Success Stories
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...
Success: Renata Khoshroo Louwers Essay in Anthology
Current Certificate student Renata Khoshroo Louwers’ essay, “Renounce and Abjure All Allegiance” was included in the anthology, My Shadow Is My Skin: Voices from the Iranian Diaspora, published by the University of Texas Press in March 2020. About her essay, Renata...
Success: Hamilton Mitchell Wins Fade In Screenplay Contest
Former student Hamilton Mitchell recently won first place in Fade In’s Comedy Screenplay Competition. Of his experience, Hamilton says, “I was just a working actor when I started and made the same mistakes a lot of beginners do -- I assumed I knew how to write,...
Success: Maggie Morris’ Personal Essay Published
Current Certificate student Maggie Morris had a personal essay published earlier this year. Maggie says, ““Hyena,” my personal essay published by Entropy this past April, confronts the culpability of women in the age of #metoo. Structured through manic Google search...
Success: Instructor Caroline Leavitt Publishes 11th Novel + More!
Longtime instructor Caroline Leavitt is about to have a new novel published. We’re immensely proud of her current streak of successes, of which she says, “I’m thrilled to be publishing my 11th novel with Algonquin, With or Without You, which is about that unusual,...
Feature Articles
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...
Instructor Interview: Ryan Ward
Welcome new Writers’ Program instructor, Ryan Ward. Ryan is teaching a section of Writing the First Screenplay I (Reg# 376196) on Saturday mornings (10am-1pm PT) this Fall. He sat down with us to offer some insight into creative life and his upcoming course. What...
Instructor Interview: Liska Jacobs
Welcome new Writers’ Program instructor, Liska Jacobs. Liska is teaching a section of Novel I (Reg# 375141) on Tuesday evenings (7pm-10pm PT) this Fall. She sat down with us to offer some insight into creative life and her upcoming course. What sparks your creativity?...