Want to improve your writing skills? Sign up for a fun, hands-on class with Chris at North Seattle Community College or Cascadia Community College in Bothell (see schedule below). Or catch Chris at a local writer's conference.

You can also arrange for Chris to speak to your group or lead a customized business writing seminar at your workplace. 

Wednesdays, Oct. 1-29 (5 weeks) Writing for Magazines, 6:30-9 p.m., Cascadia Community College, $99. 

Make money, influence others, and express yourself with magazine writing! This fun, hands-on class takes you step-by-step through the writing/publishing process, from getting ideas to cashing your checks. Develop your writing skills, learn how to turn hobbies and interests into article ideas, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world. Beginners welcome! To register, call the college at 425-352-8862. For more info, see www.cascadia.ctc.edu. 

Monday, Oct. 13 Secrets of Good Writing, 6:30-9 p.m., North Seattle Community College, $35. 

Good writing doesn't have to be hard--not if you know the secrets! Whatever you write--memos, reports, articles, newsletters, journals, even letters to friends--you'll benefit from being able to express yourself clearly and directly on paper. Class will be held on campus. To register, call the college at 206-527-3705 or see www.learnatnorth.org.

Mondays, Oct. 20 & 27 (2 weeks) Writing & Selling Magazine Articles, 6:30-9 p.m., North Seattle Community College, $65. 

The thousands of magazines published in this country depend largely on freelance writers to fill their pages. The next byline could be yours! We'll cover the ins-and-outs of nonfiction magazine article writing: ideas, research, marketing, writing, and more. Class will be held at Whitman Middle School. To register, call the college at 206-527-3705 or see www.learnatnorth.org.

Monday, Nov. 3 Write Great Newsletters, 6:30-9 p.m., North Seattle Community College, $35. 

Learn to write, edit, and produce a lively, fact-filled newsletter for your business or nonprofit group. We'll cover writing, design, layout, distribution and more. Class will be held a the Sand Point Education Center. To register, call the college at 206-527-3705 or see www.learnatnorth.org.

Wednesday, Nov. 12 Free Your Creativity, 6:30-9 p.m., Cascadia Community College, $39 

Bring your writing to life by tapping into your hidden creativity! This workshop covers what creative people have in common, how to ward off negative influences, and how to listen to and trust your creative instincts. Through a variety of fun writing exercises, you'll learn to nurture your creative side and use it to enrich all your writing projects. To register, call the college at 425-352-8862. For more info, see www.cascadia.ctc.edu.