Do to the current “shelter in place” conditions, none of the below face-to-face options are happening. For all upcoming online Zoom offerings, including a replacement for our free Monday Cathedral City Library spontaneous writing sessions, please visit the Desert Writing group on Meetup. To receive periodic emails for future events, please sign up here. Thanks!

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I am offering a mix of face-to-face and online writing events, including an online semester-length creative writing class at Mendocino College (see below for tentative Fall 2020 offering). I lead a free spontaneous writing group at the Cathedral City Library, and a mirror of this group is now available online for a small fee (via Zoom) as well as monthly online workshops focused on both the process and the craft of writing. Please find details for the various events below. (Online offerings are listed first, and the face-to-face events follow.)

And if you’d like to be on my email list for future events, please sign up here.

 

Online writing events
Impromptu writing via Zoom!
These online sessions mirror the spontaneous writing meetings at the Cathedral City Library. We do short, timed writings together from writing prompts (or from words drawn from the magic word pouch!). We read our impromptu work out loud and receive good, specific feedback from the group, words or phrases that strike people, images, feelings the work evokes. (There is no critique, no advice for strengthening the writing, because this is spontaneous writing, not polished work.) This chance to meet via computer or mobile device (or by phone) is surprisingly akin to being together in “real life” (!!) and offers the added bonus of seeing each participant as though we are sitting across from each other.

Please see more details and RSVP via the Desert Writing group on Meetup.
(Cost: $11.44 per 2-hour session)

Online process and craft workshops
These workshops most often focus on either the writing process itself or the craft of writing. For example, we might explore strategies for bringing ourselves to the page or practice writing scenes or using slow motion in our writing. All workshops use the Zoom software, so we can see each other and interact, often including working in small groups. This chance to meet via computer or mobile device (or by phone) is surprisingly akin to being together in “real life” (!!) and offers the added bonus of seeing each participant as though we are sitting directly across from each other.

Please see more details and RSVP via the Desert Writing group on Meetup.
(Cost: $22.00 per 2-hour session)

Community college creative writing class
Spring 2020 class is closed. Tentative offering for Fall 2020.
(Semester begins August 17, 2020)

English 210
Section 0378
(not sure of section number yet for fall)
This is a 3-unit full-semester online class. We’ll cover key aspects of creative writing—including image detail, slow motion, point of view, dialogue, plot, narrative presence and character—and you’ll have lots of chances to try your hand with each element. Each two-week span will include a spontaneous writing exercise, workshopping a more “polished” piece, and a discussion about process or craft. This is a great way for new writers to get their feet wet and experienced writers to stretch or refresh their skills, as well as a lovely opportunity to interact with other writers and get some good feedback on your work.

Steps for enrolling
https://mendocino.edu/admissions
(You will only need to apply, complete the placement questionnaire and enroll.)

 

Coachella Valley face-to-face events
Free spontaneous writing group
Mondays 10:15am to 12:15pm
Cathedral City Library

Come write with us at the library! We do short, timed writings together from writing prompts (or from words drawn from the magic word pouch!). We read our impromptu work out loud and receive good, specific feedback from the group, words or phrases that strike people, images, feelings the work evokes. (There is no critique, no advice for strengthening the writing, because this is spontaneous writing, not polished work.)

Please see more details and RSVP via the Desert Writing group on Meetup or by phoning the library before the event to save your spot: 760-328-4262. (We meet most weeks but usually skip the 4th Monday of each month.)

Spontaneous creative nonfiction writing retreat
November 22nd–24th, 2019
at Joshua Tree Retreat Center
Joshua Tree, California

Led by Riba Taylor, part-time associate professor at Mendocino College.
Please visit the retreat page here.

Half-day retreats in Palm Springs
Dates for winter 2019/20 TBD?
Community room
Palm Springs Leisure Center
401 S. Pavilion Way