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
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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MovingWriting: Embodied Expressive Writing workshops with Loretta Mijares
Saturday, February 18, and Sunday, March 19, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
At a private studio in Sebastopol. $75/Saturday, $135 for two afternoons.
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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Petite Prose: Crash Course in Writing Flash Fiction with Britta Stromeyer Esmail
Book Passages, Corte Madera in-person or live on Zoom
Brevity seems easy (after all, we live in a hashtag world). But it’s not. What if 100, 500 or 1000 words is all you’ve got to take a reader’s breath away? Instructor Britta Stromeyer Esmail will examine the craft of writing short-short stories and help differentiate between forms of flash fiction.
Save $30 and Register for the Full Series Here ($350): Register >>
Session 1: Characters in Conflict
Sunday, February 5th • 11:00am – 1:00 pm PT
$95 • Corte Madera Store or Live on Zoom • Register >>
Session 2: Narration & POV
Sunday, February 12th • 11:00am – 1:00 pm PT
$95 • Corte Madera Store or Live on Zoom • Register >>
Session 3: Theme & Subtext
Sunday, February 26th • 11:00am – 1:00 pm PT
$95 • Corte Madera Store or Live on Zoom • Register >>
Session 4: Motifs, Imagery, & Setting
Sunday, March 5th • 11:00am – 1:00 pm PT
$95 • Corte Madera Store or Live on Zoom • Register >>
Britta Stromeyer Esmail is the author of the award winning picture book Raina’s (UN) Happy Birthday and Finalist for the Bellingham Review Tobias Wolff Award for Fiction 2021. She is an editor of Tuxedo Literature & Arts Journal and the associate editor for FastForward Magazine. www.brittastromeyer.com
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Michael Krasny Book Club
Five Tuesdays: Feb. 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, & June 20, 2023
6:00-7:30 p.m. • $200 • Live via Zoom
Book Passages presents KQED Forum radio host, author, and educator Michael Krasny in a dynamic discussion of five classic American novels. This group will be limited to 25 participants.
Details: www.bookpassage.com/event/michael-krasny-book-club-five-tuesdays-zoom-book-group
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The Unsaid Thing: Silence in Memoir
With Connie Josefs
Saturdays, March 4 and March 11, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Live on Zoom
In this Book Passages workshop, writers will explore the role of silence in crafting memoir. We will consider how the unspoken impacts the tone of our stories and is an effective tool in capturing the reader’s attention.
Register for the Full Series here: www.bookpassage.com/online-class-connie-josefs-sessions-i-ii-unsaid-thing-silence-memoir
Session 1: Text and Subtext, March 4: www.bookpassage.com/event/connie-josefs-unsaid-thing-silence-memoir-session-i-text-and-subtext
Session 2: Dialogue & Scene, March 11: www.bookpassage.com/event/connie-josefs-unsaid-thing-silence-memoir-session-ii-dialogue-scene
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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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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
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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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: 707-579-2081 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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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 