Featured Online Generative Writing Workshop

SLEIGHT OF HAND FOR WRITERS: Using the Principles of Magic to Craft Captivating Stories with Kimberly Lee

START DATE: September 14, 2026

END DATE: Sunday, October 11, 2026

DURATION: 4 weeks

LOCATION: Wet Ink Interactive Classroom

FEEDBACK: Helpful Instructor Feedback and Encouraging Peer Workshop

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

In this generative four-week workshop, we’ll experience how writers of both fiction and memoir can harness Penn and Teller’s seven basic principles of magic to create rich, unexpected stories. We’ll use pens, keyboards, and of course, words, as props for our own form of “sleight of hand,” applying techniques such as palm, ditch, and misdirection to reveal engaging stories that wish to be told. Through imaginative prompts and creative exercises, writers will uncover the unique narratives within them and recapture the sense that writing can be fun and playful. Stephen King said, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” Let’s use elements from the craft for our own captivating tales. Students will leave with numerous shorts, some of which they may choose to develop further as standalone pieces or incorporate into a longer work. They’ll also have an understanding of powerful storytelling techniques, along with increased confidence in their writing voice and a sense of ease around sharing their work.

Curriculum:

Each engaging week will include brief readings and other media (all available online) as well as creative writing prompts, journaling exercises, and other imaginative activities related to the principles presented. Writers will have the opportunity to engage in thoughtful online discussions and receive uplifting feedback for the work they choose to share. With a focus on craft participants will be encouraged to explore how they might incorporate various structural approaches and literary techniques into their projects, whether fiction or memoir.

I've enjoyed this class so much and am so sad that it's ending. The themes, the diversity of the materials, the creative processes, and the prompts have all engaged really me. I haven't written like this for years and it's just been great fun. — Danyelle O.

Thank you most deeply for this course. [T]his one has had a profound effect on me. You have a gift for finding and presenting information and thought-provoking materials that engage on a deep level. — Kaden S.

Kimberly has a very warm and delightful presence. Her creative writing workshop was filled with varied exercises. — Sinéad M.

Kimberly presented a variety of creative and original prompts, and I was motivated by her enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment of writing. Her manner was very encouraging and her responses reflected her knowledge of the process. — Carolyn J.

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Week One: Ditch & Palm
We’ll begin by ditching obvious details that can be automatic as we write but ultimately end up feeling flat. Then we’ll learn to palm by hiding emotional truth just beneath the surface.

Assignment: The assignment will offer imaginative entryways to exploring subtext—asking you to write scenes where what's unsaid carries as much weight as what appears on the page.

Week Two: Simulation & Switch
During Week Two, we’ll use simulation to create characters with depth and emotional impact. Then we’ll practice switch—shifting perspectives and the reader’s understanding of what’s taking place.

Assignment: Your assignment offers a chance to experience how economy and precision can lead to unexpected depth and richness.

Week Three: Misdirection & Load
This week we’ll focus on misdirection, learning where to point the reader's attention. Then we’ll tackle load: planting details early that pay off later.

Assignment: The assignment will ask you to think structurally as you write, building towards something surprising and unforgettable.

Week Four: Steal
We’ll finish by finding inspiration from other sources, then transforming those discoveries into something entirely our own.

Assignment: Our concluding assignment will ask you to bring together everything you've learned. You'll leave with work that's playful, authentic, and unmistakably yours.

Materials needed: All readings and related media will be provided online. Otherwise, simply pen and paper or keyboard or other preferred writing instruments/devices. Kimberly Lee

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Kimberly Lee, JD is the author of the award-winning thriller Have You Seen Him. A versatile writer, editor, and facilitator, she has a passion for nurturing the imaginative spirit and helping others reveal their own inner wisdom, authentic voices, and singular stories. Kimberly is a graduate of Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law and has completed certifications and training with Amherst Writers & Artists, Guided Autobiography, Journal to the Self, SoulCollage®, the Center for Intentional Creativity, The Path Meditation, and The Groove Method. She serves on the faculty of several creative centers and has led workshops at numerous retreats, conferences, nonprofit and corporate events, both domestically and abroad. Recent collaborations include The Huntington, The Hammer, SAG-AFTRA, Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, Hollyhock Retreat Centre, West LA Veterans Administration, Arts and Healing Inititative, and the Expressive Therapies Summit. Kimberly’s writing has appeared in a variety of publications and anthologies, and she has served on the staffs of Literary Mama, F(r)iction, and Carve Magazines. Kimberly trusts in the magic of miracles and synchronicity and believes everyone has something to say and the capacity to say it. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Connect with Kimberly on Instagram @klcreatrix or at KimberlyLee.me.

COST: $185, which includes an interactive class via the Wet Ink platform for peer interaction.

BUY NOW: Sleight of Hand for Writers: Using the Principles of Magic to Craft Captivating Stories, with Kimberly Lee (4 weeks, starting 9/14/2026) Limit: 13 students. Early registration is recommended.

----------------

Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor.

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com

Click to View Full List of Classes