In this course, produced screenwriter Katie Williams (The Christmas Writer) will break down the essential elements of a successful holiday screenplay, including character archetypes, emotional stakes, romance, theme, setting, and the structure that makes these films so satisfying. Through examples, writing exercises, and practical industry insights, students will learn how to craft a holiday story that captures the magic of the season while standing out in a competitive marketplace.


Katie Williams is a produced screenwriter, educator, and school principal whose feature film The Christmas Writer was released on Amazon Prime and Tello in 2025. A graduate of Spalding University’s MFA in Writing program, she teaches screenwriting at the University of Louisville and specializes in crafting character-driven holiday films that blend heart, humor, and emotional authenticity.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

The Carnegie Center reserves the right to cancel a class if minimum enrollment is not met. It is best to register early to help our instructors prepare and to ensure the class does not get cancelled. We evaluate registration numbers 62 business days before a class starts to decide whether we can hold the class. Classes that do not meet minimum enrollment will be cancelled six–two business days prior to the first class meeting. All participants will be notified by email and will receive full refunds.

Other Classes You Might Enjoy

September 8, 2026 6:00 pm

Come join fellow screenwriters and film fans from around the state and country! Our group...

September 10, 2026 6:00 pm

Have you always wanted to write for the stage? In this Zoom workshop for teen...

October 1, 2026 6:30 pm

Explore the key differences between writing books and screenplays, with a focus on characterization, dialogue,...