Sonoma County Literary Update

College Courses for Adults

Dominican University of California’s Creative Writing MFA program (offers free public writing workshops via zoom)
Napa Valley College-St. Helena
Santa Rosa Junior College English Department
Santa Rosa Junior College Writing Scholarships and Awards
Santa Rosa Junior College Community Education Writing Courses
Sonoma State University Creative Writing Program
Sonoma State University Extended Education Program

Bay Area Writing Courses (non-college)

The Grotto, a San Francisco writing center and community workspace offers narrative arts workshops over several weeks or one day. Located in SOMA.

On-Line Writing Programs and Resources

Amherst Writers & Artists, online writing workshops
University of California, Berkeley, Extension, Online Writing Certificates
Stanford University, Continuing Studies, Online Writers Certificates
Oxford University, Continued Education, short online courses
Online College Courses in Writing (database of free courses)
Visual Writers Workshops bring published authors together with writers for synergy and exchange one Sunday a month at 12 p.m. Eastern time, 9 a.m. Pacific time.
Christine Walker’s Self-paced Online Course, YouTube Channel and Read to Write Books blog are devoted to writing fiction and creative process. Details below under Ongoing Workshops.
Sit Down and Write Poetry. Here’s how to do it (six tips) plus a list of additional online resources for writing poetry.

School-Based Programs for Youth

California Poets in Schools
— Phyllis Meshulam, Area Coordinator
Sonoma State University EXCEL Program

Community Non-Credit Workshops

For a list of  Sonoma County writers offering workshops and consultations, check the Local Workshop Leaders and Writing Consultants page. Below you’ll find a list of upcoming workshops in chronological order and following that, ongoing (undated) workshops in alphabetical order by the workshop leader’s last name.

NEW, UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

Upcoming workshops are in chronological order. See below for local ONGOING WORKSHOPS. 

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Less is More! Writing Micro Fiction with Britta Stromeyer

Saturday, December 6, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Corte Madera Store & Online via Zoom, $80
(This class will not be recorded, so online students must attend the workshop live.)

Dive into the world of flash fiction, where every word matters and every sentence packs a punch. Welcome to the universe of micro fiction, where the power of storytelling meets the art of brevity. Whether you aspire to craft standalone micro-stories or use this form to enrich your longer works, this course will equip you with the skills to create concise, impactful narratives that leave a lasting impression.

Details and registration: bookpassage.com/event/less-more-writing-micro-fiction-britta-stromeyer-2

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Fourth Sunday Meditation Gathering with Clara Rosemarda

Sunday, December 28, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Free. On Zoom.

Come join others for a group meditation on Zoom. Find that still place within, that place fueled by your life force. I will lead the meditation and follow with a discussion period. Feel free to come with questions. I encourage writers to develop a practice that serves the creative process.

RSVP to receive the Zoom invite: rosen@sonic.net

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Writing From Memory or Imagination with Nicole R. Zimmerman

8 Wednesdays, beginning January 7, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

on Zoom, $320

Using the AWA method as our foundation, I offer prompts to spark memory, imagination, or observation. Rather than critique just-written work, the group’s attentive listening and affirmative feedback guide our practice. We only reflect what is strong — never “wrong” — in fresh writing, without the pressure to produce, polish, or publish. Self-identified women and nonbinary writers with any level of experience are welcome. Space is limited; no drop-ins.

Details and registration: pencil-and-pen.com

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The Memoir Writer’s Workout with Melissa Cistaro

Sunday, January 11, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Book Passage, Online via Zoom, $80

This workshop is for anyone who wants an inspired writing workout that will result in new pages. Come write in a supportive environment with a bestselling memoirist who used these very techniques to complete her book. Whether you are looking to strengthen your writing practice, or add layers to your current work, you’ll leave the workshop with several new story starts. This generative writing session will include a series of new exercises and prompts.

Details and registration: bookpassage.com/event/memoir-writers-workout-melissa-cistaro-3

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Short Story Project: 8 Stories in 8 Weeks (Online and FREE)

Sundays (Session 3), January 4—March 1, 2026

This project is 100% online. The idea is each week all the authors in the project write a story based on the same one-sentence prompt, and these are all posted on a website. Bottom line, the authors (unless they screw it up) end up with 8 short stories in 8 weeks. Suggested length is between 500 and 3500 words. There is no critique or discussion, just the stories. The first 8-week session finished on Sunday, September 29, and the results may be read at storyauthors.com.

Authors interested in joining the project (at any time), contact Ted Gross: tedgross54@gmail.com. Authors can have a hand in creating prompts before the project begins. They email their stories to Ted who then posts them on the website. Every Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. after the stories are submitted, he emails the authors a new prompt for the next week. 

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Writing Your Family History with Laurel Hilton

3 Wednesdays: January 21—February 4, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Book Passage Corte Madera Store, $140

Writing about your family history can be a daunting task. Where do you begin? When do you stop the research and start the writing? During this two-session workshop, you will learn how to think of your ancestors, living relatives, or even yourself as characters in a fascinating narrative; one that will capture the essence of your family. Whether you want to write short family vignettes or longer pieces that will become memoir, this is a great entry point for your stories!

This is an introductory class to the craft of writing family history, designed to get you started on your journey to bring your ancestors’ stories to life. Previous writing experience isn’t a requirement, but please come prepared with an ancestor to focus on, to the first class.

More details and registration: bookpassage.com/event/writing-your-family-history-laurel-hilton-1

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Humor Writing Workshop: The Truth is Often Funny, with Jenny Jedeikin

Sunday, January 25, 2026, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Book Passage Corte Madera Store, $80

Discover your authentically funny voice in this engaging and fun writing workshop. The two-hour class will focus on personal narrative writing, aiming to explore and cultivate material for a comedic essay through writing exercises. Participants will learn the basics of humor writing and create material for a layered essay, rooted in time and place.

Details and registration: bookpassage.com/event/humor-writing-workshop-truth-often-funny-jenny-jedeikin-1

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ONGOING WORKSHOPS

Aside from the initial posting, these listings are alphabetical, either by name of organization or last name of facilitator.

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Book Arts: Sonoma County Book Arts Guild

If you make books, alter books, want to learn to make books please join us at the Sebastapol Center for the Arts. The intent is to create a group to share work, teach techniques, take field trips, invite guest artists to teach, and have a show.

15-Adult
Painting/Drawing Studio

Last Saturday of each month, 10 am-12 pm

Fee: $2-$5 donation to cover facility use

Location: Sebastopol Center for the Arts
Contact Dena Bliss 829-1732

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Books & Letters Writing Workshop

Books & Letters is launching its first writing workshop the spring of 2022. The workshop will be held in the bookstore (14045 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville ) weekly on a day which is to be announced soon (depending on writers’ availability). The workshop will run in two month increments. Writers will be expected to submit hard copies of their work a week before their scheduled workshop. All genres except poetry are allowed (sorry poets, but if you’d like to perhaps start a poetry workshop, please contact Michael at the bookstore): (707) 604-7197

If you are interested or want more information, fill out the message form at www.booksletters.com/activities-and-classes/the-writing-workshop. Please include your name, phone number, your genre, why you want to take the workshop, when you ‘d be available to begin, and if Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings from 5:30-7:30 work for you. Please specify your top two choices in terms of day to hold the workshop.

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Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro’s Sonoma County Writing Practice

(Updated 7/1/23) Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro teaches seasonally based eight-week long writing semesters out of her Santa Rosa office. Three different class times are offered each week; Monday at 2.00 p.m. in person, Tuesday at 9.15 a.m. on Zoom, and Tuesday at 4.00 p.m. in person. Margaret uses poetry and meditation for inspiration and writers are encouraged to read their work in a supportive atmosphere. The memoir is a valuable form for dropping deeper into the self, allowing memories to come forth. This process allows space for self-knowledge to occur. Margaret was born and raised in South Africa and her love of memoir comes from her African storytelling background. For more information or to receive a flyer call (707) 484-7437 or email Margaret at harlmarg@sonic.net. The website for Sonoma County Writing Practice is www.handwritingonline.net. Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro and Sonoma County Writing Practice have published their 2nd Anthology, FOOT NOTES, which showcases the writing of 51 of Margaret’s students. Details on Sonoma County in Print (2014) page. Classes are being held in person and via Zoom.  Contact Margaret for details. harlmarg@sonic.net

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John Christian’s Workshops and Intuitive Coaching

Fridays, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm: Weekly online literary open mic via Zoom. Share a short story or poetry. By donation. Email poetrysher@gmail.com for Zoom link. Hosted by John Christian http://flyingchairproductions.weebly.com 

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Flash Friday

Fridays, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Deb Carlen

a weekly walk-in, one-hour class with a different topic every week about writing. A quick way to gain in-depth information about the elements of writing, genres, marketing, publishing and more. At Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa, Sonoma. Drop-ins, $10; members, $9. Details at: https://sonomacommunitycenter.org/flash-friday/
CANCELLED TILL FURTHER NOTICE.

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Susan Hagen’s Writing Circles and Retreats

Our Women’s Writing Community is a safe place for women to write, connect, heal, and grow. Whether you’re seeking tools for self-discovery, support for writing a book, or simply a place to connect with other women on a spiritual path, you’re sure to find something that’s right for you. Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you’ll benefit from the healing power of telling your stories and having them witnessed by others. There is no judgement here. We honor each voice as equal, and we write and speak from the heart. Beginning, experienced, and exploring writers are always welcome.

Virtual Writing Circles to Connect us During Coronavirus Isolation
Every Saturday morning via Zoom
(See website www.susanhagen.com for fees and more information)
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Pacific  Time

One-Day Writing Workshops for Women
Susan offers monthly writing circles for women on alternating topics.
Visit www.susanhagen.com for ongoing writing practice and upcoming events.

Susan Hagen is an award-winning nonfiction writer, Vision Quest guide, and co-author of Women at Ground Zero: Stories of Courage and Compassion. She is a former news reporter, organizational journalist, firefighter and emergency medical technician. Her writing programs are inspired by the vision quest, a personal journey into the wilderness that clarifies and informs her life and work.

Mobile: 707-888-0849
Office: 707-874-9223
PO Box 443, Graton, CA 95444
suzhagen@sonic.net
www.susanhagen.com

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Lawrence Hart Poetry Seminar

The Lawrence Hart Seminar, the region’s longest-running intensive poetry workshop (with roots going back to the 1930s), meets monthly in San Rafael, second Saturdays, 1-4 (no meeting in August). All levels welcome; visitors encouraged (no obligation, but please contact first). $125 for five sessions thereafter. Contact John Hart, staff@lawrencehart.org, 415-507-9230. Next meeting March 10.

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Jumpstart Writing Workshops

A safe place to write and explore, using a variety of prompts to kindle imagination and inspire writing. You are free to write whatever you want: truth, fiction, memoir. Freewrites are a way of letting words tumble and fall however they land with no concerns about the outcome. Prompts generate writing that goes deep, often resulting in transformational experiences. Jumpstart meets on the ZOOM platform.

Jumpstart facilitators: Marlene Cullen, Susan Bono, Lakin Khan

Mondays: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Tuesdays 9:30 am to 11:30 am

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Nancy Long: One-Person Shows

Dream of performing a one-person show of your writing or stories of your life?
Let experienced Bay Area Director and Producer, Nancy Long, edit, shape and produce that dream for you!

Services include:

• Editing of script (which you can read or memorize for stage).
• Four sessions of rehearsals with direction, props and music.
• Actual performance (15-30 minutes in length) set-up with lights, wireless microphones and staging at Aqus Café in Petaluma (or venue of choice).
• Publicity.

Fee: $250.00
Beginner and seasoned writers welcomed!

For more information and bio background:
Nancy Long, Producer of Petaluma Readers Theatre
nsasha@earthlink.net cell: 707-338-3925

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Clara Rosemarda offers on-going six-week writer’s workshops

WRITEMIND™ WORKSHOPS: Writing from the Core as well as Classes on the Enneagram of Personality, Private Coaching and Consultations. Clara can be reached to answer questions about her work or to sign up for classes and consultations at: (707) 567-7117 or rosen@sonic.net.

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Jordan Rosenfeld’s Write Lifers, a Monthly Writing Group

Write Lifers is a monthly writing craft group with an emphasis on discussing both craft AND process—what makes US tick, as well as what makes the craft work. It meets twice per month via Zoom.
(One month free with an annual subscription)

Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 5:00 p.m. and the 4th Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

In each meeting (approximately-1.5 hours) we will:
Discuss writing craft process
Engage in a writing craft lesson
Play with writing prompts
Set goals for accountability

You also have access to a Google drive with readings, resources, and a monthly opportunity to exchange work for peer critique with clear guidelines and expectations.

You may pay monthly ($50) or annually ($550).
*You can either choose to pay as you go monthly (you won’t be automatically billed), or purchase a discounted annual subscription.

REGISTER FOR MEMBERSHIP HERE: jordanrosenfeld.net/product/write-lifers-monthly-membership

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Online Memoir Class with Suzanne Sherman

Learn the essentials and get a chance to practice them in my info-packed online memoir course. The course gives you structure for getting the writing done, a sense of accountability, and guidance as you create new material. By the end of the course you can have a book planned and a portion of your first draft written.

Week 1: Building the Foundation: Theme, Narrative Arc
Week 2: Convincing Characters
Week 3: Engaging Prose
Week 4: Writing Scenes
Week 5: Dialog
Week 6: Telling the Truth

Contact me to enroll: suzanne@suzannesherman.com, or visit https://suzannesherman.com/e-courses/writing-life-memoir-workshop/

Suzanne Sherman is a published author, book editor, and writing/publishing coach and consultant. She has taught memoir in the Bay Area and online since 1996. www.suzannesherman.com.

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Shut Up & Write!™ Wine Country: FREE writing sessions

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you. No one will see what you’ve written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done.

Register at Meetup: www.meetup.com/shutupandwritewinecountry/
Updated 9/15/2020.

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Christine Walker’s Online Writing Courses and YouTube Videos

Writing Fiction: 9 Ways to Mastery is a self-paced, online course designed for writers who read, readers who write, and book lovers who want to read like a writer. Produced by author and artist Christine Walker, MFA, MA, the course contains videos and writing activities. It features Christine’s useful framework, Master Craft Juggling, for gaining greater ability and agility with the elements of fiction. The course will help you: (1) Develop masterful skills by learning valuable lessons that authors give readers on the page. (2) Improve your writing practice for success with strategies and tools for setting goals, taking on challenges, and fulfilling your intentions. (3) Find ongoing inspiration for your writing and book projects, while deepening reading enjoyment. For a free trial visit the course site at https://courses.christinewalker.net

Christine Walker’s YouTube Channel features short “Moments of Mastery” videos to inspire and inform your writing practice for greater enjoyment, productivity, and success. All writers start with a blank page every time. No matter the previous success, we all find ourselves again on the way to mastery. The videos, designed for fiction writers, memoirists, and other creative writers, focus not only on the “how” of writing, but also the “why.” Christine has an MFA in Writing and Literature in Fiction, an MA in Creative Arts Interdisciplinary, and is a published author. She posts new videos every Friday. Visit the channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCXwbDiJWBHm0QOfnEEsZpYg

Read to Write Books blog: Christine Walker Explores Fiction Craft This blog distills “lessons” that masterful authors give us on the page. It supports Christine’s courses and is a useful resource for fiction writers, memoirists, books groups, and all writers who read, readers who write, and book lovers who want to read like a writer. She started the blog to supplement the workshops she taught at Copperfield’s several years ago and will be newly updating the blog to supplement her online course, Writing Fiction: 9 Ways to Mastery. Visit the blog at https://readtowritebooks.com

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