Let’s Begin Here: Approaching Craft in Fiction Through Character, Dialogue and Scene

In order to write, one must read constantly, observe the world well, and take seriously the craft of writing. During this five-week course, we will focus on the last of these, the craft of writing... more
January 21 - February 18
5 Sundays, (Pacific Time)

10:30am - 1:00pm

San Francisco, CA

Fiction Workshop: Enrich Your Drafts

"If you’re craving some constructive, insightful feedback from a supportive group of fellow writers, it’s time to dip your toe into the workshop," says instructor Steve Mitchel... more
January 17 - February 21
6 Wednesdays, (Pacific Time)

7:00pm - 9:30pm

San Francisco, CA

Plot 101: Design the Story You Want to Tell

“Over the years, I've learned that plot is one of the most mysterious elements of the art of fiction,” says instructor Nina Schuyler. "Some writers think a plot is written by formula. Not true! Plot rises out of your characters and your ideas... more
September 11 - September 25
3 Mondays, (Pacific Time)

6:30pm - 9:00pm

San Francisco, CA

Write That Novel!

Writing a novel can be a lonely business! If you want to start a novel or you’ve got a novel in progress, this class provides guidance, inspiration, and support... more
October 05 - November 02
5 Thursdays, (Pacific Time)

6:30pm - 9:00pm

Secondary Characters: Adding Depth, Conflict & Surprise to Scenes

In this class, we will talk about ways to build more interesting secondary characters, study common relationship types, and do exercises aimed at creating more dynamic interactions between characters by thinking from the perspective of the secondary character... more
October 29 - December 03
5 Sundays, (Pacific Time)

10:30am - 1:00pm

San Francisco, CA

Fiction Workshop: Building Our Stories

This class is a hybrid take on the traditional workshop model, and while the workshop will be a major component of every class, writers will also have space to generate new material in class ... more
September 21 - October 26
6 Thursdays, (Pacific Time)

6:30pm - 9:00pm

San Francisco, CA

Intro to Fiction: To Begin at the Beginning

“Big Secret Number One to writing fiction is that you have to make a mess. Many messes,” says instructor Steve Mitchel. “You have to throw truckloads of words down onto the page knowing full well that most of them will end up in the compost... more
October 16 - November 13
5 Mondays, (Pacific Time)

7:00pm - 9:30pm

San Francisco, CA

How to Finish Your Novel (The Right Way)

In this five-part series, we’ll discuss how to get to your first-draft finish line if you’re stuck, how to become a better self-editor using troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques, and how to know when your work is ready for other people to read... more
August 03 - September 07
5 Thursdays, (PDT)

6:30pm - 9:00pm

Short Story 1-2-3: Writing Fiction That Packs a Punch

“Ever since I began writing, I’ve been fascinated by the short story form,” Jennifer Lewis says. “You can read a short story from beginning to end in one sitting. I love the immediacy and resolve, the feeling of completion with an economy of words... more
July 30 - August 27
5 Sundays, (PDT)

10:30am - 1:00pm

Making Unsympathetic Characters Compelling

“Everybody loves heroic characters, those avatars of virtue who can do no wrong as they smile through perfect teeth and find solutions to every problem via indomitable spirit and/or iron will,” says instructor Jeff Chon. “But what is it that makes Sherlock Holmes, often seen as insufferably arrogant, compelling... more
August 17 - August 31
3 Thursdays, (PDT)

6:30pm - 9:00pm