Georgetown Learns - Spring 2010 Course Catalog
In an effort to reach a wide audience with even wider interests, The Georgetown Library Foundation launched this
program with everyone in mind. No matter your age or stage you can learn something new.
This is a program that will be a continued offering, with courses each semester taught by local respected professionals. Whether you are a young executive hoping to pick up a hobby or a stay-at-home mom hoping to become a world renowned novelist, we have a class for you.
So, go ahead. Start a new chapter!
People's College: Hobbies & continuing education courses
Writer's College: Creative writing classes: Short Stories, Science Fiction, Romance & Mystery Writing
People's College Courses
Photography
Instructor: Vickie Martin
Tuition: $65
Dates: 7 to 9 p.m. Tue. March 16, 23, 30 and April 6, 13, and 20
For the beginner to intermediate aspiring photographer, this class will be a hands on learning experience. So, bring your cameras and get ready to snap.
Adult Basic Sign Language
Instructor: Wendy Bradley
Tuition: $75
Dates: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tues. January 5, 12, 19, 26 and February 2, 9, 16, 23; March 2 and 9
Discover a new language! Week by week, build on your knowledge and skill of sign language from numbers to sports and leisure gestures.
Students will need: A sign language textbook available for purchase for $18 on location the first day of classes.
Painting
Instructor: Christine Brisley
Tuition: $65
Dates: 7 to 9 p.m. Mon. March 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12, and 19
Whether you are an experienced painter or just aspire to be, you can learn and perfect all your basics with this class. The class will deal with different styles, paint mixing, and proper technique.
Discover your family's heritage. Learn how to unearth the past and reclaim your history.
Writer's College - Introductory Courses / Genre Writing Courses
Introductory Courses: Basic Writing Techniques I and II are pre-requisite for any genre writing course.
Creative Writing
Instructor: David Ciambrone
Tuition: $65
Dates: 7 to 9 p.m. Wed. Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 17, 24, March 3 and 10
Expand your powers of imagination, observation, and language. Spark your ideas and confidence with this course led by a local author and speaker.
Genre Writing Courses
Crafting Memoir from Memory
Instructors: David Ciambrone and Helen Nardecchia
Tuition: $35
Dates: 7 to 9 p.m. Thurs. Jan. 14, 21, and 28
This workshop introduces the necessary components for capturing memory and making them into fantastic stories. Students must come prepared to write in class. An overnight assignment is required for those who wish to continue in-class writing.
Creative Writing: Poetry
Instructors: Carol Menchu and Jeanelle Bolton
Tuition: $45
Dates: 7 to 9 p.m. Wed. April 7, 14, 21, and 28
This workshop explores various trends in contemporary poetry and introduces students to standard forms and meters of traditional poetry. The class includes in-class exercises, including classroom critiques.
Writing for Children (Preschool through Primary Grades)
Instructor: Linda Lipscomb
Tuition: $45
Dates: 10 a.m. to noon Sat. Jan. 23, 30, and Feb. 6
Learn how to approach writing books for school-age children and younger.
Okay, You Finished the Book - Now What?
Instructors: Sylvia Dickey Smith and Joan Hall
Tuition: $55
Dates: 7 to 9 p.m. Tues. April 27, May 4, 11, 18, and 25
Three classes in one; this course covers everything from writing a synopsis to marketing your book to the top three strategies for self editing.
Writing Historical Fiction
Instructor: Sylvia Dickey Smith
Tuition: $45
Dates: 7 to 9 p.m. Wed. April 7, 14, 21, and 28
Learn how to write a fictional story with all the elements and intrigue of historical figures, places, and events.
Meet the Instructors
Dr. David F. Ciambrone is a retired scientist and best-selling author living in Georgetown. Many know him as “Uncle Dave,” the byline for his
weekly column in The Williamson County Sun.
Joan Upton Hall is a former English teacher and freelance author, editor and speaker. Her books run the gammet from historical fiction to urban
fantasy and the paranormal.
Sylvia Dickey Smith is a retired psycho-therapist who has recently served as an adjunct professor. She is a best-selling author residing in Georgetown and is president of Sisters in Crime and The San Gabriel Writer’s League.
Jeanell Buida Bolton holds a Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of Texas and has been published in poetry, short story and journalism.
Carol MacDonald Menchu is an intuitive poet who has written The Musing Mistress, Ghostly Tales from America’s Jails and The MacDonald House.
Emily McKay sold her first romance novel, Baby, Be Mine, to Harlequin Temptations and became a finalist for the Romance Writer’s Association
Rita Award. She has since gone on to write five other titles for Harlequin.
Robyn DeHart is a two-time Romantic Time’s Reviewer’s Choice award nominee. Her latest release, Seduce Me, launched a new Legend
Hunters series.
Wendy Bradley worked at the Texas School for the Deaf for 7 years. Recently she started her
own business, Time to Sign with Miss Wendy, where she
teaches children sign language.
Linda Lipscomb is a published children's author and professional speaker who is on a mission to stimulate the creative imagination of children.
Vickie Martin has been photographing people and places for 15 years. Also a retired educator, she enjoys honing her craft and helping others do the same.
Christine Brisley is a renouned artist who has traveled extensively as she learned, painted, and exhibited her craft. She is also the author of two books.