great at directing the class...Everything was executed perfectly."
-Elise Ghitman
Revision Strategies for Short Fiction Writers (with Kate Senecal)
"I have been writing stories for about a year, but was unsure how to go about revising. This workshop was just what I needed. Now I have tools in my toolbox with which to work. I am inspired and activated."
-Kara Bohonowicz
"I really enjoyed Kate. She seemed very knowledgeable and had a large and varied bag of tricks in regard to revision tools. She was diplomatic and smart especially sharing personal writing process experiences."
-Linda Rowland-Buckley
The No-Nonsense Guide to Submitting to Literary Magazines (with Sara Rauch)
"Sara [Rauch]'s extensive knowledge of the subject matter made this a completely worthwhile class to take (worth the money, certainly). Her experience as both a writer and an editor gave me some very useful tips. I appreciated that she centered the class around our questions and interests."
-Emily Butler
8-Week Intermediate Fiction Workshop (with Joy Baglio)
"I really enjoyed the structure of the class, because it offered a great mix of craft instruction and group feedback. I've taken fiction classes before and sometimes craft and technique can get sort of bogged down and unhelpful. In this class they were short, to the point, and came with helpful handouts so we can think more about it at home...Joy did a great job of moderating the workshop to encourage the most helpful and useful feedback, keeping things on track. She also did a great job directing our attention to aspects that we might have otherwise glossed over. For example, not just if we "liked" the end, but if the writer "earned" the end, if it worked on a plot level and an emotional level. Joy's feedback was, unsurprisingly, very useful and specific. It's the sort of editorial eye writer's always hope for - someone who can recognize big picture ideas and structure, but also provide very specific notes on lines, characters, dialogue, and style."
-Emily Everett, Managing Editor of The Common
Radical Revision / Adventures in Spontaneous Poetry (with Adam Grabowski)
"Adam clearly loves his subject...great enthusiasm and useful content combined for a productive and fun afternoon. I was delighted."
-Jovonna Van Pelt
"I went in with no expectations of creating anything spectacular, and yet I am impressed with what I was inspired to create with Adam’s guidance."
- Joe Cyr, about Adventures in Spontaneous Poetry
All About Character (with Joy Baglio)
"[The class] was packaged very well! The handouts are a great resource to keep around as I write, and the quoted material was excellent. In under two hours, Joy guided us adeptly and concisely through the subject. A+!!!"
-Edo Mor
"Lots of useful information conveyed in a lively format. Good handouts to use in future writing. I learned a lot about character development during the two-hour session."
-Anne Seuthe
Lyric-Writing Workshops for Songwriters (with Kelly Vogel)
"Kelly was extremely well prepared - prepared in excess for the time we had together. Many handouts and references, so I was able to understand everything she was teaching and having us practice. I went home and helped my daughter with an Emily Dickinson project because I had just learned about different types of rhymes from Kelly two hours before!"
-Elena Ciampa
"Kelly was great. She was well-prepared. The materials she shared pointed me to some good resources. Her way of interacting with participants was very positive, warm, and affirming."
-Bill Blatner
8-Week Fiction (with Kate Senecal)
"Kate is a thoughtful and well prepared instructor. She nurtures and challenges each student and has facilitated my understanding of, and appreciation for, the field of fiction writing. Kate has helped me become a better writer and a better reader."
- Christopher Fox
"Kate was well-prepared with fun and challenging exercises...our speedwriting flowed...I was surprised when my own pen kept going with real energy, and I could tell others left with the same encouragement and inspiration simply because we had really worked, which is what a workshop is all about. Thanks so much! A genuinely memorable experience. Kate was a super leader."
-Marcia Lewis
"Kate was very upbeat and encouraging...All the exercises were very helpful and interesting to complete."
-CJ Lammers
"Everything. Kate’s knowledge of craft is wide. Her depth of books and stories to resource for us to read as well as pull at in class for examples is immense. She’s quick to delve into our manuscript and dissect them in a short amount of time. She is a quiet but effective leader and I employed several craft tactics each week in my writing, especially in dialogue. Our group gelled well and I am thankful for the experience."
- Linda Rowland-Buckley, about Intro to Fiction
Other Peoples' Stories (with David Wanczyk)
"Dave Wanczyk is an inspiring instructor and an excellent communicator."
- Therese Chamberland, about Other Peoples' Stories: How to Tell, When to Tell, and When Not to Tell
"[Dave Wanczyk] was terrific -- a dynamic and funny but humble expert. The other students were also great to learn from and with."
- Cathy Luna
"[Dave Wanczyk] is a great teacher and did a great job both presenting interesting and important material on writing and encouraging all of us to contribute to the discussion. I appreciated the opportunity to meet and share with other writers."
- Rob Wilson
Memoir workshops (with Celia Jeffries)
"Celia's skill at teaching and facilitating is a rare pleasure to experience in a writing course.. I learned a huge amount."
- Blake Mills
"Celia is a skilled teacher and facilitator. She establishes a comfortable yet structured group setting that serves to coalesce a group of strangers into a community of writers. All within a brief six weeks together."
- Stephanie Shafran
"Memoir was a very useful and professionally conducted class.
I came away with a much better understanding of memoir as a form of writing and with "tools for my toolbox".
- Chris Fox, about Tell The Truth, But Tell It Slant: A Memoir Workshop
"Celia Jeffries did an excellent job as instructor. She was well-prepared and listened attentively to the works of students. What a talented group of writers in the room! Celia's exercises were beautifully chosen and well organized, I plan to use them again and again...I plan to use this technique every time I draft a scene. I'm so glad I took the workshop."
- Joan Axelrod-Contrada, about Tell the Truth, But Tell It Slant: A Memoir Workshop
"Celia was well prepared and guided us in some very constructive short writings. Each time, she illustrated her teaching points by highlighting items from everyone's pieces. She integrated her handouts with our work and questions really well. She managed the time well and still allowed flexible time for Q&A and readings aloud. Celia was also very supportive in her comments ans set a "safe" tone for the group to share these personal stories."
- Jovonna Van Pelt, about Tell the Truth, But Tell It Slant: A Memoir Workshop
"Celia is a master teacher and workshop facilitator. Time flew by, she had us working hard, and left us energized to continue on our own."
- Stephanie Shafran, about Tell the Truth, But Tell It Slant: A Memoir Workshop
The Path to Publishing (with Joy Baglio)
"Great primer on publishing for the uninitiated. It was also helpful to read unpublished work (it has been a while since I've had opportunity) and get feedback. I look forward to building on this experience in future workshops, and now feel I have a better idea of what I'm shooting for in the revision process."
- Brien Tal-Baker, about The Path to Publishing
"Joy was welcoming/approachable/knowledgable. The packet we received had so much valuable info all in one place. I also appreciated the opportunity to get feedback on a bit of my work."
- Brian Westerlind, about The Path to Publishing
"This class was incredible informative. I have a much better understanding now of how to get my work out there. So many resources were shared during class!"
- Katie Gartner, about The Path to Publishing
Nonfiction & History Writing (with Ken Mondschein)
"There are a lot of writing workshop opportunities around, but I've found few centering so focused on non-fiction. I appreciated Ken's personable style of leading the workshop, which involved listening to us and engaging us in discussion, as well as presenting material."
- Rob Wilson, about Narrative Nonfiction & History Writing
Mindfulness Meditation & Writing (with Carolyn Zaikowski)
"This class was a wonderful experience for me. It is the first time I have ever participated in anything like this outside of college courses, so I had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I was able to engage in the writing process and the words literally flowed onto the paper with very little effort thanks to Carolyn’s helpful guidance."
- Joe Cyr, about Mindfulness Meditation & Writing
"[This class] was EXACTLY what I needed to positively affect the relationship I have with my writing process. After taking Carolyn's one-day Writer's Block course in Fall 2017, I knew I appreciated her teaching style and approach to generative writing. I had gotten stagnant due to "analysis paralysis" over the past few years...I got a LOT out of these four weeks. The length of the course was perfect for setting up and instilling new, productive routines for both meditation and writing, and the content really helped FREE me from the pressures of conforming to genre and ascribing to the perfectionism that'd kept me from producing anything. The connections between meditation, mindfulness, and writing help anchor me to the present moment, where I can simply let the words flow without worrying so much about what form the finished product might later take! I got SO much out of this experience and am so excited to continue practicing what I learned outside of the classroom!"
- Sarah Knowles, Mindfulness Meditation & Writing
Mastering the Power of Verbs (with Seth Harwood)
"All I can say is that the few hours I spent with Seth Harwood was awesome. At 72 it takes a lot to impress me - man this gentleman knows his stuff and he has the ability to transfer his knowledge to others with a style that is easily understood and useful - I plan to attend all of his classes that I can. I have already changed some of my schedule to attend his longer workshop this winter. It was well worth the money. I have spent a heck of a lot more and received a heck of a lot less - great stuff on everyone's part."
- Jim Spencer, about Verbs (with Seth Harwood)
About Our Manuscript Consulting Services
"Joy is an exceptional reader and editor. Not only is she thorough with grammatical edits, but she's also terrific in critiquing my stories from a craft perspective. Be it character motivation, the veracity of dialogue, stakes, overarching themes, or other aspects of story-building, she has a keen sense of what works and what doesn't, and my stories are so much stronger for her feedback."
-Maria Lioutaia, 2016 Tin House Scholar & NYU MFA candidate
"Joy is an amazingly thoughtful and astute reader and editor. Best of all, she is incredibly encouraging and positive. Though she gives specific feedback on where to improve, it is always constructive and helpful. She gave me some of the most methodical and specific edits on a short story I wrote, which made a world of difference to the piece. Thank you Joy!"
- Hayley Phelan
"I enthusiastically recommend Joy Baglio's skills as an editor, having presented her with a sprawling, 25-page short story I'd been working on for a long time...Joy's work on the story helped tip me in the direction of turning this dense and confusing piece into what it wants to be: a novel. I'm keeping her notes and questions in front of me as I now proceed to write it."
-Maureen Henderson
"Joy has a great attitude. She offers her skill and experience in every aspect of the editor-author relationship. Grateful for her hard work!"
-Christina
"Joy provides invaluable feedback! She has a knack for interpreting a writer's intentions. She knows the story you're trying to tell. She knows its strengths and its weaknesses. Her expert advice will help you fix things in your story that are broken, as well as things you didn't even know needed fixing. She is a brilliant mind, a great communicator, and a very sweet person. I'll definitely be sending my future projects her way."
-Drew Rogers