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Funding is generously donated by the Newport Beach Friends of the Library.

Storytellers Writing Workshop (3 part series) Adult Class  Friends Room, Central Library

Best-selling author Chris Epting will help you learn how to draw out, organize and document your life’s stories. This 3-part workshop series will provide guidance in developing stories in first person narrative. By learning how to effectively craft thoughts and ideas, you can develop storytelling skills and learn to cultivate your voice for memoir, social media and more. This class includes lecture, writing assignments, and sharing. Registration is required and is for one participant only. You may not register for multiple participants.

Registration is required and is free. Space is limited.  Please see each session below for the date registration will open for that session.

Storytellers Writing Workshops 3-part Series

December Session – Registration is for all 3 classes in the session. You are expected to attend all 3.

Class 1: Tuesday, Dec 2 5:00-7:00

Class 2: Tuesday, Dec 9 5:00-7:00

Class 3: Tuesday, Dec 16 5:00pm-7:00pm

Registration for the December session will open on October 28 at 4pm. Register HERE

January Session - Registration is for all 3 classes in the session. You are expected to attend all 3.

Class 1: Tuesday, Jan 13 5:00-7:00

Class 2: Tuesday, Jan 20 5:00-7:00

Class 3: Tuesday, Jan 27 5:00-7:00

Registration for the January session will open on Dec 9 at 4pm. Register HERE

March Session - Registration is for all 3 classes in the session. You are expected to attend all 3.

Class 1: Tuesday, Mar 10 5:00-7:00

Class 2: Tuesday, Mar 17 5:00-7:00

Class 3: Tuesday, Mar 24 5:00-7:00

Registration for the March session will open on Feb 3 at 4pm. Register HERE

*Please note priority is given to patrons who have not previously participated in the Storytellers workshop series. If you register and have attended Storytellers in the past, you will be moved to the waitlist.

Storytellers 2.0  Advanced Class. 3-Part Series, You must have completed the Storytellers Writing Workshop to participate in this class.

Next level Storytellers Writing Workshop. For those who have completed Storytellers 3-part series and are looking to continue developing their writing skills.

Registration is by invitation only to past Storytellers participants.

October Session – Class requirement: you must have completed Storytellers Writing Workshop 3-part series.

Class 1: Tuesday, Oct 7 5:00-7:00

Class 2: Tuesday, Oct 14 5:00-7:00

Class 3: Tuesday, Oct 21 5:00-7:00

Registration is by invitation only.

May Session – Class requirement: you must  have completed Storytellers Writing Workshop 3-part series.

Class 1: Tuesday, May 5 5:00-7:00

Class 2: Tuesday, May 12 5:00-7:00

Class 3: Tuesday, May 19 5:00-7:00

Registration is by invitation only.

Announcing new programs!

Storytellers Extended Classes, Friends Room, Central Library  

Topic specific, stand-alone classes designed to enhance writing skills and knowledge of the publishing process.

Participation in the Storytellers Writing Series prior to attending is recommended. Topics subject to change. 

Storytellers Extended: The Proposal Process, Crafting an Effective Book Proposal

Participation in the Storytellers Writing Series prior to attending is recommended.  

Friends Room, Central Library

This session will guide participants through the essential elements of a successful book proposal.

Learn how to structure their proposals to appeal to both agents and publishers, including key components such as market analysis, competitive titles, and a compelling author bio.  

Storytellers Extended: Writing Technique, Show Don’t Tell

Participation in the Storytellers Writing Series prior to attending is recommended.  

This advanced workshop will delve into the critical writing technique of "showing" rather than "telling."

Participants will engage in exercises that emphasize sensory details and active imagery, enhancing their ability to create vivid scenes that resonate with readers.  

Storytellers Extended: Promoting & Marketing Yourself as a Writer

Participation in the Storytellers Writing Series prior to attending is recommended.  

In this session, participants will learn strategies for effectively promoting their work and building a personal brand as a writer. Topics will include leveraging social media, creating an author website, networking, and developing a marketing plan tailored to their audience.  

Storytellers Extended: Writing Technique, Crafting Dialogue

Participation in the Storytellers Writing Series prior to attending is recommended.  

This interactive session will focus exclusively on the art of dialogue. Participants are encouraged to bring excerpts from their own writing, and together we will work to enhance the dialogue within those pieces, ensuring it feels authentic and drives the narrative forward.  

Registration is required and is free. Space is limited. 

Registration will open for these classes on: Tuesday, Sept 30 at 4pm. Register separately for each class

Tuesday, Nov 4, 5:00-7:00  The Proposal Process; Crafting an Effective Book Proposal. Register HERE

Tuesday, Nov 18, 5:00-7:00 Writing Technique; Show Don’t Tell. Register HERE

Wednesday, Jan 7, 10:00-12:00 Promoting & Marketing Yourself as a Writer. Register HERE

Wednesday, Jan 21 10:00-12:00 Writing Technique; Crafting Dialogue. Register HERE

Registration will open for these classes on: Tuesday, January 6 at 4pm. Register separately for each class

Tuesday, Feb 10, 5:00-7:00 The Proposal Process; Crafting an Effective Book Proposal. Register HERE

Wednesday, Feb 25 10:00-12:00 Writing Technique; Show Don’t Tell. Register HERE

Wednesday, Mar 4 10:00-12:00 Promoting & Marketing Yourself as a Writer. Register HERE

Wednesday, Mar 25 10:00-12:00 Writing Technique; Crafting Dialogue. Register HERE

Registration will open for these classes on: Tuesday, March 3 at 4pm. Register separately for each class

Wednesday, Apr 1 10:00-12:00 The Proposal Process; Crafting an Effective Book Proposal. Register HERE

Tuesday, Apr 7 5:00-7:00 Writing Technique; Crafting Dialogue. Register HERE

Wednesday, Apr 15 10:00-12:00 Writing Technique; Show Don’t Tell. Register HERE

Wednesday, May 27 10:00-12:00 Promoting & Marketing Yourself as a Writer. Register HERE

(Topics are subject to change)

*Please note: priority is given to first time registrants of a topic. If you have already participated in a topic specific class, your registration may be moved to the waitlist.

Please feel free to email Terry Sanchez tsanchez@newportbeachca.gov with any questions on writing programs. 

About Chris Epting

Chris Epting is a New York Times bestselling memoirist renowned for co-authoring works with legends like the Doobie Brothers, John Oates, Leif Garrett, Tyrus, and many others. An award-winning storyteller and former columnist for the Los Angeles Times and Huffington Post, Chris has dedicated the past five years to collaborating with the Newport Beach Public Library and Friends of the Library to develop enriching programs for local writers. He deeply values this partnership, working tirelessly to empower writers of all experience levels and bring these vibrant initiatives to life. His popular memoir writing book, “Where One Hears the Rain,” is dedicated in part to the library, as this relationship helped inspire the book.