Workshops With Wren
Join bestselling author Wren Valentino for a series of interactive and informative writing workshops designed to inspire and elevate your craft. With over twenty-one novels, numerous short stories, more than seventy stage plays, and eight produced screenplays to his name, Wren brings a wealth of experience and insight to each session. Whether you're looking to refine your writing skills or explore new creative avenues, these workshops offer practical tools and personalized feedback.
Workshops can be taken individually (1-day sessions) or as part of a deeper, immersive experience in a 3-week or 5-week format (meeting every two weeks). Available virtually or in person, these workshops are tailored to suit your schedule and learning style.
Let’s bring your writing to the next level with Workshops with Wren!
Scroll down to complete a short application before purchasing a workshop.
Summer 2025 Workshop Schedule
*All times are Pacific. See workshop descriptions below.
Storytelling: Mechanics
Tuition: $10.00; attend both Storytelling workshops for $15.00
Saturday, July 19 at 10am via Zoom (90 minutes)
This workshop is limited to 12 students
Registration is open now!
Writing the Short Story: Crafting Compelling Short Fiction
*This is a 3-week workshop; meets every other week
Tuition: $45.00
Saturday, July 12 at 1pm via Zoom (90 minutes)
Saturday, July 26 at 1pm via Zoom (90 minutes)
Saturday, August 9 at 1pm via Zoom (90 minutes)
This workshop is limited to 12 students
Registration is open now!
Memoir: Bring Your Personal Story to Life
*This is a 3-week workshop; meets every other week
Tuition: $45.00
Saturday, July 26 at 10am via Zoom (90 minutes)
Saturday, August 9 at 10am via Zoom (90 minutes)
Saturday, August 23 at 10am via Zoom (90 minutes)
This workshop is limited to 12 students
Registration is open now!
Island Hopping: Creative Ways to Structure a Solid Plot
Tuition: $10.00
Saturday, August 16 at 10am via Zoom (90 minutes)
This workshop is limited to 25 students
Registration is open now!
Creating an Effective Marketing Plan
Tuition: $10.00
Saturday, August 16 at 1pm via Zoom (90 minutes)
This workshop is limited to 25 students
Registration is open now!
Free Introductory Workshop
Saturday, September 6 at 10am via Zoom (45 minutes)
Registration is open now!
Scholarships are available for all of our workshops.
Summer 2025 Workshop Descriptions
Free Introductory Workshop
Kickstart your writing journey with a 45-minute introduction to the world of storytelling. This free session is designed to help you get comfortable with the basics and explore how Wren can support your creative process.
Storytelling: Craft
Dive into the art of storytelling with a focus on imagery, character development, and dialogue. This 90-minute workshop will help you bring your narrative to life with compelling characters and vivid details.
Storytelling: Mechanics
Explore the structure of great stories in this 90-minute session. Learn about plot, outlining, and revision techniques that will help you craft a solid framework for your narrative.
Writing the Short Story: Crafting Compelling Short Fiction
Dive into the world of short fiction with this interactive workshop designed for writers of all levels. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to refine your skills, this session will guide you through the essentials of crafting a powerful short story. Through engaging discussions, hands-on exercises, and personalized feedback, you’ll explore character development, plot structure, theme, and the art of concision. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a stronger grasp of short fiction techniques and a polished piece ready for submission or further development.
Memoir: Bring Your Personal Story to Life
Everyone has a story to tell—what’s yours? In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to shape your personal experiences into a compelling memoir. Through guided exercises, discussions, and constructive feedback, you’ll explore narrative structure, character development, and the art of crafting your unique voice. Whether you're just beginning or refining a work in progress, this workshop will help you bring authenticity and emotional depth to your storytelling. Join us and start turning your memories into a powerful narrative that resonates with readers.
Island Hopping: Creative Ways to Structure a Solid Plot
This 90-minute dynamic writing workshop is designed to help writers navigate the often tricky terrain of plot development. The session begins with introductions and an exploration of common plot issues, followed by a focused discussion on crafting a compelling logline—short, sweet, and packed with intrigue. Writers will dive deep into understanding what their story is truly about, as well as what it’s not, helping to clarify focus and direction. The “Island Hopping” exercise will guide participants through shifting plot points in new and creative ways, while the "Color Coding" exercise offers a visual approach to structuring key plot moments. This workshop provides a supportive space for connecting with fellow writers and troubleshooting plot challenges, with ample time for Q&A to ensure everyone walks away with the tools to create a solid, engaging story arc.
Creating an Effective Marketing Plan
Take your writing career to the next level with this 90-minute workshop. We’ll cover everything from cover design to building a marketing plan and leveraging resources to promote your work effectively.
Workshop Application
Please fill out the form below before purchasing a workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have writing experience to participate in a workshop?
No previous writing or publishing experience is required for our workshops. Everyone can participate.
Who are these workshops for?
These workshops are designed for writers of all experience levels—from beginners seeking guidance to seasoned authors looking to sharpen their craft or explore new genres.
What can I expect from a typical session?
Each workshop includes interactive discussions, writing prompts, and personalized feedback from Wren Valentino. Sessions focus on craft, creativity, and actionable strategies you can apply to your own writing projects.
Do I need to prepare anything before the workshop?
Preparation depends on the session. Some workshops require a short writing sample or pre-assigned reading, which will be shared in advance. Others are come-as-you-are and ready to write.
What’s the difference between the 1-day, 3-week, and 5-week workshops?
- 1-Day Sessions are standalone and topic-specific, ideal for quick inspiration or focused learning.
- 3-Week Workshops provide more in-depth exploration with time between sessions to write and revise.
- 5-Week Workshops offer the most immersive experience, with extended feedback and the opportunity to work on larger projects over time.
Are workshops offered online or only in person?
Both! Most of our workshops are available virtually via Zoom. Occasionally we will host an in-person workshop (location details are provided upon registration). Choose the format that best suits your schedule and comfort level.
What kinds of writing do the workshops cover?
Workshops cover a wide range of genres and forms including fiction, memoir, playwriting, screenwriting, and poetry. Specific topics vary by session and are listed in the workshop calendar.
Will I get personalized feedback on my writing?
Yes. Personalized feedback is a cornerstone of Workshops with Wren. Whether in a group or one-on-one setting, Wren offers thoughtful, constructive notes tailored to your voice and goals.
How do I sign up and what’s the cost?
Details about upcoming sessions, pricing, and registration are available on the pages here. Early registration is recommended as spaces are limited.
If I'm not able to attend a workshop may I request a refund?
We do not offer refunds for our workshops as there are limited spaces available in each. However, we can apply your fee to another workshop of your choice within one year from the original purchase date.
Is it possible to buy more than one workshop?
Yes! We do offer some bundled workshops on our pricing page.
Can I book a private workshop or request a customized session for a group?
Absolutely. Custom workshops for writing groups, classrooms, or special events can be arranged. Contact us directly to discuss options and availability.