Writing class June 3 at The Commons

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Local author Joe Siccardi will facilitate a second six-week class trying to demystify writing in general and taking the fear out of sharing your written words. The interactive Take the Fear Out of Writing class will begin Monday, June 3 at 1 p.m. at The Commons at Central Hall. It will continue weekly through July 8.

During the sessions Siccardi will address the different types of writing, including how to communicate through words, expository writing, narrative writing, persuasive writing, poetry and creative writing. Some basic rules (and exceptions), style and grammar, spelling, context, syntax and how to create effective sentences, paragraphs, characters, plots, sub-plots and themes will also be addressed.

At the first session last fall, Siccardi introduced a class project, challenging participants to brainstorm and research for collective and individual contributions. Depending on interest from this session’s participants, he will again guide the class to continue the story that was developed then.

But most of all, Siccardi said the emphasis of the class will be “fun.”

Siccardi was a reporter, editor and publisher for over 50 years in five states, most recently as publisher and owner of the Reveille/Between the Lakes — the official newspaper of Seneca County, New York. He retired part-time to Dover-Foxcroft in 2015 and full-time in 2017. He currently is president-elect for the Kiwanis Club of Dover-Foxcroft and active with Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church and The Commons at Central Hall.

He published a Christian fiction novella “Heaven Shining Through” and a journal-type non-fiction book “Wisdom From a Father … one father’s thoughts on life.” He is currently completing a rewrite of “Heaven Shining Through”, converting it into a full novel. A summer launch is planned.

“Writing doesn’t have to be daunting. We write all the time. Why not make our communication more effective?” he said.

Cost for the six-week class is $35. Please contact 343-3018 or info@centralhallcommons.org for more information or to register. Bring your laptop, journal or notebook.