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Holyoke Community College

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Arts, Music, Photography & Expression

in Personal Enrichment

Beginner Sewing HOME 026.52, CRN 17127

$99
Calendar May 5, 2026 at 6 pm
If you have always wanted to sew and feel you need some hands-on guidance, come to this class. Do you want to make a pillow, placemats or hem some pants? Bring your sewing machine, project ideas and come to this class. We will review how to thread and set up your machine and then start sewing! Bring some woven cotton or cotton blend fabric, thread to match, scissors for fabric, seam ripper, measuring tape, pins, a note book to write in and enthusiasm to sew! Instructor Andrea Zax.

Creative Writing 101: A Beginner’s Guide EXPR 069.51, CRN 26204

$35
Calendar Jul 14, 2026 at 7 pm
You don’t need a degree in creative writing to be an exceptional writer and get paid for it! Anyone with a passion for writing can learn and develop their fiction and non fiction writing skills. Whether you’re writing from your own life experience, creating new worlds, or informing readers about important information, this class will teach you about the different forms of creative writing, the top 10 creative writing tips for beginners, as well as how to brainstorm for new creative writing ideas, bring your words to life with engaging descriptions, develop your own writing style, and how to get paid for your creative writing. 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.

Writing Short Stories: A Beginner’s Guide EXPR 079.51, CRN 26205

$35
Calendar Jul 15, 2026 at 5 pm
Writing short stories (1,000–30,000 words) helps you discover your writing voice and how to convey your ideas. You’ll learn how to bring your story to life with an engaging plot, as well as character development, action, and dialogue. You’ll also learn the technical parts of crafting a short story, including structure, important character moments, and progression in the story. You’ll also know what to do with your short story once completed, including editing, proofing, and publishing options. 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. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Writing for Online Blogs, Magazines & Websites EXPR 068.51, CRN 26206

$35
Calendar Jul 16, 2026 at 5 pm

You don’t need a journalism degree or previously published articles to write for anyone’s online blog, magazine, or website. Some opportunities offer exposure, while many pay well -- $1 a word and more. In this fast-paced session, you will learn how to: find ideas, sources, and more than 1,000 opportunities that pay, conduct interviews and create interesting content, protect your copyright, write query letters, and then use this credibility to sell other articles or even your self published novel. 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. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Write Your First Novel (in 90 Days!) EXPR 070.51, CRN 26216

$45
Calendar Jul 17, 2026 at 7 pm

This intensive course provides a schedule of crafting a novel from start to finish, which you can finish in as little as 90 days! This class will also help you stay motivated throughout the journey. You will learn how to: • select your novel genre and develop a compelling premise • create multidimensional characters and immersive settings • craft a detailed plot outline • manage your time to keep your writing flow consistent • combat common roadblocks including writer’s block • master the art of self-editing: refining your plot, and fixing pacing, dialogue, and characterization problems. • receive constructive criticism from beta readers • explore publishing options. By the end of this class, you will know how to complete your novel and have the knowledge and confidence to move forward with the publishing process. 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. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Writing for Children: A Beginner’s Guide EXPR 004.51, CRN 26217

$35
Calendar Jul 20, 2026 at 5 pm
Step into the magical world of children’s and YA literature—and learn how to captivate young readers like a pro! This dynamic class dives deep into the hottest market trends, age-smart storytelling techniques, and unforgettable character creation that speaks directly to kids and teens. You’ll also get insider tips on crafting submissions that grab the attention of kid-lit magazines and publishers. Whether you’re dreaming of picture books or YA novels, this is your launchpad to creating stories that kids won’t put down. 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. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Beginner’s Guide to Using FREE ChatGPT (AI) for Writers EXPR 078.51, CRN 26219

$35
Calendar Jul 21, 2026 at 5 pm

ChatGPT (AI) is here to stay and is the future for writers and content creators. Don’t be left behind! No prior AI experience required. Do you want to learn how to incorporate the power of cutting-edge technology to gain ideas and inspiration, write web content, articles, and even novels or scripts? In this beginner-friendly course, you’ll learn how to: • register for a FREE ChatGPT account • input effective writing prompts to avoid nonsense responses • build creative content, from stories to marketing copy • determine its capabilities and limitations • understand ethical/legal considerations using ChatGPT. There’s no doubt ChatGPT and similar AI systems will force the job market to evolve. It’s crucial for everyone to adapt, learn new skills, and be open to working in collaboration with AI, so start building your expertise in the world of ChatGPT now! 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. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.

Dream Big (Your Path from Teen Writer to Published Author) EXPR 090.51, CRN 26223

$25
Calendar Jul 23, 2026 at 7 pm
Dream Big (Your Path from Teen Writer to Published Author) Got a story inside you waiting to be told? Teens writing for teens is a hot market! Whether you dream of writing books, screenplays, or stories that go viral, you’ll discover how to develop your unique writing voice, turn your ideas into powerful stories, and learn the real steps writers take to get published. Perfect for aspiring authors, you’ll gain confidence and insider tips to start your career as a writer who’s ready to dream—and achieve—big. The instructor, LeeAnne Krusemark, an author and editor, and nationwide Professor of Publishing at higher learning institutions, including Harvard Adult Education, has been assisting teen writers get published for years. Informative handouts for future use are included in class fee. The webinar login information will be emailed the day before class.




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