Writing Workshops

“John Bemis is a master at helping writers develop story ideas into clear and compelling plots with deeply-drawn characters and captivating narratives. His enthusiasm for craft is purely infectious.” ~Michelle Leonard, Brave New Girls

John leads regular writing workshops for: 

ADULTS

If you’re looking for a four-week online course to transform your skills and knowledge, register for one of John’s courses at Authors Publish including Writing for Young Readers and Plot Your Novel, Plot Your Scene. Sign up for their free newsletter to learn when John’s next workshops will be available.

Each August, John leads a five-day intensive for writers interested in children's and young adult literature as part of the Table Rock Writers Workshop. Writers gain new insights into story craft and the children's book publishing world, as well as individual feedback on stories they are creating. To learn more or to register, visit Table Rock Writers Workshop. 

John also teaches weeklong writing classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Visit their online catalog to learn more about his upcoming classes.

KIDS & TEENS

During the school year, John teaches a weekly class for kids and teens. Dates and times vary. The emphasis is on building a love for writing and having fun with stories and language. If you have a young writer who might be interested, contact John to get more information about upcoming sessions or visit his Classes page.

For more information about John's upcoming writing workshops, check his Classes page or follow him on Facebook.

What past students have to say about John’s workshops and retreats:

“Whether you have an MFA in creative writing or just grabbed a laptop and started tapping out your first novel, your writing could be better. John Bemis can help you get there.” ~ John Klekamp, Wicked South: Secrets and Lies

“John is one of the most prepared writing teachers I’ve ever known – I guarantee students will come away with tangible results and ideas around their work. And, perhaps most importantly, John’s classes are just plain fun!” ~ Dee Stribling, Poet Laureate of Hillsborough

“I wrote two manuscripts that never left the rough draft phase. I realized what was missing from my brainstorming process when I took John's class. He inspired my imagination and I came up with an idea in his workshop that has become my third novel. I love it so much that editing is fun!” ~ Laura Shank

 “The feedback from John, a successful, published writer, and from other group members helped me move to the next level with my story.”   ~ Lori Elliott

“John has a special focus on creativity - ways to tap into it and mine it for ideas in your own work. John brings to his classroom a combination of professionalism and big-heartedness that keeps me coming back to his classes year after year." ~ Amy Kurtz Skelding