Workshops

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 CourseYouTube 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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LGBTQ+ Affinity Online Writing (AWA) Session (with Nicole Zimmerman)

Offered by Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) ONLINE
Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.–noon

Fee: donation – $20, $15, or $10

This session follows the AWA Method, with prompts and immediate, positive feedback to support the development of each writer. Connect with fellow LGBTQ+ writers who understand the importance of representation and the transformative power of storytelling. Kick off Pride Month in an inclusive space where each unique writing voice is celebrated!

For more details and to reserve your space: https://amherstwriters.org/event/affinity-online-write-lgbtq-with-nicole-zimmerman

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Kelly Sather: Writing the Short Story

Saturday, June 3, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Book Passage Corte Madera in-person class. $80

What makes a short story interesting? How do we write compelling opening paragraphs and develop the thread through the last pages? How can we create tangible wants for our characters, choose details that reveal their fears and intentions? In this class we will explore how it’s done, how we shape the first draft or approach the next rewrite. We will learn about engaging points of view, conflict in dialogue, scene building, dynamics of time/plot, intriguing titles, and more. This class is for writers discovering the form and those honing their work, all are welcome! 

Details and registration: www.bookpassage.com/event/corte-madera-class-kelly-sather-writing-short-story

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Benjamin Dryer: Five Things I’ve Learned About How to Make Writing Better

Sunday, June 4, 5:00-7:00 p.m. LIVE ONLINE. $60.

Join Random House copy chief and author of Dreyer’s English Benjamin Dreyer in this live two-hour class and discover the Five Things He’s Learned about the roll-up-your-sleeves-and-do-the-work work that makes writing more effective, clearer, and sharper, including:

• how the simple act of reading your writing aloud will reveal its virtues and weaknesses (and what to do after the revelation)
• how to free yourself of the dreaded nonrules of prose
• how to stop being afraid of semicolons and adverbs
• how to carve away the fat with which we all clog up our writing

Details and tickets: https://myfivethings.com/class/benjamin-dreyer-how-to-make-writing-better

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Elizabeth Kracht: How to Write a Query Letter

Presented by Book Passage
Saturday June 10
Hosted via Zoom • 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. • $95

Part of a three part series: The Author’s Checklist: Prep for Publishing Series (3 classes for $275). Register for all three: www.bookpassage.com/elizabeth-kracht-authors-checklist-prep-publishing-series

If you plan to submit your book to a literary agent or publishing-house editor, you will need to accompany it with a query letter. Query letters are often difficult for writers to complete because they’re technical pieces of writing rather than creative. In this three-hour workshop, Elizabeth will not only teach the essential elements of the query, but will also work alongside participants to help them complete a solid query draft before the end of class.

Register for How to Write a Query Letter: www.bookpassage.com/online-class-elizabeth-kracht-how-write-query-letter

Elizabeth Kracht is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates and the author of The Author’s Checklist: An Agent’s Guide to Developing and Editing Your Manuscript.

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Kelly Sather: Sending Your Work to Literary Magazines

Saturday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Book Passage Corte Madera in-person class. $80

In this class, we will talk about the nuts and bolts of submitting to literary magazines. How to tell when a piece is ready, and when it is, how to format the manuscript, where to send it, what to include in the cover letter and author bio, and how to use Submittable and other online submission managers. You will leave with resources: listings of literary magazines, insights on writing competitions, and more. Even if you’re contemplating publishing sometime in the future, this class opens up the world of literary journals, a place to read stories, poems, essays, and more by writers practicing their craft. Kelly Sather is the author of the story collection Small in Real Life, winner of the 2023 Drue Heinz Literature Prize and forthcoming in October from the University of Pittsburgh Press.

Register here: www.bookpassage.com/kelly-sather-sending-your-work-literary-magazines

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MovingWriting: Embodied Expressive Writing workshops with Loretta Mijares

Saturday, June 10, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
At a private studio in Sebastopol. $75 

In MovingWriting, we play with movement/dance and written words to help us connect with our deep and creative selves, in the company of a supportive circle. Writing after movement can shift writing blocks and inhibitions, and the words that arise are often different in quality and tone than our habitual writing patterns. We share our writing, if we choose, with the circle, to release our words into voiced existence, and we hear back echoes of what has resonated in ripples throughout the circle. Giving voice to our own stories and witnessing the stories of others brings healing, aliveness, and connection with others.

Details and registration: www.MovingWriting.com or email: loretta@movingwriting.com.

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North Bay Letterpress Arts Workshops

Introduction to Letterpress
925-D Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol
$100 per workshop

Sunday June 11, 10-2 pm — instructor: Katie Nealon

This is a four-hour workshop perfectly designed for those who have wanted to explore letterpress printing. You will learn a brief history and overview of the process and equipment, as well as the fundamental tools and techniques. We waste no time and dive in with students putting ink on paper! This is done using our Ostrander iron hand press from 1890, which is basically modeled after the famous Gutenberg wooden hand press of 1450.

After that students are introduced to the basics of type setting, and set a word, phrase or short line of type. All the students forms of type are combined as a group print project, using our Vandercook SP15 cylinder press. You then learn about press work, lock up and make ready while pulling proofs. Once the proof looks good and is approved, every student gets a chance to operate the press and pull a handful of prints to bring home.

Register for one of these dates: www.northbayletterpressarts.org/for-sale-1/introduction-to-letterpress

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At The Case: Poems And Instabook
3 hour workshop | Cost: $75 materials included | Limited to 6 students
925-D Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol

Wednesday June 14, 6-9 pm — instructor: Katie Nealon

In this evening workshop we will compose 3-4 poems spontaneously, at the case. Learn and exercise the basics of typesetting, workshop your poetry with other students, and take home proofs of your pieces to share with friends and family.

In June, each student will receive 10 copies of a collaborative chapbooks featuring their work inside.

Sign up for one or more of these workshops: www.northbayletterpressarts.org/for-sale-1/at-the-case-chapbooks

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Creative Writing with Prompts

Summer semester is June 12 to August 7
Monday evenings, 5:30-7:15 p.m. Online only.
Students may register at any time during the semester.
You don’t have to attend every class
.

Instructor: Stacey Dennick

Held via Zoom. Use a computer, tablet, or phone to participate.

If you want to start writing, or to generate writing, this is the class for you! We spend most of class time writing together. Open to all levels and all genres. The instructor provides a variety of writing prompts designed to spark your imagination and bust through writer’s block. These could be a word, a phrase, an image, or an idea. After writing non-stop for 10 to 18 minutes, we might read some of our in-class writing aloud in small groups (always optional). SRJC offers noncredit courses for adults as part of its goal to provide lifelong learning. 

Contact Stacy for registration instructions: sdennick@santarosa.edu, (415) 246-1227
Open to all adults (18 and older) living in California. No fee for OAP courses.
See all courses offered: https://older-adults.santarosa.edu/join-class

Stacey Dennick holds an MFA in Writing from the University of San Francisco. Her classes promise to be lively and informative, with an emphasis on craft, fun interactions & generating new work. Stacey’s published works include news pieces for KRCB North Bay Public Media, technical stories, and humorous memoir. She’s the Sonoma County coordinator for SCBWI. www.sdennick.com.

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DEEP INQUIRY: Memoir Writing as Spiritual Practice with Clara Rosemarda

6 Tuesdays, begins June 13th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
6 Thursdays, begins June 29th 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Fee $250. These classes are on Zoom PDT

We each have stories to tell. Some joyous, others less so. To address our stories with awareness and craft transforms them into our new narratives. To write memoir is not a therapeutic act but the side effects are often healing. Like sculpting, it is an art form using past experience as the clay to create the next narrative. With the use of meditation, inquiry, awareness, and craft, memoir can reveal the essence of who we are today. Writing, using single-pointed attention and awareness, can result in a healing that brings us into a deeper consciousness. This workshop is open to beginning and seasoned writers. To register or for more information: rosen@sonic.net or (707)567-7117.

Clara Rosemarda is a poet, memoirist, counselor, coach and workshop leader who teaches creative writing as spiritual practice. She has worked with beginning as well as nationally known writers for over 30 years. She believes creativity is a necessity for living a fulfilling life. Clara has published essays and poems in literary journals. She is co-editor and author of Steeped: In the World of Tea (Interlink Publishing 2004). Her poetry chapbooks are Doing Laundry (a letterpress limited edition, Iota Press, 2013) and Naked Branches (WordTemple Press, Small Change Series, 2014).

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Britta Stromeyer Esmail: Time to Write! A Prompt Writing Workshop

Tuesday, June 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Book Passage, Corte Madera Store • $80 Let’s make time to write together. Britta will share a brief writing craft lesson and a piece of another author’s work to inspire you. She will then offer a prompt related to that lesson and you will have time to sit and write. During this two-hour workshop Britta will inspire you to stay connected to your creative mind as you work on a new prompt every 10-15 minutes. It’s like speed-dating for writers (without the date!) There will be plenty of time for sharing at the end. Time to write! 

Details and registration: www.bookpassage.com/event/corte-madera-store-class-britta-stromeyer-esmail-time-write-prompt-writing-workshop

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Elizabeth Kracht: How to Write a Fiction Synopsis

Presented by Book Passage
Saturday June 17
Hosted via Zoom • 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. • $95

A fiction synopsis is usually a one-page, single-spaced document required by agents or publishing-house editors when submitting your fiction novel.In this three-hour workshop, Elizabeth will break down the synopsis in simple terms, and get you well on your way to a first draft by the end of this workshop.

Register here: www.bookpassage.com/event/online-class-elizabeth-kracht-how-write-fiction-synopsis

Elizabeth Kracht is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates and the author of The Author’s Checklist: An Agent’s Guide to Developing and Editing Your Manuscript.

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Elizabeth Kracht: Self-Editing for Fiction and Memoir Writers

Presented by Book Passage
Saturday June 24
Hosted via Zoom • 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. • $95

Based on her book The Author’s Checklist: An Agent’s Guide to Developing and Editing Your Manuscript, this workshop will cover more than 50 points for consideration before submitting to an agent, editor, or indie publisher, such as how to sharpen dialogue and prose, improving characterization, complicating plot, and much more. This workshop will be interactive with plenty of time for questions and answers.

Register here: www.bookpassage.com/event/online-class-elizabeth-kracht-self-editing-fiction-and-memoir-writers

Elizabeth Kracht is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates and the author of The Author’s Checklist: An Agent’s Guide to Developing and Editing Your Manuscript.

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Britta Stromeyer Esmail: Time to Write! A Prompt Writing Workshop

Wednesday, July 12 • 5:00=7:00 p.m.
Presented by Book Passage
Hosted via Zoom • $80

Britta will share a brief writing craft lesson and a piece of another author’s work to inspire you. She will then offer a prompt related to that lesson and you will have time to sit and write. During this two-hour workshop Britta will inspire you to stay connected to your creative mind as you work on a new prompt every 10-15 minutes. It’s like speed-dating for writers (without the date!) There will be plenty of time for sharing at the end. Time to write!

Details and registration here: www.bookpassage.com/event/zoom-class-britta-stromeyer-esmail-time-write-prompt-writing-workshop

Britta Stromeyer Esmail is the author of the award winning picture book Raina’s (UN) Happy Birthday and Finalist for the Bellingham Review Tobias Wolff Award for Fiction 2021.

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ONGOING WORKSHOPS

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

Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro teaches seasonally based eight-week long writing semesters out of her Santa Rosa downtown office. Four different class times are offered each week; Monday at 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. and Tuesday at 9.15 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. 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 via ZOOM.  Contact Margaret for details. harlmarg@sonic.net

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Sher 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 Sher and John Christian http://flyingchairproductions.weebly.com 

Mini workshops for your group and family: The Power of Poetry and Writing to Connect with Joy, Wisdom, and Healing. Sher Lianne Christian, author of Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry. Email voiceartistry@hughes.net for information. www.lusciouspoetry.typepad.com

Sher Christian offers intuitive coaching for writers, plus proofing, & editing. For books on audio: voiceover, recording, organ/accordion/keyboard tracks. Demos available. Sher Lianne Christian. voiceartistry@hughes.net, Star Kissed Shadows and CD Sweet Tongue available at www.lusciouspoetry.typepad.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: 707-579-2081 or rosen@sonic.net.

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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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Sonoma County Literary Update logo

Anne Lamott: Why Write, What to Write, and How to Write

Saturday, May 13th • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. • Live Online
$75. Hosted by Book Passage Online

Writing is hard, and the process mysterious. Why do we write when it can be so painstaking, and the voices in our heads say we’re kidding ourselves, and no one will want to read what we have written, and publication is a long shot? Why? Because we can’t not write. We don’t feel we are living up to something deep inside when we don’t get out stories, memories, and visions down on paper. And how do we even know where to start, and what to write, and how to write? These are some of the things Lamott will be talking about in this workshop, as well as answering questions, and cheering you on.

Anne Lamott is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Hallelujah Anyway; Help, Thanks, Wow; Small Victories; Stitches; Some Assembly Required; Grace (Eventually); Plan B; Traveling Mercies; Bird by Bird; and Operating Instructions. She is also the author of seven novels, including Hard Laughter, Imperfect Birds and Rosie. A past recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and an inductee to the California Hall of Fame, Anne is a longtime friend of Book Passage. 

Registration: https://www.bookpassage.com/lamottclass2023

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ONGOING WORKSHOPS

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

_________________

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.

_________________

Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro’s Sonoma County Writing Practice

Margaret Caminsky-Shapiro teaches seasonally based eight-week long writing semesters out of her Santa Rosa downtown office. Four different class times are offered each week; Monday at 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. and Tuesday at 9.15 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. 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 via ZOOM.  Contact Margaret for details. harlmarg@sonic.net

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Sher 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 Sher and John Christian http://flyingchairproductions.weebly.com 

Mini workshops for your group and family: The Power of Poetry and Writing to Connect with Joy, Wisdom, and Healing. Sher Lianne Christian, author of Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry. Email voiceartistry@hughes.net for information. www.lusciouspoetry.typepad.com

Sher Christian offers intuitive coaching for writers, plus proofing, & editing. For books on audio: voiceover, recording, organ/accordion/keyboard tracks. Demos available. Sher Lianne Christian. voiceartistry@hughes.net, Star Kissed Shadows and CD Sweet Tongue available at www.lusciouspoetry.typepad.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: 707-579-2081 or rosen@sonic.net.

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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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