Success Stories
Success: Alexandra Alessandri Publishes Debut Picture Book
Former student Alexandra Alessandri recently had her first picture book published, with another on the way. She says of the experience, “My debut picture book Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!, illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda, is about a shy little girl meeting her large...
Success: Instructor Charles Jensen Publishes Essay Collection
Writers’ Program instructor and student, Charles Jensen, recently published an essay collection honed in our classes. Charles says, “Cross Cutting is a two-essay collection of hybrid work. Each essay explores one of my lived experiences, and I ‘splice’ in critical...
Success: Instructor Nancy Spiller Releases Novel on Audible
Instructor Nancy Spiller has been making productive use of in-home production and recently released on of her novels on Audible. She says of the experience: The home recording studio built for my husband’s voice acting led to my big summer thrill: acceptance of the...
Success: LP Kindred Celebrates Digital and Podcast Publication + More
Short story specialization student LP Kindred celebrates digital publication and podcast publication this year, with Fiyah Literary Magazine in April and LeVar Burton Reads in August. Kindred was also accepted into Voices of Our Nation Arts and Clarion Foundations'...
Success: Sarah Lariviere’s Upcoming Novel Recommended by Kirkus Reviews
Former student Sarah Lariviere has a new novel coming in January 2021, but it’s already getting good buzz, making Kirkus Reviews’ “10 Outstanding Fall Titles for Teens.” Of her novel writing experience, Sarah says, “My first novel, The Bad Kid (Simon & Schuster),...
Meet the Recipients of the 2020-2021 Phyllis Gebauer Scholarship in Writing
The Writers' program is thrilled to announce the latest recipients of the Phyllis Gebauer Scholarship in Writing. This year was one of our strongest years for qualified applicants, and we are very excited for these passionate students to embark on a writing journey...
Success: Paria Hassouri’s Debut Memoir
Former student Paria Hassouri has just released her debut memoir. Of the experience, she says, "I'm a pediatrician and mother of three who took my first UCLA extension class in September 2018, and now just two years later, I am a published author. My book, Found in...
2020 UCLAx Virtual FilmFest Recap
This past weekend, the Entertainment Studies program held their fifth annual FilmFest celebrating student filmmakers. Like most film festivals, this was originally planned as an in-person event with film screenings, panels, and a networking party, however the...
Feature Articles
Get In the (Spooky) Writing Mood
All genres of writing can excite and inflame the passion of writing within their writers and audience, but perhaps none moreso that horror (and all its off-shoots). Capturing the right atmosphere is crucial for a horror story, be it a moody, gothic novel, a teen...
Helpful Podcasts for Aspiring Writers
By Alexis Harmon Over the last couple of years, podcasts have surged in popularity on music sharing platforms. From news, to comedy, to life advice, there’s a pod for everyone. As for writers, there are dozens of unique and helpful podcasts to choose from for advice...
Three Novels by Female Authors to Add to Your Reading List
By Noemi VanSlyke With the transition to an increasingly virtual world, reading has given me an opportunity to take my eyes off the screen for a while and allowed me to find a healthy “escape” without actually having to leave the house! Not to mention that the work of...
How to Write When Traveling (Or: How to Write in a Space Not Your Own)
Many writers know one of the most essential and difficult parts to becoming a professional (or even consistent) writer is developing and maintaining a writing practice. Routine, however that works for the individual, is key. So what do you do when your routine is...
FREE Fall Classes + More
Fall quarter is almost here, and in case you’re still debating about whether or not to chase your writing dreams this year, we have a few options that might spark interest – including more FREE one-day classes. We know that, this year of all years, it can sometimes...
Meet the Recipients of the 2020-2021 Phyllis Gebauer Scholarship in Writing
The Writers' program is thrilled to announce the latest recipients of the Phyllis Gebauer Scholarship in Writing. This year was one of our strongest years for qualified applicants, and we are very excited for these passionate students to embark on a writing journey...
Instructor Interview: Brian Sonia-Wallace
Welcome new Writers’ Program instructor, Brian Sonia-Wallace. Brian is teaching a section of Personal Essay I (Reg# 375766) on Thursday evenings (7pm-10pm PT) this Fall. He sat down with us to offer some insight into creative life and his upcoming course. What sparks...
Instructor Interview: Matthew Einstein
Welcome new Writers’ Program instructor, Matthew Einstein. Matthew is teaching a NEW course, Writing on Assignment (Reg# 376070) on Tuesday evenings (7pm-10pm PT) this Fall. He sat down with us to offer some insight into creative life and his upcoming course. What...