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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Fierce Creativity: Unlock the Power of Your Imagination with Hugh Delehanty

Saturday, July 25, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Book Passage Corte Madera Store
$150

What’s stopping you from writing the story you were born to tell? Fear that it’s not good enough? Procrastination? Waiting for the right idea? In this daylong workshop designed for writers of all levels, you’ll discover how to break through psychological blocks and tap into your innate creativity. You’ll also learn practical, no-nonsense strategies for:

• Combating fear and self-doubt
• Using creative play to stimulate imaginative thinking
• Finding good ideas everywhere
• Plugging into the neuroscience of storytelling
• Turning your experience into compelling fiction or nonfiction

The workshop will consist of five hours of interactive learning (plus lunch break), freewriting exercises, guided meditation, and creative tools you can take home with you.

Details/registration: bookpassage.com/event/fierce-creativity-hugh-delehanty

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Introduction to Letterpress

Saturday, August 1, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
North Bay Letter Press Arts
925-D Gravenstein Hwy. S.Sebastopol
$165

Get hands-on with the art of letterpress in this beginner-friendly workshop. We’ll explore the basics of printing on a press, from setting up a design to inking and pulling your very first prints. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of letterpress, the different kinds of presses, and the tools and materials that bring this centuries-old craft to life.

Each participant will create their own small project to print and take home—whether it’s a card, a print, or a simple design—while experiencing the unique textures and tactile beauty that only letterpress can offer. No prior experience required—just bring your creativity and a willingness to get inky!

Sign up here: northbayletterpressarts.org/events-calendar/2026/08/01-intro

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The Wisdom of the Odyssey with Phil Cousineau

Book Passage, Corte Madera Store
August 15, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
$175

Spurred by the summer release of Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film version of The Odyssey, Homer has never been “hotter,” and The Odyssey has never been more relevant. How can a 3,000-year-old story still matter so much to people around the globe, and at the same time be culturally combustible? Where is the wisdom in this endlessly protean tale? Join us to explore the soulful thread of themes in Phil Cousineau’s new book, The Wisdom of the Odyssey (available June 30th).

The class will explore:

• the meaning of home
• the role of mentors and muses in our lives
• the loss of soul at war, the need to heal from trauma
• the redemptive power of love

The daylong class and journey into ancient Greece will include film clips, mythic images, vibrant discussions, and a Greek-inspired lunch included in the cost of the class. The day will conclude with a reception of beverages, grape leaves, cheese and crackers following the class on the patio.

Details/registration: bookpassage/wisdom-odyssey-phil-cousineau

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Improv Storytelling Workshop with Corey Rosen

Book Passage, Corte Madera Store
August 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
$80

Stories are about more than “what happens.” In this workshop, participants will practice improvised storytelling techniques to add color, detail, texture, and emotion to their stories. Join author, storyteller, and beloved instructor Corey Rosen (host of The Moth and BATS Improv) to explore the fundamentals of telling a good story. Turn an old story into something fresh and unique, or discover a new story!

In this two-hour workshop, you’ll get your story up on its feet using character, emotion, description, pacing and scenes to take your work to the next level. You’ll get feedback on how to expand and revise your story so it captivates your audience. By the end of the class, you’ll be well on the way to a masterpiece that can withstand the scrutiny of the most discerning critics.

Objectives:

• Tell loose, natural off-the-cuff stories
• Generate stories rapidly for upcoming Moth or other storytelling show themes
• You’ll do fun, improvised storytelling drills that will help you exploit exciting opportunities in a tale
• Through in-class exercises you’ll learn how to say “yes” to your story possibilities, and build a game or structure into your story organically
• Learn spontaneous storytelling tools and get started on a fantastic story that you could tell in one of the world’s many storytelling shows!

Register: bookpassage/improv-storytelling-workshop-corey-rosen

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A Memoir Workshop with Ianthe Brautigan

Saturday, August 15, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
and Thursday, September 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Free. In person at the Sitting Room
2025 Curtis Drive, Penngrove

Have you wanted to write a memoir but were not sure where to start?

During this memoir workshop, we’ll explore different structures and approaches to writing about one’s life through a literary lens.

If you missed the August workshop, there is still time to sign up for the one in September; RSVP before they run out of space.

Ianthe Brautigan writes memoirs, fiction, and for television. She’s the author of the You Can’t Catch Death, which has been translated into Swedish, German, and French. She is an executive producer for the motion picture, Willard and His Bowling Trophies. Ianthe has appeared at numerous events, including as an interviewer at the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Currently, she teaches at Sonoma State University.

Sign up for September workshop here. The August workshop is sold out.

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The Memoir Writer’s Workout with Melissa Cistaro

Sunday, August 16, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Book Passage, Online via Zoom, $80

We spend a lot of time thinking about the story we want to write, and how to best tell it. Life gets busy and our creative desires take a back seat. 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. Come prepared to write, reflect, and explore your story.

Details/registration: bookpassage/memoir-writers-workout-melissa-cistaro

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Writing Great Prose with Albert Flynn DeSilver: 2 Sessions

Book Passage Corte Madera
August 22 and August 29, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
$125

Join us for a powerful and illuminating two-session intensive, where we will cover how to successfully apply elements of poetry to your prose writing—whether you are writing literary fiction, Sci-fi, essays, memoir, or creative nonfiction. Integrating the tools, insights, and practices of poetry can make your prose writing sing. This will be a fun, dynamic, eye and heart-opening creative experience that includes writing exercises, conversation, sharing insight, and even a little mindfulness practice. After this class, you will gain:

• A deeper understanding of what constitutes “great prose”
• New insights and a sense of possibility for your writing project
• An understanding of key elements of poetry, and how to use them to deepen your prose

Details/registration: bookpassage/writing-great-prose-albert-flynn-desilver-2-meetings

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Fourth Sunday Meditation Gathering with Clara Rosemarda

Sunday, August 23, 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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MovingWriting: Embodied Expressive Writing workshops with Loretta Mijares

Saturdays, September 19 and December 12, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
At a private studio in Sebastopol. $75 per afternoon.

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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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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