From the Executive Director

Zoom: Quick Q&A1. What is Zoom?Zoom is a remote conferencing service that combines video onferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration.

2. Is Zoom free to use?Yes. Paid plans are available, but a free version will work forparticipating in a Carnegie Center class.

3. Do I have to download and install a programon my computer?Not necessarily. Zoom is available to use right from your web browser or from a downloaded program. We suggest downloading and installing the program for best results, if possible.

4. Can I use Zoom on my mobile phone?Yes, if you have a smartphone, you can download the Zoom app and use your smartphone’s camera and microphone to join theconversation.

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5. What do I do on the day of my class?You will receive a link to a Zoom video meeting via email.Click that link at the time of your class to join the meeting room.

6. Will the link be to a video call?Yes.

7. Will I be on video?Only if you want to be.

8. What are the steps to getting on this live call?A screen will appear with an image of a mic and of a camera.They will have red lines through them.You will want to click on the mic if you want to be heard.You then click on the camera if you want to be seen.

9. Is it possible to be on the call without the mic or the camera?Yes. You will still be able to hear and see the instructor.

Welcome to Carnegie From Your Couch! The Carnegie staff has long been known for the hospitality they offer in our spectacular historic build-ing. You’re about to get that same care online.

Please join us as we launch Carnegie’s Spring Season on Zoom. If you have a cell phone or computer, you can download Zoom from wherever you get your apps. Sign up for the free version; it will allow you to participate in our classes.

Don’t worry if you haven’t tried online classes before. They’re different than you imagined (at least that was the case for me). In most of our classes, interaction between instructors and students, and among students, is easy and manageable. It’s not physical interaction, but it is personal and communal.

So we invite you online for now—and then back to the Carnegie space when it’s time.

LAST UPDATED: 4/6/2020

For more information on #CarnegieFromYourCouch, visit:For more information on #CarnegieFromYourCouch, visit:CarnegieCenterLex.org/carnegie-from-your-couch

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Write a Novel in 6 Months with Marcia Thornton JonesONLINE: Fourth Saturday of each month, April through September (May session will meet on May 30), 10:30am–1:30pm, $132This once-a-month workshop provides writers options for structuring their novels, developing pivotal plot scenes, writing prompts designed to help writers make forward progress, and group mentoring/brainstorming to help break through obstacles. [INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED]

More Than a Hook: Writing Strong Opening Paragraphs in Short Fiction with Jason SizemoreONLINE: Thursdays, May 7–21, 5:30–7pm, $39When it comes to selling your work, no single facet of a story is more important than your introduction. Editors at all levels rely on those first few paragraphs to judge your work. We will discuss how to build great openings, read and cover exemplary published texts, and dissect and improve the introductions of your work—completed, in progress, or wholly new. [INTERMEDIATE]

FICTION

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writing Group with Jason SizemoreONLINE: Mondays, April 6–May 18, 5:30–7pm, $91 Join an imaginative, diverse group of genre writers looking to improve and expand their abilities in these forms of fiction. This is a chance to learn sci-fi and fantasy writing tips, get feedback from others, and gain confidence as you write in these genres. Please bring a story or excerpt to read to the group on the first day. [ALL LEVELS]

Fiction Writing Group with Sarah CombsONLINE: Wednesdays, April 8–May 20, 11am–1pm, $105This is an opportunity for fiction writers of all genres and levels of experience. Through hands-on writing exercises and discussion of contemporary fiction, we will examine such nuts-and-bolts elements as voice, point of view, mood, and plot. [ALL LEVELS]

Writing Kids’ Books with Marcia Thornton JonesONLINE: Mondays, April 6–May 18, noon–1:30pm, $91Find focus, gain confidence, and learn about writing fiction for kids through discussion, peer-sharing, and writing exercises. Come with a work-in-progress–or at least an idea for one. [ALL LEVELS]

NONFICTION

Memoir: Writing from the Heart with Erin ChandlerONLINE: Saturday, April 25, 11am–1:30pm $35 Ernest Hemingway once said, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.” If you begin with radical honesty, for a memoir or essay, you will be working from a place of integrity, of genuine sincerity. We will stretch our imaginations as well as our courage to tell the truth in the most creative way possible. [ALL LEVELS]

Nonfiction Book Proposals with Andrew ShafferONLINE: Saturday, May 16, 10:30am–12:30pm, $30 Got an idea for a nonfiction book or memoir? Before you invest months or years writing it, hold up! Nonfiction publishing isn’t like the fiction market—you don’t need to have a completed manuscript before querying agents. New York Times bestseller Andrew Shaffer—author of two nonfiction titles for Harper-Collins—will help you turn your idea into a slickly-formatted book proposal. [ALL LEVELS]

Nonfiction Writing Group (Addl. Session) with Neil ChethikONLINE: Thursdays, April 9–May 28, noon–1:30pm, $104 Join a lively, diverse group of people exploring nonfiction writing, including personal essays, columns, magazine pieces, and autobiography. This is a chance to limber up as a writer, get feedback from others, and gain confidence in an affirming atmosphere. [ALL LEVELS]

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Querying Agents: Novels with Jennifer Hester MattoxONLINE: Thursday, April 23, 6:30–8:30pm, $30Learn the process for seeking a literary agent, from beginning to end: where to find agents, the formula for writing a query letter, what may be required in your submission package, how to keep track of query submissions, and the proper etiquette for interacting with agents. Though your novel must be complete before you submit to literary agents, you do not need to be finished in order to register for this seminar. [INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED]

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Ecstatic Poetry with Brandon ThompsonONLINE: Saturday, May 2, 10:30am–1:45pm, $40 As once practiced by the familiar poets Rumi and Hafiz, ecstatic poetry is, at its heart, a journey into the Divine within. It is a way of contacting our essence. By utilizing practices such as meditation and yoga, time in nature, inviting synchronicity, and more, this retreat will offer participants an opportunity to experience poetry writing as a visionary art. Participants will survey the core tenants of ecstatic poetry by both classic and contemporary writers, and will then deepen their experience by creating a number of their own writing pieces in the ecstatic style. Concepts will be introduced such as ecstatic theory and poetry practice, writing techniques, and creative expression as we join together in sacred circle. [ALL LEVELS]

GENRE/OTHER

Free Writing Practice with Leslie DoddONLINE: Fridays, April 10–May 22, noon–1:30pm, FREE This practice offers writers the opportunity to engage in a creative and communicative loop without judgment. We write from a variety of prompts designed to get writers to loosen their inner censor and simply get words on the page. After each timed session, writers read aloud their new work to the other participating members who respond by recalling words or images that resonated. This zen-like practice originated in Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones. [ALL LEVELS]

Q-munity: An LGBTQ* Reading & Writing Group with Jay McCoy ONLINE: Tuesdays, April 14–May 19, 5:30–7pm, FREEWriting may be a solitary endeavor, but writers grow in their craft when they find someone to provide feedback and support. Contoured to the LGBTQ* community, this group will allow you to explore your authentic voice and expression while discovering the rich history and current landscape of LGBTQ* writing. Welcoming of all genres, writing levels, and identities, it will be a generative workshop with in-class free writing and directed exercises. You will have the opportunity to share your writing (or not) in a group reading at the end of the class. New and returning students are welcome. [ALL LEVELS]

Spiritual Writing with Karen LeetONLINE: Thursdays, April 9–23, 5:30–7pm, $39When “the world is too much with us” (William Wordsworth), let’s offer hope, encouragement and inspiration with our writing. We’ll explore varied forms of spiritual/inspirational writing, such as devotions, self-help, personal experience and more. Let’s make the world a kinder place through our words. [ALL LEVELS]

Your First Chapter with Darlene RickerONLINE: Thursdays, April 9–30, 5:30–7pm, $52An agent or editor who finds your query interesting will normally request at least one sample chapter before deciding whether to offer you a contract. The first chapter can make or break a deal. In this course you will revise your first chapter multiple times, with the goal of producing a chapter ready for submission to a literary agent or publisher. This class is open to fiction and nonfiction writers. NOTE: Your chapter does not have to be complete in order to participate in this class. [ALL LEVELS]

Brown Bag Book Discussion with Jan IsenhourONLINE: Thursdays, April 9–May 21, noon–1pm, FREEAn informal discussion group focusing on literature by and about women. Be prepared to buy or check out from the library the works selected. Contact the Carnegie Center for the updated book list.

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Level 1 with Erica HouseONLINE: Wednesdays, April 8–May 20, 5:30–7pm, $91This very introductory-level class is designed for the ultra beginner. We will introduce salutations, pronouns, vocabulary, some prepositions, and some verb conjugations. We will work on pronunciation, personal interests, and likes and dislikes. By the end of the season, you will be able to present and describe yourself to the class! Required text: Easy French Step-by-Step by Myrna Bell Rochester, PhD. Please purchase text on your own.

Level 2 with Erica HouseONLINE: Mondays, April 6–May 18, 5:30–7pm, $91We will continue to add vocabulary, verbs, and verb tenses (the past tense) to our repertoire. We will learn expressions, how to ask questions, and apply both through role-play. Required texts: Easy French Step-by-Step by Myrna Bell Rochester, PhD and Voyage En France by Sylvie Lainé. Please purchase texts on your own.

Level 3 with Erica HouseONLINE: Mondays, April 6–May 18, 10:30am–noon, $91We will review and build from previous levels and apply through creative mediums. We will gain more access to vocabulary, verbs, and grammar. A basic knowledge of the passé composé and imparfait required. Required text: Grammaire Progressive du Français (Intermédiare) by Maïa Grégoire and Odile Thiévenaz. 4th Edition. Optional text: Grammaire Progressive du Français-Corrigés by Maïa Grégoire. Please purchase texts on your own.

Level 4 with Erica HouseONLINE: Tuesdays, April 7–May 19, 5:30–7pm, $91We now have gained enough tools from the previous levels to delve more easily into reading small texts and discussing through conversation. We will revisit certain grammar sections. Required text: Grammaire Progressive du Français (Intermédiare), 4th Edition by Maïa Grégoire and Odile Thiévenaz. . Optional text: Grammaire Progressive du Français-Corrigés by Maïa Grégoire. Please purchase texts on your own.

Level 5 with Erica HouseONLINE: Mondays, April 6–May 18, noon–1:30pm, $91An adequate understanding of the written and spoken French word required. We will brush up on grammar, and delve into a novel designed to spur conversation and to enhance our vocabulary and grammar. This course is challenging and accessible. Required texts: La Soupe de Poissons Rouges by Jp Arrou-Vignod (winter only) and Grammaire Progressive du Français (Perfectionnement), 4th edition by Maïa Grégoire and Alina Kostucki. Optional text: Grammaire Progressive du Français-Perfectionnement-Corrigés by Maïa Grégoire. Please purchase texts on your own.

FRENCH If you have questions about which level is right for you, email Erica House at yoginifrancaise@gmail.com.

ITALIAN

Just Enough Italian: Level 2 with Andrea BranchiniONLINE: Tuesdays, April 14–May 19, 5:30–7pm, $78 ($130 for both levels)Get started on the way to communicating in Italian and appreciating Italian culture. In this course in conversational Italian, you’ll learn fundamentals of the language through exercises, poems, songs, and practice.

SPANISH

Level 2 with Kiersty Lemon-RogersONLINE: Tuesdays, April 7–May 19, 5:30–7pm, $91We will continue to add vocabulary, verbs, and verb tenses. Students will apply skills learned in Spanish Level 1 and will engage in more active conversation, expressions, and general scenarios related to work, travel, business, health and others. Required text: Barron’s Spanish Now! Level 1, 8th ed. Please purchase on your own.

KIDS’ & TEEN

CLASSES

ACT Science, English, & Reading Review with Rajiv KhannaONLINE: Mondays, April 6–May 4, 5:30–7pm, $65 GRADES 10–12: This class is a focused review of specific skills needed to ace the science, English, and reading tests on the ACT. Registration fee includes a review book. Space is limited! Rajiv Khanna has extensive experience teaching math and science classes at the college and high school levels.

Creative Writing for Middle Schoolers with Randi EwingONLINE: Tuesdays, April 7–May 12, 4:30–5:30pm, FREEGRADES 6–8: Do you have a young creative writer at home? If so, this class is for them. Students will write their own stories while learning good writing practices and the basics of storytelling. Randi Ewing’s short fiction has appeared in American Short Fiction, Little Star, and Joyland. She has taught creative writing at Eastern Kentucky University and Washington University in St. Louis.

KIDS & TEENS