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
August 21 to December 18, 2018
Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Location: Friends House, 684 Benicia Drive, Santa Rosa
Register in-class anytime
Note: There is no age MINIMUM
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.
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Creative Writing
Santa Rosa Junior College Older Adults Program. NO FEE.
Instructor: Stacey Dennick
TOPICS: Memoir, fiction, non-fiction & poetry — all levels welcome
SRJC South West Center, 950 South Wright Road, Santa Rosa
Wednesdays, August 22-December 19, 2018, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
ON-GOING REGISTRATION AT SITE
Course Objectives & Benefits:
• Encourage and support creative expression
• Provide a safe place to read your work and obtain useful feedback
• Provide lessons on the craft of writing
• Make new friends and find supportive writing buddies
Possible Course topics:
• Getting started with writing prompts
• Giving and receiving useful feedback
• Editing and revising
• How to structure your story
• Image and the senses
• Pacing, voice and character
• Best practices for research
Stacey Dennick is a digital storyteller who has written stories for KRCB North Bay Public Media and created videos for corporate clients. Her humorous memoir pieces have been published online and in anthologies. She holds an MFA in Writing from University of San Francisco. Her class promises to be lively, with an emphasis on fun interactions & crafting new work.
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Bohemian Highway Writing Workshop
Starting September 3, 5:30 p.m., Monte Rio Community Center
Everyone has a story to be told. Or perhaps you will find your voice in a sonnet, or through an interior monologue, or….? Shake off your writer’s block, delve into memories, hone your skills, polish that draft, give words to the ineffable! Join us for a weekly writing workshop sponsored by Friends of Monte Rio, Tuesdays 5:30-7:00 PM starting September 3rd, at the Monte Rio Community Center. Each session will begin with a short writing exercise to get the ideas flowing. Then we’ll shift to a kind and supportive workshop, offering one another positive feedback and constructive criticism.
Cost is $100/month, drop-ins $35. Some sliding scale available.
All levels are welcome. All those ready to showcase their work in front of a live audience will get their chance with a quarterly public reading.
Class is taught by award-winning author and seasoned instructor, Amanda Yskamp
https://mappingthesky.weebly.com
For more information, or to sign up, contact Amanda at: skymap707@comcast.net
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Poetry Workshops with Terry Ehret
Terry Ehret will be offering two fall poetry workshops at the Sitting Room in Penngrove on Mondays and Fridays. Workshops will begin the week of September 17 and 21, and will be held from 9 AM to noon.
Both workshops will have the same theme, focusing on reading and taking inspiration from contemporary American women poets. The work of four contemporary poets will be read: Ellen Bass, Ada Limon, Claudia Rankine, and Natalie Diaz. This is a reading and writing workshop, with the first four weeks devoted to discussion of the poets’ work and generating new work of your own. During the last four weeks, the participants’ poems will be discussed.
The Monday workshop dates are September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22; November 5, 12.
The Friday workshop dates are September 21, 28; October 5, 12, 19; November 2, 9, 16
The Friday workshop is full, but Terry is taking names for a wait list. The Monday workshop has six openings. The cost is $250 for 8 sessions, plus a donation to the Sitting Room (suggested amount $25). For those who find themselves in financial need, please let Terry know. A small scholarship fund is available.
If you are interested in either the Monday or Friday workshop, please reply to tehret99@comcast.net. Indicate whether you prefer the Monday or the Friday session. She will take sign-ups for these workshops on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to reply to this e-mail as soon as you can.
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THE ALCHEMY OF MEMORY: Creative Writing as Spiritual Practice
With Clara Rosemarda
6 Tuesday Evenings beginning September 25th, 7:00–9:30 p.m. OR
6 Thursday Mornings beginning September 27th, 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee $240 for 6 sessions ($225 if paid in advance)
(Drop-in for continuing students: 3 sessions for $135 to be used anytime during this six-week session)
For information or to register 707-579-2081 or rosen@sonic.net
Memory, for writers, is “money in the bank.” It feeds our writing and our sense of identity. Once you enter a memory it begins to reveal broader truths, a leap into the creative unknown. 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 writers of all skill levels and genres. SPACE IS LIMITED
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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October Workshop at Sitting Room with Dan Coshnear
For fiction writers and writers of creative non-fiction, enrollment is open for a four-week workshop in October, Saturday mornings, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. In our three-hour sessions, we typically begin with discussion of a published piece of work and occasionally do a brief writing exercise, followed by discussion/critique of class members’ work, typically four per session. Cost is 120 bucks, but no one is turned away for inability to pay. Class max is 8. If interested, please contact Daniel Coshnear at coshn@sonic.net — the sooner the better if you wish to secure a spot.
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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
