Workshops

It’s time for writing.

Upcoming Workshops

Darlene is in writer mode, however I’m booking workshops for 2024! Need a fun workshop geared just for you? Connect with me!

August 2023: Traveling with Outlander – Hearts Through History, RWA

Join us for a captivating journey through time as we unravel the secrets of Diana Gabaldon’s beloved romance, Outlander.

In this immersive two-week workshop, we’ll delve deep into the enchanting world of Jamie and Claire, uncovering the elements that make their love story truly timeless.

Discover the art of crafting epic battles, weaving historical details, and masterfully incorporating time travel, all while understanding the magic that keeps readers spellbound.

This exclusive workshop is hosted by Hearts Through History, an esteemed chapter of the Romance Writers of America. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your writing skills and delve into the heart of captivating romance.

Workshop Details:

  • Dates: first two weeks in August
  • Venue: Online at Hearts Through History
  • Price: $10 for HHRW Members / $15 for Non-Members

Secure your spot today and embark on an unforgettable journey that will elevate your understanding of romance writing. Join us as we unlock the secrets of Outlander’s enduring appeal.

Please note: Limited seats available, so early registration is recommended.

2024: A Novel Approach for Writers – DarWrites

Information coming soon!


Past Workshops

Galaxy-Expanding Ideas in Science Fiction, FF&P RWA, January 2022

What scientific ideas can we use in romance that haven’t been explored? Let’s look at unique and weird ideas that help us figure out what the future of human life could look like so we can build planets and create worlds that make readers fall in love with our characters. What are the gadgets and gizmos that will make our geeky readers lean forward? Let’s figure out the answers and take our SFR to the next level.

Digging into the Past: Ancient Greece and Rome, RWA Conference, Nov. 2021

Sexy is a romantic seaside escape with beautiful clothes and architecture with a backdrop of a gripping war. Come learn what the ancient Greeks believed about love! Eros is the word the Greeks used to describe romantic, passionate love. In this one-hour workshop, we will dive into the history, architecture, and feel of ancient Greece and Rome.

Putting the Sci in Science Fiction Romance, FF&P RWA, August 2021

What is science fiction and why do we love it? In this four-week overview workshop, we explored everything from first-contact scenarios to themes and ideas that aren’t often looked at in science fiction.

We used plausible extrapolations of technology based on contemporary science to make it integral to our stores and level up our science fiction. By the end of the workshop, writers had more tools to create fantastic science fiction.

Putting the Sci in Science Fiction Romance Workshop was offered through Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers of America.

Hellenistic Romance: Eros in ancient Greece, Hearts Through History RWA, June 2021

Sexy is a romantic seaside escape with beautiful clothes and architecture with a backdrop of a gripping war. Come learn what the ancient Greeks believed about love! Eros is the word the Greeks used to describe romantic, passionate love…or you can check out the other seven types of love!

Diversifying your science fiction, FF&P RWA, Mar. 2021

Let’s level up our science fiction romance by adding spice! We will address diversity of people and thought, figure out unique elements of futurism, and find a realistic scientific way to get around the human/alien paradigm. Bring your sexiest alien, superhuman, and unique monsters – together we will make them stand out among the crowd and make your readers swoon over them! During the course of the class we will have a battle to create the ultimate alien hottie – may the sexiest alien win a special gift!

The Touchstone Writer’s Workshop, DarWrites, Dec. 2020

The Touchstone Writer’s Workshop is open to writers of all ability – all spots are full. Writers will learn how to level up their writing using the framework of a video game to encourage play! This online workshop is presented by DarWrites.

The Kickass Writer’s Workshop, DarWrites, Sept. 2020

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The Pocketbook of Inspiration: Pandemic Edition, DarWrites, 2020

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Are you stuck inside without inspiration? Long to know what a Zombie Slayer thinks of a Pandemic? Here’s your chance! 
This is a fun, creative workbook to help you through this trying time. The best thing about it? It’s a free resource while the pandemic is on!
I wanted to help all my writer buddies level up and lift up – that’s why we’re here.
So have a treat on me: A Pocket Book of Inspiration Pandemic Edition.

Anthropology, Archaeology, & Romance, FF&P RWA, 2017

Welcome to Anthropology, Archaeology, and Romance. This fun, inclusive workshop merges my two loves of writing and anthropology. If you want to deep your characters, culture, or societies in your novel, you’re in the right place. Also, if you want to deep-dive into Indiana Jones’s world, welcome.


Mastering Worldbuilding and the Anthropology of Writing, Goddard College, 2016

Working the Weird in Science Fiction, Goddard Teaching Practicum, 2015

NaNoWriMo Thank Goodness It’s Over Workshop (with Ang Bouma), Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2013

NaNoWriMo Midway Workshop (with Ang Bouma), Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2013

National Novel Writing Month Kickoff Workshop (with Chris Weigand and Ang Bouma), Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2013

NaNoWriMo Thank Goodness It’s Over Workshop (with Ang Bouma), Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2012

NaNoWriMo Midway Workshop (with Ang Bouma), Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2012

NaNoWriMo Kickoff Workshop (with Ang Bouma), Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2012

Beginning Writer’s Workshop, Ink and Ingenuity, Pierce College, 2012

Host, Open Mic Night, Pierce College, 2012

How to Knit a Plot Bunny, Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2011

How to Knit a Plot Bunny, Pierce College, 2011

NaNoWriMo Thank Goodness It’s Over Workshop, Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2011

NaNoWriMo Midway Workshop, Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2011

NaNoWriMo Kickoff Workshop, Pierce County NaNoWriMo,  2011

NaNoWriMo Thank Goodness It’s Over Workshop, Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2010

NaNoWriMo Midway Workshop, Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2010

NaNoWriMo Kickoff Workshop, Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2010

NaNoWriMo Thank Goodness It’s Over Workshop, Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2009

NaNoWriMo Midway Workshop, Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2009

NaNoWriMo Kickoff Workshop, Pierce County NaNoWriMo, 2009