top of page
write_spirit_wix_workshop_header2 copy.jpg

THE CATHOLIC ART INSTITUTE PRESENTS

Screenshot 2025-03-27 at 4.17.07 PM.png

RESTARTING TRULY “CREATIVE” WRITING:
Crafting Stories that are Fresh and Life-giving

 


Another Amazing Write Spirit Workshop
May 19 – 23, 2025

At Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Orlando, Florida

Enjoy a fantastic getaway – mornings of brilliant and inspiring writing workshops, and then afternoons and evenings of fun in the beautiful Florida sun all just before Memorial Day when the crowds pour in. And the best is, it’s all tax deductible!


THE WORKSHOP:

Geared to helping storytellers get out of the creative rut and move their short story, novel, play, of screenplay to the next level, this will be a fun week in the company of amazing writers.  There will be special content for writers who are Christian who want to truly infuse their work with a transcendent theme.  Bring a developed treatment, outline or script for thoughtful notes from our team of professional writers and long-time college-level educators.
 

INSTRUCTORS:  

Barbara Nicolosi

Dr. Barbara Nicolosi, PhD, screenwriter of Fatima (2020) and executive producer of The Last Supper (2025)

Karen_Hall.jpg

Karen Hall – multi-award winning television writer of Judging Amy, The Glades, The Good Wife; author of the biography of Fr. Paul Mankowski, The Sound of Silence (Sophia Press, 2024)

external-file_edited_edited.jpg

Angela Andrews, MFA, former Adjunct Professor of Screenwriting, Regent University

front-drive_edited.jpg
volcano-bay-view-standard-1.jpg
cabana-courtyard-1_edited.jpg
volcano-bay-view-2-bedroom.jpg

DAILY SCHEDULE:


Monday, May 19 – Day I: Arrivals and Evening Orientation at 6pm


Tuesday May 20 – Day II – Falling Back in Love With Your Story Idea
Session I - 9:00-945 - Why YOUR Story Matters
Session II - 10:00-10:45 - Reimagining Your Story Arena
Session III - 10:45-11:30 - Really Knowing and Loving Your Characters
Session IV - 11:45- 12:30 - Complications for Your Plot that will Enhance Your Theme
12:30pm - Dismissal to Have Fun in Orlando


Wednesday, May 21 - Day III – Aristotle and Stories That Truly Work

This morning will draw from Aristotle's Rhetoric and Poetics and apply his classical wisdom to the different elements of contemporary storytelling, especially plot,character, arena, dialogue, and visual quality.


9:00am-9:30am - Adding Smartness to Your Story
9:30am-10:00am - Adding Emotion to Your Story
10:45am-11:15am - Creating a Distinct Style and Aura for Your Story
11:30am-12:30pm - Whole, Harmonious, Radiant: How to Push Your Story Into the Realm of the Beautiful
12:30pm - Dismissal to go out and explore Orlando, especially Universal Studios new attraction: Epic Universe!


Thursday, May 22 - DAY IV – The Vocation of the Christian Storyteller
9:00am-9:30am –Holy Goals for The Believing Artist
9:30am – 10:00am –Flannery O’Connor’s Brilliant “Writing from Our Own Country”?
10:15am-10:45am – The “Chosen Effect” and the Challenge/Opportunity of Extra-Biblical Material
10:45am – 11:15am – Truth-telling in Historical Drama
11:30am – 12:00pm – What is a Redemptive Story?
12:00pm-12:30pm – The Sufferings of the Faithful Artist: Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones?

 

THE COST:  

$600 for 15 total hours of workshops - plus lots of downtime with the instructors!  

(Price doesn’t include hotel but we have secured a special rate for the first 12 rooms.


THE VENUE: 

We have a block of rooms set aside at a special rate at the amazing Cabana Bay Resort at Universal Studios.  Enjoy vibrant, retro-style with rooms and suites brilliantly designed for fun and affordability. 

Here, you’ll relax with a splash, surrounded by amazing iconic architecture inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. There are a variety of options in the incredible food court. 

Every day comes with fun for all ages with two massive pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley and more. 

Plus, you’ll enjoy the exclusive theme park benefits of staying at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort.


CONFERENCE INQUIRIES:  infowritespirit@gmail.com

Click Button Below to Register for the Workshop:  

 


To secure a room at our special rate, please email our Write Spirit Travel Agent Elizabeth Brahman at:  elizabeth.braman@wanderingwandstravel.com

(Include your full name, and phone number, and if they have a person they want to room with or if they are requesting a single room.)


Rooms are limited!  Book your spot today!  See you in Florida!!!!

lazy-river_edited.jpg
volcano-bay-view-2-bedroom-1.jpg
photo1jpg_edited.jpg
photo3jpg_edited.jpg
swizzle-lounge_edited.jpg

MAILING ADDRESS

Catholic Art Institute

501 Union Street

Suite 400

Nashville, TN 37219

SPIRITUAL HOME

St. John Cantius

Parish  Hall

825 N. Carpenter St.

Chicago, IL 60642

CONTACT

Email: contact@catholicartinstitute.org

 

 


 

  • White Facebook Icon
  • White Instagram Icon
  • White Twitter Icon
  • YouTube
CAI Logo White Quartrefoil

© 2025 Catholic Art Institute

bottom of page