One-of-a-Kind Workshops
Sponsored by Woodstock Bookfest-to-Go
“I can’t imagine a more skilled, experienced, and brilliant writing coach than Susan Brown. She is intuitive! She climbed inside my project and saw exactly what it needed, picking up nuances that had passed me by. I learned more in her intensive workshop than by reading several “how to” books on writing.”
Susan Page, Founder and Director of San Miguel Writers’ Conference, the largest and most prestigious co-cultural, bi-lingual literary gathering in the Americas where Susan will be teaching in 2026.
Secrets of the Greatest Writers Workshop I
Five-Week Intensive Masterclass on Zoom​
Monday Evenings​
Option 1: Sept. 8 to Oct. 6, 2025 or
Option 2: Oct. 13 to Nov. 17 2025
6:00 to 9:00 PM EST on Zoom
Limit 12
$450 (registration information below)
​Want to Know the Secrets of the Greatest Writers?
What if you could apply the subtle, often undetectable, strategies and devices of the literary masters in your own work? Now you can. Bring your memoir or novel (in any stage of development) to the next level with James Joyce scholar and master teacher, Susan Brown PhD.
Please contact Susan with any questions, to see if the class fits your goals, and/or to reserve a spot. susansutliffbrown@gmail.com
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What Will You Learn?
The secret handshakes for effective drafting and internal monologue from James Joyce; writing about trauma from Boris Pasternak; unifying a book with a symbolic leitmotif from Jeanette Walls; the wrong-headed quest structure from Louise Erdrich; literary allusion to build theme from Eudora Welty; symbolic imagery for theme and characterization from Toni Morrison and Fitzgerald; and creating a mesmerizing a narrative voice from Twain, Dickens, and Daniell Woodrell. And that’s the first hour.
What Will You Write?
Writers will apply the lessons of the literary masters directly to their projects based on assignments and brief private editorial sessions with Dr. Brown. In weekly feedback session, writers then will have the option to share new work with the class.
Registration
The price for the workshop is $450. To reserve a space there is a non-refundable deposit of $75. Balance for class is due 30 days prior to first class.
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Reviews of Susan Brown’s Secrets of the Greatest Writers Workshop
Susan is not only a superb teacher, she is extraordinarily knowledgeable about writing, editing, and literature generally. Her classes are carefully planned and fast paced. The materials she distributes each week are outstanding. I cannot imagine any writing coach more committed than Susan to educating, inspiring, guiding and editing the work of her students. See my podcast discussion with Susan. ~ Howard Altarescu, Woodstock, NY. Host of the podcast, “Tell Me What You’re Reading”
Through Susan’s captivating teaching and her gentle editing of my work, I have learned many new skills. She’s pushed me to write at a level I never dreamed of reaching. ~ Billye Turner, Dallas Texas
Participating in both of Susan’s workshops was one of the best decisions I have made in my writing journey. She is extremely knowledgeable about writing strategies, skills, and “secrets.” Susan spends so much time with each student, providing high level insights and feedback on every piece. She has raised the bar in my writing. I highly recommend these classes for any serious writer wanting to elevate their project, whether it be memoir or fiction. ~ Darci Olson, Lafayette, CA
I have taken various writing classes over the last three years and I highly recommend Susan Brown’s Secrets Of The Greatest Writers Workshop. It has been by far the most helpful . She challenges us with new ideas and her ability to bring out the best in her students is remarkable. My memoir project has improved by leaps and bounds in just a few short weeks working with her. The structure of her classes is also helpful since we get feedback throughout the week. ~ Suzanne Travis, Los Angeles
Secrets of the Greatest Writers Workshop II
Five-Week Intensive Masterclass on Zoom​
For writers from Workshop I ready to progress
Monday Evenings
Jan. 5 to Feb. 2 2026
6:00 to 9:00 PM EST on Zoom
Limit 12
$450 (registration information below)
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With James Joyce scholar, editor, and writing coach, Susan Brown, PhD., study the subliminal, often undiscernable devices used by the great writers, and bring your fiction and memoir writing to the next level.
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Class and feedback session from 6:00 to 9:00 PM EST
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Introductory strategy meeting with Susan before the workshop
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Individual consultations with Susan during the workshop
What will we study?
Workshop participants will continue to raise the bar on their own writing by studying new “secrets” and devices: applying the literary allusion; using archetypes; creating a leitmotif; creating narrative voice with James Joyce’s Uncle Charles principle; tastefully dramatizing sex and violence; using the energy of the villain; and modeling plots and characterization from myth, fairy tales and legend—for starters. We will continue improving composing and drafting; creating a compelling narrative voice; building unity with narrative threads; creating symbolic imagery; constructing a literary two-plot structure; and editing to achieve a seamless sophisticated style (that reads like butter); choosing titles and names, and accessing the most meaningful, complex, and original themes beating at the heart of your project.
Who are our Models?
We’ll continue learning advanced techniques from authors such as James Joyce, William Faulkner, Virginia Woolf, Daniel Woodrell, Ernest Hemingway, Gustave Flaubert, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Toni Morrison, Mark Twain, Colum McCann, Hunter S. Thompson, Dennis Lehane, Louise Erdrich, and Jeanette Walls.
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Registration
Please contact me at susansutliffbrown@gmail.com with your name and email address, or call me to confirm space. The price for the workshop is $450. To reserve a space there is a non-refundable deposit of $75. Balance for class is due 30 days prior to first class.
Dr. Brown’s Online Writers Group
Weekly Feedback Sessions as You Draft and Revise
For writers who have completed a “Secrets of Great Writer’s Workshop”
Thursdays beginning July 9, 2025
6:00 to 9:00 PM EST
Limit 8
$300 a month (registration information below)
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After a workshop, students often ask me, “Where do I go from here without the group’s input?” and, after watching writers launch books and make real progress in the “Secrets” workshop, I always feel the same lack of closure.​​
The Answer:
Rather than formal instruction, I’m offering a weekly three-hour meeting where you’ll have deadlines, a small writing community of serious colleagues (limit 8 at one time), and weekly constructive on-screen editing sessions for your revisions and/or new work. Those of you who’ve benefited from my literary knowledge, experience, and editorial guidance know how much you’ll learn each week from watching me—in real time—edit your work and the work of others.
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Enrollment is limited to writers who have completed the “Secrets of Great Writer’s Workshop.”
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I’ll introduce at least one new “secret” from the great writers each week and offer at least one in-class writing exercise.
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I’m committed to leading the weekly writing group for a minimum of six months (no matter the enrollment) and will continue on if there’s interest.​
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Remember, the minimum for finishing a literary novel or memoir is typically two years. If you’re committed to completing your project – I’d be thrilled to continue working with you.
The Format
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Via zoom every Thursday 6-9pm EST
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First group meeting, Thursday, July 9, 2025
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Each writer submits up to 5 pages of a revision or new draft prior to class
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Writers will receive 20 minutes of live on-screen feedback each week
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Other than a eight-minute presentation of a new secret each week, there will be no formal lessons. All instruction will be relevant and derive from that night’s work.
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Writers will have the option of a weekly one-hour private consultation.
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How It Works
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Limited to 8 writers per month
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Enrollment is $300 per month due on the 1st
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Current members have first rights to each new monthly writers’ group
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Empty slots will be filled from a waiting list
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Contact me by phone or email to register. First come, first serve.
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Email susansutliffbrown@gmail.com with your name and email address, or call (845) 855-0444 to confirm space.