Dear Jane,
I woke up this morning in Palm Springs at 5:30 to catch a 7:00 flight and be at my desk in Mountain View by 9:30. I just got home from work now, exhausted but not too tired to check my home email to see what’s up with my writing buddies, mentors, contacts, (and now what looks like editors and publishers!) — the secret world you and the Writing Salon opened to me. Please do take some credit. If I hadn’t stumbled across the Writing Salon in an article in the Chronicle a couple years ago, I’d still be wondering ‘what if,’ which is so against my nature. Instead, I feel like fate-willing, I’ll be writing my way through my forties, my fifties, my sixties, and maybe even when I’m “Nearing Ninety.” It’s all because of you. You couldn’t have a bigger fan of the challenging, patient, generous, and valuable work you do. Thank you so much!
Jeff
PS: That sure does read like a testimonial, so if you need one, feel free to use, cut, paste, etc.
Hello Jane,
I took Janice Cooke Newman’s Getting into Print class in January. It was a tremendous help for me. Just the sheer amount of information on places to submit too was worth the tuition fee. The tips on how and when to submit articles was also invaluable. Janice was certainly an expert in the subject and taught the class in an interesting and engaging way.
I have recommended this class to others and would definitely take a class with Janice or another at the Writing Salon again myself.
Hope this helps. Thanks for your email. Tony Phillips
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed taking Personal Essays on Saturdays from Suzy Parker. Not only is she a fun and funny person, but she is extremely knowledgeable. Her classes were well organized with a lot of variety. We always started with a warm-up which got the creativity flowing and she provided copies (usually crappy ones–ha!) of a variety of writing types which tied to the topic we were writing about at the time.
Suzy pushed me in directions I may not have thought about with my writing, and I appreciate that shove. She gave good feedback on critiques and was generous with her sources, and encouraging in her efforts to get us to publish, publish, publish. She is a down to earth person, and we all felt very comfortable in the writing group, mostly because she made is so easy to be there. The time flew by each Saturday…I’ll miss it this coming week. I highly recommend her class!
Maren Smith
Hello Dianne,
Your food writing class was absolutely wonderful. You are extremely knowledgeable. I also really enjoyed the guest speaker. It added a well-balanced perspective to the great information you gave us.
The different components made the class very professional. I feel like I got my money’s worth and more.
The writing exercises were inspiring. I did not expect such diversity.
I particularly enjoyed the history facts, the variations in book styles, and your knowledge on the wide range of food careers one can participate in.
Thank You!! Excellent Job.
Saeeda Hafiz Natural Foods Consultant and Certified Yoga Instructor
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Thanks for the inspiring quotes; they arrived at a good time as my project was drifting, with me being a little uneasy in my commitment to it. Great to hear that interest in your labor of love persists and writers are catching on to the Writing Salon and the community of writers it embraces. Warmest wishes for a relaxing Thanksgiving….maybe we’ll catch up at one of the Jan. classes.
Barb
Thanks for the ongoing info about the Writing Salon. And thanks to you for having the guts to start and sustain your appreciated community service (and business)! Keep me on your mailing list!
Gregory
I loved the class. Judy was professional, knowledgable and generous with guidance and inspiration. The writing exercises were useful. The reading aloud always helps. The tips and techniques were solid and I felt she had a good, grounded base of experience to share. She came with us to lunch and was very approachable and down to earth. The time passed quickly and I would have loved to keep going on. I would attend other workshops by her at the Writing Salon. Her teaching style is inspiring, encouraging and sent me away wanting to write. Always a good sign! The class was a great value. I really felt I got my money’s worth. Thanks!
Sarah Scott
Thank you for the wonderful letter you sent about process or publication. I would also like to thank you for being truly interested in every one of the people who take classes at The Writing Salon, whether currently in a class or perhaps someone who has taken them in the past.
I always felt (and feel) supported in my process at the Salon, with the incredible teaching staff and the feelings of comraderie that build up among the students as well.
It is hard to know which to emphasize, writing for process or publication and I tend to go back and forth a lot. Right now, I would say I write for the process of writing, for communication, and for understanding and trying to become the best human being possible.
I would like very much to thank you and the staff and the students at The Writing Salon for creating such a wonderful resource for the community of writers and non-writers alike. It has been an honor and a privilege to have taken classes here and to have shared a struggle towards meaning. Honestly, thank you for being here, for having created The Writing Salon, and for having put so much of yourself and your ideals into it.
Robbie Strand
I loved the class. Judy was professional, knowledegable and generous with guidance and inspiration. The writing exercises were useful. The reading aloud always helps. The tips and techniques were solid and I felt she had a good, grounded base of experience to share. She came with us to lunch and was very approachable and down to earth.
The time passed quickly and I would have loved to keep going on. I would attend other workshops by her at the Writing Salon. Her teaching style is inspiring, encouraging and sent me away wanting to write. Always a good sign! The class was a great value. I really felt I got my money’s worth. Thanks!
Jane,
Maureen is a terrific memoir teacher. She’s quite intelligent, thoughtful about the writing and the experiences represented, and sensitive to each person in a very patient way. . . .She’s able to balance helpful directives/comments about writing in general along with specific comments to an individual writer. The class structure she uses has been very useful to me: using carefully chosen examples/excerpts from other writers (she’s very well read in this genre) to illustrate a particular way of writing memoir. She then assigns that approach for the following week. She’s also a very good writer herself. She’s also quite open about using her own experiences as examples, and she’s clearly had quite a range of them.
But the most important part to me has been her emphasis on emotional honesty, insight, and self-reflection as the connecting string flowing through memoir writing. That emphasis pushes me to more thoughtful writing. She doesn’t hesitate to point out when it’s not there or to emphathize when it is.
I wish the class were smaller so that I could get more time with her. On the other hand, there are a surprising number of very good writers in this group, raising the bar in a healthy way for everyone.
Best, Sheryle Bolton
***
Hello, I loved the memory to memoir class Nov 1st.
Maureen was a wonderful leader and the class was great combo of reading, writing and listening to others for idea exchange.
I found the group to be perfect size (13) for sharing and the studio conducive to supportive sharing. Enjoyed lunch time at Atlas with group and hearing each person’s story.
Thanks so much! Heather
Thank you for the great party Saturday, and congratulations on the fifth anniversary of The Writing Salon. The readings were fabulous and hilarious. What a great community of writers you have collected–I am inspired anew. I intend to take another class in the near future, although due to time and money constraints it won’t be this session, sorry to say.
In the meantime, is it possible to get copies of any of the readings from Saturday night? I am thinking in particular of those by Dale Bentson, Jeff Kennedy, Kari Kiernan and Will Walker, these being the ones that almost caused me to pass milk through my nose. (And I wasn’t even drinking milk.)
I’m singing the praises of The Writing Salon to anyone I know who is or aspires to be a writer. Best of luck to you and keep up the good work.
Regards,
Melissa MacWilliams
Hi, Jane. I just wanted to pass along that Junse Kim is one of the most organized teachers I have ever experienced. Also, both his teaching style and personal gestalt nothing shy of pure grace. It was a great Intro to Fiction class!! Just thought I’d let you know.
Best, Linda Forester
Jane:
I just wanted to tell you that the “Intro to Fiction“ course I took with Junse Kim was one of the best writing classes I’ve ever taken. Junse is a very capable teacher – he made the class interesting and inspiring, and I especially liked the way he used other narrative forms (comic books, movies, songs) to teach us about the writing process.
Just wanted to let you know – thanks!
Marissa Tirona
I don’t know what I would do without the Round Robin. For me it is a great invention right up there with Post-it Notes, Velcro, ATM’s and on-line banking.
Dale Bentson
Dear Lisa,
Just wanted to drop a note and tell you how invigorated I was by your workshop on Saturday. Despite the fact that I’ve been a professional writer (staff and freelance) off and on for some 25 (!) years, I have found myself in the doldrums lately as I try to redesign my life. Besides enjoying your energy and humor, I really appreciated the concrete tips on everything from vivid writing to drumming up business. You certainly packed a lot into a one-day class. It made me feel that it *is* possible to do some of the things I’ve dreamed of.
I ran right home and registered a web domain name, and plan to follow through on the “assignments” you gave us over the next few weeks, between freelance odd jobs, personal writing, mothering, and housekeeping… I already have a writers’ group (newly formed from another Writing Salon class) and basic journalism experience–I just need to put my ideas into action.
Many thanks again! Jennifer Dix
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the notes. Your class rocked, really the best money I’ve spent on writing classes in a long time!
I’m working on the homework today. Love that you gave homework!
It was packed with information, inspiration and encouragement. Pamela is a wonderful teacher. She nurtured everyone in the humor writing class!
“Pamela is a gem. I’d follow her anywhere.”–Diana Lyster
“I was so high after this class that I went home and wrote until 4 AM! Still exhausted but so worth it.”- Liz K
Re: the humor writing class: “Excellent teacher… Exceeded my expectations — the process was just amazing… I loved the critiques — Beth P.
“Karen is a fantastic teacher, I am really impressed by the quality of her instruction!”
Parnaz Foroutan
Karen’s course exceeded my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I got out of it. I loved her lectures; very informative, filled with valuable nuggets. I expect I will refer to her handouts and my notes for a long time to come. Her in-class exercises were thought-provoking, and her feedback on everyone’s writing was thoughtful, encouraging and full of generosity and compassion. — Steven Rossen
Karen is a fabulous teacher! She is just such an astute teacher, it’s amazing.
Thanks,
Jane
Hi, Jane…
I took “Writing a Novel” (approximate title) with Karen Bjorneby. I had hoped that the class would keep my creative juices flowing, help me scrape together a plan, and give me some honest critique…and it did more than that. I learned a TON about novel-writing in the sessions themselves; Karen did a wonderful job breaking the class into major but digestible chunks: character, setting, plot, and voice.
Moreover, Karen’s critique of my work was spot-on. I’d known that some areas were weak, but I couldn’t have guessed that someone could tell me exactly why and what I might try to improve them. And the critique, while incisive, contained enough broad wisdoms to help me apply it throughout. I actually think I have a solid base for writing a good story now, which is rather remarkable for the money and the five-week commitment.
I’d recommend Karen and your series to anyone.
Thanks, and happy holidays…
Hillary Read
I was in your Intro to Screenwriting class with Terrell Seltzer. I wanted to provide some feedback. I enjoyed the class very much. Terrell was so good and a wonderful teacher and resource. The six hours flew by. She is supportive, insightful, experienced and very intelligent. I could tell she was a good screenwriter. I wanted to thank you for providing this opportunity to the community. I really appreciate your school and what you are doing by bringing these talented people to come and teach. Thank you for that!
And thanks again for having the Writing Salon. It’s a very special place!
Warm regards, Carol
Hi Jane,
I loved the “Get Your Book Published” mini-class. Dianne was extremely knowledgeable, realistic, and clear about the process of getting published. I liked when we had to write down our “tag lines” (or, as Dianne referred to them, “what we’d say about our books if asked at a party,” as it helped me clarify what I’m writing about. Dianne was entertaining and accessible, yet she didn’t give us any false hopes that publishing is easy. She helped me see that I could just focus on writing my book and building my platform, rather than worrying too soon about all the other publication aspects.
– Katie Burke
Hi Alison,
I understand what you’re saying about how hard it can be to take a class after you’ve been a teacher, and I’ve felt that in other classes, but not yours [Write from Real Life]. You are so totally in command of what you do, I never had any doubt that what you were talking about would be useful. And you are very good at analyzing students’ stories and seeing right away the big weaknesses and making suggestions for how students could get around those weaknesses. I could see the depth of your experience as a writer showing through in those skills, and it was really impressive. I can do that for papers about Japanese history, but not for personal essays. I was too busy listening and learning from your critiques to notice the time. Every class seemed to be over in about 10 minutes. Thanks!
Regards, Rob
James Arthur was an outstanding teacher, one of the best writing teachers I’ve had and I’ve had quite a few!! I really liked his class [The Poem You Weren't Expecting] and am hoping he will teach again in the fall! . . .The course met my expectations very well! It helped me come at writing poetry in new ways which I really appreciated!
Peggy Rasmussen
James is a terrific teacher. He was really good with classroom management, and mostly succeeded in satisfying the needs of everyone. His knowledge of the subject is absolutely stellar; he always had great suggestions for further reading and study that couldn’t be covered in the class. He’s also one of the most articulate people I have ever heard. The quality of feedback and critique was outstanding. He inspired everyone to aim higher and achieve more.
I have enjoyed all of the courses I have taken at the Writing Salon, but James’ course was the one I learned most from.
Best Regards,
Tai
I find it difficult to express the satisfaction I feel after having just completed nine weeks of the Fearless Poetry Workshop with Julie Bruck and my session’s fellow fearless poets. So many things about how the workshop unfolded just felt right. I greatly appreciate that Julie fosters an atmosphere that enables all voices to emerge and remain distinct. Attendance never lagged and for good reason; there was always something useful to discover about critiquing, reading, and writing. For anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation for the art and craft of poetry, they cannot go wrong with this workshop.
Thank you to The Writing Salon for offering these poetry workshops and thanks to Julie for her generous instruction.
Ralph Gordon SF, CA
Hi Jane, I used to harbor a secret prejudice – that poems were dull and too hard to understand – but doing Julie Bruck’s class I learned to fall in love with poetry. Every week she gave us an assignment like start in the middle of a poem, or try leaving out adjectives or write about the inside of something you’re usually outside of, always with the gentle reminder that if the exercise doesn’t inspire, write something else. We brought our poems to class and received feedback that was kind and respectful but didn’t shy away from ideas to strengthen our work. I’m still writing a poem a week and would highly recommend any writers, experienced or not, to participate in this class at least once in their lives. –Kaye C.
I just finished a Fearless Poetry class with Julie Bruck and I wanted to leave some feedback for the website if you’d like it, since I enjoyed the class so much.
After writing poetry for years in college and then letting the craft go dormant for a few years, Julie’s class reawakened the poet in me like never before. Julie is passionate, insightful, and practical, and relates to students like friends. I was really able to internalize what I learned in this class and get to a much deeper level with my work and my voice as a poet. This class has been a very significant event in my writing career.
Awesome! Thanks!
Kelly Jean Egan
I told Julie how much I enjoyed her “Fearless Poetry Workshop” and I wanted to share it with you. I look forward to seeing everyone and hearing their poetic voices. Julie has been the greatest support and the greatest teacher in the editing process. I only experience support from her. The work we do is always how to make our voices stronger or truer. Never a “no”, always a redirection. It is subtle and powerful. I never thought I would be able to write “on command” and surprised myself by being able to do just that. I have signed up for the six month course and feel so lucky that it was offered at just the right time for me. Your place is such a gem.
Marilynn Meisenheimer
I just wanted to let you know what a gift Chris DeLorenzo has been for me. I haven’t tried writing anything other than business cases, memos and letters since I was about eleven. Although I’ve been experiencing an urge to write..for years…I just haven’t. The urge just became too strong to ignore and I found your web-site and signed up for the one day workshop with Chris. The one day workshop was so great and beginning with the Amherst Method was so liberating, I signed up and took the nine-week course.
Chris provided a wonderfully supportive environment, fun and challenging prompts, and is just a great person. I’m guessing you know that already, but I wanted to add my input.
Also, thank you for starting the Writing Salon. I am delighted to find such a wonderful resource.
Best,
Alexis Dees (a very satisfied customer!)
Hi Cary,
It’s been quite some time since our last class. I’ve been busy implementing what I learned from you [in Freelance Magazine Writing] and wanted to share the results.
After all those rewrites on my class article about Ferry Point, I set it aside and developed a totally different article. The idea came from my experience working with boat covers. Fallout from cargo ships and airplanes seemed to be causing unusual damage to boat covers in marinas near seaports and airports. I wanted to find out more about the link and thought others would be interested, too.
I pitched the article in an email to the Marine Fabricator magazine, expecting to wait for weeks before hearing something like “Well . . . . maybe . . . . could work . . . . how about a little 25 words or less blurb . . . ” Instead, Chris replied before 2 hours had passed and gave me an assignment, on spec, for an 800 word article, plus photos and captions. Since it was my first time working with them, he couldn’t commit to pay me until after he’d seen the article. Oh, and by the way, could I make the deadline in 4 weeks?
Of course I said yes.
I thought of your anecdotes about working with editors and all your admonishments to turn in perfect copy, get it in by the deadline and take care of the editor. I went back to your book and my class notes as I worked my way through interviews, drafts and structuring the story.
My article was more than acceptable. The spelling and grammar were perfect and I submitted it the evening before the deadline. Not only will it be published in the Sept/Oct issue, I’m to be paid $375. What’s more, Chris asked if I would be available for future assignments.
Yes, again.
This long email is my way of letting you know none of this wouldn’t have come to pass without your great instruction. Thank you, Cary, for your interesting, well-organized class full of information, encouragement and good humor.
Now that I’m a professional freelancer, my next step is to pitch my Ferry Point article idea to Sunset and Via magazines.
Best regards, Mary Jo Morris
Josh Mohr manages to give super-supportive enthusiastic encouragement and precise, practical, advice. The double word score! I learned so much, read all kinds of instructive stuff that I would never have otherwise encountered, and got constructive suggestions for more things to do. I’ve also gotten renewed motivation to write.
Josh is a fabulous teacher. Have him teach more classes!
Anna Williams
I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed Joshua Mohr’s class. Thank you for offering such a lovely space and a great teacher.
Kristin
I just finished a class with Josh Mohr. This is my first ever writing class and he was a fantastic instructor. He worked within the level of each of his students, he was encouraging and at the same time challenged us. As I was nervous about the class it meant a lot to me that he never made anyone feel that anything they said or wrote was poor. I think Josh is an excellent instructor and has a great way about him in getting ideas and concepts across.
Marsha Evans
I just wanted to tell you how great Jess’ short story class, Powerful Short Stories, was yesterday. It was exactly what I was looking for!
We talked about the differences in content and structure in short stories vs the novel. We discussed how novel focus more on emotion and character and short stories focus more on theme and plot. We talked about how every character in the short story somehow expressed the theme or relates to the theme in a different way. We talked about keeping our characters limited to 3-4. And we discussed how the plotting is different in the short story as well. It sort of all came together for me. Now I just have to write it! (The easy part right?).
We also workshopped the stories we’re working on then worked through the seven basic questions as they apply to our stories. We even talked about the history of the short story.
Anyway, I highly recommend this class and Jess as an instructor. I always feel more creatively motivated when I take classes from her. She is also very adept at interweaving positive feedback with what we need to improve on in our work. That, at least for me, is really important, especially as a beginning writer. She knows her stuff and she knows how to explain it well. So hats off to Jess and the short story class! (And the other classes she teaches, such as her Historical Fiction class). I hope it’s offered again.
Thanks, Reed Graner
Just a little note to tell you how much Carrie and I enjoyed Elaine’s “Busting through Writer’s Block” class on Saturday. She is excellent and the group was fantastic.
Greg Sandoval
Elaine knows her stuff, obviously, and articulates her insights in an inspiring style. I truly appreciated hearing her critique of my work and others. She respects how challenging writing is and accentuates that by constantly providing positive support. She is warm, honest, and helpful for fledgling fiction writers! — Karolina Garrett
I’m sure you don’t remember me, but five years ago I took a Writing Salon workshop with an instructor there named Laura (can’t recall her last name at the moment but she had longish blond hair). Anyway, my name is Vinny Carrella and The Writing Salon was my FIRST exposure to fiction writing. I wrote my first short story there and subsequently went on to write a prize-winning story called The Serpent Box and the Poison Jar that received enough attention to land me an agent. This led to me writing my first novel (same title). I will spare you the details about what a long, difficult struggle it was to write the novel, fire my agent, find a new one and then attempt to get the novel sold. What I wanted to tell you was that we just sold the novel to Harper/Collins Perennial. It’s slated for release in February of 2007 and I give YOU and the Writing Salon credit for getting me started. I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for the Writing Salon I would never have written my book. The love and support, the relaxed no-pressure, non-competitive atmosphere and the level of instruction itself (not to mention the quality of the instructors) was perfect for me. As you know, writing is incredibly difficult on both a technical and emotional level. I think that your Salon helped me to understand what I needed to know not only to write something of high-caliber, but to get it published. You guys set the bar high and you held my hand and you made the beginning painless.
I just thought you’d like to know. I thank you. And I hope that someday I can come do a reading for you and the Writing Salon and do my part to help other new writers find their wings.
All the best,
Vinny Carrella
Hi, Jane,
I took the recently-completed personal essay class taught by Jenny Pritchett, and I just HAVE to tell you what a fabulous experience it was. Jenny is, quite simply, a fantastic teacher. Each session was stimulating, challenging, and rich in content. I couldn’t wait to get up on a Saturday morning and head off to class!
Jenny’s perceptiveness, and intelligence are very evident in her teaching, and those qualities of hers work to stretch us as students. By the end end of session 5, every one of us had a solid foundation in the elements of a strong personal essay, and that is thanks to Jenny’s high-quality instruction. She’s very organized, and obviously puts thought and energy into planning cohesive instruction. Plus, she’s funny! We laughed a lot in class, learning all the while.
I was sad when the class ended! A few times, while sitting in that room and looking around the circle, I actually teared up a little with happiness at how right it felt to be there. I’m just so happy to have found the Writing Salon, and yet another great teacher in Jenny. Thank you!
Sue Granzella
Re: “Intro to Creative Writing” and also “Get Your Work into Print: Submit!”
I just finished taking Intro to Creative Writing with Jenny Pritchett and I am truly thrilled to have been part of this class. Jenny is a gem of a person – passionate, supportive, funny and downright smart – not to mention an excellent instructor.
The course fully met my expectations. When I signed up I was a little concerned that I would be in over my head (I haven’t written anything since college), but after the first class that worry left me. Not only is the course broken down into manageable discussion pieces – concrete detail, dialogue, metaphor, etc – which I found very helpful in dealing with the unknown of writing, but Jenny is also very capable of guiding and providing feedback to a group of students with different backgrounds, styles and wants. The class immediately felt like a community rather than a classroom and that goes a long way to fostering comfort and confidence.
“Nick’s class totally met my expectations. Enjoyable and learned a whole lot. Excellent class and I would recommend it to anyone writing genre fiction (or general fiction). The in-class exercises were great, and Nick’s lectures and insight and anecdotes about the publishing industry were very helpful.” —Joel Davis
“The course exceeded my expectations – Nick’s knowledge of commercial fiction in general and his specific editorial experience were invaluable. I liked all of the exercises. I’m not fond of the on-the-spot tests of any kind (probably all those dark years in junior high) but the exercises opened up the class to exploring some ways to generate ideas for stories. And I liked Nick’s teaching style. Even though there is a “skeleton” that he follows, his ad lib approach with ton’s of anecdotes and sidebars was great. —Doug Jensen
“I actually learned more than I thought I would. Also, Nick was very patient with me that I didn’t know anything about genre fiction at all. I liked how everyone got a chance to talk about how they felt about other people’s work. Even the exercises were talked about thoroughly. I feel that I got instruction from someone who is less stuffy than what I am used to in literary fiction and so it felt refreshing and motivating.” —Cecily Anders
“Lindsey is a complete gem! She has a great way of communicating what works in a piece and where it may need to be strengthened, she is always supportive and encouraging, and she knows the industry inside and out. She also made herself completely available for communication via email, and when I sent her a message, she would respond promptly and as helpfully as possible. Most importantly, her knowledge of how stories work and her individual critique of my story has given me a framework from which to build and grow.” – Nat Perlof
“Britt’s class exceeded my expectations. Britt was very vibrant and warm and made what could have been godawful boring exciting and interesting. She was extremely helpful and approachable. I give her an “excellent” rating on all counts.” – Dorothy Calimeris
Britt’s” Blogging For Writers” was refreshing and fun. I loved her ease and creativity with which she guided us through the material and kept it interesting throughout the day. I am inspired and ready to get started! A big Thank You Britt!
Sigrid
Dear Writing Salon,
I’m finally writing down what I’ve been thinking for months.
I just want to say what a terrific teacher Kathleen McClung is. I am still writing — not quickly, not in vast quantities, but very happily — and I continually realize anew how much I learned from Kathleen. Her clarity and her explicit instruction about the elements of memoir have all been so helpful to me. I really feel like I have come away with a grasp of what good memoir writing needs to include. Not that I can do it all the time, and not that I don’t need a constant voice in my head reminding me of what I’ve been taught! But Kathleen provided the structure and the scaffolding for me to be able to build from there.
