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Events & Classes for Writers

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7:00-8:30pm PT
Community Event - Celebrate Alta's Issue 27 at City Lights
7:00-8:00pm PT
Spring 2024 Classes Virtual Open House
7:00-8:00pm PT
Summer Classes Virtual Open House
7:00-8:00pm PT
Fall Write-In with Britta Stromeyer
7:00-8:00pm PT
Fall Write-In with Britta Stromeyer
7:00-8:00pm PT
Fall Write-In with Laurie Doyle
7:00-8:00pm PT
Fall Write-In with Shirley Huey
7:00-8:00pm PT
Fall Write-In with Shirley Huey
6:30-9:00pm
Build a World, Seduce the World: How to Hook Your Film or TV Audience with Xandra Castleton
6:30-8:30pm PT
Storytelling: Revise and Refine: You're Almost There! With Audrey Ferber
6:30-8:30pm PT
Great Writers Steal: How the Work of Other Writers Can Inform and Inspire You with Laurie Ann Doyle
6:00-8:00pm PT
Plotting Your Novel with Anoop Judge
6:00-8:00pm PT
Flash Fiction: Little Stories with a Big Kick with Jenny Bitner Spring 2024
6:00-8:00pm PT
Reading & Writing the Personal Essay with Mark Wallace
6:00-8:00pm PT
Autofiction: Combining Memoir and Fiction with Jenny Bitner Summer 2024
6:00-8:00pm PT
Connecting with Your Writer's Voice with Britta Stromeyer
6:00-8:00pm PT
Writing Microfiction with Britta Stromeyer
6:00-8:00pm PT
Creating Compelling Characters with Anoop Judge
6:00-8:00pm PT
Inspired Creativity with Jenny Bitner
6:00-8:00pm PT
Fiction Workshop with Doug Henderson
6:00-7:30pm PT
Deep Dive: Connecting with Your Writer's Voice with Britta Stromeyer
6:00-7:00pm
Spring Write-In with Rowena Leong Singer
5:30-8:00pm PT
Fund Your Writing Project with Lyzette Wanzer
5:00-8:00pm PT
Write Your Artist Statement with Lyzette Wanzer
5:00-7:00pm PT
Reading + Meeting: September 20th, 2024
5:00-7:00pm PT
Reading + Meeting: November 15th, 2024
5:00-7:00pm PT
Reading + Meeting: August 16th, 2024
5:00-7:00pm PT
Reading + Meeting: June 21st, 2024
5:00-7:00pm PT
Reading + Meeting: May 17th, 2024
5:00-7:00pm PT
Reading + Meeting and New Member Welcome: April 19th, 2024
5:00-7:00pm PT
Reading + Meeting: March 15th, 2024
5:00-7:00pm PT
Reading + Meeting
5:00-6:30pm
Explore the Poetry of Science with Jenny Qi
5:00-6:30pm
Explore the Poetry of Science with Jenny Qi
5:00-6:30pm
Explore the Poetry of Science with Jenny Qi
5:00-6:15pm PT
Writing Your Personal Essay with Kate Busatto
5:00-6:00pm PT
The Writers Grotto Salesforce Words & Stories Series, Feb. 29th *Postponed*
5:00-6:00pm
Spring Write-In with Rowena Leong Singer
4:30pm
Members Only: Book Club - "A Council of Dolls" by Mona Susan Power
4:30-6:30pm PT
Polishing Your Short Story with Kate Busatto
4:00-6:00pm PT
Community Event - Moving Breast Cancer Memoirs by Wildfire Magazine
4:00-6:00pm PT
Short Story Workshop with Kate Busatto
3:00-4:30 p.m. PT
Members Only: Essay/Memoir Workshop Group
1:00pm
Members Only: Short Fiction Group
1:00-2:30pm PT
Plan Your Novel in 6 Weeks with Lisa Lerner
1:00-2:00pm
Spring Write-In with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
1:00-2:00pm
Spring Write-In with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
12:30-1:30pm PT
Fall Write-In with Laurie Doyle
12:30-1:30pm
Spring Write-In with Xandra Castleton
12:30-1:30pm
Spring Write-In with Xandra Castleton
12:00-1:30pm PT
First Pages and Query Letter Feedback with Lisa Lerner
12:00-1:00pm PT
Fall Write-In with Jenny Qi
12:00-1:00pm PT
Fall Write-In with Jenny Qi
12:00-1:00pm PT
Fall Write-In with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
12:00-1:00pm PT
Fall Write-In with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
12:00-1:00pm
Spring Write-In with Celeste Chan
12:00-1:00pm
Spring Write-In with Celeste Chan
12:00-1:00pm
Spring Write-In with Janine Kovac
12:00-1:00pm
Spring Write-In with Lisa Lerner
12:00 - 3:00pm PT
Trancewriting: Using Hypnosis to Write with Jenny Bitner - In Person
11:00am-12:00pm
First Page Feedback: Short Story with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
11:00am-12:00pm
First Page Feedback: Personal Essay with Audrey Ferber
11:00am-12:00pm
First Page Feedback: Personal Essay with Audrey Ferber
10:00am-4:00pm PT
Get Invited to Read at Literary Conferences with Lyzette Wanzer
10:00am-1:00pm PT
A Writer's Inventory: Build Your Own Memoir Prompts with Susan Ito
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Revise Your Novel with Scrivener with Janine Kovac
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm PT
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00am-12:00pm
Members Only: Remote Coworking Session
10:00-1:00pm PT
Trancewriting: Using Hypnosis to Write with Jenny Bitner - Online
10:00-11:30am PT
How to Write for Educational Publishing with Lisa Lerner
10:00-11:00am PT
Fall Write-In with Xandra Castleton
10:00-11:00am PT
Fall Write-In with Xandra Castleton
8:00-9:00am PT
Let's NaNoWriMo! with Lisa Lerner

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Fund Your Writing Project with Lyzette Wanzer

This workshop is open to writers who are considering applications for—or wish to learn about—creative writing grants, fellowships, and residencies.This six-week workshop will cover:

• The best places to locate opportunities. You'll visit and conduct on several trustworthy websites offering the most lucrative funding.

• The dreaded Project Statement, Work Plan, or Goals and Objectives question. Finish the workshop with a revised draft.

• How to demonstrate a rising trajectory, remembering that most people who are awarded grants are on their way up, not already there.

• How to craft clear, concise personal or artist statements. Leave this class with a completed draft in hand!

• Why the marketing angle is so important.

• Creating an effective literary resume. You’ll have a new professionally formatted one at the end of class!

Open to writers of all genres. Students registering for this workshop should be seeking financial support for a period of two weeks to six months to focus on writing projects. This is a hands-on workshop: students must be computer savvy and bring their laptop or tablet to every class.

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Dates:
Wednesdays, Aug. 14th - Sept. 18th from 5:30 - 8:00pm
Fee:
$
600 or register by August 7th for a 10% discount!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Career Skills
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Social Media
Register Now
Reading + Meeting: August 16th, 2024

Join us for our next Reading + Meeting and special new member welcome on August 16th. This month will feature Danielle Svetcov in conversation with Bonnie Tsui as they discuss navigating the literary landscape as agent and author. All are welcome!

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Dates:
Friday, August 16th, from 5 - 7pm PT
Fee:
$
Free; suggested donation of $10
Tags:
Event
,
In-Person
,
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Creativity
Poetry
Memoir
Register Now
First Pages and Query Letter Feedback with Lisa Lerner

Thursday, August 22nd | Your first pages and query letter make all the difference; they grabs your reader's attention and can be the difference between a "yes" and a no" when it comes to agents and editors. More and more, with attention spans pulled in every direction, publishers are eager to see conflict and stakes from the beginning, yet so many writers fail to show this early enough in a story to hook readers.

In this session, students will get feedback on their first five pages (double-spaced, 12 point font) and query letter. This class will have a max of four students, and students will be given live feedback and written comments on their provided work. Students must register and submit their work by Thursday, August 15th. Please note that your work will be shared with other students in this session.

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Dates:
Thursday, Aug. 22nd, from 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Fee:
$
40
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Kids & Teens
Register Now
Fall Write-In Season Pass

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Writing Your Personal Essay with Kate Busatto

SUNDAYS, Sept. 1st - 15th | In this three-section workshop class on writing personal essays, participants will engage in a comprehensive journey of self-expression and literary appreciation.

The first section focuses on reading and analyzing exemplary personal essays from renowned authors. By dissecting these works, students will gain insights into effective storytelling techniques, voice, and structure. The second section is dedicated to in-class writing prompts designed to spark creativity and encourage exploration of personal experiences and reflections. These prompts will help participants develop their unique voice and style in a supportive environment. The final section is a workshop period where students share their drafts and receive constructive feedback from peers and the instructor.

This collaborative setting fosters a sense of community and allows for the refinement of ideas and techniques. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a deeper understanding of personal essay writing and a strong draft of their own personal essay.

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Dates:
Sundays, Sept. 1st - 15th, from 5:00-6:15pm PT
Fee:
$
149 or register before Aug. 25th to receive a 10% discount!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Journalism
Non-Fiction
Memoir
Creativity
Register Now
Creating Compelling Characters with Anoop Judge

Tuesdays, Sept. 3rd - 24th| Creating Compelling Characters from the inside out.

Characters are the heartbeat of any story (whether you’re writing fiction, essays, nonfiction, or memoirs.) Through them, we can explore and make sense of the world. In this two-hour class, we will explore the tools you need to develop a variety of compelling characters with their own storylines and adventures. Are you ready to write a protagonist you can’t wait to meet?

In this course, you will explore the art and craft of creating unforgettable characters that leap off the page and linger in the minds of readers long after they’ve finished your story. Through a combination of lectures, interactive exercises, and in-depth discussions, we will delve into the key elements that make characters compelling, relatable, and dynamic.

Course Outline:

1. Understanding Character Types:
• Explore the different archetypes and stereotypes in literature.
• Learn how to create original and multi-dimensional characters.

2. Character Development Techniques:
• Discover methods to develop character backstories and motivations.

3. Creating Character Arcs:
• Understand the importance of character arcs in storytelling.
• Learn how to design transformative journeys for your characters.

4. Voice and Dialogue:
• Master the art of crafting distinct voices for each character.
• Practice writing authentic and engaging dialogue.

5. Interaction and Relationships:
• Examine how characters interact with each other and their environments.
• Study the dynamics of relationships and their impact on character development.

6. Conflict and Growth:
• Explore how internal and external conflicts shape characters.
• Learn how to use conflict as a tool for character growth and plot progression.

7. Ethical and Moral Dimensions:
• Discuss the ethical and moral complexities in character creation.
• Learn to write characters with believable flaws and virtues.

8. Practical Application:
• Participate in workshops and peer reviews to refine your character-building skills.
• Complete a character portfolio project by the end of the course.

Who Should Attend:
This course is ideal for writers of all levels who wish to deepen their understanding of character creation, including novelists, short story writers, screenwriters, and anyone interested in bringing their characters to life.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, you will have a toolkit of strategies for creating vivid, memorable characters, a deeper understanding of character dynamics, and a portfolio of developed characters ready to populate your stories.

Join us in this immersive journey into the heart of storytelling and discover the magic of creating compelling characters that resonate with readers everywhere.

Anoop Judge Born and raised in New Delhi, Anoop is the author of four novels, The Rummy Club, which won the 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award, The Awakening of Meena Rawat, an excerpt of which was nominated for the 2019 Pushcart Prize, No Ordinary Thursday, and Mercy and Grace.

Her essays and short stories have appeared in Green Hills Literary Lantern, Rigorous Journal, Lumiere Review, DoubleBack Review, and the Ornament Anthology, among others.

Anoop calls herself a “recovering litigator” —she worked in state and federal courts for many years before she replaced legal briefs with fictional tales. She holds an MFA from St. Mary’s College of California and was the recipient of the 2021 Advisory Board Award and the 2023 Alumni Scholarship.

Anoop is a Fiction Writing Instructor, teaching courses in Plot and Novel Writing at Stanford University and through the Writers’ Grotto in San Francisco. She lives in Pleasanton, California with her husband— her nearly grown kids have migrated to the East Coast and she is embracing this new chapter with open arms, a full heart, and an empty fridge!

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Dates:
Tuesdays, Sept. 3rd - 24th, from 6:00-8:00pm
Fee:
$
320; register by August 26th to receive a 10% discount!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Fiction
Creativity
Register Now
Fall Write-In: September 9th with Britta Stromeyer

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Plan Your Novel in 6 Weeks with Lisa Lerner

Saturdays, Sept. 14th - Oct. 26th (no class Oct. 5th) | How do you know if your novel premise is a good one? Are you querying your book but facing endless rejection? Every day, writers come to me with stories full of logic holes, or a lack of stakes, emotion, and suspense. I can relate. When I wrote my first novel, I relied on instinct, smart beta readers, and sheer will. What took five years could have been accomplished in two. If only I had taken a class like this!

Whether you have a first draft of a novel or just a few pages and the germ of an idea, you need to know if your premise is compelling before you start querying. In this workshop, we will focus on analyzing and planning to get the most juice out of your story, up the stakes, and add compelling surprises like plot twists and reveals.

To get there, we will be asking the hard, deep questions that will take your story from an interesting possibility to a well-reasoned, thoroughly plotted story readers won’t put down. Each week, we will work on filling out planners, beat sheets, and studying mentor texts to learn from the greats. By the end, you should have a completed plan that will enable you to take the amazing world in your head (or already written) into the real world of publishing deals and eager readers.

We will use the beat sheet plotting tool in Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody, so please have a copy before the first class. You don't need to read the whole thing in advance, but it will save time if you use the book to identify your genre.

This workshop is probably best for single point-of-view fiction, but it could be any category from middle grade, young adult, to adult. Writers of fantasy, speculative fiction, or any story with detailed world-building should find this workshop especially helpful. It’s also the perfect prep for NaNoWriMo!

Students who register for this class will receive a special discount for the upcoming class Let's NaNoWriMo! with Lisa Lerner.

Please note that there is no class on Saturday, October 5th.

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Dates:
Saturdays, Sept. 14th - Oct. 26th, from 1-2:30pm (no class Oct. 5th)
Fee:
$
425 or register before Sept. 7th to receive a 10% discount!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Register Now
Fall Write-In: September 18th with Jenny Qi

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Fiction Workshop with Doug Henderson

Wednesdays, Sept. 18th - Oct. 23rd |Do you have a short story that you don't know how to finish, or a piece of fiction that you think could be stronger, but you aren't sure how? This workshop is ideal for writers who have work in progress and are ready for feedback. Each week we will workshop two stories by students, paying attention to what stands out, and answering questions the authors have given in advance to guide our reading. We will supplement our workshop by reading and discussing published stories to deepen our understanding of the mechanics of fiction. If time allows, we we will try our hand at in-class writing prompts and share these exercises in class. By the end of the course, each student will have had the opportunity to receive feedback on their stories at least twice. All genres of fiction are welcome.

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Dates:
Wednesdays, Sept. 18th - Oct. 23rd from 6:00-8:00pm PT
Fee:
$
399 or register before Sept. 11th to save 10%!
Tags:
Class
,
In-Person
,
Fiction
Creativity
Register Now
Inspired Creativity with Jenny Bitner

WEDNESDAYS, Sept. 18th - Oct. 23rd | Would you like to feel more inspired to write? Writing flows beautifully when we are in the zone, but how can we consistently access that flow state? In this class, we will delve into methods for tapping into the unconscious to enhance our writing. We will brainstorm, play writing games, pull Tarot cards, examine our dreams, and use guided hypnosis for creativity. By accessing the hidden reservoirs of the unconscious mind, we can unlock a wealth of creativity and inspiration.

This class is perfect for beginners, those seeking renewed inspiration, and professionals who feel disconnected from the beauty of their craft. This class is open to those writing fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir or poetry. Students will gain increased creativity, break free from blocks and uncover hidden sources of inspiration. Don't be surprised if a whole new idea for a book, story or life adventure comes from these exercises!

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Dates:
Wednesdays, Sept. 18th - Oct. 23rd, from 6:00-8:00pm PT
Fee:
$
450 or register before Sept. 11th to receive 10% off!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Poetry
Non-Fiction
Register Now
Reading + Meeting: September 20th, 2024

Join us for an evening of readings by The Writers Grotto Members. All are welcome.

SEE MORE
Dates:
Friday, September 20th, from 5 - 7pm PT
Fee:
$
Free; suggested donation of $10
Tags:
Event
,
In-Person
,
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Creativity
Poetry
Memoir
Register Now
Trancewriting: Using Hypnosis to Write with Jenny Bitner - In Person

SATURDAY, Sept. 21st | In this unique workshop, you will explore the fascinating fusion of hypnosis and creative writing. Through guided hypnotic sessions, you will transform your writing process. In this three-hour workshop, you will: create a mental place you can revisit whenever you write, enhancing focus and creativity; learn to experience automatic writing, a state of flow where ideas and words come effortlessly, bypassing the conscious mind; and enter a hypnotic state to meet and converse with your characters, gaining deeper insights into their personalities and motivations. Jenny, a certified hypnotherapist, has developed these innovative techniques to help writers tap into their subconscious mind and unlock new levels of creativity and productivity. Join us to discover how trance writing can deepen your connection to writing.

SEE MORE
Dates:
Saturday, Sept. 21st, from 12:00pm - 3:00pm PT
Fee:
$
150 or register before Sept. 14th to receive 10% off!
Tags:
Class
,
In-Person
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Poetry
Register Now
Fall Write-In: September 25th with Jenny Qi

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Trancewriting: Using Hypnosis to Write with Jenny Bitner - Online

SATURDAY, Sept. 28th | In this unique workshop, you will explore the fascinating fusion of hypnosis and creative writing. Through guided hypnotic sessions, you will transform your writing process. In this three-hour workshop, you will: create a mental place you can revisit whenever you write, enhancing focus and creativity; learn to experience automatic writing, a state of flow where ideas and words come effortlessly, bypassing the conscious mind; and enter a hypnotic state to meet and converse with your characters, gaining deeper insights into their personalities and motivations. Jenny, a certified hypnotherapist, has developed these innovative techniques to help writers tap into their subconscious mind and unlock new levels of creativity and productivity. Join us to discover how trance writing can deepen your connection to writing.

SEE MORE
Dates:
Saturday, Sept. 28th, from 10:00am - 1:00pm
Fee:
$
150 or register before Sept. 21st to receive 10% off!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Poetry
Register Now
Fall Write-In: September 30th with Britta Stromeyer

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

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Dates:
Monday, September 30th at 7pm
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
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,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Polishing Your Short Story with Kate Busatto

FRIDAYS, Oct. 4th & 11th | Join our two-part class designed to transform your short story into a polished gem ready for submission to literary magazines.

In the first session, we'll delve into advanced revision techniques focusing on structure, character development, dialogue, and more. You'll participate in peer-review exercises to gain valuable feedback and start refining your work.

The second session will guide you through the submission process. Learn how to identify suitable markets, format your manuscript, and craft compelling cover letters. Final peer reviews will help you perfect every detail, ensuring your story is submission-ready.

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Dates:
Fee:
$
159 or register before Sept. 27th to receive a 10% discount!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Fiction
Register Now
Great Writers Steal: How the Work of Other Writers Can Inform and Inspire You with Laurie Ann Doyle

6 WEDNESDAYS, Oct. 9th - Nov. 13th |"Minor artists imitate, great artists steal,” T.S. Eliot said. In this class, we’ll study the work of James Baldwin, Grace Paley, and other writers with an eye not toward plagiarism but to gaining vital information and inspiration for your own work. Each week we’ll discuss and deepen our understanding of a core element in fiction—including patterns of imagery, characterization, and plot and structure—as exemplified by an author who has made a significant contribution to literature. Brief fiction exercises are offered to get you writing, and constructive feedback is given in a supportive environment. My twin goals are for participants to leave with stronger skills in close reading, and new material for a story or novel. Both beginning and more advanced writers welcome.

"I've taken many writing classes over the years. One that stands out is the "Great Writers Steal:How the Work of Other Writers Can Inform and Inspire You” class taught by Laurie Ann Doyle. It's so clear that Laurie's focus is to make this class an engaging and generative experience for her students through her unique assignments--I came away with at least two solid story ideas and a way to develop future prompts through close reading." - Rowena Leong Singer

"Laurie's teaching was indispensable in my development as a writer. She taught me how to effectively self-edit, how to find freedom within constraints, and how to prepare my work for publication. I published several short stories because of her! Laurie's classes should not be missed" - Dominic Lim, author of All the Right Notes and Karaoke Queen

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Dates:
Wednesdays, Oct. 9th - Nov. 13th, from 6:30 - 8:30pm
Fee:
$
450 or register before Oct. 2nd to save 10%!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Fiction
Creativity
Register Now
Fall Write-In: October 10th with Laurie Doyle

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Fall Write-In: October 17th with Laurie Doyle

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Fall Write-In: October 23rd with Shirley Huey

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Wednesday, October 16th, at 7pm
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Short Story Workshop with Kate Busatto

THURSDAYS, Oct. 24th - Nov. 14th | Join our engaging Short Story Workshop, designed to enhance your storytelling skills through collaborative learning and insightful feedback. This workshop incorporates light outside readings to inspire and inform your writing, offering examples of compelling narratives and diverse styles.

We'll use the Liz Lerman Critical Response Process to provide structured, supportive feedback that fosters creativity and growth. This method emphasizes mutual respect and constructive critique, allowing writers to ask questions and guide the discussion about their work. Participants will share their short stories, engage in meaningful discussions, and refine their pieces based on peer feedback.

Whether you're a novice writer or have experience, this workshop offers a welcoming environment to hone your craft, gain new perspectives, and prepare your stories for publication. Come ready to write, read, and collaborate in this enriching and supportive community of writers! All genres welcome.

Because this is a workshop environment, students are expected to begin the course with a piece of fiction in progress.

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Dates:
Thursdays, Oct. 24th - Nov. 14th, from 4:00 - 6:00pm
Fee:
$
329 or register before Oct. 17th to save 10%!
Tags:
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Online
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Fiction
Creativity
Register Now
Deep Dive: Connecting with Your Writer's Voice with Britta Stromeyer

Mondays, Oct. 28th - Nov. 18th | Your voice is the essence of your writing, the key to making words come alive, and the signature that sets you apart. This class is a haven for anyone seeking to unearth and refine their genuine writer's voice, take creative risks, and witness their writer’s soul flourish. It’s discovery and growth. We grow when we connect with and share our authentic voices. This is an intensive, please be prepared to dig deep and engage in free writing exercises.

Inspired by literary examples you will explore a variety of styles - from narrative to poetry, enter uncharted territories of your mind and heart, and bask in the supportive embrace of fellow writers. You will learn techniques to infuse your writing with depth and emotion. Discover the freedom to express your ideas and emotions in your unique way. Watch your writing evolve and make meaningful strides.

This class is suitable for writers of all levels and genres. It will equip you with the skills and confidence to express yourself authentically on the page.

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Dates:
Mondays, Oct. 28th - Nov. 18th, from 6:00-7:30pm
Fee:
$
275 or register by Oct. 21st to save 10%!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Fiction
Creativity
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Let's NaNoWriMo! with Lisa Lerner

Saturdays and Wednesdays in November (2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, & 27th)* | It’s almost National Novel Writing Month again, so let’s get to it! The first step is to have a solid idea and then give yourself permission to write it—the wrong way. Perversely, writing “wrong” is an excellent way to figure out how to write right. Hey, it’s only 1,667 words a day!

In this supportive workshop, we will meet twice a week to keep ourselves on track for our monthlong challenge. Each class will focus on prompts to help you write important story beats such as your opening image, inciting incident, midpoint, and that utterly miserable dark night of your main character’s soul. We will focus on honing your premise and log line, getting the most juice out of your idea, raising the stakes, and inserting clever twists and eyebrow-raising reveals. Remember: it’s okay for a first draft to be a hot mess. As a wise neurologist once told me, “Everything is fixable if you are still above ground!”

Each session will begin with a mini-craft lecture about the prompt and then in-class writing. Live feedback will be given, if desired. As time allows, we will talk through story challenges and offer suggestions to help you move forward. By the end of the month, you’ll be shouting it from the rooftops: “It nearly killed me, but—I WROTE A NOVEL!

*Wednesday classes take place from 8-9am and Saturday classes take place from 10-11am

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Dates:
Saturdays and Wednesdays in November (2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, & 27th), ‍Wednesday classes from 8-9am and Saturday classes from 10-11am
Fee:
$
425 or register before Oct. 26th to receive a 10% discount!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Kids & Teens
Register Now
Fall Write-In: November 3rd with Xandra Castleton

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Fall Write-In: November 6th with Shirley Huey

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Write Your Artist Statement with Lyzette Wanzer

THURSDAYS, Nov. 7th & 14th | As a writer in the 21st century, you will need some incarnation of this statement on your grant, fellowship, and other funding applications, your residency applications, and your author web page. This statement serves as your opportunity to demonstrate that you are a thoughtful, deliberate writer who takes their literary career seriously.

In this seminar you'll learn how to cast your work in its strongest, most evocative light. You will read several statement examples, learn how vetting committees use them, and then craft, workshop, and revise several drafts of your own statement. You will complete a series of writing exercises to generate ideas about how to talk about your work. We'll polish your statement until it is ready to impress! Open to writers of all genres including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, songwriting, essays, and graphic novels.

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Dates:
Thursdays, Nov. 7th & 14th, from 5:00-8:00pm PT
Fee:
$
260 or register before Oct. 31st for a 10% discount!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Career Skills
Register Now
Get Invited to Read at Literary Conferences with Lyzette Wanzer

SATURDAY, Nov. 9th | You've heard the alphabet soup of these conferences: ACA, AWP, CEA, MLA, PCA, and so many others.

In a safe and supportive environment, you will learn:

  • how to choose the right writers' conference for you
  • how to prepare a polished submission and make a professional impression
  • how to create a conference plan
  • explore options for financial support
  • avoid common and costly mistakes in your CV and bio that mark you as an amateur.

This day-long, hands-on workshop is for writers who are applying to have their work—poetry, fiction, essays, and creative nonfiction—accepted for a panel at a writers' conference or convention, whether virtual or in-person. Students should be prepared to engage in several online research and task activities.

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Dates:
Saturday, Nov. 9th, from 10:00am - 4:00pm
Fee:
$
230 or register before Nov. 2nd to save 10%!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Career Skills
Register Now
Fall Write-In: November 12th with Sabina Khan-Ibarra

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
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,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Writing Microfiction with Britta Stromeyer

Thursday, Nov. 14th | Dive into the world of flash fiction, where every word matters and every sentence packs a punch. Welcome to the universe of micro fiction, where the power of storytelling meets the art of brevity.

In this class, you will:

  • Learn about the ins and outs of what sets exceptional flash fiction apart.
  • Discover the art of telling big stories in small spaces.
  • Create vivid, compact narratives that captivate readers in just a few hundred words.
  • Connect with the beauty of condensed storytelling and discover how to convey emotion, character, and plot in the blink of an eye.
  • Experiment with different structures and stylistics elements.
  • Hone your editing skills and discover how to make every word count.
  • Refine your prose, and transform your rough drafts into polished gems.

Whether you aspire to craft standalone micro-stories or use this form to enrich your longer works, this course will equip you with the skills to create concise, impactful narratives that leave a lasting impression.

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Dates:
Thursday, Nov. 14th, from 6:00 - 8:00pm
Fee:
$
80 or register by Nov. 6th to receive a 10% discount!
Tags:
Class
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Memoir
Kids & Teens
Register Now
Reading + Meeting: November 15th, 2024

Join us for an evening of readings by The Writers Grotto Members. All are welcome.

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Dates:
Friday, November 15th, from 5 - 7pm PT
Fee:
$
Free; suggested donation of $10
Tags:
Event
,
In-Person
,
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Creativity
Poetry
Memoir
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Fall Write-In: November 19th with Sabina Khan-Ibarra

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Fall Write-In: December 8th with Xandra Castleton

Take some time for your writing this fall with a series of virtual Write-Ins hosted by The Writers Grotto. Led by one the Grotto’s many talented and accomplished writers, each of the sessions below provides 60 minutes of space and guidance in which to get your creative energy flowing, generate new material, bring old material up to snuff, and just make contact with the community of writers that is the Grotto, our teachers, and our students.


Write-Ins are held on a variety of days and times to give our students the opportunity to choose a Write-In that works best for their schedule.


Cost: $25/session or $99 for a season pass!



Sessions:

  • Monday, September 9th, at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Wednesday, September 18th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Wednesday, September 25th at 12pm with Jenny Qi
  • Monday, September 30th at 7pm with Britta Stromeyer
  • Thursday, October 10th, at 12:30pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Thursday, October 17th, at 7pm with Laurie Doyle
  • Wednesday, October 23rd, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Sunday, November 3rd, at 10am with Xandra Castleton
  • Wednesday, November 6th, at 7pm with Shirley Huey
  • Tuesday, November 12th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Tuesday, November 19th, at 12pm with Sabina Khan-Ibarra
  • Sunday, December 8th, at 10am with Xandra Castleton

SEE MORE
Dates:
Sunday, December 8th, at 10am
Fee:
$
25/session or $99/Season Pass
Tags:
Write-In
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Poetry
Register Now
Writing Coaching and Editing with Maw Shein Win - Bespoke Consultation

Initial bespoke services consultation to determine the fee. Maw is a writing coach and editor for poets. Maw has many years of experience as an educator, author, and editor. She teaches in the MFA Program at the University of San Francisco and is the inaugural poet laureate of El Cerrito, CA. You can learn more about her at mawsheinwin.com.

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Dates:
Fee:
$
Initial consultation for bespoke services
Tags:
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Online
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Poetry
Creativity
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Magazine Pitch Feedback with Katia Savchuk - Bespoke Consultation

Initial bespoke services consultation by email to determine the fee. Katia will draw on her expertise as an award-winning longform journalist to provide written feedback on magazine pitches. Katia has written for The New Yorker,  Forbes, Mother Jones, Marie Claire, The Atavist Magazine and many other publications.

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Dates:
Fee:
$
Initial consultation for bespoke services
Tags:
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,
Non-Fiction
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Hypnotic Coaching with Jenny Bitner

Unleash your writing potential with Jenny Bitner. As a trained hypnotherapist, coach, and writing teacher, she'll help you overcome fear and tap into your creativity. Experience a transformative hypnotic session to release barriers and claim your full potential as a writer. Take the first step today.

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Dates:
Fee:
$
150
Tags:
Writing Services
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Register Now
Three-Session Creativity Boost with Jenny Bitner

In this three-session package of Creativity Hypnosis, experienced hypnotherapist and writing coach Jenny Bitner will help you delve into the depths of your subconscious mind to awaken your imagination and overcome creative blocks. This can be customized to deal with whatever issues around writing you are experiencing. Start this journey today!

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Dates:
Fee:
$
400
Tags:
Writing Services
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Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Memoir
Non-Fiction
Register Now
How to Write a Children's Book with Lisa Lerner

Got an idea for a children’s book? As the brilliant Madeleine L'Engle said, "You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grownups, then you write it for children.” In this 30-minute private Zoom consult, Lisa will give feedback on your idea to help you realize your vision and elevate your story to reach multiple audiences in today’s market. And if you don’t know what “multiple audiences” means in the kid-lit genre, that’s okay; she will tell you! Lisa’s YA crossover novel JUST LIKE BEAUTY was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and is in pre-production as a movie. She has decades of experience writing children’s books for major publishers and regularly teaches workshops to kids and adults who want to write for kids. In her free time, she enjoys petting rabbits and eating cake. Curious cats can find out more at www.lisalerner.com

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Dates:
Fee:
$
40
Tags:
Writing Services
,
Online
,
Creativity
Fiction
Kids & Teens
Register Now
Chapbook Consultation with Preeti Vangani

Chapbooks consultation (16-40 pages in length).

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Dates:
Fee:
$
250
Tags:
Writing Services
,
Online
,
Poetry
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Folio Consultation with Preeti Vangani

Folios consultation, up to 7 pages in length, with no more than 5 poems.

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Dates:
Fee:
$
55
Tags:
Writing Services
,
Online
,
Poetry
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Individual Poem Consultation with Preeti Vangani

Individual Poems up to 2 pages in length.

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Dates:
Fee:
$
25
Tags:
Writing Services
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Online
,
Poetry
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Full-Length Poetry Collection Consultation with Preeti Vangani

Full-length poetry collections (45-80 pages in length).

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Dates:
Fee:
$
400
Tags:
Writing Services
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Online
,
Poetry
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Improve Your Writing with Laird Harrison - Bespoke Consultation

Initial bespoke services consultation to determine the fee. Laird Harrison will work with you one-on-one to improve your written communication. Laird has experience with both creative and business writing and can assist with all levels of writing.

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Dates:
Fee:
$
Initial consultation for bespoke services
Tags:
Writing Services
,
Online
,
Journalism
Creativity
Career Skills
Fiction
Non-Fiction
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Novel Feedback with Laird Harrison - Bespoke Consultation

Initial bespoke services consultation to determine the fee. Laird Harrison, author of the novel Fallen Lake, provides editing and consultation services on all aspects of novel writing.

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Dates:
Fee:
$
Initial consultation for bespoke services
Tags:
Writing Services
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Online
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Creativity
Fiction
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Building Complete Novels and Short Stories with Thaisa Frank - Bespoke Consultation

We will build your fictional work in a collaborative process for as long as it takes to create a whole and satisfying story. Thaisa Frank, a Pushcart Fellow, has published a novel and three collection of short stories. Her original approach, developed through teaching, addresses fiction from all cultures.

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Dates:
Fee:
$
Initial consultation for bespoke services
Tags:
Writing Services
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FIlm Consultation with David Munro

Industry veteran writer-director-producer provides consulting for documentary and narrative film projects of any length and at any stage, from concept to pitch deck to rough cut to screenplay draft. Production services also available through Bay Area-based The Unscripted Company.

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Expert Report Writing and Editing by Award-Winning Writer Christopher D. Cook - Bespoke Consultation

As an award-winning journalist, author, and consultant with decades of experience, I offer expert editorial consulting services at competitive rates. I write reports, policy briefs, articles, op-eds, blogs, and other materials for major national institutions and individual clients. As a veteran reporter, I also help writers develop and tell their stories for articles and book projects. First, we discuss your project and needs and how I can meet them, then I provide you with an estimate and we move forward with a simple straightforward contract. I look forward to talking with you, learning more about your project, and working together. Estimates are based on $100/hour fee. You can check out my work at www.christopherdcook.com.

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Science Content Editing with Jenny Qi - Bespoke Consultation

Initial bespoke services consultation to determine the fee.

Are you struggling to finalize a piece of science writing, whether it's an academic manuscript, article, or marketing blog? Need editorial help to make sure your message is clear and concise without losing accuracy? Jenny can help you improve your scientific content, using her unique combination of scientific and creative expertise.

Jenny Qi has a PhD in Cancer Biology from UC San Francisco and over a decade of experience in science communication spanning a range of industries, including biopharma, tech, and journalism.

This listing is for a 20-minute consultation to determine the scope of the project.

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Developmental Editing with Kate Busatto - Bespoke Consultation

Kate offers comprehensive developmental editing services tailored for both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of narrative techniques, Kate collaborates closely with authors to elevate their work to its highest potential.

For fiction projects, Kate provide detailed feedback on plot structure, character development, pacing, dialogue, and overall narrative coherence. She helps authors refine their storytelling techniques, ensuring that their readers are fully engaged and immersed in the world they've created.

In the realm of nonfiction, Kate specializes in organizing ideas, clarifying arguments, and refining the overall structure of the manuscript. She offer guidance on crafting compelling introductions and conclusions, maintaining a consistent tone, and ensuring that the content is engaging and accessible to the intended audience.

As every manuscript is unique, she provide bespoke services tailored to the specific needs of each author and project. Fees are determined based on the complexity, length, and scope of the work. With a commitment to professionalism and a passion for bringing out the best in every manuscript, Kate strive to help authors achieve their writing goals and create works that resonate with readers.

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Manuscript Editing with Julia Scheeres - Bespoke Consultation

Initial bespoke services consultation to determine the fee. Polish your prose with New York Times best-selling author Julia Scheeres.

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Developmental Editing with Carly Stern - Bespoke Consultation

Polish your writing with Carly Stern, an award-winning independent journalist. Carly offers one-on-one consultations on all forms of narrative non-fiction, with an emphasis on writing about the self. Her work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, the Guardian US and The Washington Post.

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Britta Stromeyer - One Hour Story Consultation

Let’s chat about how your ideas fit into a basic story structure that will lead to an engaging narrative. Send me up to 2000 words of idea or story summary prior to meeting consult. Session will take place via Zoom.

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