Classes/Workshops/Conferences

Ongoing Opportunity (Fall 2026-Winter 2027):

Mentorship in Creative Writing, UCLA Extension, Online

Work with me one-on-one through UCLA Extension

Mentorships provide individualized support to advanced writers who seek specific and focused guidance in their work. Students select a mentorship focus from a predetermined list of options provided by the instructor as part of their application process. Instructors review applications to determine student readiness for intensive personalized instruction and to ensure the student’s writing goals are achievable within the mentorship period. Students and instructors develop a Mentorship Agreement to guide their interactions over six contact hours during the ten-week mentorship period. By the end of the mentorship, students have received advice, input, and support to help them reach their short-term goals.

September 21-November 29, 2026. SNHU MFA Online

MFA 701--Thesis II

Continue writing a publication-ready novel following a detailed writing plan toward the completion of a full draft. Work to hone creative craft and critical abilities using constructive workshopping, engaging with peers in productive feedback processes. Develop practical strategies for improving work through revision.

September 21-November 29, 2026. SNHU MFA Online

MFA 505--Introduction to the Online MFA

Explore a unique culture and approach to fiction writing at SNHU that embraces practicality, diversity, and community. Understand the history and major categories of genre fiction, including the role genre plays for readers, writers, and publishers. Develop techniques for effective workshopping. Discover habits and behaviors that support the creative process, and forge ties with a peer and faculty community that will support a rewarding writing career.

September 23, 2026-December 1, 2026. UCLA Extension, Online

Novel Writing One

That novel is inside you waiting to emerge but knowing how and where to start can be daunting. This course provides you with weekly assignments, group interaction and instructor feedback to help you explore various methods of writing your first novel while learning the key craft points of plot, structure, characterization, point-of-view, sense of place and voice. The goal is to complete the first chapter of your novel by establishing an intimacy with your characters as you artfully shape their journey and to develop an overall concept to guide you through your story. Required for students considering the long-fiction sequence.

January 6-March 16, 2027.. UCLA Extension, Online

Novel Writing Two

Armed with your overall concept and first chapter, you continue to develop your knowledge of craft by writing scenes using characters and situations from the projected novel and workshopping your in-progress work. Mini-lectures on the art of the novel, intuitive creative process and conventional vs. non-conventional approaches to novel structure also are covered. The goal is to complete 50 pages of your novel.