Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

Holyoke Community College



Our Classes

10 Practical Tips to Writing Powerful Dialogue (in novels & scripts) EXPR 084.51, CRN 17131

$25
Calendar Mar 28, 2026 at 4 pm

Writing believable, relatable dialogue is an art form, but fortunately there are some tried and tested methods and techniques you can use right now to improve the dialogue in your novel or script. In this fast-paced session, you’ll learn how to turn ordinary words into compelling dialogue, use clean dialogue tags, differentiate character voices, use dialogue instead of narrative/voiceover, avoid dialogue “dumps,” and be real, but not boring. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.

Show, Don’t Tell: Make Your Writing Come Alive EXPR 085.51, CRN 17132

$25
Calendar Mar 28, 2026 at 5 pm

Transform your writing from flat to unforgettable. Dive into the art of “show, don’t tell” and learn how to craft manuscripts that leap off the page. This hands on class unlocks the secrets of vivid descriptions, sensory details, dynamic dialogue, and action that grip readers from the first word. With practical exercises designed to spotlight weak spots and supercharge your prose, you’ll walk away with the tools to create stories that readers can see, feel, and live—page after page. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.

Microsoft Word: The Very Basics TECH 119.51, CRN 17148

$20
Calendar Mar 30, 2026 at 2 pm

Your instructor will break down the unknown Microsoft Word stuff. and present them to you in a clear, sensible, and enjoyable way! We will briefly look at the free and paid version of word processors. Then the instructor will open and show basic functions in Microsoft Word. We will go on to explore saving, alignments, bullets, numbering, and indents. (Not for Apple/Mac users.) Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day of the class.

Using Amazon’s Kindle Direct to Self-Publish your Book for FREE EXPR 086.51, CRN 17133

$25
Calendar Mar 30, 2026 at 6 pm

Whether you’re looking to publish a paperback novel or short eBook now or in the future, this detailed tutorial will teach you step by step how to create an Amazon KDP account, format your manuscript and upload it to the platform, easily create a book cover from available templates, determine pricing and royalties, develop a sales pitch for your Amazon page, and write an Amazon author bio. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.

Intermediate Acrylics ARTS 067.51, CRN 16982

$189
Calendar Mar 30, 2026 at 6:15 pm

Continue your exploration in acrylics. In this class, you will learn the importance of underpaintings and different lightning situations. We will explore different techniques to get to your desired style and the importance of warm and cool colors.This class takes you from acrylic sketches to finished paintings. Most students will finish 1-2 paintings. All levels welcome but class is geared to beginners. Materials NOT included. Typically $100 in materials. Instructor Melissa Pandina.

Launch Your Pet-Sitting/Dog-Walking Biz CRER 095.51, CRN 17134

$25
Calendar Mar 30, 2026 at 7 pm

Love animals and want to earn extra cash? Turn your passion for pets into a thriving side gig! This fun, interactive class is perfect for teens who dream of walking dogs, feeding fish, or caring for cuddly cats while making money. You’ll learn the basics of pet care, how to build trust with pet owners, set your rates, promote your services, and handle tricky situations like nervous pets. You’ll get cool handouts to keep and use anytime—no extra cost. The class is led by longtime teacher, and a young pro who started pet sitting at 13 and knows the hustle inside and out. We’ll send the webinar login info the day before, so you’re all set to join in!

Getting More Out Of Microsoft Word TECH 120.51, CRN 17149

$20
Calendar Mar 31, 2026 at 2 pm

Let’s make your tasks in Microsoft Word a lot easier! You will save time and frustration and see how to properly use tabs. We will go on to explore dictation, easy paragraph functions, the sort feature, and using macros to eliminate laborious repetition. See the beauty of working with soft and hard returns and how to easily create and use tables. Get tips and tricks, as well as use shortcuts to save time. Let’s look at creating headers/footers and using the Format Painter to easily format existing text. (Not for Apple/Mac users.) Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day of the class.

Book Marketing Bootcamp: Promote Like a Pro Without a Publicist EXPR 087.51, CRN 17135

$35
Calendar Mar 31, 2026 at 5 pm

Self published or indie authors—this high impact session gives you the insider playbook for marketing on a budget. Explore the fastest, smartest ways to grow your author platform, engage readers, leverage social media, organize book launches/signings, run ads, secure reviews, and other proven tactics to turn your book into a must read and keep sales climbing. The instructor LeeAnne Krusemark is a former journalist, current author and editor, and a nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. Class is delivered via Zoom and a link will be shared the day before the class.





Forgot password?
Staff Log In