Happy National Homemade Cookies Day! Let’s Write About Cooking and Our Favorite Recipes!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Today, Thursday, October 1, is National Homemade Cookies Day! October 1 seems to be a baking trifecta because it’s also National Pumpkin Spice Day and Jiffy Cornbread Mix Day!

With cooler weather knocking on the door, a baker-writer like me can’t help being inspired to get out Grandma Wilma’s mixing bowl and stir up some old-school comfort food.

Wilma was famous for many things, including chocolate-chip cookies and homemade bread, but she also excelled at making pecan pie, mastering that crunchy yet gooey goodness with just the right combination of Karo syrup, sugar, pecans, butter, and of course, a homemade crust. It is in my beloved grandmother’s honor that I designed my upcoming writing class for Women on Writing that combines my twin passions for cooking and writing: Grandma’s Pecan Pie: Writing from the Kitchen – Live Zoom Class with Ashley Harris.

GRANDMA’S PECAN PIE: WRITING FROM THE KITCHEN with Ashley Harris

WEBINAR DATE: Thursday, October 22, 2026

WEBINAR TIME: 2pm – 4pm ET

DURATION: 2 Hours

LOCATION: Live webinar via Zoom

FEEDBACK: The last 15 minutes of the lecture will be open to Q&A. Students can also send questions ahead of time, to be addressed during the lecture.

SPECIAL OPTION: Receive a personal critique from the instructor of 3 double-spaced pages of your writing within two weeks of the class. This includes at least one submission recommendation will be provided.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In the fall, as temperatures cool and we prepare to hunker down for the winter, we often start craving our favorite comfort foods. Those made from recipes handed down through the generations, from Mom’s Lipton Soup pot roast to Aunt Susie’s stovetop mac n’ cheese. For writers such as Isak Dinesen, Laurie Colwin, Ted Kooser and Jane Kenyon, food means much more than physical sustenance, it represents love, family, and inspiration. Writing about cooking also offers a tour of the senses—sight, smell, touch, sound and taste. In this special workshop we’ll review work by the masters and learn how to bring our favorite dishes (and memories) to life in poetry and prose. We’ll also discuss publication and the many opportunities available for writing about food and cooking.

What Students Have Said About My Classes:

“Thank you for a superb class (Writing from the Garden), full of writings to enjoy, helpful prompts to get us going, and your teaching style that elicits our curiosity and our desire to write. I loved your ability to pack in so much content and context into 2 little hours. Your bright outlook, your sense of humour and your encouragement is so welcome, and I look forward to many more classes with you! I am so happy to have found you. I have been looking for you.”—Yvonne Grandbois

“Thank you so much for a wonderful workshop (Writing from the Garden). I appreciated how organized and encouraging you were. You chose some great examples for inspiration. It was so lovely to write poetry—I hadn’t in a long, long time—and see the possibilities for crafting pieces about “the garden” that can go in so many different directions. You’re a fantastic instructor!” —Amy Faeskorn

“Thanks! What a fun class (Writing from the Garden)! I was very sad when it was over. I must take Grandma’s Pecan Pie: Writing from the Kitchen. I have thought about this for years.  I have so many stories to tell, and I need to know who to tell them to. “–Toni Riley

“Thank you for the wonderful workshop (Writing is for the Birds). I am still on Cloud 9. You are the best teacher, best poet, best role model I know. I am eternally grateful for you and all that you do. Thank you for your teachings, your feedback and suggestions, your giving soul. You give me confidence in my voice. Thank you.” – Mary Alice Dixon, author of Snakeberry Mamas: Words from the Wild

Ashley, you and all the attendees are inspiring. Your class (Writing is for the Birds) was such a pleasure! I was very impressed with your approach to commenting on the work attendees shared. You not only encouraged them but also highlighted specific details of what they did well. Thank you! I love your idea of letting birds help set a scene in place, time, season, and mood. And I’m hoping to add more birds to present and future writing projects. I’m also looking forward to your class on writing about fur-babies! With much appreciation, Rosemary Poole-Carter

The class (Situational Humor II) was captivating, chock-full of resources and encouraging.  It flowed well and it was very well-organized.  I appreciated your recommendations to spice up the writing and reference The Emotion Thesaurus.   (Could there be a potential class based on those?) And the list of where-to-submit suggestions and what to read were excellent. I’m so glad I purchased the class!  And look forward to Part III next year! – M.J. Vieweg

Great presentation! Lots of food for thought and future writing. Writing is for the Birds was just the right amount of each element…the examples, the writing to prompts, the resources, etc. Thank you for doing this! – Betty McCreary

Ashley, Writing is for the Birds was an absolute JOY AND DELIGHT! The presentation, the participants, the prompts, the poems, the pacing…I loved every minute! – Michelle Seitzer      

Grandma’s Pecan Pie: Writing From the Kitchen: Class at a Glance

In two short hours, I’ll share a menu of cooking and food-based writing from authors that’ll get your tummy rumbling and inspire you immediately. I’ll cover the many ways that writing about the kitchen and comfort food can captivate readers through themes of love, nostalgia, family and more, plus tips on bringing the sense of taste alive. Along the way, we’ll participate in three writing prompts to generate your own prose and poetry, along with a selection of markets where you can publish your work. For an extra fee, I’ll critique your work and provide a targeted submission recommendation within two weeks of the class.

Topics include:

  • The value of writing about food and cooking – how it can elevate our work
  • Excerpts from food-based writing through the ages to inspire you
  • Discussion of the connection between food and themes such as love, nostalgia, family, faith, and healing
  • Tips for writing about food and the kitchen, from opening Grandma’s recipe box, to remembering her time-worn techniques, and exploring the many dimensions of taste (one of the most challenging senses to describe but the most rewarding)
  • Three prompts to generate poetry and prose on your own
  • Overview of markets to publish your work
  • Recommended books featuring food writing to continue to inspire you
  • Q & A

Materials Needed: A pen or pencil, a writing pad, and your imagination

Ashley Memory

ABOUT ME: Ashley Harris is a teacher and dedicated home cook who spends as much time in the kitchen as she does writing. She’s written about her beloved Grandma Wilma’s cooking for a number of publications, such as Bezzy M.S. (How Baking Taught Me to Slow Down and Rise Up), Wired (How to Preserve and Share Grandma’s Recipes), and Pinestraw (Modern Conveniences and the Wisdom of the Ages). Since 2021, she’s served as a critique editor and judge for WOW’s quarterly fiction and nonfiction contests, and her favorite hobby, by far, is helping other writers achieve their publication dreams.

Grandma’s Pecan Pie: Writing From the Kitchen with Ashley Harris (Thursday, October 22, 2026, 2pm – 4pm ET) Limit: 20 students. Early registration is recommended.

COST: $45, which includes one two-hour webinar with a 15-minute Q&A with your instructor.

OPTIONAL CRITIQUE ADD-ON: A personal critique from the instructor of 3 double-spaced pages of your essay for $55 ($100 total) and one submission recommendation.

To register, click here and scroll to the bottom of the class listing.

I hope you’ll join us and share your own memories from the kitchen! We’ll trade both writing and baking tips, I’m sure!

Until next time, take care, and I hope your writing is rolling as smoothly as your grandmother’s pie crust!

Ashley

Take Care of Yourself in September With Laughter!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

It’s here! The month of September, the official month of “Self-Care Awareness”! And writers, what better way to take care of ourselves than by laughing?

That’s why I hope you’ll join us on Friday, September 18, from 2 – 4pm ET at Women on Writing for Adventures in Vacuuming: Situational Humor II, a special workshop designed to help you turn your everyday experiences into funny essays that you can publish and share with the world.

ADVENTURES IN VACUUMING: SITUATIONAL HUMOR WRITING II with Ashley Harris

WEBINAR DATE: Friday, September 18, 2026

WEBINAR TIME: 2pm – 4pm ET

DURATION: 2 Hours

LOCATION: Live webinar via Zoom

FEEDBACK: The last 15 minutes of the lecture will be open to Q&A. Students can also send questions ahead of time, to be addressed during the lecture.

SPECIAL OPTION: Receive a personal critique of 3 double-spaced pages of your writing within two weeks of the class. This includes an analysis of voice, tone, title, format and at least one submission recommendation will be provided.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: When a hairspray cap clogs up your favorite vacuum, you can either call a repairman or decide to drill it out yourself. In the latter case, if you survive the endeavor, you’ll have enough raw material that your next humor essay may just write itself! In this updated situational humor workshop, we’ll read excerpts from funny ladies such as Erma Bombeck, Anna Lind Thomas, Shirley Jackson and more based on the wacky things that happen to us all. Maybe you tried to teach your mother how to use the Walmart self-checkout but ended up bouncing oranges in all directions and only embarrassed her. Maybe you nearly stabbed yourself to death while opening a bottle of vitamins “sealed for your protection.” Or maybe you took it upon yourself to rescue and return your neighbor’s dog only to have your car smell like skunk for six months. Confessions and readings will be followed by specialized writing prompts to generate the beginning of three of your own essays. We’ll also cover elements, form, and structure of humor writing, along with potential markets. The only prerequisite is a healthy funny bone!

This live Zoom webinar starts and ends on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM PT | 12-2 PM MT | 1-3 PM CT | 2-4 PM ET

The webinar can be viewed on a tablet, phone, or computer (both Mac and PC).

As always, we’ll record the class and have it available for anyone who would prefer to view the class at a different time and date.

Format
This course is offered via Zoom webinar. Webinars are workshops given online, where you can view the materials I share on my screen, making it an interactive experience. Webinars make learning from your home or office convenient.

What My Students Have Said:

“The Situational Humor Writing Class (Let Me Tell You About My Mammogram) with Ashley Harris was fun and inspiring. You are well-prepared, an excellent instructor with comprehensive visuals and an openness to questions from your students. Your friendly manner and tone make learning easier. Your insight about self-deprecation and situational humor was very poignant. I look forward to another class with Ms. Harris.” – Mary K. Lindberg

“I really enjoyed the Humor Writing Class (Let Me Tell You About My Mammogram). You gave us very valuable information, and I already put several of the books that you recommended on hold at my local library. I also appreciate your critique of my essay, which was very helpful.” – Kristi Scorcio

“Thank you for the wonderful workshop (Writing is for the Birds). I am still on Cloud 9. You are the best teacher, best poet, best role model I know. I am eternally grateful for you and all that you do. Thank you for your teachings, your feedback and suggestions, your giving soul. You give me confidence in my voice. Thank you.” – Mary Alice Dixon, author of Snakeberry Mamas: Words from the Wild (Writing is for the Birds)

“Thank you for another fun and information-packed class (The Pet Project)! You are the gift that keeps on giving, and I am so, so grateful you’re in my life. I really loved the enthusiasm and interaction among my classmates. I learned a lot from them, too.” – Laurie Miller

“Ashley, you and all the attendees are inspiring. Your class (Writing is for the Birds) yesterday was such a pleasure! I was very impressed with your approach to commenting on the work attendees shared. You not only encouraged them but also highlighted specific details of what they did well. Thank you! I love your idea of letting birds help set a scene in place, time, season, and mood. And I’m hoping to add more birds to present and future writing projects. I’m also looking forward to your class on writing about fur-babies!” With much appreciation, Rosemary Poole-Carter

“Thank you for a superb class (Writing from the Garden), full of writings to enjoy, helpful prompts to get us going, and your teaching style that elicits our curiosity and our desire to write. I loved your ability to pack in so much content and context into 2 little hours. Your bright outlook, your sense of humour and your encouragement is so welcome and I look forward to many more classes with you! I am so happy to have found you. I have been looking for you.”—Yvonne Grandbois

“Thanks so much, Ashley!! This was super helpful and enjoyable, and I can’t wait to get started using your ideas and tips. I’ve read a number of books on writing technique and have taken quite a few writing courses. I am also a professional content editor. I love “nuts and bolts” material, and your workshop did not disappoint!” —Marlene Martzke

“Very well spent 2 hours. This is only my second workshop/class with WOW (The Pet Project)…I am impressed with the value and quality. Ashley is comfortable and confident, it engages her students.” — Ursula McCabe

CLASS AT A GLANCE:

Live Webinar: Adventures in Vacuuming: Situational Humor Writing II

Duration: 120 minutes

In two rib-splitting hours, I will share updated examples from humorous essays that will inspire you immediately. I’ll cover elements and forms of humor writing, along with writing prompts to generate your own pieces. I’ll also offer tips on beginnings and endings with an aim toward publication, along with an overview of current markets publishing humorous essays, including the X-FACTOR, the secret ingredient of the best published humor. For an extra fee, I’ll even critique your work and provide a targeted submission recommendation within two weeks of the class.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • Overview of situational humor: expectations versus reality; don’t try this at home; wrong place, wrong time; no good deed goes unpunished and more
  • Elements of humor: metaphor, self-deprecation, irony, surprise and incongruity
  • Forms of humor: traditional, how-to-articles or manuals, faux forms, lists, graphics
  • Excerpts from published humor to inspire you
  • Three prompts to generate humorous essays from your own life
  • An analysis of structure, including beginnings and endings that resonate
  • X-FACTOR: Secret ingredient of the best humor writing
  • Overview of outlets publishing humor submissions (hint: the market is wider than most people think!)
  • Recommended books to tickle your writing funny bone long after class
  • Q & A

Materials Needed: A pen or pencil, a writing pad, and your imagination

Adventures in Vacuuming: Situational Humor Writing II with Ashley Harris (Friday, September 18, 2026, 2pm – 4pm ET) Limit: 20 students. Early registration is recommended.

COST: $45, which includes one two-hour webinar with a 15-minute Q&A with your instructor.

OPTIONAL CRITIQUE ADD-ON: A personal critique from the instructor of 3 double-spaced pages of your essay for $55 ($100 total) and one submission recommendation. Select from the drop-down menu.

To register, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Until then, writers, take care of yourself this month with a little laughter. You will live longer! In the words of Mary Pettibone Poole: “He who laughs, lasts.”

Ashley

Happy Honeybee Day! Let’s Write about Nature!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Writers!

The third Saturday in August is designated as World Honeybee Day, which gives us the opportunity to recognize our favorite partners in gardening. Honeybees are critical to our ecosystem, and for gardeners, they help us by not only pollinating our favorite flowers, they also pollinate one-third of the world’s food supply, such as apples, blueberries, and almonds, to name just a few. And sweetest of all, they give us honey!

If you’d like to explore ways to write about our tiny winged partners and nature in general, you might be interested in joining us at Women on Writing for Let’s Get Dirty! Writing From the Garden – Live Zoom Class with Ashley Harris on Friday, August 21, from 2 – 4 p.m.

WEBINAR DATE: Friday, August 21, 2026

WEBINAR TIME: 2pm – 4pm ET

DURATION: 2 Hours

LOCATION: Live webinar via Zoom

FEEDBACK: The last 15 minutes of the lecture will be open to Q&A. Students can also send questions ahead of time, to be addressed during the lecture.

SPECIAL OPTION: Receive a personal critique from me of 3 double-spaced pages of your work within two weeks of the class for an extra fee. This includes at least one submission recommendation.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Merriam Webster defines the word “garden” as simply “a plot of ground used to grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, or flowers.” But to writers such as Emily Dickinson, William Wordsworth, Mary Oliver, and Jane Kenyon, just to name a few, gardens offered so much more—inspiration, reflection, and serenity. Whether you’re someone who enjoys just visiting gardens or you’re someone who insists on plunging your own fingers into the dirt, this workshop is for you. In our time together, we’ll “dig” into the many ways that gardens and nature can elevate both poetry and prose through the senses and special themes.

This live Zoom webinar starts and ends on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM PT | 12-2 PM MT | 1-3 PM CT | 2-4 PM ET

The webinar can be viewed on a tablet, phone, or computer (both Mac and PC).

As always, I’ll record the class and have it available for anyone who would prefer to view the class at a on their own schedule.

CLASS AT A GLANCE:

Live Webinar: Let’s Get Dirty! Writing from the Garden

Duration: 120 minutes

For two hours, I’m taking my gloves off! I’ll share excerpts from work featuring gardens that will inspire you immediately. I’ll cover the many ways that gardens can elevate our writing, from senses to symbolism, along with writing prompts to generate your own pieces, and I’ll also offer tips on how to incorporate your gardening experiences, whether they’re magical (like those volunteer cherry tomatoes) or miserable (try growing lilacs in the humid south!) into poetry and prose. For an extra fee, I’ll critique your work and you’ll receive a targeted submission recommendation within two weeks of the class.

Topics include:

  • Excerpts from published garden pieces through the ages to inspire you
  • Discussion of themes drawn from gardens in history and folklore
  • How visiting or working in gardens can inspire a theme for all types of writing
  • Three prompts to generate poetry and prose on your own
  • A discussion of ways to let nature help conclude your work
  • Overview of outlets to publish your work
  • Recommended books featuring garden writing to continue to inspire you
  • Q & A

Materials Needed: A pen or pencil, a writing pad, and your imagination

Read what some of my students have said about recent workshops:

Thank you for the wonderful workshop (Writing is for the Birds). I am still on Cloud 9. You are the best teacher, best poet, best role model I know. I am eternally grateful for you and all that you do. Thank you for your teachings, your feedback and suggestions, your giving soul. You give me confidence in my voice. Thank you. – Mary Alice Dixon, author of Snakeberry Mamas: Words from the Wild (Writing is for the Birds)

Writing is for the Birds was fabulous! I loved hearing everyone’s work. So inspiring! I am also interested in any future classes – Lisa Sukenic

Ashley, you and all the attendees are inspiring. Your class (Writing is for the Birds) yesterday was such a pleasure! I was very impressed with your approach to commenting on the work attendees shared. You not only encouraged them but also highlighted specific details of what they did well. Thank you! I love your idea of letting birds help set a scene in place, time, season, and mood. And I’m hoping to add more birds to present and future writing projects. I’m also looking forward to your class on writing about fur-babies! With much appreciation, Rosemary Poole-Carter

I really enjoyed the presentation (Writing is for the Birds)! Your enthusiasm for birds is contagious and makes me want to try my hand at including birds in my own writing. Also loved the idea of your Pet Project course coming up and will keep an eye out for that. Thanks again and best wishes to you! –Julie Flanders

Great presentation! Lots of food for thought and future writing. Writing is for the Birds was just the right amount of each element…the examples, the writing to prompts, the resources, etc. Thank you for doing this! – Betty McCreary

Ashley, Writing is for the Birds was an absolute JOY AND DELIGHT! The presentation, the participants, the prompts, the poems, the pacing…I loved every minute! – Michelle Seitzer 

TO REGISTER:

I hope you’ll join us on Friday! To register, go to Let’s Get Dirty! Writing From the Garden – Live Zoom Class with Ashley Harris and scroll down to the end of the page.

Until then, I hope you’re enjoying the summer and all the gifts this season has to offer, especially our dear honeybees! They’re a great source of inspiration for any writer. In the words of zoologist Karl Von Frisch: “The bee’s life is like a magic well: the more you draw from it, the more it fills with water.” 

Ashley

Join us for the Pet Project on Friday, June 19 from 2 – 4pm

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Writer Friends and Pet Lovers! This month, I had the honor of writing the lead article in the June newsletter for Women on Writing, Never Alone, Your Pet as Muse. Just for you, I’ll share an excerpt with some of my favorite writing prompts featuring our “other babies.”

Write a story for children. Like so many other Gen X’ers, I grew up on the illustrated tales of Richard Scarry and Dr. Seuss. Featuring animals in a story is an easy way to captivate children and to gently teach them important life lessons. This is especially appealing for writers who also like to draw or are willing to learn. Or, in the example of Stan and Jan Berenstain, creators of the kid’s lit franchise, Berenstain Bears, you can also find a collaborator! 

Give your fictional character a pet. The addition of a pet can add texture to the life of your protagonist, and in the case of Jasper, the dog of Mrs. De Winter in the novel Rebecca, they can also help advance the plot. Jasper led our heroine on a number of adventures that ultimately helped unravel the novel’s deepest secret.

Where is Fido? Take a pivotal point in your life and put your pet in it. The harrowing and poignant modern essay, The Fourth State of Matter, by Jo Ann Beard, gets its momentum from the author’s masterful weave of her collie’s illness and a workplace shooting. Where was your pet during your own struggles? Make a short diary of their behavior and your dilemma and watch them magically converge into an essay of your own. 

Give your pet the pen. Write a scene from your own life from the point of view of your pet. But there’s a catch. You must be perfectly serious. Comedy will naturally arise, but it will be even funnier if you let your dog describe you baking a cake or weeding the garden without irony or intentional humor.

Your pet at work. My dogs and cat spend most of the day snoozing, to be honest. But when Little Puss is stalking a lizard or when my husky Max is alerting me to the arrival of the postal carrier, they are all business. In the spirit of White’s beloved Fred, describe the unwavering dedication of your favorite hunter or guardian in work mode.

If these prompts intrigue you and you’d like to have even more, I hope you’ll join us for The Pet Project, a two-hour workshop on Friday, June 19, from 2 – 4 pm ET. At this special event, we’ll read pet-driven poetry and prose written by masters such as E.B. White, T. S. Eliot, Rachel Wetzsteone, Mary Oliver and more, and discuss techniques from them that can enhance portrayals of our own pets. We’ll use THREE unique prompts guaranteed to generate instant work you may polish later and submit for publication. As with all my classes, I’ll also include a roundup of magazines and websites eager to publish your writing. And for an additional fee, I’ll critique up to 3 pages of your work and offer targeted submission opportunities.

During our time together, we may laugh, and yes, we may cry a tear or two, but it will be time well spent. Hope to see you (and your pets) there!

For more information and to sign up, please click here.

Wishing you and your other babies a happy spring!

Ashley, Max, Tulsi, Hermia and Lysander

Jump Aboard the Poetry Express II on Thursday, April 23 from 2 – 4 pm ET!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Fellow Writers! We had a terrific time at my last two WOW webinars, “Writing Is for the Birds” and “Shaping Creative Nonfiction,” and I sincerely hope you’ll consider joining me for the next workshop: POETRY EXPRESS II: FIVE POEMS IN TWO HOURS! Yes, we will again write 5 poems in 2 hours, and this time we’ll read brand new inspirational poems and work from entirely new prompts, some of my most favorite ever!

Check out the kind words from a selection of Poetry Express I students:

“Ashley, I so enjoy your workshops, and this one was great! Thanks for giving me good ideas, tools, and a helpful nudge.” – Lucinda Trew

“Terrific job, Ashley! I’ve got so much ‘clay’ on my potter’s wheel now to shape and make into poems.” – Ruth Moose

“Thank you SO MUCH for a wonderful poetry workshop. I’d been in a funk with my writing for various reasons and I needed to snap out of it. When I saw the dare of your workshop – 5 poems in 2 hours – I did not believe I could do it, but I wanted to try anyway. I hoped it would shock me out of my funk and onto the page. It did. Thank you. I’m so grateful for your enthusiastic response to my poem. And count me in for Poetry Express II! Can’t wait. – “Wendy Kagan

“Aloha Ashley! I thoroughly enjoyed the Poetry Express. It was my first experience with a WOW class, and I loved it. Loved the prompts and the inspirational pieces you shared. The submission suggestions and bit of education were helpful as well! I’ve been writing for a long time but am new to the submission process so that was especially appreciated. I also appreciated your kind feedback on my poems, and I can’t wait to polish these off and submit them very soon!” – Sonya Yamaguchi

“The Poetry Express was informative, and your manner of presentation put me at ease. Generating new poems brought creative pleasure! In the coming days, I plan to improve those poems and read more of the poems you cited. I’d say your workshop was beneficial! I learned, I will practice, and I will read and hopefully submit.” – Denise Scott

“I enjoyed and learned a lot during the [Poetry Express] webinar! I hope there will be others on poetry. I found Ashley’s feedback useful, constructive, and insightful. Figuring out where to submit can be so hard when you’re starting out! Having the suggestions from Ashley gives me more confidence that I am submitting to places that are more likely to publish my work.” – Angela Shaw-Thornburg

POETRY EXPRESS II: FIVE POEMS IN TWO HOURS with Ashley Harris

WEBINAR DATE: Thursday, April 23, 2026

WEBINAR TIME: 2pm – 4pm ET

DURATION: 2 Hours

LOCATION: Live webinar via Zoom

FEEDBACK: The last 15 minutes of the lecture will be open to Q&A.

SPECIAL OPTION: Receive a personal critique from the instructor of 2 poems (one-page limit each) within two weeks of the class for an extra fee. This includes an analysis of voice, format, reader engagement, and at least one submission recommendation per poem will be provided.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Do you long to write poetry but have always been intimidated? Or maybe you’re a previous Poetry Express passenger who wants to take advantage of new spring prompts and learn about new markets! Either way, you’re invited to hop aboard the “Poetry Express II” where you’ll learn (or review) our nifty technique for writing an engaging free verse poem on the spot, followed by four additional prompts to generate even more. (Warning: Keep your pen handy because you’re likely to start several others.) There’s no room for overthinking or second-guessing on the “Poetry Express II” because we’ll be having too much fun! Your “ticket” will also include editing tips to sharpen your poems, along with an overview of markets and contests and best practice poetry submission tips that will significantly increase your odds of publication.

This live Zoom webinar starts and ends on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM PT | 12-2 PM MT | 1-3 PM CT | 2-4 PM ET

The webinar can be viewed on a tablet, phone, or computer (both Mac and PC).

The instructor will record the class and have it available for anyone who would prefer to view the class at a different time and date.

Format
This course is offered via Zoom webinar. Webinars are workshops given online, where you can view the instructor and websites/materials she shares on her screen, making it an interactive experience. Webinars make learning from your home or office convenient.

CLASS AT A GLANCE:

Live Webinar: Poetry Express II: Five Poems in Two Hours

Duration: 2 Hours

All aboard! In this express two-hour class, as your “conductor,” I’ll share excerpts from notable published poems that will inspire you to write your own. We’ll use my own technique — the 3-step “Poetry Express” prompt — that is guaranteed to bust through inhibition and help you generate an instant poem, followed by four equally inspirational prompts to write even more. We’ll cover tips and tricks to help you polish your poems with an aim toward publication, along with an overview of current markets. By the end of class, you’ll have five draft poems and a schedule of submission deadlines, plus take-away wisdom to help you establish a lifelong poetry habit. For an extra fee, I’ll critique your work and offer targeted submission recommendations within two weeks of the class.

Topics covered include:

  • Overview – why you should write poetry
  • A review of published poetry to inspire you
  • 3-Step “Poetry Express” Prompt (board a train, grab a window seat, and enjoy the ride!)
  • Four additional prompts to generate more instant poems
  • Tips to edit your poems for publication on matters of sound, turn, punctuation, line breaks, and titles
  • Overview of contests and markets, including best practice submission tips just for poetry
  • Tips and a list of recommended books to keep your poetry train going
  • Q & A

Materials Needed: Your favorite writing implement (pen, pencil, writing pad or keyboard) and your imagination.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:  Ashley Harris is a poet and teacher whose first poetry collection, Waiting for the Wood Thrush, described by acclaimed poet Ruth Moose as “witty, wise and overflowing with life and color” debuted in 2019 (Finishing Line Press). She has won the Mary Ruffin Poole Heritage Award from the North Carolina Poetry Society for her poem “A Widow on Chester Street,” and has written poetry for O. Henry Magazine, The Phoenix, Naugatuck River Review, Broad River Review, Kakalak, among many others. Since 2021, she’s served as a critique editor and judge for WOW’s quarterly fiction and nonfiction contests, and her favorite hobby, by far, is helping other writers achieve their publication dreams.

COST: $35, which includes one two-hour webinar with a 15-minute Q&A with your instructor.

OPTIONAL CRITIQUE ADD-ON: A personal critique from the instructor of two poems (one-page limit each) plus submission recommendations for $40 ($75 total).

POETRY EXPRESS II with Ashley Harris (Thursday, April 23, 2026, 2pm – 4pm ET) Limit: 25 students. Early registration is recommended.

To register, click here, where you will be taken to the WOW registration page.

I hope to see you there! In the meantime, below is a selection of more kind comments from recent students.

“I loved your examples, the prompts, and your generosity in sharing your experiences and resources with us. You pack in so much invaluable information and I’m in awe of how you present so much over a relatively short period of time. Your encouragement, humor, and compassion are true gifts to us, and again, I thank you.” Laurie Miller (Shaping Creative Nonfiction)

“I’ve been telling my friends what a fine instructor you are. You come prepared, do a wonderful job of boiling things down, and more importantly, you give your students confidence.”—Camille Armantrout (Shaping Creative Nonfiction)

“I truly enjoyed your class and learned so much. I especially appreciated the framework you shared—it was incredibly helpful to see the visual slide as you walked us through each element. The exercises you used to guide us were both engaging and fun. You’re a wonderful instructor, and your authenticity really shines through.” –Linda Neff (Shaping Creative Nonfiction)

Ashley, I thought your class (Shaping Nonfiction) was fabulous! I’m thrilled I did sign up and look forward to working with you more. So exciting! —Mary Anne Trause (Shaping Creative Nonfiction)

Thanks so much, Ashley!! This was super helpful and enjoyable, and I can’t wait to get started using your ideas and tips. I’ve read a number of books on writing technique and have taken quite a few writing courses. I am also a professional content editor. I love “nuts and bolts” material, and your workshop did not disappoint! —Marlene Martzke (Shaping Creative Nonfiction)

Thanks for the recording of Shaping Creative Nonfiction with a Narrative Arc. I listen and then I watch and listen again. I’m revising a memoir. Your suggestions are very helpful. Hoping I’m on the right track! I’ve done many workshops on Zoom. Yours by far has been the most helpful to me! –Robin Allen (Shaping Creative Nonfiction)

This was fabulous and I will enjoy seeing the recording for the beginning. I loved hearing everyone’s work. So inspiring! I am also interested in any future classes! – Lisa Sukenic (Writing is for the Birds)

Thank you for the wonderful workshop. I am still on Cloud 9. You are the best teacher, best poet, best role model I know. I am eternally grateful for you and all that you do. Thank you for your teachings, your feedback and suggestions, your giving soul. You give me confidence in my voice. Thank you. – Mary Alice Dixon, author of Snakeberry Mamas: Words from the Wild (Writing is for the Birds)

Ashley, you and all the attendees are inspiring. Your class was such a pleasure! I was very impressed with your approach to commenting on the work attendees shared. You not only encouraged them but also highlighted specific details of what they did well. Thank you! I love your idea of letting birds help set a scene in place, time, season, and mood. And I’m hoping to add more birds to present and future writing projects. I’m also looking forward to your class on writing about fur-babies! With much appreciation, Rosemary Poole-Carter (Writing is for the Birds)

Thanks so much for sending the recording, I really enjoyed the presentation! Your enthusiasm for the birds is contagious and makes me want to try my hand at including them in my own writing. Also loved the idea of your Pet Project course coming up and will keep an eye out for that. Thanks again and best wishes to you! –Julie Flanders (Writing is for the Birds)

Great presentation! Lots of food for thought and future writing.  [This webinar] was just the right amount of each element…the examples, the writing to prompts, the resources, etc. Thank you for doing this! – Betty McCreary (Writing is for the Birds)

Ashley your class was an absolute JOY AND DELIGHT! The presentation, the participants, the prompts, the poems, the pacing…I loved every minute! – Michelle Seitzer  (Writing is for the Birds)          

Let’s Write Some Creative Nonfiction! Join me on Friday, March 20, 2026 for a Special Workshop!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Writers! I don’t know about you, but my webinar for Women on Writing, “Writing is for the Birds,” on February 17 sure made me ready for spring! We had a great session with students from all across the United States, and even 2 from the United Kingdom! I was so honored to be among such talented people — the fact that they loved birds as much as I did was the icing on the cake. (Make that the “suet” in the cake). 🙂

On March 20, I’m leading an encore presentation of my popular workshop, “Shaping Creative Nonfiction with a Narrative Arc,” where we’ll discuss my tried-and-true method of how to write a compelling nonfiction piece that readers simply can’t put down. And for all the bird lovers out there, at least one of our sample readings will feature some of our favorite avian friends — the ruby-throated hummingbird.

SHAPING CREATIVE NONFICTION WITH A NARRATIVE ARC with Ashley Harris

WEBINAR DATE: Friday, March 20, 2026

WEBINAR TIME: 2pm – 4pm ET

DURATION: 2 Hours

LOCATION: Live webinar via Zoom

FEEDBACK: The last 15 minutes of the lecture will be open to Q&A. Students can also send questions ahead of time, to be addressed during the lecture.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: So, you’re fascinated with backyard birds. Or breadmaking. Or growing figs. How do you write an essay that weaves your obsessions with larger questions such as joy, friendship, or even grief? It’s easy—employ the power of the narrative arc, a secret weapon that most writing courses never cover. In this class, we’ll use short writing prompts to help you identify your most urgent passion and then we’ll cover an easy technique that will bring your essay to life with narration. Finally, we’ll discuss tips for completing, polishing, and submitting your work for publication.

What other writers have said: “Ashley, I thought your class (Shaping Nonfiction) was fabulous! I’m thrilled I did sign up and look forward to working with you more. So exciting!” —Mary Anne Trause

“Thanks so much, Ashley!! This was super helpful and enjoyable, and I can’t wait to get started using your ideas and tips. I’ve read a number of books on writing technique and have taken quite a few writing courses. I am also a professional content editor. I love “nuts and bolts” material, and your workshop did not disappoint!” —Marlene Martzke

“Ashley, thanks so much for a wonderful learning experience. Your prompts have given me ideas for multiple essays. I’m hoping to take your humor workshop, too.”—Diane Judge

“Thanks for the recording of Shaping Creative Nonfiction with a Narrative Arc. I listen and then I watch and listen again. I’m revising a memoir. Your suggestions are very helpful. Hoping I’m on the right track! I’ve done many workshops on Zoom. Yours by far has been the most helpful to me!” –Robin Allen

“Thanks so much for this seminar and for the readings you shared. I hugely enjoyed both essays, and not only was the class chock-full of practicable lessons, but your writing prompts ended up generating two full pages of really interesting material I had no idea was in me!” – Râna Campbell

“Shaping Creative Nonfiction with a Narrative Arc,” a live Zoom webinar. starts and ends on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM PT | 12-2 PM MT | 1-3 PM CT | 2-4 PM ET

The webinar can be viewed on a tablet, phone, or computer (both Mac and PC).

The instructor will record the class and have it available for anyone who would prefer to view the class at a different time and date.

Format
This course is offered via Zoom webinar. Webinars are workshops given online, where you can view the instructor and websites/materials she shares on her screen, making it an interactive experience. Webinars make learning from your home or office convenient.

The class features special readings (optional advance readings and in-class excerpts), writing prompts, and the revelation of the secret behind a successful narrative arc, the glue that magically hooks the reader, followed by an exercise to help you develop your own. I’ll also offer an overview of current markets publishing creative nonfiction, and by the end of class, you’ll have all the tools you need to finish your essay and a schedule of submission deadlines so you can share your words with the world. For an extra fee, I’ll also critique your work provide a targeted submission recommendation within two weeks of the class.

Topics include:

  • Short writing prompts to identify your obsession
  • How to tease out the deeper meaning of your obsession—the main question of your essay
  • EXPOSED! The secret to a successful narrative arc that keeps the reader engaged, followed by sample arcs from published essays
  • How to develop an arc that weaves your obsession with your main question
  • How to supplement your essay with authority
  • Bringing it all together – elements of a satisfying ending that echo with the reader
  • Overview of the current market for essays, literary and commercial
  • Q & A

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:  Ashley Harris is a freelance writer and editor with countless obsessions, from cherries and gardening to cooking and fine art. With a career that includes more than 100 bylines, she has written on these topics and more for NBC News, Poets & Writers, Real Simple, Healthline and Food and Gardening Network, among many others. Twice nominated for a Pushcart Prize, most recently for The Summer of My Shoe Obsession (N.C. Literary Review, Summer 2024 Print edition), she is also a two-time recipient of the Doris Betts Fiction Prize. Since 2021, she’s served as a critique editor and judge for WOW’s quarterly fiction and nonfiction contests, and her favorite hobby, by far, is helping other writers achieve their publication dreams.

To register, please click here and scroll to the bottom of the page. Hope to see you there!

Wishing you a great week ahead of warmer temperatures and loads of writing inspiration!

Ashley

Waiting for Spring and Cherries

Posted on by Ashley Harris

As a reminder that spring is on the horizon, I’m reposting “Orchard #9,” my narrative poem about a mysterious cherry orchard first published in Coffin Bell. Enjoy!

Orchard #9

Welcome to Jessup Family Orchard
spells crude crimson letters on wormy plywood.
Cherries, says Joe to Lily. Wouldn’t that be nice?
But we came for a fresco, she reminds him

fanning herself with a map limp from worry.
She would have prayed to the Virgin
if the door to St. Ann’s hadn’t been barred.
We need a miracle.

Grim, Joe accelerates, the Wagoneer
groans as they climb the mountain.
Rhododendron heads sway then sneer
but in a glade flashes the face of a little girl.

When Lily looks again sycamore
and paulownia leaves fold to darkness.
Why, why, why ponders a crow,
arcing across a lavender sky.

Frank Jessup dribbles tobacco into a cup,
waves an arm toward Orchard #8.
The girl! cries Lily. Did I see a girl?
No, he snaps. Just me and Ma.

A woman in a wheelchair, hands macraméd
with blue veins, turns a mug in her lap.
Sweet churries all froze out, she croaks.
Plenty of sour, make you a nice pie.

Gnarled trees scabbed with lichen huddle
on the hill like knock-kneed wizards.
Lily shudders while Joe shimmies up
a ladder, tousles branches until

hard red-orange orbs plop
like stones into a bucket.
Lily’s teeth pierce flesh so sour
her cheeks dimple, tongue curls.

Jam, says Joe, spewing.
They’ll make good jam.
Notes of Little Deuce Coupe
his favorite whistle, drift below.

Let it go, he’d snarled at breakfast, slashing
toast with cold butter. We’re too old for a baby.
You don’t know what it feels like, she’d spat,
grazing her elbow on the hot griddle.

Garroted by spider silk, Lily trudges on,
ripping cherries from low branches.
An empty bucket pops against her hip
as she strews her pickings to squirrels.

Legs lashed by briars, weary with thirst
eyes blinded by sun, she crumples.
The crow arcs again, teases. Make a pie …
pie, pie, pie, before dipping over the hills.

Numb, Lily follows, as if in a trance.
The hills roll into a valley, studded with trees,
sinewy and lush, rising like nosegays.
They bulge with red-violet cabochons

so plump they crackle, ooze juice.
Beside Lily stands the girl. Hello.
Half-sprite, half-waif, she curtsies.
My name is Alunda.

A plait of brown hair swishes across a shoulder
puffed with lace, a ragged hem bobs along the grass.
A tangle of clover and thistle crowns her head,
sticky fingers offer cherries.

Ravenous, Lily sucks them into her mouth.
Honey, notes of mint, melancholia.
Did she whisper it or did Lily just know
Sweet cherries always grow in #9.

Silver eyes water but do not blink.
Take all you like, Alunda says.
Lily, once sated, drops to her knees.
Alunda sighs, weaving clover with thistle.

Are you lonely too? Lily asks.
Alunda, somber, presents a garland
she threads through Lily’s hair.
Take me home, she murmurs.

Leaves crimp, feathers crunch
as the crow floats from the tree.
He fixes an ice-blue eye on Lily,
tilts to Alunda, then coos My, my, my.

Lily lays her head on moss, closes her eyes.
Could that gurgle be a brook in the glen?
A cool hand strokes her forehead.
Take me home, Alunda says again.

The sound of her name falls like a hammer
cracking the peace of her reverie.
When she opens her eyes, Joe hovers,
his hand on hers. Where have you been?

Number 9, Lily says, touching her hair.
But the clover is gone, her bucket empty,
Dehydrated, says Joe. That’s all.
He tugs at her lips, offers water.

Only 8 orchards here, grunts Frank.
He snubs the money offered by Joe,
instead pulls Lily to her feet.
You’ll be on your way now.

In the Wagoneer three heads bounce
down the mountain. Alunda! cries Ma.
Hush, says Frank. For the best...
But the old woman sobs on.

The crow circles round, pulsing higher and higher
through whip-stitched clouds, a final sally.
Frank’s voice cracks, an echo of the old bird.
Good-bye, he mumbles. Bye, bye, bye.

#####

Join me for “Writing is for the Birds” on Tuesday, February 17 from 2 – 4 pm ET

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month? Writers and bird lovers, I bet you can barely keep your feeder full, especially if you got as much snow as I did today. Recently, I was honored to write “Wings to Words,” an article about the powerful connection between birds and writing for the introduction to the February newsletter for Women on Writing. Read it here.

If birds enchant and inspire you, I hope you’ll consider joining me for a 2-hour workshop, “Writing is for the Birds” on February 17 from 2 – 4 pm ET. For more information and to sign up, see below.

WRITING IS FOR THE BIRDS: A WORKSHOP INSPIRED BY OUR AVIAN FRIENDS with Ashley Harris

WEBINAR DATE: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

WEBINAR TIME: 2pm – 4pm ET

DURATION: 2 Hours

LOCATION: Live webinar via Zoom

FEEDBACK: The last 15 minutes of the lecture will be open to Q&A. Students can also send questions ahead of time, to be addressed during the lecture.

SPECIAL OPTION: Receive a personal critique from the instructor of 3 double-spaced pages of your work within two weeks of the class for an extra fee. This includes at least one submission recommendation.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Did you know that cardinals symbolize fidelity and that their appearance may represent a visit from a lost loved one? Did you know the wood thrush has a Y-shaped voice box, allowing the last two notes of its song to fork off and harmonize? It’s no wonder that our avian friends find their way into the work of so many writers, from John Keats to Jane Kenyon to Amy Tan. In this special workshop, we’ll uncover the many ways that birds can elevate both poetry and prose through sounds, sights and themes.

This live Zoom webinar starts and ends on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM PT | 12-2 PM MT | 1-3 PM CT | 2-4 PM ET

The webinar can be viewed on a tablet, phone, or computer (both Mac and PC).

We’ll record the class and have it available for anyone who would prefer to view the class at a different time and date.

Format
This course is offered via Zoom webinar. Webinars are workshops given online, where you can view the workshop and websites/materials I share on my screen, making it an interactive experience. Webinars make learning from your home or office convenient.

COST: $40, which includes one two-hour webinar with a 15-minute Q&A with me. Enrollment is limited to 20 students so I encourage you to register early.

Register here by clicking and scrolling to the bottom of this page.

Hope to see you there, but in the meantime, please stay warm and safe!
Ashley

Let’s Talk Creative Nonfiction on Friday, June 20, 2025, 2 – 4 pm ET!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

Ever wondered how your favorite writers are able to stitch together an unputdownable essay? I did, too. So I studied my favorite essays for years, literally took them apart, line by line, scene by scene, until I discovered just what made them tick.

The good news is that I’ve discovered a secret (or two) that I’d like to share with you. This will save you from much of the guess work and revision headaches that come with drafting a successful longform essay.

“Shaping Creative Nonfiction with a Narrative Arc,” a two-hour webinar hosted by Women on Writing, features special readings, writing prompts, and the revelation of the secret behind a successful narrative arc, the glue that magically hooks the reader, followed by an exercise to help you develop your own. During our time together, I’ll also offer an overview of current markets publishing creative nonfiction, and by the end of class, you’ll have all the tools you need to finish your essay and a schedule of submission deadlines so you can share your words with the world. For an extra fee, I’ll critique up to 3 pages of your work-in-progress and give you a targeted submission recommendation within two weeks of the class.

As with all my webinars, I promise it won’t be all work. We’ll also laugh and have our share of fun! I’d love to see you there, so if you’re interested, please register here.

Special note: Thank you to everyone who kindly signed up for “The Poetry Express” webinar earlier this month. We had a blast, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the terrific poems generated during this event. In fact, it was so successful that we’re planning “The Poetry Express II,” in the fall, complete with all-new prompts and even more inspiration poems! Stay tuned for the details.

In the meantime, take care, and I wish you a productive summer of writing!

Ashley

You’re Invited to Hop Aboard the WOW Poetry Express on May 14, from 2 – 4 pm ET!

Posted on by Ashley Harris

POETRY EXPRESS: FIVE POEMS IN TWO HOURS with Ashley Harris

WEBINAR DATE: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

WEBINAR TIME: 2pm – 4pm ET

DURATION: 2 Hours

LOCATION: Live webinar via Zoom

FEEDBACK: The last 15 minutes of the lecture will be open to Q&A.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Do you long to write poetry but have always been intimidated? Or maybe you’re an experienced poet who just needs a little extra zoom. Either way, you’re invited to hop aboard the “Poetry Express” (exclusively offered through Women on Writing) where you’ll learn a nifty technique for writing an engaging free verse poem on the spot, followed by four additional prompts to generate even more. Your “ticket” will also include editing tips to sharpen your poems, along with an overview of markets and contests and best practice poetry submission tips that will significantly increase your odds of publication.

This live Zoom webinar starts and ends on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM PT | 12-2 PM MT | 1-3 PM CT | 2-4 PM ET

The webinar can be viewed on a tablet, phone, or computer (both Mac and PC). The class will be recorded available for anyone who would prefer to view it at a different time and date.

CLASS AT A GLANCE:

Live Webinar: Poetry Express: Five Poems in Two Hours

Duration: 2 Hours

All aboard! In this express two-hour class, I’ll share excerpts from notable published poems that will inspire you to write your own. I’ll introduce you to the 3-step “Poetry Express” prompt guaranteed to bust through inhibition and help you generate an instant poem, followed by four equally inspirational prompts to write even more. I’ll then offer tips and tricks to help you polish your poems with an aim toward publication, along with an overview of current markets. By the end of class, you’ll have five draft poems and a schedule of submission deadlines, plus take-away wisdom to help you establish a lifelong poetry habit. For an extra fee, you can have your work critiqued me and receive targeted submission recommendations within two weeks of the class.

Topics covered include:

  • Overview – why you should write poetry
  • A review of published poetry to inspire you
  • 3-Step “Poetry Express” Prompt (board a train, grab a window seat, and enjoy the ride!)
  • Four additional prompts to generate more instant poems
  • Tips to edit your poems for publication on matters of sound, turn, punctuation, line breaks, and titles
  • Overview of contests and markets, including best practice submission tips just for poetry
  • Tips and a list of recommended books to keep your poetry train going
  • Q & A

Materials Needed: Your favorite writing implement (pen, pencil, writing pad or keyboard) and your imagination.

ABOUT ME:  Ashley Harris is a poet and teacher whose first poetry collection, Waiting for the Wood Thrush, described by acclaimed poet Ruth Moose as “witty, wise and overflowing with life and color” debuted in 2019 (Finishing Line Press). She has won the Mary Ruffin Poole Heritage Award from the North Carolina Poetry Society for her poem “A Widow on Chester Street,” and has written poetry for O. Henry Magazine, The Phoenix, Naugatuck River Review, Broad River Review, Kakalak, among many others. Since 2021, she’s served as a critique editor and judge for WOW’s quarterly fiction and nonfiction contests, and her favorite hobby, by far, is helping other writers achieve their publication dreams.

POETRY EXPRESS with Ashley Harris (Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 2pm – 4pm ET) Limit: 25 students. Early registration is recommended.

COST: $40, which includes one two-hour webinar with a 15-minute Q&A with me.

OPTIONAL CRITIQUE ADD-ON: A personal critique from me of two poems (one-page limit each) plus submission recommendations for $40 ($80 total).

I’d love to see you there! Interested? Register here.