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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.

Writing Pad

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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 59 reviews)
  • Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials with Laura Cathcart Robbins

    Anonymous review on 1/17/2024
    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

    Reviewed by Jaclyn G. on 11/7/2022
    Very informative and inspirational! Highly recommend.
  • Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials with Laura Cathcart Robbins

    Reviewed by Joanne M. on 2/8/2022
    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

    Reviewed by Jennifer s. on 12/13/2021
    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

    Reviewed by Aneta M. on 7/19/2021
    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

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

    Anonymous review on 1/17/2021
    Excellent for someone who had no background and is curious about writing a novel. Great class dynamic.
  • Book Proposal I: An Online Book Proposal

    Reviewed by Doug C. on 12/16/2020
    Nicky was an absolutely fantastic instructor! The course was everything I had hoped for and more.
  • Memoir 1: Memorable Memoir Workshop

    Anonymous review on 3/22/2020
    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

    Reviewed by Jennifer W. on 9/14/2019
    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 review on 8/3/2019
    Love it! Learned so much!
  • NY Times Worthy Personal Essay

    Anonymous review on 6/24/2019
    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

    Reviewed by Ann D. on 6/19/2019
    She is great! Good content, Process and outcomes. Highly recommend!
  • TV 101: TV Writing Fundamentals Seminar

    Reviewed by Brionna T. on 5/20/2019
    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 review on 4/10/2019
    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

    Reviewed by Robyn H. on 9/16/2018
    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

    Reviewed by Brad G on 4/3/2018
    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

    Reviewed by Sasha F on 4/3/2018
    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

    Reviewed by Matthew L on 4/3/2018
    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.
  • TV II: A TV Drama Draft Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Constance K on 4/3/2018
    I LOVE Writing Pad. The past couple of months I have done several classes there. I've been doing Memoir Writing with Brett Paesel, Comedy screenwriting with Devanshi Patel and Drama writing with Dailyn Rodriguez. All three of these classes have taught me so much about craft. These three women are all so generous and so skilled. I can't believe how much energy and insight they have for each student's writing. They are able to see each project on its own terms and offer extremely useful feedback, ideas and advice. I came into this from a mainly playwriting background, wanting to learn about writing for television and memoir and I am thrilled with how much I've learnt. I also really appreciate being made to write stuff! I find as a writer, one of the things that's hardest is making myself write. Doing classes at Writing Pad makes me write constantly! I would recommend taking classes to writers of all levels of experience. I'm thrilled with what I'm learning and really enjoy the classes and talking to the other students. Marilyn and Jeff, who run Writing Pad are a delight, as are all the staff there. I am doing Brett and Devanshi's classes next year too. I wish I'd started doing classes at Writing Pad as soon as I first moved to LA a year ago.
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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."

Teachers at Writing Pad

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