Writing by Cora Workshop
Learn everything that they should have taught you in J-school in just 1 week. In a beach side setting guaranteed to inspire, receive editing and one-on-one writing guidance and critic from an award winning veteran journalist and author.
THE WORKSHOP: Writing by Cora will teach an intimate group the skills to become a publishable magazine writer. Through critic and editing you will hone your writing for long form journalism and develop your voice. Roundtable discussion of work with peers will also be conducted. Daily lectures will teach the art of compelling story telling that will keep people reading. Attention will be placed on magazine lead writing critical to drawing in your readers. Practical assignments will also help you develop story ideas, pitch ideas to editors, and develop your journalism reporting skills. Unique to the Writing by Cora Workshop, participants will be required to work on one publishable long piece for the workshop’s duration. At The Workshop’s completion, attendees will get career advice and an evaluation of their skills. Written recommendations for students may also be available. All skill levels are welcome, including beginners, students, mid-career professionals looking to enter journalism, and experienced writers seeking to improve their writing through a workshop setting.
THE SETTING: Writing by Cora is a weekly retreat. Spring 2008 dates are May 5-May 10 or May 12-May 17. Space is limited to ensure individual attention.
Participants will stay at a beach side cottage on the summer getaway of Fire Island, a barrier island off the coast of Long Island, NY about an hour from New York City. Fire Island is a unique peaceful beach community ideal for writing and fostering creativity. During the summer season there are no cars allowed on the island which is reachable by ferry from the mainland. Residents bike and walk between the scenic towns creating a laid back vibe. Beautiful beaches (pictured above) are 30 feet from your door and there for your enjoyment. The scenic location is perfect for writers. Private room or Double room (roommate) is available. Participants will be responsible for their own meals.
THE TEACHER: Cora Daniels has managed to forge a writing career that has spanned newspapers, magazines, and books. As a former staff writer at Fortune Magazine, where she spent nearly a decade covering workplace issues, she earned a reputation for her accessible writing style and unexpected stories that managed to attract non business readers to the magazine. Her work has also appeared in the New York Times Magazine, O: The Oprah Magazine, Heart & Soul, USA Today among others, and she flexed her editing muscles as an editor at Working Mother, where she worked with young writers. A diverse writer, she currently has contributing writer/editor positions at Essence Magazine, Fast Company, and Men’s Fitness Magazine, where her work can be seen in each regularly.
As the author of two critically acclaimed books she has been called “dynamic”, “perceptive”, and “a powerful voice from the younger generation”. Her first book Black Power Inc. (Wiley 2004), was dubbed “thought provoking” by the Washington Post. Her most recent book Ghettonation: Journey in the Land of Bling and the Home of the Shameless (Doubleday 2007), has received nationally attention and acclaim, and has been optioned by Hollywood for a documentary. She is currently working on developing her next book for Doubleday.
A sought after expert on diversity, pop culture, and workplace issues, she often serves as a commentator on national TV and radio media including ABC News, CNN, CNBC, BET, TV1, Fox News, NPR, and the Charlie Rose Show. She frequently speaks across the country to social and professional organizations as well as colleges, including Harvard University, the National Urban League, and the Congressional Black Caucus.
Cora Daniels has been a featured lecturer on magazine writing at the Hartford Writer’s Conference and has taught journalism classes at NYU. She is a graduate of Yale University and has a masters degree from Columbia University School of Journalism.
WHY: With everything on my plate why would I want to lead a writing workshop? Because, I absolutely love what I do, being able to write for a living is a gift that should be shared. I am constantly asked advice on how to write for magazines. The question deserves more than an email response or quick chat during a book signing. Magazine writing is a craft that can be taught. Like any art form it also needs to be constantly developed and will continue to grow and improve under the right guidance. Not all of us have the time or the money to go to journalism school and not every program spends quality time on the writing. This is my version on what I think journalism programs should be. The most valuable journalism education you can get is to have a good editor. I will be that editor for you.
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