Success Stories
Success: Liska Jacobs’ Latest Novel
Former student Liska Jacobs had her second novel published in November of last year (her first was a success story, too). Of her newest book Liska says, "The Worst Kind of Want is my ode to womanhood, death, and sex. It's received critical acclaim and is long-listed...
Success: Jennifer Chow’s Mystery Series
Former student Jennifer Chow is about to have the first book in her new mystery series published and has already been featured in book lists on CrimeReads and She Reads. Jennifer says, "My new #ownvoices Sassy Cat mystery series will be published by Berkley/Penguin...
Success: Ruthie Marlenée to Publish Novel
After receiving her Certificate in Fiction Writing, Marlenée has found a home for her novel Curse of the Ninth with WiDo Publishing. The e-book is available now, and the hard copy will be released later this week (1/27/20). Ruthie says of the book, “Inspired by real...
Success: Raquel Ramsey’s Publishing and Documentary Filled Life
Former student Raquel Ramsey has had significant success with nonfiction work based on her family members. Raquel says, "When my husband passed way in 2013... I became Executive Producer of Never Surrender: The Ed Ramsey Story which premiered on Nov. 13, 2016 at the...
Success: Instructor Valerie Brandy Publishes First Novel
Screenwriting instructor Valerie Brandy has just published her first novel! Valerie says, “I've spent the last decade writing screenplays. I've also spent the last decade harnessing my inner strength-- my inner animal. This book is the result of both those journeys....
Success: Instructor Donald Martin Eyes 2020 Release for New Feature Film
At the recent American Film Market (AFM), the feature film Never Too Late was introduced to the industry, written by instructor Donald Martin. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Loretta Devine, Ann-Margret, James Caan and Christopher Lloyd. Shot in Atlanta, the film is...
Success: Instructor Shawna Kenney Publishes & Becomes Contributing Editor of Narratively
Instructor Shawna Kenney just published a longform piece of reportage about co-housing and the LA housing crisis with the literary magazine Narratively. Shawna was recently named a Contributing Editor with Narratively, too, (after being a longtime contributor). Shawna...
Success: Instructor Lou Mathews’ Story Featured in 2019 Best American Mystery Stories
Longtime instructor Lou Mathews' first attempt at a new genre, mystery/noir, has been honored as an Other Distinguished Story in the 2019 Best American Mystery Stories anthology. His story, “Crab Dinners” was published in Santa Cruz Noir, edited by Susie Bright. “I’d...
Feature Articles
Instructor Interview: Linda Camacho
Welcome new Writers’ Program instructor Linda Camacho! Linda is teaching a new course: Contracts, Rights, and Signing Authors, online (Reg# 372898) this Spring, which is part of our new Literary Representation Certificate. She sat down with us to offer some insight...
NEW Spring Courses for 2020
It's hard to believe we're more than a week into February. Winter classes are well underway. The Writers Studio is coming soon. And for anyone who's been hemming and/or hawing about how to get started on their writing goals for 2020, registration for Spring is now...
Let’s Talk About Romance…
Romance novels are one of the most consistent types of genre writing to stay in the market, and romantic themes in film never go out of style (especially around the holidays – you know, through Valentine’s Day). While some writers use strict methodologies and...
It’s Not Too Late to Start Your 2020 Writing Goals!
Whether you’re going gangbusters on your 2020 writing goals and just need a little boost, or if you’re already struggling to keep up or even figure out those goals, we’ve got some one-day and late-starting courses for Winter that are sure to light a fire in your...
New Year, New (Writing) Goals
The new year is always a time to reflect and assess what we want to do more, and less, of in the coming days. While there’s always a push to do more and more, sometimes you have to reflect and see what’s feasible. In the spirit of chasing dreams but keeping them...
TV Showrunners & Show Writers Panel Recap: Fall 2019
Every fall quarter, veteran television writer and longtime Writers’ Program instructor, Ed Scharlach, moderates a panel of colleagues and friends responsible for creating some of the best TV shows past and present. The panelists are comprised of working television...
Writers Studio’s NEW Instructors for 2020
Our annual Writers Studio is an intensive, four-day experience that combines the work ethic and community building of a writing intensive with the knowledge growth of a ten-week course. This year, we’re thrilled to have several new instructors teaching the Studio for...
Writers’ Program 2019 Year In Review
As 2019 draws to a close, we reflect on what a year of change it’s been for the Writers’ Program. Since December of 2018 we’ve added three new staff members (while bidding a very fond farewell to staffer of eight years, Carla) – Ashley, Carrie, and Jennie – and are...