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Writing Pad

Writing Pad classes offer a unique and enjoyable writing experienceith wtop-notch instructors, a safe and playful environment, and a focus on spontaneous writing exercises. You can expect to unleash your creativity and receive supportive feedback.

Upcoming Classes (66)

All courses are held at unless indicated.

Tuesday, May 27th
6–9pm PDT (10 sessions)

$1,165

Wednesday, May 28th
5–8pm PDT

$130

Thursday, May 29th
5–8pm PDT (5 sessions)

$495

Saturday, May 31st
10:30am–1:30pm PDT

$99

Sunday, June 1st
10am–1pm PDT (5 sessions)

$460

Sunday, June 1st
10:30am–1:30pm PDT (4 sessions)

$440

Sunday, June 1st
10:30am–1:30pm PDT

$95

Sunday, June 1st
2–5pm PDT (4 sessions)

$368

Monday, June 2nd
6–9pm PDT (5 sessions)

$550

Monday, June 2nd
6–9pm PDT (5 sessions)

$515

Wednesday, June 4th
5–7pm PDT (7 sessions)

$485

Wednesday, June 4th
5–8pm PDT (5 sessions)

$460

Thursday, June 5th
5–8pm PDT (8 sessions)

$965

Saturday, June 7th
10:30am–1:30pm PDT (5 sessions)

$550

Saturday, June 7th
2–5pm PDT

$99

Sunday, June 8th
10:30am–1:30pm PDT (5 sessions)

$550

Sunday, June 8th
10:30am–1:30pm PDT (5 sessions)

$460

Monday, June 9th
5–8pm PDT (5 sessions)

$460

Wednesday, June 11th
5–8pm PDT (5 sessions)

$485

Wednesday, June 11th
5:30–8:30pm PDT (5 sessions)

$525

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Showing 20 of 66 upcoming classes

Provider Description

Writing Pad classes aren’t stuffy. They’re pampering, relaxing and inspiring. At each class you can expect:

  • Top-notch instructors who are experienced writers with a passion for teaching.
  • Decadent, gourmet tasting plates and/or desserts.
  • A safe, playful writing environment to help you fearlessly channel your creativity.
  • Small classes (12 students max) held in a comfy, modern space.
  • A fun, intellectual vibe infused with the spirit of a cocktail party/creativity spa.
Philosophy

A writing class shouldn’t be boring or annihilate your ego! All Writing Pad classes are flavored by the Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) method. The AWA method establishes a safe, respectful writing space and encourages spontaneous writing exercises (e.g., timed writing to a prompt). If a student decides to read what he’s written in class (reading is not mandatory), the group will only respond with what they like and remember. If a student brings in writing he’s worked on outside of class, he’ll receive balanced feedback.

This method was developed in response to the traditional writing seminar where students bring in manuscripts for harsh critique, often leaving class feeling blocked and discouraged. In contrast, the AWA method blends improvisational writing and a safe, supportive environment to produce richer, more innovative writing in students.

Class Structure

Every class has a different balance of in-class writing, craft talks, and workshopping. Classes typically run for two and a half hours and include brief social breaks accompanied by assorted teas, gourmet tasting plates, and/or dessert.

Reviews of Writing Pad

(4.5-star rating across 62 reviews)
  • Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials Class with Erika Schickel

    Patricia M. • October 1, 2024
    The class was awesome. Very clear and jam packed with information. I would have liked to get the slides though as taking notes when it was moving so quickly was tough. Erika was wonderful, energetic and totally motivating.
  • Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials with Laura Cathcart Robbins

    Anonymous • January 17, 2024
    Instructor actually published a memoir that sold very well. She shared tips that we could use immediately and was open with her story and her process. Respectful when class read stories and offered great commentary.
  • Screenwriting 101 with Chris Reed

    Jaclyn G. • November 7, 2022
    Very informative and inspirational! Highly recommend.
  • Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials with Laura Cathcart Robbins

    Joanne M. • February 8, 2022
    It was good to have exercises and not just consist of lectures from the instructor. I would've enjoyed more participants sharing their writing.
  • TV 101: TV Writing Fundamentals Seminar

    Jennifer s. • December 13, 2021
    This was my first zoom experience but will not be my last. I am already looking into which class to take next. I learned quite a bit and he gave steps to take now if someone wanted to be a tv writer.
  • TV Drama I: TV Drama Pilot Workshop

    Aneta M. • July 19, 2021
    This was THE BEST CLASS I ever took. Ryan is an excellent teacher. His passion and dedication to what he does is extremely contagions. At the end of each class none of us wanted to leave. Ryan always stayed after class to answer all our questions. We all felt very saddened that the class ended and suggested that he should also teach TV Drama II.
  • Story Structure

    Lisa M. • March 16, 2021
    Excellent instructor, well-formatted, learned so much in 3 hours! Highly recommend.
  • Literary Novel 101

    Anonymous • January 17, 2021
    Excellent for someone who had no background and is curious about writing a novel. Great class dynamic.
  • Book Proposal I: An Online Book Proposal

    Doug C. • December 16, 2020
    Nicky was an absolutely fantastic instructor! The course was everything I had hoped for and more.
  • Memoir 1: Memorable Memoir Workshop

    Anonymous • March 22, 2020
    This course was a gift from my family for which I am very grateful. By profession, a prolific writer of policy analysis, media releases, political speeches, and legislative presentations, I had never attempted memoir writing. Our instructor is an accomplished, published author of two memoirs as well as a stage and television actor. She clearly grasps her craft. Her teaching style, though sometimes brusque - even a bit Socratic - communicates her criticisms cogently. Still, class/instructor give and take was often truncated by her cutting it off mid-sentence - almost as if she was expecting a taxi to show up any minute. The bottom line is that I am a better writer thanks to her and my classmates.
  • Podcasting 1: Start Your Podcast

    Jennifer W. • September 14, 2019
    It was very informative and Anna Scott was a great instructor. I learned a ton and can't wait to start my podcast.
  • Memoir 1: Memorable Memoir Workshop

    Anonymous • August 3, 2019
    Love it! Learned so much!
  • NY Times Worthy Personal Essay

    Anonymous • June 24, 2019
    An amazing class - really got a lot out of it. One note - the last class is a 20 minute 1:1 with the teacher. I would've liked to have a longer 1:1 session but I was able to develop my Personal Essay skills exponentially in a matter of a few weeks.
  • NY Times Worthy Personal Essay

    Ann D. • June 19, 2019
    She is great! Good content, Process and outcomes. Highly recommend!
  • TV 101: TV Writing Fundamentals Seminar

    Brionna T. • May 20, 2019
    Overall great class. Learned so much in such a brief amount of time. I would’ve loved to learn more about log lines, and an example of a pitch. Overall, amazing experience. I’ve already signed up for additional classes.
  • NY Times Worthy Personal Essay

    Anonymous • April 10, 2019
    Great environment. The last class what a short one on one with the instructor to get notes on your essay. This was awesome, and very helpful. But I did feel a little let down because your last class was those 20 or so minutes, rather than a three hour session. Maybe my expectations weren't quite in alignment and I would have felt differently if I expected this from the beginning. But overall, I learned a lot in the class and would recommend it to others who want to tell a personal story and learn how to pitch it for publication.
  • Memoir 101

    Robyn H. • September 16, 2018
    Enjoyed the class very much and thought the teacher was great. I would definitely do another class with Brett.
  • TV Spec 2: TV Spec Draft Writing Workshop

    Brad G • April 3, 2018
    I've taken several classes with Writing Pad. I've taken classes with showrunners (Nastaran Dibai, Joey Gutierrez, and Michael Saltzman, ) and worked on outlines and drafts, and then taken a couple of comedy revision classes, both great. The one with Craig Gerard was useful, fun, and the class really bonded. The one with Todd Waldman I liked because he has a development background as well to give another angle. I especially liked that he encouraged people to bring back work if they could to revisit the changes that had been suggested in other classes. I found the instructors here bring real world experience and give great notes and suggestions. It's also helpful to hear what other writers have to say. It's definitely a place where you benefit from the community as well as the instructors. I took an essay class with Christopher Noxon, who is fantastic as well - I really want to take his illustrated journal class. Marilyn and Jeff really work at creating a community, and getting great people in. I've read a couple of the negative reviews, and it sounds like people had an expectation about what they'd get, but for me I've learned from every class I've had. The few people who seem dissatisfied/disinterested in the classes are the ones who don't show up for anyone else, have their stuff read and leave, and don't participate unless it involves their stuff - that's been what I've seen in taking several classes.
  • TV Spec 2: TV Spec Draft Writing Workshop

    Sasha F • April 3, 2018
    The writing pad offers a fantastic variety of writing classes. It's run by a very nice and helpful couple who would always make you feel at home and your concerns heard. I continuously take classes at the writing pad, because they're awesome!
  • TV Spec 2: TV Spec Draft Writing Workshop

    Matthew L • April 3, 2018
    I've taken classes from both Lauren and Steph and both were exceptional teachers, offering constructive criticism without seeming harsh or patronizing (something you might get from published authors). The people who run this take a real interest in seeing writers grow. They listen to their students and do their best to make the space comfortable. They have snacks.
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Review Summary by CourseHorse

Students who have taken classes at Writing Pad have found them to be highly informative, inspirational, and well-structured. They appreciate that the classes involve exercises rather than just lectures, as it allows for more interactive learning. Many students report learning a lot in a short amount of time and feel that they have gained valuable skills as writers. Some students specifically mention learning about TV writing, memoir writing, novel writing, personal essay skills, and podcasting. The instructors are praised for their passion, dedication, and real-world experience, and students feel that they have improved their writing thanks to their guidance. Additionally, students appreciate the community aspect of the classes and the opportunity to receive feedback and suggestions from both the instructors and their fellow writers. Quotes: - "The bottom line is that I am a better writer thanks to her and my classmates." - "I learned a ton and can't wait to start my podcast." - "I can't believe how much energy and insight they have for each student's writing."

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