Storytelling begins with a simple question: Where does a story start?
For some writers, it begins with an image. For others, a voice, a memory, or a question that refuses to let go. But turning that initial spark into a fully realized narrative requires something deeper: craft.
This spring, the Dominican Writers Association is excited to announce The Craft of Story, a four-part workshop series facilitated by writer and educator Eli Villamán. Designed for emerging and developing writers, this series explores the creative and practical tools that help transform ideas into compelling stories.
Across four sessions, participants will explore the stages of storytelling—from generating an idea to shaping a narrative and revising it into stronger form.
The workshops will take place throughout April and will guide participants through the essential elements of the writing process.
From Idea to Story — April 2
Every story begins with an idea, but the challenge is knowing how to shape it. In this workshop, participants will explore how an initial idea develops into a narrative by identifying character, conflict, and direction.
The Writing Process — April 9
How do writers actually write? This session explores different approaches to the writing process, including planning, researching, drafting, and developing a sustainable writing practice.
The Art of Revision — April 16
Writing is only the first step. In this workshop, participants will learn how to evaluate their work, identify what is working, and strengthen areas that need clarity or depth through thoughtful revision.
Letting the Story Become Itself — April 23
Sometimes the story we plan is not the story that wants to emerge. This final session explores how writers can release rigid expectations and remain open to discovery as their work evolves.
Writing can often feel like a solitary practice, but growth as a writer rarely happens in isolation.
Workshops create a space where writers can experiment, learn from one another, and deepen their understanding of the creative process. For many emerging writers—especially those from historically underrepresented communities—access to supportive literary spaces can make the difference between a story remaining unwritten and a voice finding its audience.
At Dominican Writers Association, we believe storytelling is both a craft and a community practice. Workshops like these are part of our commitment to supporting writers at every stage of their development, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.
The Craft of Story series is designed for:
Emerging writers looking to develop their storytelling skills
Students and early-career writers exploring the creative process
Writers working on new projects or revisiting unfinished drafts
Anyone interested in understanding how stories take shape
Participants do not need to have a completed piece to join—only curiosity, openness, and a willingness to write.
Through this series, we hope participants leave with more than just new pages.
We hope writers gain:
A deeper understanding of how stories are built
Practical tools for drafting and revising their work
Greater confidence in their creative voice
A sense of connection to a community of writers
At Dominican Writers Association, our mission has always been to create spaces where writers can develop their craft and share their stories. The Craft of Story continues that tradition by offering writers the time, guidance, and encouragement needed to move their work forward.
Each workshop in The Craft of Story series is $30 per session, and participants may register for individual workshops or attend the full series.
Writers who attend the full series will gain a deeper understanding of the storytelling process—from generating an idea to shaping, revising, and strengthening a finished piece.
Workshops will take place throughout April:
From Idea to Story — April 2
The Writing Process — April 9
The Art of Revision — April 16
Letting the Story Become Itself — April 23
These sessions are designed to be both practical and inspiring, offering writers concrete tools they can apply to their own projects while connecting with a supportive community of fellow storytellers.
Space is limited.
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