Local writers will have the opportunity to hone their skills with The Great Smokies Writing Program’s summer workshop series. A consortium of the Western North Carolina writers’ community and UNC Asheville, the program will offer three workshops in poetry and prose. Classes are open to all interested writers but class size is limited; early registration is suggested.

Lori Horvitz, UNC Asheville assistant professor of literature and language, will teach “Flash Fiction/Microfiction Workshop” at the Asheville School from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays from June 5-19. This course is will help students construct stories using a minimal number of words with the imagery, density, quickness, and freshness of language that are associated with poetry.

Neal Thompson, a seasoned writer and journalist, will lead “Publishing and Profit: How to Write – and Sell – Your Freelance Stories and Nonfiction Book Ideas.” This class will be held at the Asheville Area Arts Council from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from June 7-July 5. This class will help students understand the inner workings of the magazine and book publishing world with a concentration on how to find the right story ideas, conduct research, and prepare freelance magazine queries and book proposals.

Poet and novelist Gary Ettari will teach “Image and Observation: Poetry Workshop” at the Asheville School from 6 to 8:30 p.m. five evenings between June 8-July 10. Students will examine poems by notable poets as well as write and discuss their own works. This class is designed for both beginning and experienced writers who wish to work on personal essays and memoirs.

Each course qualifies for one UNC Asheville credit hour in literature and language. Tuition and fees are $69.02 for in-state tuition and $395.17 for out-of-state students. A $20 non-refundable application fee for new students will also be charged.

For more information or to register, call UNC Asheville’s Extension and Distance Education Office at 828/232-5122 or e-mail fox@unca.edu.