WORDS AND IMAGES : Help With Writing : College extension classes offer insights into the craft and the business.

So you want to write, be a writer or brush up on literary skills but don’t know how to begin? College extension classes have helped hundreds of scribblers, a few of whom have evolved into published professionals. You’ll make contacts, discover that writing is part talent, part craft and a lot of work, and learn the business side of publishing. Here is what Moorpark and Ventura colleges and UC Santa Barbara are offering.

AT MOORPARK COLLEGE: Creative Writing for Teen-Agers begins Tuesday (4 to 6 p.m. four Tuesdays). Basic Training for Screenwriting Warriors, 1 to 4 p.m., Oct. 17. Free Yourself to Write: A Therapeutic Workshop, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 17 and 24. Poetry Writing, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 31. A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Published, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 31. Introduction to Fiction Writing, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 7. Most of the classes charge modest fees. Call 378-1408 for details.

UCSB: Writing and Selling Nonfiction, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 17 in Thousand Oaks. Writing and Selling the Romance Novel, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct.10 in Santa Barbara and Nov. 7 in Thousand Oaks. Writing the Short Story, taught by publisher John Daniel, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 14 at UCSB Ventura Center. Call 893-3351 for information.

VENTURA COLLEGE: Cartooning for Kids Ages 10 and Up, a six-week class, begins noon to 2 p.m., Saturday. How to Become a Published Writer, noon to 2:30 p.m., Oct. 10. Beyond Writing and Into Selling, taught by former literary agent Mel Bloom, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., Oct. 21 in the Anacapa Middle School. To register call 654-6459.

To receive information on how to find an agent, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to me at the Ventura County Life section.

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National Banned Books Week, the response to individuals and groups demanding that certain books be removed from schools and libraries because of “offensive content,” was created to celebrate the freedom to read. Libraries and bookstores--among them Mr. Nichols of Santa Paula and the Ventura Bookstore--are featuring displays of banned books this week and encouraging the public to stop in to see which titles are under attack. Many of the classics we all grew up with are being challenged, and in too many cases frightened librarians have removed certain books after being pressured by self-appointed keepers of our moral and intellectual values. Just imagine being forbidden to read Mark Twain, John Steinbeck and, yes, even the Bible!

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The Gold Coast chapter of Romance Writers of America has broadened its focus and now welcomes all fiction writers. The group’s next meeting will be Monday at 6:30 p.m. at 1215 Anchors Way, the Club House, Ventura Park Mobile Community. There is a $3 guest fee. For membership information call Donna Humberd at 965-5760.