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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Poetry writing: Haiku on Earthy Ground at Marin Art and Garden Center
Friday, May 8, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Join our seasonal haiku gathering where we share words and inspiration from the garden. Come write—where the language of the land meets the rhythm of verse. Our special guest, Jean Kocienda— known for her seminars on tanka and ‘Good Reads’ four star book, Girl in a Box—encourages creativity in collaboration by writing tanka.
This is a donation-based event open to all, and children under 14 may sign up with an adult. Please bring pen and paper or your preferred writing supplies. Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ross. Register: eventbrite.com/e/haiku-on-earthy-ground-at-marin-art-and-garden-center-registration-1987464293202
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Poetry Calisthenics: Exercises to Stretch and Strengthen Our Writing Craft, with Michelle Peñaloza
Mendocino Writers Conference Spring Generative Series
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., via Zoom • $40
We will take a look at poems and excerpts of poems together and then try out generative exercises to experiment with our writing technique, specifically playing with image, figurative language, sound, and syntax. Much like a circuit, we will go from one poem and writing exercise to the next with time available for folks to share (or not share, no pressure!) the writing generated by these experiments and exercises. Come with a laptop or notebook, ready to take a deep breath, ready to have fun, and ready to try things out and see what happens!
More details and registration: mcwc.org/spring-generative-series
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Fourth Sunday Meditation Gathering with Clara Rosemarda
Sunday, May 24, 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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How to Plot Your Novel with Anoop Judge
Book Passage Online via Zoom
5 Tuesdays: May 26-June 23, 2026, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
$295
Have you been wanting to write a novel or are you currently doing so? This class will guide writers through the exhilarating process of crafting a novel from scratch, breaking down the complex task into manageable narrative elements. We will start by working on how to progress from inspiration to a fleshed-out usable concept, then move on to discuss the elements that make for a gripping first chapter and beyond. We’ll troubleshoot issues that often make writers give up on a first draft—from characters that don’t jump off the page to predictable plots, low stakes, and unimaginative scenes. You’ll gain a profound comprehension of plot structure. We’ll dive into craft books like Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird and read a short novel, both intended to enhance your understanding of how to build your own novel.
More details and registration: bookpassage.com/event/how-plot-your-novel-anoop-judge
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Green Room Creative Writing Course
Friday, June 5- Sunday, June 7, 2026
Dominican University of CA Campus
Dominican University’s MFA in Creative Writing program is offering a three-day writing course that dovetails with the program’s summer residency. MFA writing mentor Joan Baranow will lead morning writing studios focused on generating new work. Participants will join current MFA students for afternoon events including lectures, craft talks and workshops. The Saturday evening keynote will feature Pulitzer Prize winning author Jason Roberts. On Sunday, participants are invited to give a reading of their work-in-progress in Edgehill Mansion. Please register through Eventbrite.
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/green-room-creative-writing-course-at-dominican-university-of-ca-tickets-1986841317866
This is a non-credit course that is also open to the public. Sonoma County Literary Update readers: Use promo code “DUMFAPARTNER” for a reduced course fee of $350. Additional scholarships are available.
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Writing Your Family History with Laurel Hilton
2 Meetings: June 8 & 10, 2026, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Book Passage Corte Madera Store
$140
Writing about your family history can be a daunting task. Where do you begin? When do you stop the research and start the writing? During this two-session workshop, you will learn how to think of your ancestors, living relatives, or even yourself as characters in a fascinating narrative; one that will capture the essence of your family. Whether you want to write short family vignettes or longer pieces that will become memoir, this is a great entry point for your stories!
This is an introductory class to the craft of writing family history, designed to get you started on your journey to bring your ancestors’ stories to life. Previous writing experience isn’t a requirement, but please come prepared with an ancestor to focus on.
More details and registration: bookpassage.com/event/writing-your-family-history-laurel-hilton-3
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Polish Those Letters: Artist Statements, Cover Letters, Statements of Purpose, with Ploi Pirapokin
Mendocino Writers Conference Spring Generative Series
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., via Zoom • $40
Whether you’re applying to an MFA program, writers conference, or fellowship or residency, to seek representation on your work, to publish, you need to be able to speak about your writing style and artistic intention in an artist statement, a cover letter, or a statement of purpose. Ploi will share strategies from her years of experience from the jurying side on putting together a cohesive application, with time given for you to draft a paragraph of your artist statement and a Q&A.
More details and registration: mcwc.org/spring-generative-series
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Writers Forum presents: A Change of Heart: A Writing Workshop with Susan Bono
Wednesday, June 17, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Our past shapes us, but it doesn’t have to define us. In this workshop, we’ll explore how personal essay and memoir can help process our unresolved events with compassion and insight. Through guided prompts, reflective discussion, and storytelling tips, we’ll learn ways to shape personal experiences into narratives that strive for clarity, connection, and emotional release. A safe, supportive space for writers of all levels.
Free on Zoom. Hosted by Marlene Cullen. Details: thewritespot.us/forum
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MovingWriting: Embodied Expressive Writing workshops with Loretta Mijares
Saturdays, June 20, 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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Write Your Heart Out with Britta Stromeyer
Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Corte Madera Store
$65
Ever feel like your life has a million stories waiting to be told, but you aren’t sure where to start? Join us for this soulful, 90-minute workshop designed to help you pause, reflect, and put pen to paper. Whether you want to craft “mini-stories” from your favorite memories or simply use journaling to make sense of the beautiful chaos of daily life, this workshop is your safe space to explore.
More details and registration: bookpassage.com/event/write-your-heart-out-britta-stromeyer
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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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Sonoma County Literary Update 