Success Stories
From Corporate to Culinary Creativity: The Success Story of George Sorensen
In a world where dinner parties have become a rarity, George Sorensen embarked on a culinary adventure that not only transformed his cooking skills but also inspired a delightful tale of laughter, frustration, and unexpected triumph. His book, *Hot Dish Confidential:...
Echoes of Resilience: Rosebud Ben-Oni’s Poetic Journey through Andy Goldsworthy’s Garden of Stones
In the heart of Lower Manhattan stands a testament to resilience and remembrance, the Garden of Stones at the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Comprising dwarf oak saplings rooted within colossal boulders, this installation serves as a...
Rachel Kann’s Fulbright Journey: Exploring Sephardic Moroccan Women’s Musical Heritage
Rachel Kann, an esteemed instructor in poetry at UCLA Extension's Writers' Program, has recently been awarded a prestigious Fulbright grant to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Morocco. As she embarks on this transformative journey, she brings with her a wealth...
Sonja Berry: From Airman to Author, UCLA Extension Alumni Accepted into University of Denver’s MFA Program
Sonja Berry's story is one of remarkable transformation. After dedicating 26 years to the US Air Force, she's now set her sights on a new mission: pursuing her passion for writing. We're thrilled to announce that Sonja, an alumna of UCLA Extension's Writers' Program,...
Crafting Tenacity: The Journey of Elya Braden and the Pushcart Prize-Nominated Poem “Dragonfly Puzzle Box”
In the realm of creative expression, poetry often serves as a deeply personal and introspective medium. It unveils emotions, narratives, and fragments of the human experience. Elya Braden, an alumna of UCLA Extension's Writers' Program, has masterfully woven her...
On Queer Resistance: Kyle Dillon Hertz and “The Lookback Window”
In the evolving realms of contemporary literature, the name Kyle Dillon Hertz stands out. His work takes risks, stays honest, and unravels the ugly and the pretty of the human experience. A distinguished alumnus of the UCLA Extension Writers' Program, Hertz brings a...
Unveiling Journeys: From NASA’s Silenced Scientist to Huffington Post Author – Laura Tenenbaum’s Narrative Evolution
We are excited to share the inspiring journey of Laura Tenenbaum, a distinguished alumna of the UCLA Extension Writers' Program. Laura's recent accomplishment involves her publication in the Huffington Post Personals section, marking a significant milestone in her...
Student Success: Jacob Fogel’s Script Placements
Student Jacob Fogel's screenplay, Re/ collection has earned several quarter- and semi-finalist awards, including the PAGE International, Final Draft Big Break, and ScreenCraft Action competitions. Of his time in the Writers' Program Jacob wrote, "Much appreciation to...
Feature Articles
Pen & Pedagogy: An Interview with Screenwriting Maestro, Michael Weiss
Welcome to our exclusive interview with Instructor Michael Weiss, a seasoned screenwriter and instructor whose extensive experience in Hollywood has shaped the careers of numerous aspiring writers. Today, we delve into the intricacies of his latest offering, "SCRIPT X...
Cripping Creativity: An Interview with Clifford Brooks on Nurturing Writers on the Autism Spectrum
UCLA Extension Instructor Clifford Brooks is a renowned poet, esteemed professor, and the visionary behind the Southern Collective Experience. With three captivating collections of poetry under his belt and a steadfast commitment to fostering the next generation of...
Pen & Pedagogy: Exploring Mastering Your Story by Revising the Screenplay Taught by John Henry Davis
In the realm of cinematic storytelling, there exists a sacred space where the magic of the narrative comes to life. It's a place where characters breathe, where conflicts ignite, and where journeys unfold. This is precisely the terrain explored in "Mastering Your...
Unveiling the Art of Cultural Critique: An Interview with Erik Gleibermann
In a world where everyone's voice echoes across social media platforms, the realm of cultural criticism seems both saturated and chaotic. Yet, amidst this cacophony of opinions, the professional critique stands as a beacon of discernment and insight. Erik Gleibermann,...
Unleashing Creative Potential: An Insightful Interview with Jarrod Shusterman and Sofía La Puente
As the literary world eagerly welcomes the paperback release of "Retro" co-authored by Jarrod Shusterman and Sofía La Puente, the dynamic duo extends their creative influence beyond the pages of their latest novel. As seasoned instructors, they invite aspiring writers...
Welcome New WP’ Staffer: Zam Zam
The Writers' Program is excited to welcome a new Student Advisor Officer to our team! Zam Zam joined us shortly before the holiday break and has taken on the role of a student advisor and social media guru. In this vital capacity, they will play a key role in...
Interview with Anne Belden: Unveiling the Stories Behind “Inflamed”
Anne Belden is one of our Writers' Program alum who has taken many courses with us. Anne points specifically to the Master Class in Novel Writing with Robert Eversz, an advanced courses that runs for nine-months as having the greatest impact on her writing. Over the...
Instructors & their Pets: Robin Finn & Shiloh
Robin Finn is one of our beloved UCLA Instructors, a fabulous writer, teacher and coach who has done tremendous things for women writers. Robin is also and all around dog-lover. This December we caught up with Robin and asked her to dish on her relationship with her...