(PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 14, 2004) – Whether it’s mystery, romance or memoir, many aspiring writers are flocking to Phoenix College to hone their writing skills and expand their creative mindset. With new courses like comic book and romance writing, free weekend workshops and renowned guest lecturers, the program is well known among the local writing communities, as well as individuals seeking personal enrichment.

Approximately 10-years-old, the Phoenix College Creative Writing Program is one of only eight community colleges in the nation, and the only one in Arizona, to offer a certificate in creative writing.

Historically, creative writing classes were found only at four-year institutions. For example, in 1975 not one community college in the country offered a certificate or associate’s degree in creative writing. However, the Associated Writing Programs (AWP), a non-profit organization of writers and creative writing programs revealed that there has been surge of growth in interest over the last 25 years.

As more and more students sign up for creative writing classes, whether for personal enrichment, specific writing projects or in hopes of later obtaining an MFA degree, Phoenix College continues to stay ahead of the game by offering an array of special interest classes. In addition, the college brings in phenomenal instructors who have first hand experience in creative writing, including romance novelists, poets and award-winning authors.

From the impressive course bank to the free workshops and readings, the program has attracted many well-known writers, instructors and special guests.

Visiting writers in recent years have included:

Michael McClure, Joyce Carol Oates, Ron Carlson, Stella Pope Duarte, Alson Deming, Gus Edwards, Carolyn Froché, Ken Kesey, Nikki Giovanni, Bob Powers, Luis Rodriguez, Roger Weingarten, Beckian Fritz-Goldberg, Rick Noguchi, M.C. Helldorfer, Sneed B. Collard, Pat Mora, Natalie Lemberg, Jewell Parker Rhodes and David Guterson.

This Spring, the program will continue on with its unique legacy.

Upcoming highlights will include:

--Award-winning novelist, Connie Flynn teaching a semester long class on Romance Writing;

--Accomplished Valley author with an extensive collection of writing, James Sallis, teaching a semester long class on Mystery Writing;

--Free Writing and Creativity Workshop with world-renowned author, Peter Levitt;

--Barbara Deming Award winner and certified Grief-Recovery Specialist, Laraine Herring to offer free Magical Realism workshop and to teach Writer as a Witness, Intermediate Fiction, Planning and Structuring the Novel and Revising the Novel; and

--Owner of JournalMagic.com, long time journal writing and counselor, Sue Meyn to host the free A Journaling Retreat: Planting Seeds for a Vibrant Life.

Spring 2004 Creative Writing classes begin Tuesday, January 20 and registration is still available.

Classes for Maricopa residents are $51 per credit hour.

For more information on the Creative Writing Program, please call (602) 285-7345 or (602) 285-7468.

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