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SCOTT'S UPCOMING APPEARANCES
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION - SCOTT LAX
TEACHING
2010 - The Hub City Writers' Workshop of South Carolina awards the second annual Scott Lax Prize in Writing to Bertrice Robinson. The Scott Lax Prize is a full-ride, one-week scholarship to the Wild Acres Writers Workshop in North Carolina. This award was established in 2008 by Hillcrest Publications of Spartanburg, S.C., "in recognition of novelist Scott Lax of Ohio."
2009 - The Hub City Writers' Workshop of South Carolina awards the first annual Scott Lax Prize in Writing to Josette Davison.
FICTION
February 14, 2010 - Scott Lax's short story, "Sales Call," won 2nd Place for Fiction Lit's (Cleveland's Literary Center) Muse Magazine 2010 Literary Competition.
1999 - The Year That Trembled, a Novel named Vermont Book of the Year, Runner-Up.
Dec. 1998 - The Year That Trembled, a Novel, named of of 1998’s “Milestones in Fiction by Denver Post.
1998 - Sewanee Writers’ Conference (Univ. of the South), Walter E. Dakin Fellowship in Fiction
NON-FICTION
May 22, 2010 - In the Ohio Professional Writers 2010 Communications Contest, Scott Lax won Second Place for "Original Columns, General."
May 16, 2009 - In the Ohio Professional Writers 2009 Communication Contest, Scott Lax was awarded:
1. First Place for "Original Columns, General"
2. First Place for "Feature Story, Magazine"
3. Second Place for "Special Series, Print Media."
June 2008: Ohio Excellence in Journalism Award, statewide competition, sponsored by The Cleveland Press Club, Honorable Mention, Best Single Essay, Open Print
1993 - Bread Loaf Writer’ Conference (Middlebury College), Bernard J. O’Keefe Scholarship in Nonfiction
1994, 1995 - Bread Loaf Writer’s Conference, Staff Scholarship
FILM
2002 - Midwest Filmmaker of the Year, Cleveland International Film Festival
2002 - Producer’s Award, Winner, People’s Choice, Cincinnati International Film Festival
2002 - Producer’s Award, Winner, Best Regional Feature, Cincinnati International Film Festival
2002 - Bessie’s People’s Choice Award, Burlington, VT City Arts, Favorite Film
OTHERS
2002 - City of Cleveland Certificate of Congratulations for body of work
1999 - Named to fourteen-person list of Hiram College’s “Most Illustrious Alumni"
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Autumn at Argenteuil by Claude Monet
CONTACT US TO REGISTER OR FOR INFORMATION
Chagrin Valley Writers' Workshop c/o Scott Lax
P.O. Box 23142 • Chagrin Falls, OH • 44023
Tel. 440.954.4039 • Email: Fill out CONTACT link, above
We've made it easier than ever to plan your workshop schedule and register. There are three, four-week workshops scheduled for this year. Price for all workshops is $120 per person for each workshop, with a 10% discount available to former Scott Lax students, regardless of where you’ve taken a workshop or class. Descriptions for these workshops are below.
MANUSCRIPT WORKSHOP A: Tuesdays, 7-9 PM, September 14, 21, 28 and October 5 (see below for description)
HOW TO TELL A STORY WORKSHOP: Tuesdays, 7-9 PM, October 19 and 26, November 2 and 9 (see below for description)
MANUSCRIPT WORKSHOP B: Tuesdays, 7-9 PM, November 23 and 30, December 7 and 14 (see below for description)
MANUSCRIPT WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION: Do you have a manuscript of fiction or nonfiction, a stage play or screenplay? Do you feel something is lacking in it, but you’re not sure what? Or maybe you just want to hear what others have to say about your work, while at the same time learning about the art of critiquing others’ work, which helps you understand your own.
It helps to get “fresh eyes” on your manuscript and to discuss what works for your colleagues, what doesn’t, and maybe even get new ideas for your story. At our Tuesday evening manuscript workshops, you can get that kind of input, help and support. Students are asked to submit up to 15 pages of a fiction or nonfiction manuscript – a short story, novel or memoir excerpt, screenplay or stage play. If it’s time for you to take that next step with your work, this workshop is for you.
During the course of the Workshop, we will also talk about the art and craft of writing: character development, plot, setting, dialogue and “thinking like a writer.”
And we're offering something new that’s unique to our Workshop: some students only have an idea for a story, but not much down on paper yet. Students, including 2-person writing teams at the Chagrin Valley Writers’ Workshop, have successfully worked out their stories through discussion, outlines and brainstorming sessions, and gone on to write screenplays and books.
Whether you have a finished manuscript, a story-in-progress, or simply an idea for it, our Workshop could be what you need to jump-start your writing.
HOW TO TELL A STORY WORKSHOP
Week One - “How to Think Like a Writer.” In it, we’ll talk about the writing life, and do an exercise that may well change how you see yourself as a writer. We’ll talk about why you write, how you write, where you write, when you write and what’s keeping you from writing more. We will also cover point of view.
Week Two - “Dialogue: The Key to Great Stories." Whether you’re a fan of “Mad Men,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” "The Great Gatsby" or any other book, film or play, it’s likely that you’ve been affected by the dialogue. How do those writers do it? Scott Lax, who has won awards for a novel of literary fiction, short stories, essays and features, and has been a source-writer for a feature film, playwright and writer for Comedy Central TV, will show you the tricks and tools of great dialogue, and why it’s the key to capturing readers’ hearts.
Week Three - “Character Development: How to Turn Your Characters Into Real, Live People.” Regardless of the genre in which you write, your characters must be believable. No matter how good your writing is, if your readers don’t care about your characters (even the villains), you’ve lost them. Scott Lax will teach you how to bring them to life as people, not simply “characters.”
Week Four - “Setting and Plot: Where Are You And Where Are You Going?” You can’t put characters in a vacuum. They need exist in believable settings. And you have to have them moving constantly. That’s the simple essence of plot and setting. How do you create a rich environment and make your story move through time? In this class, Scott Lax will show you how to weave together the elements of storytelling. When you leave this workshop, you may well have a new lease on your writing life.
THINGS TO KNOW:
• There is an 8-person limit for the Workshop, so register early.
• Students must be 18 years or older.
• The workshops are held at the beautiful, newly renovated Clubhouse at Hamlet Village in the Village of Chagrin Falls. You'll receive directions to the Workshop when you register.
• The Workshop has ample free parking, is on the first floor, is wheelchair accessible, and is located less than a half mile from downtown Chagrin Falls in a beautiful, tree-lined setting. On temperate days, we may hold the Workshop outside, on the patio. Our new facility has men’s and women’s restrooms, a kitchen, library, fireplace and comfortable chairs and tables for everyone.
• Critique sessions are in a supportive, constructive environment. We understand that putting your writing out there is difficult enough, so you will not be subject to harsh or unkind criticism of your work.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"Scott Lax is a gifted teacher and writer who manages to bring knowledge and sensitivity to the critiquing process. His insights and commentary foster a nurturing environment within which noticeable creative progress can be and is achieved. The number of returning students who repeat his workshops is a testament to his skill and appeal as both an instructor and purveyor of the written word." - MICHAEL FERRARI, two-time student of Scott Lax and the author of BORN TO FLY, winner of the 2007 Delacourt Yearling Award for middle grade fiction. His novel has been critically acclaimed by Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Review and Booklist.
"Scott Lax is an exceptional writing teacher, attributed I would say, to his varied life course. His past as a musician and businessman make him entirely accessible in real world terms. You feel a comfort and connection such that opening up about your story is all the more easy. His current post as an accomplished writer, journalist and playwright gives you that equal comfort and connection as you progress through the class and your writing. Scott has volumes of experience for any stage of writing, genre or style. This well-rounded background makes for a personable experience and warm class atmosphere where you are guaranteed to have more than a few key takeaways for your writing piece." - LAKHPREET PREETI GILL, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, July 2010
“I had just begun a second nonfiction book when I joined Scott’s writing workshop. The timing turned out to be perfect. Not only were the classes enjoyable and interesting in their own right, they proved an investment with an immediate return in terms of my new work. I found Scott to be informative, authoritative, nurturing, encouraging, and unselfish and open in his approach to teaching. I highly recommend enrolling in his classes.” - MARK C. BROWN, Ph.D. Chagrin Falls, OH, 2009
"We took this class to jump start our writing process and it was more than we could have ever asked for or expected. Over the course of the six weeks, not only did we gain confidence in our writing, we had the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with various writing styles as well as meet a GREAT group of people. This class is great for all writing levels, and helped us to bring out the creativity that we had inside. Scott took the time to accommodate everyone in the class and gave sincere critiques to each piece submitted . We would recommend this class to anyone with any interest in writing. We can't wait to take the next class." - JENN MONSTATA and ZOE NEMETH July 2010
Scott's workshop was just what I needed to jumpstart my writing again. He is a great teaching coach encouraging the writer to find their own unique voice. His vast knowledge if the written word is impressive and helpful to the aspiring writer. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and highly recommend it to anyone from the beginning writer on up. I learned so much from the class and look forward to taking more workshops from Scott in the future. -- MILLIE HAYMAN, Solon, July 2010
“I recently participated in my first writer’s workshop. Fortunately, it was led by Scott Lax. At first I felt anxious about sharing my work with a large group of people, but Scott put me at ease. I didn’t feel judged or criticized—something I think most of us writers fear—and I believe it’s due to Scott’s laid back demeanor and class structure. Scott is an accomplished author who makes time for those of us trying to find our way in the literary world. He is supportive, encouraging and approachable and he found something of value in every piece of writing submitted during the workshop. I left feeling respected as a writer and motivated to complete my novel. If you’re interested in learning more about your writing self and you’d like to add more implements to your ‘writer’s toolbox,’ I’d highly recommend Scott’s workshop. The experience will only enhance your writing and will change you for the better. - AMY SIMONSON, Solon, Ohio
My meeting of Scott Lax was a sheer accident, one that needed to happen. During 2007 and in my 75th year, I finally decided to learn how to write and enrolled in Wildacres, a wonderful weeklong summer workshop in North Carolina for writers who want to be authors. Scott was my instructor and he had to wrestle with ten students whose only commonalities were the English language and a wannabee desire to be published.
The sum of this excellent experience was a salient epiphany which brought me through the lifetime night of literary darkness into the light of understanding who I was, as author, and who I was not—that I was not the story, not even the subject of the story but rather the caring, nurturing, objective person who creates characters who, in their turn, actively struggle through a theme’s plotted events to resolve the conflict that afflicts them with dramatic effect. In so doing, they reveal the story told.
“SMDTM,” Scott scribbled on the blackboard. As though transformed by time into a soft drumbeat, “Show me, Woody; don’t tell me” still rumbles in my ears. Another tidy piece of advice rings as true in my mind today as a fresh shout of artistic warning: “Thou shall not use an exclamation point more than twice in an entire novel.”
Wow! That’s my witness to the Scott Lax ability to subtly inspire, which is far more than teaching a subject. Though separated by a thousand miles and three years, he continues to guide me—and I ain’t re-writing my story, neither! HENRY "WOODY" NEEDHAM, SPARTANBURG, SC 2007
Scott’s mastery of the subject and his ability to teach is rivaled only in his compassion and understanding of his student’s needs. Great class! His empathy as an instructor is a great thing. I’ve had unapproachable instructors before. I really looked forward to classes and am sorry they’re over. – DEBBIE LAMBROSE, Feb, 2009 (evaluation 33.5 out of 35)
The course was wonderful! Enjoyable, informative and motivational. I want to go back over my finished work with a new eye now. I feel that my writing has improved because of this class. I only wish that it could have been longer. – ALLISON REKER, Feb. 2009 (evaluation 35 out of 35)
Can’t wait for the next advanced fiction course! - ANDREW GARLISI, Feb. 2009 (evaluation 35 out of 35)
Scott created a very supportive environment, which allowed participants to take risks in sharing their writing. He gave specific feedback to everyone. - PAIGE PRATT (evaluation 35 out of 35)
I felt very comfortable The class exceeded my expectations. I would like to take another workshop with Scott I enjoyed this one and got a lot out of it. - ANGELA NESTOR, Feb. 2009 (evaluation 35 out of 35)
"The seminar/class was more than I expected. Never having attempted to write before, I had no preconceived notions. The positive comments and suggestions helped give me confidence to at least try my hand at writing. The group approach was fun and informal. I hope to continue if Scott puts a sequel class together." - BILL DIESING, Feb.2009 (evaluation 35 out of 35)
"I’ve taken several writing classes in the northeast Ohio area. I found Scott’s class to be the most helpful class to improve the quality of my writing. Scott’s flawless approach makes this class unbeatable. He knows how to bring out the best in all his students. I kid you not, when I make this analogy. Having Scott on your side is like having Michael Jordon on your team. He brings out the best you have to offer. As an example, in one of the first classes he asked us, “Do you have any specific trouble areas in your writing that you would like me to address?” Even if you don’t know what weaknesses or strengths your writing possesses, Scott will find both and help to correct, improve, or acknowledge those areas. He does it in a way that inspires confidence and a hunger to put pen to paper. If you are serious about writing, take Scott’s class, you will be very glad that you did."
- MIKE KRIEGER, Streetsboro, OH
I was apprehensive. I had never attended a writing class before but I met Scott Lax at a local writer’s conference. That brief meeting encouraged me to sign up for his class. I hoped to gain insight into the world of writing, pick up a few techniques and see if my manuscripts (and I) could stand up to criticism. If he had started out at the first class to teach us just an established method of writing, an idea that was successful for another writer, I learned much more. I learned how to listen and hear the distinctiveness of other author’s voices. I learned that writing could be a business. I learned why he is so successful. Scott Lax cared about every piece of writing we submitted.
- PATRICIA A. BOHNERT, Sagamore Hills, OH
"Scott is inviting, articulate, inspirational, and supportive. His class helps you think about specific creative problems. He not only helps you with discovering your own voice, but he helps you experiment with structure and revision. His class stimulates your imagination and increases your technical know how. If you are curious about writing, or intimidated by a blank piece of paper, this class can serve as your scaffold."
LESLIE WAKE, writer and musician, author of "The Beat Goes On," an essay in the new book, "Letters to My Mother: Tributes to the Women Who Give Us Life and Love"
"I’ve taken four of Scott’s classes in fiction and nonfiction, and he’s given me a lot of help, motivation, encouragement and direction. He has a gift – he knows writing, but more importantly, he knows people: that's the gift. He made each of us feel special and unique, as well as making writing magical and real at the same time. He allowed me to be myself, whoever that is, but now I am writing!”
- BILL BUCKHOLTZ, Mayfield Village, Ohio.
"As a newcomer to the area, I was interested in trying something new and meeting people, so I took 'The World of Fiction.' Originally I was unsure of myself and my writing abilities but was quickly put at ease by Scott's very supportive and encouraging approach. Scott is the antithesis of the lofty snobbish writer. His innate creative talents are readily apparent, and he shares them willingly, yet he is very approachable. His constructive criticism is offered non-judgmentally and he is able to push his students to dig a little deeper creatively. He deftly brought us together as a group. Our last class was an incredible culmination of the six-week course. As we all read our final pieces, we were amazed and impressed with how far we had come in a very short time. Scott's gentle leadership facilitated that growth. It was a terrific opportunity for self expression and self discovery. - POLLY HANDY, Providence, R.I.
"Scott's class is the perfect format for people like myself, who have always wanted to write but haven't had the confidence. The classroom setting is casual with open discussion about the impact of each individuals work with emphasis on personal revelation. Scott's encouraging feedback spotlights your hidden strengths and nurtures your personal style so with each class your creative output is heightened. He makes it his goal to help you find your own voice. Scott's accomplishments as an author and playwright make him a rare treat to have within our reach as an instructor."
- CHARLOTTE HARRIS, Newbury, OH
"I was very pleased with Scott Lax's class "The World of the Novel." As a lawyer, I spend a lot of time writing, but I've never considered myself a writer. I have no experience writing any sort of fiction, and am not a reader of fiction. I can't identify why the course offering in the Fairmount catalog caught my eye, but it did, and I'm glad for that.
"As a fiction novice, I found Scott to be the ideal teacher. He is very approachable, without pretense, and does a great job creating an atmosphere in which there are no dumb questions. The class revolves around a series of very attainable writing projects -- short assignments that can be done in an hour or less -- which are then shared with the class. Scott delivers praise and criticism in just the right measure, and his criticism is truly constructive, designed to help you do better the next time, and not designed to show off how great he is or how much he knows. The feedback from other students -- and the opportunity to hear and review their work -- is also a valuable part of the class. Scott fostered a sense that we were all on a shared journey, with each of us (including him) there to help the others. Scott supplements that group learning and discussion process with lecture on the craft of writing fiction, but without taking too much time on technical elements which could, in themselves, be the subject of an entire class.
"In short, I found the class very worthwhile. Perhaps most importantly, at least for me as a novice, I not only gained the sense that "I can do this, " but also a sense of 'I want to do this.'" - TODD PALMER, Bainbridge Twp., Ohio
"I didn’t know if I would benefit from Scott Lax’s 'World of the Novel' or not, having never taken a fiction-writing class before. To my surprise and delight, I found myself looking forward to each class and eager to tackle the assignments.
"Scott quickly established a rapport with the class, creating a supportive, collegial environment conducive to creative wing-walking. He offered encouragement, practical tips, and a simple but vital foundation in the essentials of quality fiction writing. I now approach my writing with a deeper insight into how to shape my own amorphous notions into resonant fiction.
"Scott’s conviction that words matter is both infectious and inspiring. I took something valuable from each class and each assignment. And it has definitely improved my fiction writing."- KIM WOOD, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
"Scott Lax's Creative Writing Workshop was inspiring and thought provoking. Not only did it encourage me to start writing regularly for the first time in years, but it also motivated me to start working towards my M.A. in Creative Writing."
- HEATHER HALL, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
"Scott Lax shares his experiences and skills in a creative writing workshop that inspires original thinking and self-expression. He knows that creative writing is less a skill that is taught, but rather, it's a vision that is shaped, crafted, and honed. With his natural conversational style, he creates a comfortable environment in which imagination flows. He shares tips, tools, and references that enlighten writers of every level and genre – from novices, such as myself—to previously published writers of all ages. He encourages dialogue that produces an imaginative environment in which ideas are exchanged freely. After attending his class, I gained the confidence that led to writing my first published feature story in Cleveland Magazine and subsequent freelance assignments. If you aspire to write professionally, or you simply want to tap into your creativity with the written word, Mr. Lax will help map your course as you navigate the world of story-telling."
- IRENE J. DOOLEY, Cleveland, Ohio
"Finding this workshop will ignite your writing life. Put yourself in my shoes: After learning the rules of fiction and brilliance of expressing what's in my heart, I am ready to take writing to another level. I look at where I was before entering Scott's workshop and where I landed. It's definitely more than worth it, no question. " - BILLY NARDI, Cleveland, Ohio
"Scott Lax is clearly devoted to the craft of writing, and this devotion shines in the classroom. Each student, regardless of previous writing experience, is treated with the utmost seriousness and respect, which is most likely the reason every member of the class can and does learn from one another. During workshop sessions, Scott use's his own experience and examples from the multitude of literary sources he brings to each class to make teaching points apropos to each and every one of his students, no matter whose piece is being showcased. I took a course with Scott just as I was beginning to contemplate taking my writing more seriously. His confidence in me, his confidence in everyone in that class, was contagious. It was his confidence in me that first gave me confidence in myself." - HALLIE BETH DURCHSLAG, Willoughby Hills, Ohio
"Scott Lax taught us to 'write for smart people.' What great advice-save words, paper and ink, cut to the bone, and make your writing even better. It's no coincidence that, in a parallel life, Scott is a drummer. Drummers hear the rhythm, create the beat and lead the music. Scott's writing, and the writing he teaches, creates a natural rhythm, a voice reflecting the music of life, of reality. Whatever your experience, you'll come out of Scott's course a better writer." - BRUCE CORSON, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
"I am so pleased I decided to participate in the Scott Lax Writing Workshop. Writing is truly an emotional and personal experience, and Scott did a remarkable job of teaching and guiding each of us as we strived to discover our unique writing voice. Whether you are a published writer or a curious novice, I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is serious about exploring the world of creative writing and editing."
- MARK DOERR, Moreland Hills, Ohio
“Kudos to Scott Lax for providing a supportive, helpful environment for beginning as well as highly accomplished writers! Scott framed all classes with focused topics, and set the tone for friendly, constructive feedback. In our workshop, we had diverse projects and voices, and Scott managed to create an open and comfortable environment for all participants. A useful, and most enjoyable experience!” - BETH RANKIN
"There wasn't a moment when I didn't want to pay attention in Scott's workshop. It was fun, and it was a class I really understood. It gave me a chance to express my creativity (I've done creative writing all my life), and I was able to hear what others thought of my writing. The class was also nice and laid back, but I also learned a lot. I'd like to take more classes like it, or even take this one again." - SHEL MARIE SMITH, South Russell, Ohio
MANUSCRIPT LINE EDIT AND CONSULTATION with Scott Lax - click "Consulting" link, above
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Nonfiction
Click here for samples of published nonfiction by Scott Lax
Click here to read some of Scott's columns, essays and features, including the 2009 Ohio Professional Writers First Place Award-winning column and feature.
Fiction
Click here for more on "The Year That Trembled," a novel by Scott Lax
“One of 1998’s Milestones in Fiction--Powerful!” --The Denver Post, Tom Walker, Book Editor (Please click the link above to read more reviews)
Film
Click here for more on "The Year That Trembled," a feature film, source written and produced by Scott Lax
"The most important movie of the year." - The Ithaca Times (Please click the above link to read more reviews)
Theatre
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Evans Printing CompanyIf you represent a bookstore or chain, you can order my novel, THE YEAR THAT TREMBLED, here. (It's not out of print; the previous publisher, Paul S. Eriksson, closed out his company and sold out his stock.)
The Scott Lax Prize in WritingAwarded by the Hub City Writers Project; established 2008
The Authors GuildScott's a member since 1998
Ohio Professional Writers, IncScott won two first place awards and one second in 2009. Click "About Scott," above, for more on those awards; click here for information on the OPW.
ALS AssociationWorking for a cure to treat and fight ALS
Bright Side of the Road Foundation Funding research in the battle against ALS |
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Educators' Testimonials for Scott Lax (FILE MISSING!)
