By Judith Schwartzstein, Director of Public Affairs, Sarah Lawrence College

Sep. 9, 2015:  Do you have a story to tell? Is there a memoir in your future? Are you interested in a career in film and TV?

Come to a free open house from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm today, Wednesday, September 9, to learn about The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College and why those who have attended say it is a cut above others.

Authors who are interested in writing a novel, short stories, non-fiction, or just about anything else can grow immeasurably in their craft with the college's wide range of courses. As part of the open house, prospective students can meet with instructors, sign up for a sample class, and discover the right course for their literary interests.

Choose from a broad range of insightfully specialized classes--lessons on creating characters of another race or gender without falling into stereotypes, a workshop for writers 50 years old or older, and a class on writing your life story called Get Over Yourself! Memoir Made Universal.

"We keep our classes small so that every writer receives the personalized attention they deserve," said Writing Institute director Pat Dunn.

Among classes for middle and high school students, The Writing Institute offers a class on how to write the college essay. "Olivia Worden is an excellent teacher who for many years worked in college admissions. She will help anyone applying for college to write the college essay that shows who they are and what they have to offer," said Dunn.

New this year is a high-octane course titled Funny Business: Writing Comedy for Television, where students will not only create and write an original pilot but actively participate in the entire creative and technical process, which will culminate in an actual taping of a sitcom that will be shown to the world via YouTube.

This class is being taught by Dave Steck and David Simon--award-winning producers and film writers--who have worked on projects for ABC, NBC, Comedy Central, Miramax, and others, and created such hit shows as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Mad About You, and Full House, among others. This workshop will be set up like a professional "writer's room" where the group will work with industry vets Steck and Simon to experience the actual process of creating a network-quality sitcom from the inside.

To view the courses being offered, visit CCE Writing Institute Fall Classes at https://apply.slc.edu/portal/wi-fall2015-classes. Space for classes is limited. If you have any questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call The Writing Institute at 914-395-2205.