Instructor: Mark Sarvas

This dynamic and rigorous Master Class in Novel Writing is designed for students who are serious about revising and polishing their novels and getting published. The 9-month, 30-week online course allows for intensely individual instruction, peer critiques from a community of like-minded, talented writers, and a focus on process and results.

Features and Benefits:

• 30 weeks of master-level instruction and mentoring
• Limited to 8 students
• Consideration of a novel excerpt by a literary agent at the completion of the course
• Includes a 4-day residency in-person at UCLA

The 2022-2023 Master Class in Novel Writing will be taught by Mark Sarvas, author of the novels Memento Park and Harry, Revised.

“Mark Sarvas’ instruction has honed how I think about structure, sentence construction, character, close reading, and so much more. This class was like a personal trainer for fiction, and my writing now feels leaner and stronger.” – Former Master Class Student

“Mark Sarvas is a great teacher. He is very dedicated, very prepared, enthusiastic, and encouraging but always up for telling you the hard truths you need to hear. He is very committed to making everyone’s project better and is enthusiastic about a wide diversity of different sorts of novels.” – Former Master Class Student

“Mark Sarvas continually displayed a level of engagement, insight, and encouragement that defied expectations. He proved himself to be deeply invested in his students, serving up fair, poignant, and detailed critiques, providing keen insights into advanced literary topics and, equally importantly, cheerleading when the mountain seemed too large and perilous to climb.” – Former Master Class Student

30 weeks, weekly remote meetings
Course Dates: April 12 – December 13, 2023

No meetings August 2, August 16, September 20, September 27, and November 22 , 2023

Residency Dates: Thursday, August 10 – Sunday, August 13, 2023 at UCLA

Enrollment in this 9-month workshop is by submission only. You must have a complete first draft of a complete novel in order to be considered. Submission materials and application fees must be received by  Monday, March 6, 2023 at 9 am PT in order to be considered.

Apply Now! https://www.uclaextension.edu/writing-journalism/creative-writing/course/master-class-novel-writing-writing-x-4116

Registration fee: $3,860 payable upon acceptance.

All submissions must include the following materials (Word Document or PDF):

1. One-page personal statement that includes your writing background, previous creative writing courses taken
2. A two-page synopsis of your novel-in-progress
3. The completed first draft of your novel. (Note: participants in this master class work only on the novel submitted for admission. No exceptions. Each page should be numbered, typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double spaced with 1-inch margins.)

To apply, click “add to cart” and proceed with check-out. You will not be charged at the time of application. The full course fee will be due in its entirety should you choose to enroll based on your acceptance into the course.

For more information, please contact Writers’ Program at writers@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9415.

Instructor Monica Holloway

Winter 2023 – Summer 2023

Designed for writers serious about revising their draft memoirs and personal essay collections into polished works for publication, this 30-week course allows for in-depth critiques from a community of nonfiction writers, personalized guidance, and ongoing, one-on-one mentoring from a professional writer.

Features and Benefits:

• 30 weeks of master-level instruction and mentoring
• Limited to 8 students
• Consideration of a book excerpt by a literary agent at the completion of the course

The 2023 Master Class in Creative Nonfiction Writing will be taught by Monica Holloway, author of the critically-acclaimed memoirs, Driving with Dead People and Cowboy & Wills. Ms. Holloway is actively involved in the work of the National Center for Family Literacy and Autism Speaks and has participated in several events with the Special Needs Network.

30 weeks online
Remote Learning: Meeting weekly on Zoom
January 10, 2023 – August 29, 2023

Tuesdays, 5pm – 8pm PT(No meetings March 28; June 20, 27; & July 4 2023)

Enrollment in this 9-month workshop is by submission only. You must have a complete first draft of a complete memoir manuscript or collection of essays in order to be considered. Submission materials and application fees must be received by 9 am (PT), December 12, 2022 in order to be considered.

Apply now!

To apply, click “add to cart” and proceed with check-out. You will only be charged the $10 application fee at this time. The full course fee will be due in its entirety should you choose to enroll based on your acceptance into the course.

Registration fee: $3,860 payable upon acceptance.

All submissions must include the following materials (Word Document or PDF):

1. One-page personal statement that includes your writing background, previous creative writing courses taken
2. A two-page synopsis of your work-in-progress
3. The completed first draft of your manuscript. (Note: participants in this master class work only on the project submitted for admission. No exceptions. Each page should be numbered, typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double spaced with 1-inch margins.)

For more information, please contact Writers’ Program at writers@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9415.

Instructor: Donald Martin

2023

Starting with a new story concept and developing it into a dynamic, compelling, market-ready screenplay, you will learn how to articulate a personal vision while balancing the intuitive with the technical. Throughout the process, your originality is encouraged as you’re guided to create complex characterizations, a powerful dynamic structure, thematic subtext, and tell your story visually. The workshop allows for in-depth analysis of each participant’s work, along with brain-storming and problem-solving sessions. An intensive intimate workshop over three quarters designed to take eight participants who are approved by the instructor, based on an application process, to meet remotely via Zoom twice a week. Application and instructor approval required for enrollment. Participants may withdraw their application any time before acceptance. Upon completion, students will receive a Certificate in Feature Film Writing and will receive feedback from an established agent, manager, producer, or entertainment executive.

Features and Benefits:

• 30 weeks of master-level instruction and mentoring
• Receive a certificate of completion
• Limited to 8 students
• Complimentary WP Now Membership for one year
• A guaranteed read and feedback of a complete feature screenplay by an established agent, manager, or producer

The 2023 Feature Film Writing: Pro-Series is taught by Donald Martin, screenwriter/producer and WGA member whose feature credits include the Netflix movie Brazen (starring Alyssa Milano), Queen Bees (starring Ellen Burstyn), Milton’s Secret (starring Donald Sutherland), Shackles (Sony), and Dim Sum Funeral (HBO). Mr. Martin has over 60 produced movies, mini-series and series for television, work that has won awards around the world. Also, he is nominated for the 2022 Humanitas Prize for his screenplay Queen Bees and currently developing a series for Prodigy Pictures.

Dates:
January 9, 2023 – September 21, 2022
Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00PM-9:00PM Pacific Time

Enrollment in this 9-month workshop is by submission only.

All submissions must include the following materials (Word Document or PDF):

1) Submit your strongest writing sample that showcases your storytelling abilities, such as the first ten pages of a screenplay, a short story, article, play, etc.

2) Also attach a one-to-two page personal statement, a resume, plus up to three loglines for a new project you wish to develop in the course. Participants will not be charged the full course fee unless they are selected for the series.

Application fee: Free
Tuition is due upon the start of the course.

To apply, click on the “Enroll” button by going to the link here.

(Deadline is Monday, December 12th, 2022 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time)

All submissions must include the following materials (Word Document or PDF) listed in the pre-requisites category above. Please remove all identifying personal information from title pages.

For more information, please contact writers@uclaextension.edu.

Phil Kellard

2023

In this highly intensive, focused, and collaborative workshop environment, you complete a solid draft of your spec script of an existing series and an original pilot. In the spec phase of the course, you begin by refining your story idea and the outline. You then continue to write your script, focusing on capturing the essence of the show through its act structure, plot, multiple storylines, characters, scenes, and dialogue. During the pilot phase of the course, you take a concept for a television series and develop it through outline, the pitch, first draft, and the bible. You focus on complex characterization, structure, and the pilot story and potential for future episodes, and gain an in-depth understanding of the marketplace and where your series concept may be best suited, whether multi-camera, single-camera, drama, dramedy, or animation. Professional development is another key component to having a successful writing career. Topics including forming business relationships, pitching in meetings, preparing for rejection/success, submitting to competitions and fellowships, etc., is also covered. Lastly, you take your completed script drafts and polish them to be ready to take out to agents, producers, studios, and networks.

Features and Benefits:

• 30 weeks of master-level instruction and mentoring
• Receive a certificate of completion
• Limited to 8 students
• Complimentary WP Now Membership for one year
• A guaranteed read and feedback of a complete feature screenplay by an established agent, manager, or producer

The 2023 Television Pro-Series will be taught by Phil Kellard, Executive producer-writer-director; WGA/DGA member whose credits include both drama and comedy from The Wayans Brothers; Martin; Doogie Howser, MD; to Hooperman and The Inspectors. He has written series and pilots for ABC, CBS, NBC, Hulu, The Disney Channel, Showtime, FBC, and Syfy Channel. Mr. Kellard received an Emmy Award for instructional programming and the UCLA Extension Outstanding Instructor Award in Screenwriting and is a contributing author to Inside the Room (Gotham Books/Penguin).

“Phil cares about his students and is very encouraging. He’s also really funny and engaging and I loved his lectures. He runs the class in an organized way as well”  – Former student of Phil Kellard

Dates:
January 9, 2023 – September 21, 2022
Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00PM-9:00PM Pacific Time

Enrollment in this 9-month workshop is by submission only.

All submissions must include the following materials (Word Document or PDF):

1) Submit your strongest writing sample that showcases your storytelling abilities, such as the first ten pages of a screenplay, a short story, article, play, etc.

2) Also attach a one-to-two page personal statement, a resume, plus up to three loglines for a new project you wish to develop in the course. Participants will not be charged the full course fee unless they are selected for the series.

Application fee: Free
Tuition is due upon the start of the course.

To apply click on the “Enroll” button by going to the link here.

(Deadline is Monday, December 12th, 2022 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time)

All submissions must include the following materials (Word Document or PDF) listed in the pre-requisites category above. Please remove all identifying personal information from title pages.

For more information, please contact writers@uclaextension.edu.

This dynamic and rigorous online/low-residency Master Class in Young Adult Novel Writing is designed for students who are serious about revising and polishing their young adult novels and getting published. The 5-month, 20-week online course allows for intensely individual instruction, peer critiques from a community of like-minded, talented writers, and a focus on process and results.

Features and Benefits:

• 20 weeks of master-level instruction and mentoring
• Limited to 8 students
• Includes a 4-day residency in LA with a guest speaker and bookstore reading
• Consideration of a novel excerpt by a literary agent at the completion of the course

This course is currently unavailable. Check back here for future quarter availability or contact Writers’ Program at writers@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9415.

All submissions must include the following materials (Word Document or PDF):

1. One-page personal statement that includes your writing background, previous creative writing courses taken;
2. A two-page synopsis of your novel-in-progress
3. The completed first draft of your novel. (Note: participants in this master class work only on the novel submitted for admission. No exceptions. Each page should be numbered, typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double spaced with 1-inch margins.)

Application fee: $10 (nonrefundable)
Registration fee: $2650 payable upon acceptance.

For more information, please contact Writers’ Program at writers@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9415.

Erica Byrne

2021

In a highly focused and collaborative workshop environment, writers start with a concept for a one-hour television drama series and develop it through the outline, pitch, first draft, re-write, and the final product: a polished pilot script ready to take to agents, producers, studios, and networks. Emphasis is placed on complex characterization, structure, the pilot story, and potential for future episodes. Participants gain an in-depth understanding of the marketplace and where their series concept may be best suited, whether broadcast, network, cable, or streaming. Viewing and discussing examples of classic pilot episodes provide insight into the creative process.

Features and Benefits:

• 20 weeks of master-level instruction and mentoring
• Limited to 8 students
• Includes a 2-day remote instruction residency through Zoom
• Free entry into the UCLA Extension Television Pilot Writing Competition
• A guaranteed read and feedback of a complete television script by an established agent, manager, or producer

The 2021 One-Hour TV Pilot Writing Pro-Series will be taught by Erica Byrne, screenwriter and WGA member whose numerous credits include episodes of La Femme Nikita; Nowhere Man; Silk Stalkings; Hunter; Knots Landing; and Walker, Texas Ranger. Ms. Byrne also served as a staff writer and has written many produced docudramas as well as animated scripts. She is a recipient of the UCLA Extension Outstanding Instructor Award in Screenwriting.

“Erica is a pro and extremely disciplined, which helped me to stay focused and on track. She breaks down the elements of a screenplay into understandable pieces, and gives great constructive feedback that empowers students to move forward with confidence. Erica makes writing fun!” – Former student of Erica Byrne

Dates:
Online Instruction
January 13, 2021 – June 15, 2021

Remote Residency Dates: Saturday, and Sunday
May 1 and May 2, 2021, 10:00AM – 6:00PM Pacific Time

Enrollment in this 6-month workshop is by submission only. You must have a complete first draft of a one-hour television pilot in order to be considered.

All submissions must include the following materials (Word Document or PDF):

1) A one-two page personal statement that includes your writing background, previous screenwriting courses taken.

2) One writing sample consisting of your best completed one-hour television pilot. (Note: participants in this Pro-Series work on a brand new script, not the one submitted for this application. No exceptions.)

3) Up to three loglines for a new project you wish to develop in the course.

To apply, click “add to cart” and proceed with check-out. You will only be charged the $10 application fee at this time. The full course fee will be due in it’s entirety should you choose to enroll based on your acceptance into the course.

Application fee: Free
Registration fee: $2,650 payable upon acceptance.

Click Here to Apply (Deadline is December 14, 2020 at 9AM Pacific Time)

For more information, please contact writers@uclaextension.edu. 

Andrew Osborne

2021

In a highly focused and collaborative workshop environment, you take a concept for a half-hour television series and develop it through outline, the pitch, first draft, re-write, and the final product: a polished pilot script ready to take out to agents, producers, studios, and networks. You focus on complex characterization, structure, and the pilot story and potential for future episodes, and gain an in-depth understanding of the marketplace and where your series concept may be best suited, whether multi-camera, single-camera, dramedy, or animation. In addition, you pitch your ideas to guest professionals who give network level feedback.

Features and Benefits:

• 20 weeks of master-level instruction and mentoring
• Limited to 8 students
• Includes a 2-day remote instruction residency through Zoom
• Free entry into the UCLA Extension Television Pilot Writing Competition
• A guaranteed read and feedback of a complete television script by an established agent, manager, or producer

The 2021 Half-Hour TV Pilot Writing Pro-Series will be taught by Andrew Osborne, MA, screenwriter; WGA member whose indie film credits include the Sundance Film Festival premiere On_Line, the Tribeca Film Festival premiere The F Word, and his directorial debut Apocalypse Bop. Mr. Osborne received an Emmy Award for the Discovery Channel program Cash Cab. He has developed projects for Warner Bros., HBO, MTV, and Orion.

“Andrew did a fantastic job presenting a practical online course. He got us into using the proper screenwriting form off the bat. For me, seeing my own work in a professional format was inspiring and helpful. Andrew gave us a window into his professional world and treated us like new colleagues.”  – Former student of Andrew Osborne

Dates:
Online Instruction
January 13, 2021 – June 15, 2021

Remote Residency Dates: Saturday, and Sunday
May 1 and May 2, 2021, 10:00AM – 6:00PM Pacific Time

Enrollment in this 6-month workshop is by submission only. You must have a complete first draft of a half-hour television pilot in order to be considered.

All submissions must include the following materials (Word Document or PDF):

1) A one-two page personal statement that includes your writing background, previous screenwriting courses taken.

2) One writing sample consisting of your best completed half-hour television pilot. (Note: participants in this Pro-Series work on a brand new script, not the one submitted for this application. No exceptions.)

3) Up to three loglines for a new project you wish to develop in the course.

To apply, click “add to cart” and proceed with check-out. You will only be charged the $10 application fee at this time. The full course fee will be due in it’s entirety should you choose to enroll based on your acceptance into the course.

Application fee: Free
Registration fee: $2,650 payable upon acceptance.

Click Here to Apply (Deadline is December 14, 2020 at 9AM Pacific Time)

For more information, please contact writers@uclaextension.edu.