Beginners, published authors, avid writers — you've found a wonderful way to
- Devote time to writing
- Find or reclaim your unique voice
- Experiment in a non-competitive setting
- Develop new or ongoing projects
- Receive constructive feedback
- Write fiction, poetry, non-fiction, memoir, essays, plays, screenplays
I look forward to writing with you,
Rachel Kobin
Sit in on a workshop for FREE (by appointment). You'll find a lot of information about the workshop on the tabs below but sitting in is the best way to find out if the workshop would truly be a good fit for you.
Tuesdays in Ambler — 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.Rachel@phillywriters.com or call 610-449-3773
If Tuesdays aren't good for you, or you're looking for a workshop downtown, contact me.
I was a member of The Greater Philadelphia Writers' Wordshop, led by Alison Hicks, for eight years. I trained under her tutelage and acted as a substitute leader in her absence. She continues to act as a guide and mentor as I lead my own workshops.
After graduating from Barnard College, I worked in film and television. One of the highlights of my experiences was participating in the editing of the screenplay of Jonathan Demme's film, Philadelphia, before it went into production.
After taking screenwriting courses, I collaboratively wrote a screenplay and made the proverbial trip to Hollywood and back. I'm currently finishing a novel, and editing many short pieces of both fiction and non-fiction to submit for publication.
Over the course of my career I've produced nationally-broadcast television commercials for Advanta National Bank; written advertising copy for technology clients; conducted qualitative market research and provided strategic marketing consulting, mainly for pharmaceutical clients; and, worked as a marketing communications professional in the Sales and Training department of Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc. Currently, I freelance as a web content and print copywriter. Advertising Writing Samples
One of the privileges of leading the workshop is having the opportunity to read new work. I enjoy working with writers as an editor to help them make their manuscripts as strong as possible. Learn more
Facilitating others' creativity has always been one of my greatest strengths and joys.
Rachel
The Amherst Writers & Artists Methodology is special in many ways
- Write during meetings
- Learn how to quiet your internal editor
- If you choose, read what you've written aloud
- Listeners express what left a strong impression
- No negative comments are made at this point
- Experiment without fear of ridicule
Critiques of manuscripts of up to 20 typed, 12-pt font, double-spaced pages, polished outside of workshop, occur on a scheduled basis.
Have more than 20 pages or can't make it to the workshop? Work with me privately.
- The leader facilitates a productive conversation and provides detailed, written input
- Workshop participants read manuscripts and provide oral and written comments
To ensure the quality of the workshop, each session is limited to 10 people.
Join Philadelphia Writers' Workshop for an afternoon devoted to exploring how memory impacts the "true" stories of our lives.
Memory is one of the most fascinating features of brain function. A certain scent or a few words uttered innocently by a stranger can trigger strong emotions. These feelings are stored and can then wield an influence on all of our future experiences.
Using the powerful Amherst Artists & Writers method, this workshop emphasizes drawing from the deep well of our memories as a source of our work. Whether you plan on using what you write in a memoir, essay, or fiction, exploring our memories leads to rich material.
In response to popular demand, the workshop is now one hour longer. I've also reduced the workshop size to a maximum of five people. This allows us to write for longer periods of time. It also gives us more time to discuss the stories behind what we're writing, and other issues related to writing such as how to handle writing about real people, incorporating dialogue, and more.
Where: The Resiliency Center Ambler, PA (enrollment is required).
When: Workshop I: Saturday, February 25, 2012, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Inclement weather date: Saturday, March 3, 2012.
Workshop II: A Saturday date to be announced. Please call me at 610-449-3773 to express your interest.
More workshops to be scheduled.
Cost: $100.00
How to enroll: Please call me, Rachel Kobin, at 610-449-3773 to register, or email me at Rachel@phillywriters.com. To hold your place, a deposit of $50.00 is requested by February 9 for the workshop on the 25th or by March 30th for the April 21st workshop.
What: Employing the powerful Amherst Writers & Artists approach, Rachel Kobin will guide you through exercises that free your mind to explore the fascinating ways in which memory shapes your life story.
- We'll begin by briefly going over the basic workshop guidelines.
- The guidelines ensure confidentiality and respect for each writer.
- Then, writing begins in response to optional exercises/prompts.
- Those who choose to read aloud.
- The group responds to the reader with what stood out to them.
- Given how new the work is, no criticism of any kind is offered.
- The workshop breaks for refreshments and a chance to mingle.
- Writing, response, and discussion continues until the end of the workshop.
To ensure the quality of the workshop, this workshop is limited to 5 people.
Where: The Resiliency Center Ambler, PA (enrollment is required).
Spring Workshop (10 weeks): Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: March 20, March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22.
Exploring Memory Workshop (1 afternoon): A Saturday to be announced. Please call me at 610-449-3773 to express your interest. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Summer I Workshop (5 weeks): Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: May 29; June 5, 12, 19, 26.
Summer II Workshop (5 weeks): Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: July 10, 17, 24, 31; and, August 7.
Fall I Workshop (7 weeks): Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: September 4, 11, 18; October 2, 9, 16, 23.
Fall II Workshop (7 weeks): Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; October 28; November 6, 13, 20, 27; December 4, 11.
To enroll, call Rachel Kobin at 610-449-3773, or email Rachel@phillywriters.com
- If you email, kindly include the following information: Your full name; your phone number, if you would prefer I call you; and, let me know what you're looking for in a writing workshop.
- It's always worth calling me to find out if there is still room in a workshop.
- I'm happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
For new participants: To secure your seat in an upcoming session, a deposit of 50% of the workshop fee and your full contact information, including your mailing address (for the workshop contact list) is required two weeks in advance of the start date. I ask that the remainder of the first half of the workshop's cost be paid on the evening of the first workshop (all members pay the first half at this point.) The second half is due at the half-way point of the workshop, which will be announced.
- Ten-week session: $400.00
- Seven-week session: $280
- Five-week session: $200.00
- Half-day and one-day workshops vary
Basics
- The workshop is open on a first-come-first serve basis.
- Current and previous members have first rights to openings.
- Enrollment is not complete until I inform you there is room in the workshop, I receive your deposit and your full contact information, including your mailing address.
- If you email, kindly include the following information: Your full name; your phone number, if you would prefer I call you; and, let me know what you're looking for in a writing workshop.
Insightful editing of short fiction, novels, memoirs, and essays
I provide the feedback you need in order to make your manuscript sing. I look for what's already strong, what must stay intact as you intended, in your own voice. I also point out what isn't working as well and techniques for improvement. As a writer I know how hard it can be to let someone else read the manuscript to which you've devoted so much time and energy. I don't sugar coat my input, but my goal is for you to feel inspired to keep going.
Call me to discuss your manuscript at 610-449-3773.
Recent⁄current projects:
- Assisting a first-time screenwriter as he begins outlining his incredible story.
- Editing 80 pages of a fascinating memoir about a young soldier's experience in Vietnam.
- Editing a complex and exciting novel, which the author plans to e-publish.
- Editing a non-fiction article that could grow into a book proposal.
Great writing to grow your business
Could a potential customer take a quick glance at your website or pamphlet and understand what you offer? Are they calling? Dynamic writing, informed by over fifteen years of experience in advertising and marketing, could make all the difference. Writing Samples
Branding isn't just for the big guns
Building brand recognition for your product or service requires careful strategy, effective writing, and well-executed graphic design. No matter how big or small your company is, I can help you clarify your brand to motivate potential customers to choose your product or service over your competitors'.I'd like to see small business owners receive all of the benefits of an advertising agency without bearing the cost burden. Ask me about how I partner with web developers and graphic designers to make it easy and affordable for you to develop your web site or marketing materials.
- Website content
- Content for social media
- Newsletters, blogs
- Marketing materials
- Direct mail
Some of my current projects: Writing new web content for Nature's Care Arborist, Customized Tree and Shrub Services, and In-Line Wellness Center, chiropractic services in Abington, PA.
My copy platform, Better Technology, Simpler Manufacturing, appeared on Parelec's website and print materials until recently, when it merged with another company.
Originally used in mailers, these descriptions of Psyma Inc.'s service areas are currently used on the company website.
Diane Bishop Interiors, an Ambler-based interior design firm, recently updated its web site. I wrote the About Us page, the Designer Profiles page, and the Eat, Live, Relax, Cook, Sleep sections of the Room by Room pages.
Data transport could be a dull topic. In this tri-fold I found the story in the information by emphasizing The Race Against Time. I managed hundreds of print and multi-media projects at Aetna, but I wrote Aetna Advantage Plans and re-wrote Symphony.
These client case histories were used in print, and up until recently, on the company website.
LSI Invitation Keynote Speaker Bio
This fold-out invitation was a great collaboration between graphic designer, Rachael Frank, and me. It folded out into six panels, two of which can be seen here.
At Advanta Advertising, we sent this crisis-management letter to TV viewers who took offense to what they perceived as a negative portrayal of teachers. It worked—everyone was satisfied.
This email was part of a multi-media, lead generation campaign at Markitects Inc., a full service marketing agency.
DVIRC Event Alert This straightforward alert served as one of several successful marketing approaches I employed to increase attendance at events and training courses when I was the Marketing Manager at the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center.
This ad appeared in the program for the Caples Awards ceremony program, which I wrote when I worked in the Consumer Marketing Division of Time, Inc. John Caples literally wrote the book Tested Advertising Methods, a well-worn copy of which is never far from my reach.
This print ad originally appeared in color, highlighting the pairing of the chameleon with my copy, Are You Blending in or Standing Out?
I would be glad to answer any questions you may have, or to discuss with you whether this workshop would suit your needs. Please call me at 610-449-3773 or 917-499-1854 (cell), or e-mail me at Rachel@phillywriters.com
Please include the following information:
- Your full name.
- Your phone number, if you would prefer I call you.
- What are you looking for in a writing workshop?
If you can't sign up for a workshop, follow PWW on Facebook for writing prompts, and news about local writers' and artists achievements and events. I'd be happy to list news you'd like to share.
I follow the Amherst Writers & Artists practices as taught by my mentor, Alison Hicks. Click here to learn more about Alison Hicks and her workshops on the Main Line and downtown. Alison's workshop is fabulous and she generously supports many local writers, myself included.
From Amherst Writers & Artists
The AWA method has been used successfully with experienced writers as well as beginners, writers whose creative juices are flowing as well as those experiencing a block. It has been equally effective in helping those whose voices have traditionally been silenced by poverty, discrimination, illness, age or other obstacles to achieving the powerful combination of language and confidence needed to overcome social barriers. While the AWA method is not therapy, it has great healing potential for writers from all backgrounds. Writers who have used the AWA method have published major works and taken top prizes and awards in the U.S. and Ireland, and over 500 have completed the AWA training program in workshop leadership.
Amherst Writers & Artists Workshops
Alison Hicks leads the Greater Philadelphia Writers' Wordshop Studio in Center City and Havertown, PA www.philawordshop.com Maria Casale leads the River Valley Writers, an evening workshop in Stockton, NJ For more information please
contact her at mcasale@att.net and write River Valley Writers in the subject Line.
Other Workshops
Janet Benton leads workshops in Mt. Airy, PA www.thewordstudio.us Musehouse is a new writers' center in Mt. Airy, PA that offers workshops and readings. www.musehousecenter.com The journal Philadelphia Stories offers workshops. www.philadelphiastories.org/workshops Nine Mile Writers offers a daytime workshop in Ardmore, PA. www.ninemilewriters.com
Books about writing
If you're in my workshop, you can borrow the books listed on Amazon from my library. Even if you're not, feel free to browse.
If you can buy only one book, I recommend Janet Burroway's Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft. It is used in many writing programs as a textbook, and therefore the most recent edition is very expensive. However, used copies of previous editions are just as valuable a resource.
Resources for submitting your writing for publication
These are good places to begin: newpages.com and duotrope.com