Writers’ Circle – Middle Fall
$167.00
NEW Course! “What do creative writers need, besides reading widely? Practice, willingness to experiment or make “mistakes,” and learning from other writers! This course brings writers together to share ideas and imagination, and I’m excited to see what they’ll create!” ~ Prof. Lisa Billa
Enrollment
Available
Step 1: Register Your Student
Step 2: Enroll Your Registered Student
| Instructor | Prof. Lisa Billa |
| Content Levels | Grades 5-6 • Upper Elementary Grades 6-7 • Middle School Grades 7-8 • Junior High Grades 9-10 • Lower High School |
| Course Length | 8 weeks |
| Live Webinars Held On | Tuesdays, 4:00 - 4:50 PM Pacific - Middle Semester - 10/14/25 - 12/12/25 |
Calling ALL creative writers!
If you have lots of stories–finished or not,
or your mind is overflowing with ideas but you can’t seem to get started,
or you used to love writing, or you might like to try–
and you would enjoy a helpful community of fellow writers,
this class is for you!
Come join me for an interactive writers’ gathering for:
- playing with words
- brainstorming together to spark inspiration
- interesting writing prompts for in-class writing sprints
- sharing new work with classmates
- inventing group stories, and more!
This is a low-pressure time for students to have fun writing. Creative minds inspire each other! Bring your curiosity, enthusiasm, and readiness to experiment; leave each session with fresh ideas and the start of a new story, chapter, or poem. In the weekly online classroom, find more activities to explore and share your work for feedback from peers.
As author Rick Riordan reminds us, three keys to becoming a writer are “read, practice, and persist.” This class provides ongoing practice in skills for writing and revising, and the supportive writing community keeps students focused on their creative goals.
At the end of each semester, students have the opportunity to share their polished work in Athena’s Quill, our online literary journal.
Is this the right environment for my reluctant writer? Is it right for my avid writer?
This is a great environment for reluctant and avid writers! Students work at their own pace and their own level. During webinars, we write quickly and spontaneously, free from expectations or judgment. This encourages reluctant writers to put thoughts into words without the censoring influence of being “corrected,” and minimizes the anxiety that leads to “writer’s block.” In the process of writing collaboratively, students learn to add depth and detail to their ideas–skills that will also serve them in academic writing.
Note to parents:
- This 8-week course is offered each session with updated content, and can be repeated as often as a student would like.
- This class is discussion based. Only students who are ready to use the microphone in an online class should enroll.
- This course requires use of multiple tabs in a browser, so students need to attend on a computer with a keyboard. Attendance on a tablet is not recommended.
Taught by Prof. Lisa Billa
What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:
- Students are expected to post writing in the forums and offer supportive comments on other students’ work.
What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:
- Curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.
- Supplemental activities and resources in the online classroom are tailored to each group’s needs and interests.
What to expect during the webinar:
- Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
- Active participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions.
- This class is discussion based. Only students who are ready to use the microphone in an online class should enroll.
- This course requires use of multiple tabs in a browser, so students need to attend on a computer with a keyboard. Attendance on a tablet is not recommended.
Before taking this course, students should be able to:
- Read at a solid 6th-grade level or above.
- Type fluently or be equipped with dictation software or a willing adult helper during our webinar.
- Be comfortable sharing unpolished, raw writing. Some students may take a while before they feel comfortable, and writers may select which pieces of work to share.
- Be prepared for an active, participatory environment.
Students should be willing to:
- Be prepared for the webinar.
- Actively participate (via the microphone and chat) in the class discussion.
- Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
- Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.
Required books & materials:
- None.