IT DIDN'T START OUT THAT WAY Book Cover Shut UP Book Cover Shut UP Book Cover Shut UP Book Cover
Redbird Studio
20860 George Hunt Circle #312
Waukesha WI 53186
414-481-3195
redbirdstudio.com
jb@redbirdstudio.com
This is the original "Redbird Studio" founded by Judy Bridges in 1993. Currently sponsors Judy's workshops and readings.
Redoak Writing
Director: Kim Suhr
P.O. Box 342
Genesee Depot WI 53127
414-881-7276
redoakwriting.com
kim@redoakwriting.com
The official successor to Redbird Studio. Offers writers' roundtable groups and other programs for adults and young writers.
Redbird Studio
   Founded by Judy Bridges, 1993   

WOMEN'S WRITING RETREAT AT THE CLEARING
One full-week class: September 27 - October 3, 2020
Led by Judy. Sponsored by The Clearing in Ellison Bay - Door County, Wisconsin

Registration opens in February 2020 at www.theclearing.org

Got a story to tell? Whether it's fiction, nonfiction, short or long, you need quiet time to get it written.

Writers have their heads full of stories and good ideas. The problem is not thinking of things to write about, it's finding time to get it done. You need quiet. And privacy. And oh, some encouragement and support wouldn't hurt, either.

The Women's Writing Retreat gives you what you need—a week full of hours you can call your own.

Most mornings are quiet writing time. You find your perfect space and write your heart out—without interruption. In the early afternoons you are free to take a nap, walk, read or continue writing.

In late afternoons and evenings, the group gathers for some of the best feedback sessions you'll ever attend.

Private coaching sessions take place throughout the week and are optional.

Whether you want to work on your book, finish a short story, craft a nonfiction article or complete your memoirs, you are bound to make progress during this wonderful week.

Level: Intermediate

Bring your copy of Shut Up & Write! If you don't have one, you can purchase it at The Clearing Bookstore.

Also bring fragrance-free products to use during this week.

Judy Bridges is the author of the award-winning writers' guide, Shut Up & Write! and the founder of Redbird Studio writing center in Milwaukee. Prior to founding the studio, she earned her living writing articles, short stories, plays and corporate communications. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in creative writing and adult education. Her next book will be a collection of life and family stories titled You Drive, You're Too Drunk to Sing.

Judy will contact students prior to class.






MASTER CLASS (continuing)
Monthly meeting
Led by Judy Bridges, in Brookfield
Filled

Recent Events
 

WOMEN'S WRITING RETREAT AT THE CLEARING
One full-week class: June 23 - June 29, 2019
Led by Judy. Sponsored by The Clearing in Ellison Bay - Door County, Wisconsin

Register at www.theclearing.org

Got a story to tell? Whether it's fiction, nonfiction, short or long, you need quiet time to get it written.

Writers have their heads full of stories and good ideas. The problem is not thinking of things to write about, it's finding time to get it done. You need quiet. And privacy. And oh, some encouragement and support wouldn't hurt, either.

The Women's Writing Retreat gives you what you need—a week full of hours you can call your own.

Most mornings are quiet writing time. You find your perfect space and write your heart out—without interruption. In the early afternoons you are free to take a nap, walk, read or continue writing.

In late afternoons and evenings, the group gathers for some of the best feedback sessions you'll ever attend.

Private coaching sessions take place throughout the week and are optional.

Whether you want to work on your book, finish a short story, craft a nonfiction article or complete your memoirs, you are bound to make progress during this wonderful week.

Level: Intermediate

Bring your copy of Shut Up & Write! If you don't have one, you can purchase it at The Clearing Bookstore.

Also bring fragrance-free products to use during this week.

Judy Bridges is the author of the award-winning writers' guide, Shut Up & Write! and the founder of Redbird Studio writing center in Milwaukee. Prior to founding the studio, she earned her living writing articles, short stories, plays and corporate communications. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in creative writing and adult education. Her next book will be a collection of life and family stories titled You Drive, You're Too Drunk to Sing.

Judy will contact students prior to class.






WINTER WRITING RETREAT
Jan 3-6, 2019
Sponsored by Redbird, held at The Clearing in Ellison Bay, WI
Limited registration
Filled for 2019

WOMEN'S WRITING RETREAT AT THE CLEARING
One full-week class: October 14 - 20, 2018
Led by Judy. Sponsored by The Clearing in Ellison Bay - Door County, Wisconsin

See www.theclearing.org

MASTER CLASS (continuing)
Monthly meeting
Led by Judy Bridges, in Bay View
Filled

Itchy Pens: How to Get Started Writing Practically Anything

Elm Grove Library, Court Room
Thursday, September 13, 2018, 7PM, FREE

Ever get stuck when you are trying to write? Most of us do. Judy Bridges, founder of Redbird Studio and author of the nationally acclaimed writing guide, Shut Up & Write! offers encouragement and tips you can use to get started and say what you want to say.

Experienced in fiction, nonfiction, plays and writing for business, Judy makes all forms of writing accessible and fun. Bring a notebook and your favorite pen or pencil – you won't want to miss a word.

Program is excellent for beginning and experienced writers. Feel free to share.

Please come fragrance free. Judy and others are super-sensitive.

Register with the Elm Grove Library.
http://elmgrovelibrary.org/483/Adult-Programs

 

WINTER WRITING RETREAT
Jan 4-7, 2018
Sponsored by Redbird, held at The Clearing in Ellison Bay, WI
Limited registration
Filled for 2018

SHUT UP & WRITE! with Judy Bridges
 
LAST CLASS AT THE MARIAN CENTER
Judy Bridges started mentoring writers at Redbird Studio in the Marian Center in 1992, when the building was still known as St. Mary's Academy. At the end of June, 2016, the Center's doors will close, leaving us with our memories of the studio, the long shelves of published works, and the hundreds of wonderful people we met along the way.
 
The Last "Shut Up & Write!" class at the Marian Center
Sponsored by Judy Bridges of Redbird Studio
Held in the Red Oak Writing classroom, #205
3195 S. Superior St. Milwaukee 53207
 
Sunday Afternoons
April 3, 10, 24 and May 1, 2016
12 noon – 3:30 pm (bring your lunch if you want)
$345 (deposit to hold place in class: $100)

(This class is FULL. Please email Judy to be added to the wait list. Please include your phone number so Judy can contact you.)
 
Develop your skills
Build confidence
Get moving!
 
This nationally known class has helped many writers get moving on the road to success. Beginners use this class to learn the brass tacks. Pros use it to tune-up or polish skills in added areas of writing. It doesn't matter whether you are just starting out or have been writing for years, there is always more to learn.
At the heart of the class is Judy's belief that writers arrive at the table with everything they need to do the job. You have a lifetime of experiences. You have ideas. You have the basic skills of writing or can learn them as you go along. The only trick is to reach inside yourself and develop what you already have.
That's where Judy comes in. Her special gift is to pay attention – to what you want to accomplish, to your experience, to your natural and learned skills. She adds these elements to what she knows about the field of writing and the subtleties of communication, and helps you get moving on a path you'd like to follow.
Class includes practical tips and techniques you can use to write prose in any style: fiction and nonfiction stories, articles, memoirs, essays, plays, and corporate communications.
Learn how to:
  • Get your thoughts in order
  • Bring your characters to life
  • Write powerful, attention-grabbing scenes
  • Get, and hold, your readers attention
  • Master Point-Of-View, Show vs Tell, and Narrative Drive
  • Get, and give, useful, encouraging, critique
And best of all, enjoy the company of a small group of writers from all backgrounds, all ages, all levels of education and experience. This is a place where friendships are made.
 
Be inspired
Get focused
Write!
 
What students say:
"I can't remember the last time I enjoyed something as much as I enjoyed this class. I felt safe, stimulated and inspired."
Marie Moody New Berlin, WI
"Gave me the help I need to organize and make something out of my thoughts."
Tricia Mowen Austin, TX
"Simplifies the process for me, even as an already professional writer."
Judy Fossen Delafield, WI
Redbird-gradation 2
Redbird Studio and Red Oak Writers
Say Farewell to The Marian Center


We started mentoring writers in the Marian Center in 1992, when the building was still known as St. Mary's Academy. At the end of June, 2016, the Center's doors will close, leaving us with our memories of the studio, the long shelves of published works, and the hundreds of wonderful people we met along the way.

Though the Center is closing, Redbird and Red Oak continue to support writers in various ways highlighted on our websites.

Our last events at the Center include: 1) a Writers' Showcase sponsored by Red Oak, and 2) a Gathering of Redbirds sponsored by Redbird Studio. 


LOCATION for both events:
MARIAN CENTER FOR NONPROFITS

Main Floor Social Room #210
3195 South Superior Street
Milwaukee WI 53207
     
1. RED OAK WRITERS' SHOWCASE
Sponsored by Red Oak Writing
Thurs Apr 14, 6:45 PM (Optional potluck 5:00 PM)
Free and open to all

 
Presenting: Judy Bridges, Carol Wobig, Marjorie Pagel,
Jennifer Rupp, Christine Baerbock, Carolyn Toms-Neary,
Aleta Chossek, Lisa Rivero and Pam Parker
 
More info: www.redoakwriting.com or call Kim Suhr at 414-881-7276
 
 

2. A GATHERING OF REDBIRDS
Sponsored by Redbird Studio
Thurs, June 9, 6:30 PM (Casual party) 
Everyone welcome

 
As the doors to the Marian Center for Nonprofits get ready to close, we gather in the old social room to celebrate our years in the building, the rooms that sheltered us, and the friends we made. 
 
The party will be BYOB, so bring a beverage, and if you want, a nibble to share. We will have glasses and napkins, etc.
 
Dave is making a slide show of photos. 
We may have a short program.
 
Please come Fragrance Free!  Judy gets really sick from any scent in shampoo, lotion, hand sanitizer, and of course, perfume.
 
More info: www.redbirdstudio.com or Judy Bridges 414-481-3195

Register with The Clearing
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225

Location:
12171 Garrett Bay Road
Ellison Bay, WI 54210
920-854-4088 or toll free 877-854-3225

www.theclearing.org