“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
– Ernest Hemingway
Whether you’re a beginner, pro, or somewhere in between, we have the class for you.
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Daily Write Holiday Round RobinJane Underwood had a unique vision when she developed the Round Robin class. By combining several elements—partnering, repetition, practice, feedback, and dedication—she created not just a writing course, but an actual community, one that has continued and grown for over a decade....more
Instructor: Kathy Garlick
December 01 - December 223 WeeksAll Day
Online -
On Point: Crafting a Short-Form Point of View Piece“Many people are driven to write by the simple human need to express ourselves,” says instructor David Jacobson. “There may be no better way to meet that need than through the short, pointed burst of intellectual and emotional energy that goes into a newspaper column, op-ed or blog post...more
Instructor: David Jacobson
December 02 - December 163 Mondays7:00pm - 9:30pm
San Francisco, CA -
Creative Writing Boot Camp: A One-Day IntensiveLearning the craft of writing takes a lot of time. With so many demands on your energy you’d like to take some shortcuts. You want to take the fast track to becoming a better writer. This workshop is designed to help you do just that...more
Instructor: Elaine Beale
January 111 Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
Berkeley, CA -
So You Think You’d Like to Write: Let’s Get Started!“Do you have the urge to write, but no clues about how to start? Or maybe you’ve been working on a piece of writing, but suddenly you’re stuck? Well, this one-day workshop is all about getting started...more
Instructor: Katharine Harer
January 111 Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
Daily Write Round RobinJane Underwood had a unique vision when she developed the Round Robin class. By combining several elements—partnering, repetition, practice, feedback, and dedication—she created not just a writing course, but an actual community, one that has continued and grown for over a decade...more
Instructor: Kathy Garlick
January 12 - March 088 WeeksAll Day
Online -
Let’s Begin Here: Approaching Craft in Fiction Through Character, Dialogue & SceneIn 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
Instructor: Lori Ostlund
January 12 - February 095 Sundays10:30am - 1:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
Memoir Master ClassThe focus of the workshop is to encourage and guide experienced writers in creating, revising, and potentially publishing short, stand-alone works of memoir...more
Instructor: Kathleen McClung
January 12 - March 156 Sundays2:00pm - 5:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
Revision Boot Camp: From Trash to Treasure“Everyone, at every level,” says instructor Andy Touhy, “needs a second pair of eyes, a guiding hand, and an array of re-visioning techniques when it comes to next steps with raw or overcooked material.” So in this five-week course, we’re going to have a re-vision party...more
Instructor: Andy Touhy
January 12 - February 095 Sundays2:00pm - 4:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
Intro to Screenwriting: Lights, Camera, Action!“Are you sitting on a fantastic story idea for the screen?” asks instructor Kerry Muir. “In Intro to Screenwriting, get ready to set that idea into motion.” In this five-week class, you will learn the fundamentals of narrative screenwriting in a low stress, supportive environment...more
Instructor: Kerry Muir
January 12 - February 095 Sundays7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
Getting Your Toes Wet: An Introduction to Memoir WritingDo you feel you have a story inside you, but you’re a little leery of getting thrown in the deep end? In this class, you’ll gently wade into the vast sea of memories and experiences you’ve been carrying around for your whole life...more
Instructor: Alison Luterman
January 13 - February 105 Mondays7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
Your Story, Your Life: Memoir & Personal Essays“By writing memoir and personal essays, we give form to our histories and make something of meaning and beauty that is uniquely ours,” says instructor Katharine Harer. “I love this genre because you can be yourself, complete with your idiosyncrasies, strong opinions, flashes of wisdom and crazy moments...more
Instructor: Katharine Harer
January 13 - March 099 Mondays7:00pm - 9:30pm
San Francisco, CA -
Write from Real Life: Personal Essays & MemoirsIn this class you will plunge into the personal themes that make your real life stories uniquely yours. In the first half of this class, instructor Alison Luterman will give you writing exercises carefully designed to elicit the undertones and overtones that elevate events and anecdotes into the realm of art...more
Instructor: Alison Luterman
January 14 - March 109 Tuesdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
Writing a Story Kids Want to Read: Creating the Juvenile Novel“Writing fiction for young people means first understanding what makes a strong story,” says instructor Maxine Rose Schur. “If you have an idea for a story or have already begun writing one, this is the class for you...more
Instructor: Maxine Rose Schur
January 14 - February 115 Tuesdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
San Francisco, CA -
Sexuality on the Page“All humans are sexual beings and writing about sexuality is simply writing about life,” says instructor Jennifer Lewis. This 5-week class will be a safe space to explore intimacy, desire, obsession, and trauma through writing...more
Instructor: Jennifer Lewis
January 15 - February 125 Wednesdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
San Francisco, CA -
Write That Novel!Writing a novel can be a lonely business. It can also be pretty overwhelming when you’re doing it without input or support. If you want to start a novel or you’ve got a novel in progress, this class is designed to help...more
Instructor: Elaine Beale
January 15 - February 125 Wednesdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley, 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
Instructor: Steve Mitchel
January 16 - February 135 Thursdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
San Francisco, CA -
Embracing the Hush Hour: Deepen Your Poetry PracticeThe goal of this intimate 8-session class is for each person to finish a handful of new poems for potential publication. We’ll be drafting or revising a poem in between each class meeting; plan to complete 4-8 new works by the end of the class in April. Along the way we’ll share constructive feedback...more
Instructor: Kathleen McClung
January 17 - April 248 Fridays6:00pm - 8:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
A Voice of One’s Own: Playing the Notes That Sound Like YouMiles Davis once noted: “Man, sometimes it takes you a long time to sound like yourself.” “Miles had a point,” says instructor Allison Landa. “We don’t so much find our own voice as curate it over time...more
Instructor: Allison Landa
January 181 Saturday10:00am - 1:00pm
Berkeley, CA -
Screenwriting Boot Camp“The best way to learn anything is to DO it,” says instructor Kate Montgomery. “In this daylong boot camp, you’ll get the chance to throw yourself into the mix, to pick up screenwriting basics and apply them right away...more
Instructor: Kate Montgomery
January 181 Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
Getting Beyond BeginningsThis half-day workshop is designed for anyone who wants to build both the skills and confidence to commit to a piece of writing from beginning to end. In-class exercises and discussions will help you understand what gets in your way...more
Instructor: Elaine Beale
January 181 Saturday2:00pm - 5:00pm
Berkeley, CA -
Marketing to the Film & Television Industry: How to Break In“It takes knowledge, creativity and persistence to break into the entertainment industry,” says indie writer-director-producer Kate Montgomery. “And it can take decades to figure out the things I’m sharing in this 3-hour workshop...more
Instructor: Kate Montgomery
January 191 Sunday2:00pm - 5:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
Intro to Fiction: Laying the FoundationIn this class, you’ll develop concrete skills and narrative techniques through fun writing exercises designed to help you master your craft. At the end of five weeks, you’ll have a better grip on how to use these techniques (for developing character, setting, and plot) as tools for building your story...more
Instructor: Junse Kim
January 23 - February 205 Thursdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
On Point: Crafting a Short-Form Point of View Piece“What drives many of us to write is the simple human need to express ourselves,” says instructor David Jacobson. “There may be no better way to meet that need than by presenting a point of view...more
Instructor: David Jacobson
January 251 Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
The Elusive Art of Comedy Writing“It’s one thing to tell a funny story to your friends over drinks, but to be funny on the page is an art unto itself,” says comedy writer Kate Montgomery. “Comedy is fragile and demanding. With drama, you can get away with so much. With comedy, one extra word can ruin the laugh...more
Instructor: Kate Montgomery
January 251 Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
Berkeley, CA -
Creative Writing Workshop: The Process Is EverythingThis online creative writing workshop will enable class members to deepen reflection on their own work, receive focused feedback from classmates and instructor, and inspire development toward class members’ finest hopes for their writing projects...more
Instructor: Kathy Garlick
January 26 - March 086 WeeksAll Day
Online -
The Poetry Workshop: An Online ClassAre you eager for specific, constructive feedback on your poems? Do you want to participate in an online community of writers committed to helping each other develop their poetry writing skills? If so, this is the class for you...more
Instructor: Heather June Gibbons
January 26 - March 086 WeeksAll Day
Online -
The Revolving Door Poetry WorkshopThis class will focus on creating a community space for writers to reimagine their own material, to read contemporary and classic poems, to discuss elements of poetic craft, and most importantly to generate “new” work by way of revision...more
Instructor: Brian Tierney
January 26 - March 016 Sundays10:30am - 1:00pm
Berkeley, CA -
Rethinking Setting: Writing from the Inside and the Outside of a Place“Writers often think of setting as simply the place and time in which events occur,” says instructor Lori Ostlund. “But in this class we will focus on setting as a way to shape and reveal a character,” says co-instructor Anne Raeff...more
Instructor: Anne Raeff, Lori Ostlund
February 011 Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
The Alchemy of Sonnets“Combining observation and contemplation, inner and outer worlds, wit and heart, a compelling sonnet shines like a tiny jewel,” says instructor Kathleen McClung...more
Instructor: Kathleen McClung
February 011 Saturday10:00am - 1:00pm
Berkeley, CA -
Get Unblocked!In this three-hour session, Steve will introduce you to a variety of writing exercises and prompts that you can use and reuse whenever you find yourself blocked...more
Instructor: Steve Mitchel
February 081 Saturday10:00am - 1:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
Tiny Kingdoms: Writing and Publishing the VERY Short StoryBig things can come in small packages—their own perfect beauty tied to their size. The short short story is literary proof that great fiction can come in a small package...more
Instructor: Andy Touhy
February 081 Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
Berkeley, CA -
Your Singular Life: An Introduction to Memoir Writing“Writing memoir is like being a miner, shining a light into the nooks and crannies of our lives,” says instructor Katharine Harer. “We think we know what we’ll find, but we’re often surprised by the depth and complexity we uncover...more
Instructor: Katharine Harer
February 081 Saturday2:00pm - 5:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
Creative Writing Boot CampDon’t have the time to commit to a multi-week class but want to develop essential creative writing skills in one inspiring and productive session? This is the class for you. This one-day intensive boot camp will help you sharpen your writing skills in a fun and encouraging environment...more
Instructor: Heather June Gibbons
February 151 Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
The Craft of Creating Picture Books: Where Text and Image MeetPicture books provide one of the most exciting and innovative spaces for play in the book world today. Genres collide, stories become graphic novels, and nonfiction dances from the page in lyrical twists and twirls...more
Instructor: Laura Atkins
February 151 Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
Berkeley, CA -
Secondary Characters: Adding Depth, Conflict & Surprise to ScenesIn 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
Instructor: Lori Ostlund
February 16 - March 155 Sundays10:30am - 1:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
Intro to Creative Writing“Everyone has a story, and every story is made up of other stories that can be told. How will you tell your story? And to whom?” asks instructor Kevin Dublin...more
Instructor: Kevin Dublin
February 16 - March 155 Sundays2:00pm - 4:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
The Screenwriter’s Workshop: Spotlight on the Process“As screenwriters, we tend to work alone for protracted amounts of time in silence, but when we’re hard at work on a script, it’s invaluable to hear how our words hit the air,” says instructor Kerry Muir...more
Instructor: Kerry Muir
February 16 - March 155 Sundays7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
Raw Writing: A Class for Generating New Material“So many of us think we should be able to sit down and write perfectly crafted sentences, paragraphs and stories without writing those raw first drafts,” says instructor Elaine Beale. “But the fact is that our ‘raw writing’ is not only necessary, it’s actually a lot of fun...more
Instructor: Elaine Beale
February 17 - March 165 Mondays7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
Intro to Fiction: Laying the FoundationIn this class, you’ll develop concrete skills and narrative techniques through fun writing exercises designed to help you master your craft. At the end of five weeks, you’ll have a better grip on how to use these techniques (for developing character, setting, and plot) as tools for building your story...more
Instructor: Junse Kim
February 18 - March 175 Tuesdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
San Francisco, CA -
Fiction Workshop: Build & Refine Your Storytelling SkillsWhen we read good stories they tend to endure in our hearts as touchstones that enrich our understanding of the world. We’ve all had the experience of reading something we like and wondering how the author developed such a breathtaking idea, with such compelling characters, and brought it to fruition...more
Instructor: Cary Groner
February 19 - March 256 Wednesdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
The Revolving Door Poetry WorkshopThis class will focus on creating a community space for writers to reimagine their own material, to read contemporary and classic poems, to discuss elements of poetic craft, and most importantly to generate “new” work by way of revision...more
Instructor: Brian Tierney
February 19 - March 255 Wednesdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
San Francisco, CA -
From Idea to Essay: Writing Short Creative NonfictionIn this 5-week course we’ll start with your own ideas, sourcing material for what will become a compelling, layered personal essay or short memoir piece...more
Instructor: Rob Williams
February 20 - March 195 Thursdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
San Francisco, CA -
Memoir as Love Letter“Who would you communicate with if you could reach across time and space?” asks instructor Kerry Muir. “A child yet to be born, a beloved friend, a parent now gone? Our prose takes on a strikingly intimate quality when we write with a specific recipient in mind...more
Instructor: Kerry Muir
February 22 - March 215 Saturdays10:30am - 1:00pm
Berkeley, CA -
Writing the Big ThemesLove. Loss. Transformation. These themes are so integral to the human experience that writers have returned to them again and again for centuries. In this workshop we’ll explore a different theme each week...more
Instructor: Erin Rodoni
February 22 - March 215 Saturdays10:30am - 1:00pm
San Francisco, CA -
Creative Writing 101“Have you wanted to test the waters of creative writing but don’t know where to begin, or how?” asks instructor Kathy Garlick. “Have you waded into those waters before, but it’s been a while?” In this class, you will be guided surely and safely into the writing experience...more
Instructor: Kathy Garlick
February 22 - March 215 Saturdays2:00pm - 4:30pm
San Francisco, CA -
The Practice of Craft: Intro to FictionYou have a story to tell—maybe you’ve ventured to write it down. But something falls short and you don’t yet feel confident enough about technique to make it sing. In this five-week course, we’ll dive into the elements of fiction craft...more
Instructor: Andy Touhy
February 22 - March 215 Saturdays2:00pm - 4:30pm
Berkeley, CA -
Writing from the Edge: Accessing Our Own Hard-to-Tell Tales“Vivid writing takes its power from the author’s inner conflict, particularly when it comes to describing difficult material,” says instructor Allison Landa. “This class will give you the tools you need to share your own hard-to-tell tales....more
Instructor: Allison Landa
February 27 - March 265 Thursdays7:00pm - 9:30pm
Berkeley, CA