Write Now, Right Now.
No matter your prior experience or interest, no matter if you intend to submit a story, craft a story for your own creative satisfaction, or participate in a professional learning opportunity, we’ve crafted an experience to support you and your growth.
As we celebrate 2nd Story's 25th Anniversary Season, we're thrilled to announce the removal of all fees for our classes and workshops. We are proud to reflect our core value of inclusion and eliminate all financial barriers to participation. To enroll in an upcoming workshop, please review the schedule and descriptions below and complete the interest form at the bottom of this page.
““I’m grateful for the work you do in giving people the opportunity and the community to craft and tell a story well!””
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Single Day Intensive - WAITLIST ONLY!
February 17, 2024
10:00am - 4:00pm CST
2nd Story Studio (3001 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL) in Albany Park
2nd Story’s Single Day Intensive is our most popular workshop! Led by two 2nd Story Collective Members, you’ll work with a small group of story lovers and move from brainstorming and story ideation all the way through skill building and writing. Participants will leave the workshop with multiple story ideas, a couple of story starts, and a bunch of new friends.
*We will be taking a prolonged break halfway through the workshop. We invite you to bring a brown-bag lunch. 2nd Story Studio is equipped with a full kitchen, including a stove, microwave, and refrigerator.
PLEASE NOTE! This class is currently full, but you are welcome to request to be on the waitlist.
2nd Story Fundamentals: Kickstart Your Art
March 16, 2024
10:00am - 1:00pm CST
Virtual, Zoom
Like Julie Andrews, we’ll “start at the very beginning” (it’s a very good place to start!) This three hour workshop, led by 2nd Story’s finest, kicks off with 2nd Story-style brainstorming and story sharing, and moves through the beginning steps of getting your own real-life story on the page.
2nd Story Fundamentals: How to Write A Scene
May 11, 2024
10:00am - 1:00pm CST
2nd Story Studio (3001 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL) in Albany Park
Scenes are just one quality that distinguishes a 2nd Story story from other types of writing. This workshop in our 2nd Story Fundamentals series will support writers in identifying, incorporating, and expanding scenes within their personal narrative writing. Join us to explore questions like: What is a scene? How do I identify a scene? Flesh out a scene? How can I ensure that my scenes support my larger idea? Participants will engage in a series of exercises and will leave with a fresh draft of a scene.
2nd Story Fundamentals: Writing the Tough Stuff - WAITLIST ONLY!
June 8, 2024
10:00am - 1:00pm CST
2nd Story Studio (3001 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL) in Albany Park
Tough stuff is part of life. Painful things happen to us. Sometimes we are not the heroes of our own stories. And as writers and storytellers, we often steer away from those tender topics. Join 2nd Story as we work through how to approach those tough topics, including sorrow, anger, loss, grief, trauma, secrets, and shame. Participants will explore how to stay grounded, take emotional risks, and face our tough stuff with courage and tenderness.
PLEASE NOTE! This class is currently full, but you are welcome to request to be on the waitlist.
Sign up for a workshop:
ABOUT THE PROCESS:
collaborative
We don’t just sit at our computers and churn this stuff out, and we don’t expect anybody else to create stories that way either. Our creative process involves group collaboration, feedback, and exploration. Collaboration is integral to our process not just because it feels good (which it does!) but also because it works.
Inclusive
Our classes draw upon the various backgrounds and skill sets that are present in the room. It’s important to us that we meet each student where they are at, and we honor the expertise in the room. Each individual brings a different set of experiences to the room, and each viewpoint brings a different voice to the table.
personal
We specialize in creative non-fiction and personal narrative, crafting intimate stories that are close to our hearts. We realize that everyone in the room has a different reason for being there, and we do our best to create an atmosphere where people feel safe enough to dig deep, and achieve their own writing goals.
FROM OUR STUDENTS:
“The class absolutely met my expectations! I came in with a very unsure concept about how or even if I could write a story that could compare to the stories I’ve seen performed at 2nd Story. The class clearly delivered what was promised in a style that was focused yet relaxed, and allowed the students to grow exponentially. Class time was never wasted nor ever dull!”
““The interactive exercises forced us to reflect on our emotions and experiences, and how they can help enrich our writing.””
“I learned a lot about how to tell a story. Now I am motivated to try to incorporate those techniques into my stories as I go forward. I came expecting to learn new story styles, and although I found the class challenging, it was exactly what I needed.”