Sonoma County Literary Update

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 and Resources

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. FOR THE DURATION OF THE STAY-AT-HOME/COVID-19 CRISIS, WORKSHOPS ARE EITHER CANCELED, POSTPONED OR ONLINE. CONTACT FACILITATORS TO INQUIRE.

Look for online workshops highlighted in red under Ongoing Workshops.

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Writers Forum: Writers reading excerpts from The Write Spot: Writing as a Path to Healing

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Writing From Memory or Imagination: AWA Workshop with Nicole R. Zimmerman

Wednesdays, Aug. 12 – Sept. 16, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

This 6-week workshop series, which began at The Sitting Room, now takes place on Zoom. We follow the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method with prompts and positive group feedback to bolster our creative practice. Participants find a safe environment in which to experiment, learn craft, and develop each unique voice. All genres and experience levels are welcome!

$150.00 for the series; no drop-ins. Space is limited.

Nicole R. Zimmerman, MFA, is a 2019 recipient of Creative Sonoma’s Discovered Awards for Emerging Literary Artists. Her work is published widely, including in the Los Angeles Times, Creative Nonfiction, and The Rumpus. She is an AWA affiliate, certified to lead writing workshops.

For more info: https://www.nicolerzimmerman.com/workshops/

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Writing with Marlene Cullen

Wednesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.

Online writing event sponsored by John Crowley and Aqus:  Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82826030983. Meeting ID: 828 2603 0983. Phone: 707-347-6692. Email: info@aquscommunity.com. Aqus Website: https://aqus.com/aqus-news. Have a notebook and pen ready or a device you can type on. Life is sometimes a maze, sometimes a jigsaw puzzle. We will write to navigate the maze and find pieces that fit together. This writing experience is for anyone who wants to reflect upon events through writing. Think you are not a writer? If you can talk, you can write. Writing is just putting your thoughts on paper (or device). Marlene will go over guidelines, suggest a writing prompt, and then we’ll write. More about Marlene at: www.thewritespot.us

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Healing Through the Written Word: Discovering Our New Stories, with Clara Rosemarda

Four Thursday afternoons on Zoom, begins August 20, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.  Fee $160  

For information or to register 707-567-7117 or rosen@sonic.net

Creating art—the written word—in exchange for old, tired beliefs can be a powerful way to re-enter life with joy. Whether you’re dealing with health issues, loss or wanting to reconnect with yourself in the time of Coronavirus, this class is for you. Writing our stories raw or polished, is a known way to clear our energy of negative beliefs. It’s a way to release self protective tensions in the body, traumas or old stories that no longer feed us. Open to beginning and seasoned writers.

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Deep Inquiry: Creative Writing as Spiritual Practice, with Clara Rosemarda

Four Tuesday Mornings on Zoom, September 1, 15, 22, 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fee $160

For information or to register 707-567-7117 or rosen@sonic.net

Once you start peeling away layers of memory, you not only access memories you thought you had forgotten but, as a writer, you discover broader truths than what you thought you knew. In this workshop you will write from the core. Through meditation, visualization and other exercises to quiet the mind and stimulate the imagination, you will discover and generate new material. Whether you’re starting out or trying to finish a project or a book, this is the place to do it. If you want to find out what you think and feel, this is the place to do it. As an intuition counselor and coach I provide individual feedback for each writer in my workshops. A safe environment is provided for the writer to emerge. Open to all skill levels and genres. SPACE IS LIMITED

PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS AND COACHING SESSIONS FOR WRITERS:

One-on-One sessions with Clara are available by phone. Please call or e-mail to set up an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions about the work I do. 707-567-7117 or rosen@sonic.net

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 30 years. 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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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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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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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 writing freely, letting words tumble and fall however they land with no concerns about the outcome. Prompts will generate new words, new work, new ideas. Open to all who want to experience writing, whether just exploring or with years of practice. CANCELED THROUGH APRIL 2020 DUE TO CONCERNS OVER COVID-19

Jumpstarts are now in Marin! Jumpstart San Rafael meets Wednesday evenings, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., at Copperfield’s Books, 850 Fourth St, San Rafael, CA.  Join us in the lovely adjacent Marin Kombucha Café to freewrite to innovative prompts that will generate new words, new work, new ideas. Open to all who want to experience writing, whether just exploring or with years of practice.  No critquing, just writing freely, allowing the words to lead the way to wherever they go. This is a fun place to delve into memoir, fiction, poetry. Led by Lakin Willard Khan. Visit Copperfields Books in San Rafael. Marlene Cullen’s Jumpstart page or Lakin’s blogspot: Rhymes With Bacon

Jumpstart facilitators: Marlene Cullen, Susan Bono, Lakin Khan

$15 per workshop

Locations:
Copperfield’s Books, 140 Kentucky St, Petaluma
Copperfield’s Books, 850 4th Street, San Rafael, Kombucha Café

Mondays: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Petaluma)
Tuesdays: 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. (Petaluma)
Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. (San Rafael)

Details: www.thewritespot.us/jumpstart.html

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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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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 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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Jordan Rosenfeld—Free classes, writing groups & editing

Live instruction via zoom, with Powerpoint slides and chat-based Q & A. Totally free to you! You’ll need to be able to access the Zoom app from either your computer or phone. Please test the link about 5 minutes before class officially begins (dates, times, and zoom links below). Once the class starts, Jordan will be unable to help with technical difficulties.

You can access video recordings of there three classes already taught: How to Write with Page Turning Tension, How to Write Killer Scenes, and How to Evoke Emotion in Every Scene at her Facebook Author page under the videos tab.

Email Jordan with questions: jordanwritelife (at) gmail (dot) 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.

Tuesdays, 8:30 AM at JavAmore Cafe in Penngrove
Tuesdays, 5:30 PM at the Union Hotel in East Santa Rosa
2nd Sunday of the month, 9:00 AM at Cafe Noto in Windsor

Register at Meetup: www.meetup.com/shutupandwritewinecountry/
Added on 12/4/2019.

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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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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