“There are no such things as stupid questions, only pretentious instructors.”
- Michelle’s teaching motto
Starts May 23th, 2024
Thursdays, 3-5 pm PST / 6-8 EST
In this class, we will look at techniques for forming that story arc, for developing stronger characters and for writing scenes that will create an impact. We do this by applying some of the same storytelling and structural techniques that fiction writers use.
All new reading list!
This session featuring appearances by some of our reading list writers!
Creative Writing: Tuesdays in May
4-Week Zoom Class, Starts Tuesday, May 7th, 2024
Tuesdays from 5-6 pm PST
Photo by Roderick Allen
This class is for all the folks looking for a good ol fashioned creative writing class. This is a generative-meets-craft writing class for all levels and genres. We’ll look at one new excerpt each week, dig into what that scene is doing — and why/how it’s doing it so well — then borrow some tools and get to work on our own scenes.
This class is designed for both fiction and nonfiction writers and is perfect for those
interested in generating new work
working on complex/heavy topics looking to pull in moments of levity
wanting to figure out how the best writers do it
What makes each story truly memorable? What makes it moving? And for those interested, what makes it publishable?
Bonus: Our last class will extend 30 minutes to leave extra time for a Q&A. Ask me any and everything about writing: publishing questions, editing questions, practice questions. Nothing’s off limits.
Get Writing: Unblocking Writer’s Block
An 8-week in-person class with Literary Arts
Starts June 4th! 6-8 pm
Course Takeaways
● Learn new tools for getting the writing juices flowing and getting words on the page
● Better understand the meaning behind your words
● Practice applying new tools to works in progress
● Develop or strengthen your regular writing practice
● Have community with other writers of all levels in a safe writing space
Back by request for a fun in-person summer session. Excited to see you there!
Want Michelle to teach at your place?
Workshops
She’s down. Michelle loves leading workshops for large groups or small.
Event Hosting
Michelle loves to emcee, including live interviews, show hosting, co-hosting…
Etc
Send a message about what you’re thinkin!
1-on-1 Writing & Feedback Sessions & Manuscript Consultations
Longer-term sessions designed for fiction writers or memoirists working on book-length projects, as well as stories, essays or interviews.
Times dependent on your and my schedule. Message me to chat about times & rates
Regular accountability, feedback and a way forward with your work
Customized suggested reading
Get Covered
Learn from a music journalist how to get press. We’ll review real (fictionalized) press releases and dissect what makes a good pitch. We’ll also cover all the stuff you should have on your website, social media and electronic press kits (EPK).
Class comes with downloadable templates for all of the above
What students are saying…
Michelle's Fiction Technique in Memoir class is thoughtfully, intelligently designed, and gracefully delivered. I have been in grad seminars where I have learned less. Small things she does throughout the class reveal her dedication to her craft (keeping notes on students' work, and tweaking the class material based on student feedback). She's the sort of teacher where you know you're just getting the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wealth of her knowledge. She offers kind but helpful feedback and starts class with thought-provoking, unique prompts.
— Tasha S.
I got exactly what I needed from Michelle's class! Through the reading and writing prompts discussed with the class, I was able to tackle my own writing project from all kinds of different angles I never would have thought of on my own.
— Emily R.
If you're struggling with your memoir, I urge you to take a course with Michelle! We examined published memoirs, looked at what worked, what didn't and why. We examined our own memoirs with others in the group in a supportive and analytical process. Her suggestions about my work are tremendously helpful. Michelle is an insightful, humorous and thoughtful teacher. She's inspired me to write consistently, no easy task. Thank you, Michelle.
— Karen K.
Michelle, thanks again and again. It’s been delightful to work with you and receive such helpful suggestions, skilled editing, and on-going encouragement. You’ve fed my writing in more ways than you could ever know, or imagine.
— Geri O.
Michelle, this has been the workshop which transformed my whole understanding of writing. I have so admired your gentle style (combined with your superpower insight and incredible edits!) I will definitely be in a future class of yours. I am so grateful to have been in this class.”
— Rob B.
Michelle was so easy to work with. She was able to provide new ideas, to focus my thinking, and to generate a structure and a way forward that I couldn’t see because I was too close to the material.
— Peter Novak
Other recent classes
Unblocking Writer’s Block, Jan ‘24 - SOLD OUT
Hosted by Literary Arts
Chapter 1: How to Write Openings, Jan ‘24
Hosted by The Attic Institute
The Writing, Editing, Writing Class, Jan ‘24
Hosted by The Attic Institute
Get Writing - Summer ‘23 - SOLD OUT
Hosted by Literary Arts
Prompts & Processes - Summer ‘23 - SOLD OUT
Hosted by Writing Workshops
Fiction Technique in Memoir - Summer ‘23 - SOLD OUT
Hosted by Writing Workshops
The Novel Mapping Class - Spring ‘23
Hosted by Writing Workshops
Prompted: A Get-Writing Class - Spring ‘23 — SOLD OUT (thank you!)
Hosted by Writing Workshops
The Craft of Fiction (in-person) - SOLD OUT
Hosted by Literary Arts
Fiction Technique in Memoir (In-person) - SOLD OUT (thank you!)
Hosted by Literary Arts
4-Month Writing Cohort for Memoirists (Online)
Prompted: A Get-Writing Class - Winter ‘23 — SOLD OUT (thank you!)
Hosted by Writing Workshops
Fiction Technique in Memoir (Online) - SOLD OUT (thank you!)
Hosted by Writing Workshops
Generative Writing (online)
Hosted by Litquake
