Success Stories
Success: Instructor Victoria Zackheim Publishes New Anthology
Instructor Victoria Zackheim recently had an anthology of mystery stories published. She says, “I’m thrilled to announce the publication of my seventh anthology, Private Investigations: Mystery Writers on the Secrets, Riddles, and Wonders in Their Lives (Seal...
Lisa Kors Awarded Launchpad Mentorship
Former student Lisa Kors was a 2019 Launchpad Pilot Mentorship winner with her script Princes' Hospital, which was started during her time in the Writers' Program. Of the script's journey she says, "Having my script, Princes' Hospital, selected as the Best Original...
Announcing the 2019 Screenwriting Competition Winners
Congratulations are in order for all our 2019 Screenwriting Competition Winners. Deadline published the below ad in December announcing the winners (and you may have seen some digital ads on their site). Feature Film Writing Competition Winners Frank del Aguila | 1st...
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....
Feature Articles
Ways to Stay Motivated While Taking Care of Yourself
Motivation is a very elusive thing. One moment you could be struck with a surge of productive energy, and it could be suddenly drained from you the next. And in such a hectic, unstructured time where days bleed together, it is even harder to stay on top of even the...
Instructor Interview: Angela Bole – UPDATED
Welcome new Writers’ Program instructor Angela Bole! Angela was originally scheduled to teach a new course, Self Publishing, onsite in Spring. However, with all the shuffling when we moved to remote instruction, we decide to move her course to Summer (Reg# 375287)....
Instructor Interview: Kevin O’Keefe
Welcome new Writers’ Program instructor Kevin O‘Keefe! Kevin is teaching Writing the Think Piece Tuesday evenings online (Reg# 373713) this Summer and sat down with us to offer some insight into creative life and his upcoming course. What sparks your creativity? A...
3 Short Stories to Spark Inspiration (and some prompts to help with that too!)
“Lady with the Lap Dog” by Anton Chekhov: Published in 1899, this story encompasses themes of infidelity, longing, lust, and the obstacles that separate the union of two individuals. The story begins with a married man who has never experienced love before, but has...
NEW Courses for Summer 2020
It’s already starting to feel like summer in southern California and while we still have some time until we reach the midpoint of the year, we’re already in week two of Summer registration. Though the global situation continues to be ever-shifting, we will continue...
It’s a Big World After All: Diversity in Picture Books
Many school districts across the country are temporarily closed in attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, many caretakers of children are having to juggle concerns about employment, healthcare, and childcare. Quickly propelled into supplementing, or in...
Recreating the Coffee Shop: Ways to Get Yourself in the Writing Mood at Home
By Alexis Harmon Between comfy lounge clothes, a seemingly endless supply of snacks, and a private bathroom, working from home can seem like a breeze. But with the added comforts come the distractions of daily life: family members, pets, dirty laundry, unwatched...
Writing Insights from the Greats: Tips from Zadie Smith, George Orwell, & Stephen King
By Noemi VanSlyke Whenever you’re in need of some inspiration to help you push forward in your work, turning to the wisdom of some literary greats might provide you with the necessary guidance and insight to jumpstart your creativity! In her essay “Fail Better,” Zadie...