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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Time for Your Stories Writing Circle
Second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in July-September. Begins July 9.
Novato Copperfield’s New Writing Group starts in July! Facilitated by Jean Stumpf (Time4yourstories@gmail.com).
The “Time For Your Stories” Writer’s Circle is a writer’s group which provides a space to inspire and support beginning and seasoned writers. We use timed prompts to help you to get your ideas flowing and your pen moving. The prompt could be a word, a phrase, a poem, an excerpt from a book, an object, or a picture. When writing in this free-style manner, you can write whatever you want: truth, fiction, or memoir. This process helps you explore your first thoughts, and then put them into words on the page. We write for 15-20 minutes on each prompt. The emphasis is writing down your first thoughts and, on the story you want to tell. This is not a class about the technical aspects or craft of writing. It is about generating ideas and getting started on your stories. Writers are given the opportunity to read one freewrite aloud to the group. Reading aloud enriches your writing experience. In order to maintain a nonjudgmental space for everyone, there is no feedback in this group except for clapping. $10 per session
Registration: www.copperfieldsbooks.com/event/%E2%80%9Ctime-your-stories%E2%80%9D-writing-circle-0
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Gleaning from the Gut: An Embodied Writing Workshop
Saturday, August 3, 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
The Sitting Room
Join facilitator Sharon Bard to weave body awareness practices from various disciplines with musings from felt senses and imagery. Through gentle movement, group discussion, and writing, we’ll explore how a grounded yet spacious sense of being allows for greater aliveness and creativity.
Bring a lunch, journal or laptop, and an open mind.
This workshop is a benefit for the Sitting Room.
Suggested contribution $25.00 – $40.00.
Contact Sharon at srbard@comcast.net with questions and/or to reserve a spot.
The Sitting Room
2025 Curtis Drive Penngrove, CA
www.SittingRoomLibrary/events
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Suzanne Sherman’s Memoir Writing Workshop: LifeLines
Learn essentials of the craft and get guidance, support, and helpful feedback as you write for personal pleasure or publication. Presentations on enlivening the writing (using sensory detail, descriptive detail, writing good dialog). You’ll learn to write engaging scenes, to create authentic, believable characters, to shape a good story from out of a larger time period or event, and more. Story review for feedback, with sign-ups for readings. Optional at-home writing exercises and writing topics given on request.
Mondays 1:00-3:00 p.m. | August 5 – September 30
8 weeks $300
September 9 – September 30
4 weeks $160
Register: https://suzannesherman.com/contact or email suzanne@suzannesherman.com
Suzanne Sherman is author of Girlhood in America: Personal Stories 1910 -2010 (100yearsinthelife.com), book editor, coach and writing & publishing consultant specializing in nonfiction and memoir. She has taught memoir independently and at colleges in the Bay Area for over 20 years. Visit www.suzannesherman.com for more, including info on private consultations, coaching, Sonoma County memoir classes, online memoir classes.
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Writers Forum Presents Susan Tillet
Thursday, August 15, 6:30 p.m.
Copperfield’s Books, 140 Kentucky Street, Petaluma. Free.
Join author and teacher Susan Page Tillett for this fun, accessible workshop, designed to teach the symbolism of color and how to use it to enhance writing. Susan will share her book What’s to Wear, Beatrice Bird? to illustrate how the colors of the rainbow relate to the seven energy centers of the body and what the individual colors we choose or avoid reveal about our point of view and that of our characters.
Susan brings 20 years of experience as a teacher of color, certified by the International Academy of Colour Theraputics in Great Britain. She is a frequent leader of workshops designed to encourage creativity.Susan is passionate about supporting the work of writers and other artists, which she currently does as Executive Director of the Mesa Refuge, a writing retreat in Point Reyes Station. Susan is the author of two books, The Ragdale House Speaks and What’s to Wear Beatrice Bird, as well as several works of creative nonfiction, including “Trip to Mexico, Side Trip to Heaven,” published in She Can Find Her Way: Women Travels at Their Best.
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Free writing classes in Santa Rosa with Stacey Dennick
Fall semester starts August 21, 2019
Creative writing classes meet weekly for instruction by Stacey Dennick and sharing of work with encouraging fellow students.
All genres: Wednesdays, 1-4 PM, August 21, 2019 – December 18, 2019
Memoir and non-fiction: Fridays, 9 am-12 pm, August 23-December 20, 2019
We meet at SRJC’s South West Center, 950 South Wright Road, Santa Rosa, in room 103. Parking is free.
Ongoing registration on site. No grades, no fees, no worries.
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Suzanne Sherman—Memoir Webinar: Self-Exposure and Exposure of Others
Tuesday, September 10, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
(recording sent to all enrolled)
$47
Here are helpful methods you can use to manage self-exposure and exposure of others as you write your important story. Find out what successful memoirists have done to overcome fear of exposure and protect the privacy of others. Learn the legalities regarding writing about people and get tips on how to make it work well for everyone involved. The webinar is held on Zoom, a free platform. All you need is a computer or phone to participate. A link to join at the meeting time will be sent to you on enrollment.
Register: https://suzannesherman.com/e-courses/memoir-webinar/ or email suzanne@suzannesherman.com
Suzanne Sherman is author of Girlhood in America: Personal Stories 1910-2010 (100yearsinthelife.com), book editor, coach and writing & publishing consultant specializing in nonfiction and memoir. She has taught memoir independently and at colleges in the Bay Area for over 20 years. Visit www.suzannesherman.com for more, including info on private consultations, coaching, Sonoma County memoir classes, online memoir classes.
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Writing To Release: Narrative Medicine
Tuesdays, September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, 6-7:30 p.m.
Workshop leader: Marianne Rogoff
Petaluma Arts Center, 230 Lakeville Street, Petaluma
The term “narrative medicine” refers to the idea that writing down our stories, especially what causes us the most grief, has the potential to release the hold it has on our health and well-being. These Tuesday evenings will be time set aside to express what ails us, by responding to prompts from poetry and writing freely, followed by optional discussion of what emerges, without critique. We’ll decide after 4 weeks if we want the group to continue. Drop-in welcome as space is available.
Dr. Marianne Rogoff is the author of the memoir Silvie’s Life, which has been optioned for film, translated into Portuguese, and taught in ethics courses at Sonoma State University and Napa Valley College. She has taught Narrative Medicine and Grief writing courses at Dominican University, Book Passage, College of Marin, Compassionate Friends National Conferences, Bookshop Bivar in Lisbon and elsewhere.
Cost per session:
PAC Members = $20
Non-member = $22
Package of all four sessions
Members = $72
Non-members = $80
Registration: https://petalumaartscenter.org/classes-workshops/?eid=11570
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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.
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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
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 Telephone Writing Circle for Women
Selected Saturday Mornings
(See website www.susanhagen.com for dates and fees)
9:00–11:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Sebastopol Drop-In Writing as a Healing Practice
Selected Thursday mornings (see www.susanhagen.com for dates)
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Contact Susan for location: 707-888-0849 / suzhagen@sonic.net
Suggested donation $25-$45
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 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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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
