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Writing Instructor

Style of Teaching

Informal classes include:
  • Instruction by example and discussion;
  • Brainstorming, as individuals, of topics and approaches;
  • Group sharing of brainstorming results;
  • Ample time for in-class writing;
  • Personal written critiques of each student's work; and
  • Can include chapbook of student writing.

Optimal class size is no fewer than seven, no more than 20 persons.

Experience

2004, January Park Ridge Senior Center Park Ridge, IL
Creative Writing, scheduled for 12 weeks, 1 ½ hour

2004, JanuaryRenaissance Court
(Chicago Dept. of Aging)
Chicago, IL
Poetry Workshop, scheduled for 4 weeks, 1 hour

2003, Fall Park Ridge Senior Center Park Ridge, IL
Memoir Writing, 12 weeks, 1 ½ hour

2003, SpringPark Ridge Senior Center Park Ridge, IL
Taught 3-month class in Creative Writing

Education

2003De Paul University Chicago, IL
  • Began Master of Writing program. Twin-emphasis: literary writing and writing pedagogy.
2002-2003 Oakton Community College Des Plaines, IL
  • Honors student: Creative writing, Introduction to Poetry, Introduction to Fiction;
  • President, Grub Street, literary magazine
1986 Open Bible College Des Moines, IA
  • B.A., Pastoral Theology, Bible.
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude

Published

  • "Mudface", a poem, Off the Rocks, 2003
  • Poetry, and non-fiction, Grub Street, Oakton College's literary magazine, 2003
  • "Lanita's Cooking", 2nd place, Non-Fiction, Skyway Writer's Festival, 2003

    "Lanita's Cooking" illustrates beautifully the power of the time-honored writing adage, "Show, Don't Tell." Cheryl doesn't simply say her sister-in-law is a poor cook--or that she forgot to cook part of the Thanksgiving meal. Cheryl describes just how bad Lanita is, right down to those marshmellows. She doesn't just say Lanita is southern--she illustrates her speech patterns. As a personality profile, this piece of work is first-rate.

    Melanie Rigney
    Editor, Writer's Digest Magazine


Contact us by snail-mail:

CherylTime
1174 Prospect Lane,
Des Plaines, IL 60018

Or give us a call at
847-390-9492