Desiree Kannel (Ms. Dez)

AWA is a specific type of writers' workshop created by Pat Schneider. Her goal was to create an artistic place where people who have been silenced--either by poverty, abuse, or those who have been relegated to the margins of society--can express their authentic voice without fear of being laughed at or put down. Her methods were groundbreaking, and she soon discovered that the AWA method works well with all writers, from all walks of life.

The biggest difference between AWA workshops and others is that writers come away from a session with a strong desire to write more, rather than less.

Rose Writers moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2021. Workshops, retreats and classes are held online and in person. Unless local, tutoring is held vial Zoom. 

 The workshop is designed for fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction (memoirs, essays). If you write technical stuff, this format may not suit your needs. Screenplay writers also may find the workshop lacking since writing for the screen is technically different than writing for the page.
 

Creating stories, whether real or imagined, is a sensitive issue. I have been where you are and know the value of a professional, honest, and encouraging critique. I have also experienced the opposite and almost chucked my writing career. I don't want this to happen to anyone, so my goal is to leave you wanting to write more, not less. I will respect you and your work, treat it with care, and provide you with honest and helpful feedback.

And for those who worry that their story is "any good," EVERY story has potential, and that is what I look for first. 

No, it is never too late to start. 

Never.