Creative writing workshop offered by New York author to benefit RHCC by Lorraine Glowczak

Whether one is experiencing writer’s block, looking for ways to hone in on their prose in progress or recently considered putting pen to paper, a creative writing class might be the perfect option to get the imagination into overdrive.

The Raymond Hill Community Center located at 7 Raymond Hill Road invites the public to an

evening with author, Diana Altman, as she teaches and inspires the participants in a creative writing workshop, The Prompt! Workshop on Thursday, August 24 at 6:30 p.m. The cost of the course is on a donation basis and proceeds will go directly to the upkeep and administrative cost of the community center.

A hands-on and interactive experience, participants will get an opportunity to dive into their imagination and let their words fly onto paper (or laptop) with ease. Writing prompts will be provided to get the words flowing. An opportunity to share will be available for those who wish to do so. No matter one’s individual writing goal or experience, one will build and walk away with a new level of creative confidence. 

For those who may be intimidated, Altman tries to put minds at ease, “Any creative endeavor requires confidence and it’s my job to help students gain that confidence,” she said. “This workshop is designed to increase the participant’s awareness of their own voice and confidence that what they wish to express is worth saying.” 

Altman has a long history in both writing and fine art – specifically in film. A graduate of Connecticut College and Harvard University, Altman is an independent film historian whose father was Al Altman, a well-known MGM talent scout who discovered Joan Crawford, Ava Gardner, Jimmy Stewart and Bob Hope – to name only a few. She has taught privately and in the public school system and has successfully published two books with one in progress. Her work has also appeared in the New York Times as well as in the Yankee and ForbesWoman Magazines and much more.

Her first non-fiction novel, “Hollywood East: Louis B. Mayer and the Origins of the Studio System” tells the story of how the movies evolved. The book expels the popular misconception that the film industry was the innovative evolution of Hollywood, when in fact New York was where the real innovation began and where the stars of the early industry were discovered. 

Author Diana Altman

Her second book, “In Theda Bara’s Tent” is a work of fiction that delves into the life of a young boy who loses his parents in a factory fire. Yearning for love and prosperity, the boy takes solace at the movies. He befriends the theater’s owner who one day becomes a Hollywood legend. Altman will not be accepting any reimbursement for teaching the workshop and there is a special reason for that. “I live in both New York City and Raymond,” said Altman. “I’ve had a house in Raymond for about twenty years and spend the entire summer here as well as time in the winter and fall. I feel a strong connection to Raymond and that’s why I am contributing my time to the new community center.”

Although each individual participant will take away their own personal awareness, Altman has her own wish for those who attend. “I’m hoping a writing workshop will call attention to the community center and attract people who will continue to support the efforts of this wonderful new gathering place.” 

Registration is not required for this event. Bring pen, paper or laptop.

For more information about the Raymond Community Center or the workshop, please contact Christina Keilt at 655-7355 or christina.raul@yahoo.com