College Courses for Adults
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
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.
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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History of Theatre
Santa Rosa Junior College Older Adults Program. NO FEE.
Instructor: Linda Lau
January 15 to May 21, 2019
Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Location: Brookdale Paulin Creek, 2375 Range Ave, Santa Rosa
ONGOING. Register in-class anytime
Note: There is no age MINIMUM
Contact: lindalinlau@gmail.com
Join as we explore the art of theatre. From Greek comedies to Japanese theatre, we will examine classic, modern, political, and experimental plays that have shaped cultures around the world. We will read plays, watch videos, and engage in discussions. Come learn about different performance traditions and share your unique perspective.
If you want to learn about a specific area, please let me know and I will incorporate it into the class. You can just come for that portion if you want! This semester, we learned about Japanese, Russian, Greek, French, and British theatre (which were topics chosen by students.)
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North Bay Letterpress Arts: Letterpress Fundamentals
Saturday, March 16, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
With Eric Johnson (Iota Press)
A brief but intense lesson in typesetting, presswork, paper & ink handling…to produce cards with multiples for each student. At 925-D Gravenstein Hwy South Sebastopol. $75. Details and registration: www.northbayletterpressarts.org/event-calendar/letterpress-fundamentals-1
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Writers Forum presents Guy Biederman
Thursday, March 21, 6:30 p.m.
Writers Forum presenter Guy Biederman will explore the art of flash fiction and discuss the principles of the short form striving for sinewy prose that charges the moment.
Guy Biederman has taught creative writing at College of Marin, San Francisco State, Santa Rosa Junior College, The Sitting Room, and privately at many venues since 1991.
Free. Copperfield’s, 140 Kentucky St. Petaluma.
Details: www.TheWriteSpot.us
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North Bay Letterpress Arts: The Buttonhole Book
Saturday, March 23, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
With Derek Bacchus
Learn the buttonhole-stitch book — with its clever exposed cut-out window on the spine — to make an artist journal for your writings and your sketches, or as a wonderful blank gift book for family or friends. We will begin with some bookbinding basics to familiarize yourself, and for your future independent work: tools, text and cover papers, paper grain, folding, deckled edges, needles, and threads. You will end up with your own journal. At 925-D Gravenstein Hwy South Sebastopol. $100 + $15 materials. Details and registration: www.northbayletterpressarts.org/event-calendar/the-buttonhole-book
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North Bay Letterpress Arts: Letterpress Poetry Printing
Saturday, April 13, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
With Eric Johnson (Iota Press)
Typeset a short poem or quotation and we’ll print it on a platen press. A chance to explore some of the refinements of type design and the mechanical delights of the vintage presses. Touching on the history of typographic treatments of poetry. No previous experience necessary. At 925-D Gravenstein Hwy South Sebastopol. $75. Details and registration: www.northbayletterpressarts.org/event-calendar/letterpress-poetry-april2019
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Crowdfunding: How to Connect with Funders and Your Fanbase
Redwood Writers Academy 2019
Saturday, April 20, 2019
9:30 a.m. – noon
John Sheehy will share tips and insights from his wildly successful Indiegogo campaign for his new book, On a River Winding Home: Stories and Visions of the Petaluma River Watershed. The campaign raised 40 percent of their goal, and the book has already sold out of its first printing!
Cost: $30 for members; $35 for non-members (discount for all three workshops $80/$90)
Details and registration: https://redwoodwriters.org/redwood-writers-academy-2019
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North Bay Letterpress Arts: Letterpress Fundamentals
Sunday, April 28, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
With Katie Nealon (folding bones press)
A brief but intense lesson in typesetting, presswork, paper & ink handling…to produce cards with multiples for each student. At 925-D Gravenstein Hwy South Sebastopol. $75. Details and registration: www.northbayletterpressarts.org/event-calendar/letterpress-fundamentals-2
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North Bay Letterpress Arts: At the Case: Poems and Instabook
Saturday, May 11, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
With Katie Nealon (folding bones press)
In this one day workshop we will compose poems spontaneously, at the case. Learn the basics of typesetting, share your poetry with other students, and then work collaboratively at the Vandercook SP15 cylinder press to create an instant-chapbook — with poems printed on a single sheet of paper and folded into a book. Limited to 5 students. Paper, ink & aprons provided. At 925-D Gravenstein Hwy South Sebastopol. $100. Details and registration: www.northbayletterpressarts.org/event-calendar/at-the-case
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North Bay Letterpress Arts: Letterpress Poetry Printing
Saturday, May 18, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
With Eric Johnson (Iota Press)
Typeset a short poem or quotation and we’ll print it on a platen press. A chance to explore some of the refinements of type design and the mechanical delights of the vintage presses. Touching on the history of typographic treatments of poetry. No previous experience necessary. At 925-D Gravenstein Hwy South Sebastopol. $75. Details and registration: www.northbayletterpressarts.org/event-calendar/letterpress-fundamentals-3
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North Bay Letterpress Arts: The Coptic Book
Sunday, May 25, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
With Derek Bacchus
The Coptic book is a beautiful exposed-spine structure that has ancient historic beginnings. It is a non-adhesive book that features a chain-linked stitch, hard covers that allow it to open 360º like a carousel, lays flat when opened, and uses only paper, a single needle, thread and boards. This is the first book (codex) structure invented after the use of papyrus scrolls in Mediterranean antiquity. Beginners welcome, though this book structure requires more patience. At 925-D Gravenstein Hwy South Sebastopol. $100 + $20 materials fee. Details and registration: www.northbayletterpressarts.org/event-calendar/coptic-book
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Sin and Syntax: How to Craft Wicked Good Prose
Redwood Writers Academy 2019
Saturday, June 15, 2019
9:30 a.m. – noon
Join Constance Hale as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of her best selling book of the same name. Laugh and learn how to craft stylish prose and make sentences sing with Connie Hale.
Details and registration: https://redwoodwriters.org/redwood-writers-academy-2019
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ONGOING WORKSHOPS
These listings are alphabetical, either by name of organization or last name of facilitator.
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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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.
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Sher Christian’s Workshops and Intuitive Coaching
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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Marlene Cullen: Jumpstart Writing Workshops
Jumpstart: a workshop where creative prompts inspire writing. Bring a notebook and a fast-moving pen. We will travel on a journey of exploration and deep writing through inspirational prompts. Details: www.thewritespot.us/jumpstart.html
$15 per workshop
Mondays: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Copperfield’s, Petaluma.
Tuesdays: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Copperfield’s Books, Petaluma
Need inspiration to write? Over 300 writing prompts on The Write Spot Blog: www.thewritespot.us/marlenecullenblog
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Susan Hagen’s Writing Circles and Retreats
- Learn simple techniques for effortless writing.
- Challenge, explore, and deepen your craft.
- Share your stories in a supportive circle.
Susan combines meditation and nature-based practices to help set aside the thinking mind and clear a path to the deeper writing life. Each gentle day of exploration includes writing, reading aloud (if you wish), deep listening, and positive reflection in a small, safe, supportive circle of women. Beginning, experienced and exploring writers of all genres are welcome. Diversity of our women’s writing community and a growing pool of participants make each gathering distinctive and fresh. You’ll be amazed by what you write in circle and inspired by the gift of deep listening you’ll receive from others.
VIRTUAL Telephone Writing Circle for Women
Selected Saturday Mornings
(See website www.susanhagen.com for dates and fees)
9:00–11:00 a.m. PST
Drop-In “Write to Heal” Fridays in Sebastopol
Friday mornings (see www.susanhagen.com for dates)
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
DROP-IN whenever you like; no reservations necessary
Suggested donation $20-$40
Sonoma County Healing Academy (SoCoHA)
6741 Sebastopol Ave, Suite 120
across the parking lot from Coffee Catz patio
Sponsored by Peace in Medicine
One-Day Writing Workshops for Women
Susan offers monthly writing workshops for women on alternating topics:
- Women Writing through Transition and Change
- Women Writing Around the Medicine Wheel
- Help! I’ve Got a Book in Me and I Wanna Get it Out!
- Writing Workshop for Heart-Centered Women
(See www.susanhagen.com for dates and fees)
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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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: 707-338-2489
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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 Consutations. 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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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
