Creative Writing Classes

I offer generative classes that help writers tap into the liberating power of constraints, the complexities of aliveness, and sustainable creative practices of lifelong learning, risk-taking, and artistic expression.

My classes are always convened live and [mostly] online, which allows us to gather from around the world in a common space. (If you’re curious about why I don’t record classes, read my essay.) Upcoming classes and workshops include:

• Winter Solstice Writing Ritual | Monday, Dec 21 | 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET - Online via Morbid Anatomy
  The Winter Solstice is a turning of tides—a cosmic solar return—a time for ritual and reflection. An opportunity to move slowly and to contemplate what has passed, what we can release, and what we wish to invoke in the year to come. As a creative community, we'll take part in the ancient tradition of honoring the year’s darkest day and welcoming the rising light. Part generative writing, part guided ritual, this workshop offers prompts designed to stir introspection and honor the natural cycle of life and death.

• Fantastic Beasts: Crafting a Personal Bestiary | Sundays, Jan 10 to Feb 14, 2027 | 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET - Online via Morbid Anatomy
  J. M. Coetzee observes, “There is a temptation to seek in animals what is easiest for human beings to sympathize or empathize with, and consequently to favor those species which for one reason or another seem to be almost human in their mental and emotional processes.” In this generative writing class, we will move beyond moralizing, exoticizing, and anthropomorphizing our more-than-human kin through practices of close reading, reflection, imagination, and attention. Each session will feature a central text related to animals—real and imagined, uncanny and fascinating—whose craft choices inspire us to take creative leaps through in-class writing prompts. Attendees will leave this hands-on class with a portfolio of starts that can be further developed at home.

• Crazy, Stupid Love | Thursdays, Feb 4 to Feb 25, 2027 | 5 to 7 p.m. PT - Online via Hugo House
  “Whether you love what you love or live in divided ceaseless revolt against it, what you love is your fate,” wrote Frank Bidart. Difficult or nutty, fierce or tender—often somewhere between—our deepest attractions feel cosmically unavoidable and existentially necessary. Love is everywhere, if we’re open to finding it! In this generative writing class, our guides to the multifarious heart include Erin Belieu, Leila Chatti, Victoria Chang, Joe Wilkins, Andrea Gibson, and Ocean Vuong. We will write with verve into bad breakups and self-love, love letters to the dead and odes to the fiercest, purest of loves that can disarm even the seasoned cynic. Writers will come away with a portfolio of fresh drafts (poetry or prose, writer’s choice) that can be further refined at home.

• 2027 Writing Circles: TBA | Online
  The writing circles I host are intimate spaces for us to read, discuss, and create new work in community. Plans are in progress for upcoming programming, including a 3-week workshop in April/May that I’ll be co-teaching with Jessica Gigot (theme: mothers). Stay tuned for updates!

• Finishing School: Writing in Community | Online
  Sometimes, to get writing done, we need camaraderie—and a calendar appointment. Finishing School is a space to work on individual projects in community. Think of it as a supportive virtual cafe or an accountability date. We show up, say a warm hello, share what we’re working on, and get crackin’. Finishing School is my gratis offering to the community of writers who participate in my writing circles each year.
  
  

*Sales tax for Washington state residents: Beginning October 1, 2025, Washington state law (ESSB 5814) requires sales tax to be collected on live and recorded classes and workshops taught by cultural organizations and freelance educators. Sales tax for online classes hosted by me will be calculated based on the student’s billing location. (If you live outside of Washington state, no sales tax is applied.) This sales tax does not apply to one-on-one coaching or editorial consulting services.