creative writing classes in los angeles

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15 Top Writing Classes in Los Angeles

By Katrina Kwan

Are you a writer based in LA ?

Are you thinking about taking a writing workshop to help develop your skills?

Below we’ve featured 15 top writing classes in Los Angeles.

1. First-Draft Incubator 2.0 with Nicole Criona (LA Writers Group)

The Los Angeles Writers Group (LAWG) was founded in 2003 by Nicole Criona and Sanora Bartels with the express aim to provide writers with a community of support and feedback along their creative writing journey. LAWG offers several writing workshops, as well as private and group coaching for more intensive, personalized training. The team at LAWG offers both in-person and online workshops to help their writers learn and grow, regardless of location or time restrictions.

Their workshop, First-Drive Incubator 2.0 , is led by Nicole Criona, who has over 15 years of experience assisting writers on novels, screenplays, short stories, poetry, essays, and memoirs. As a specialist in developmental editing and author coaching, Nicole is also a fellow writer and veteran of the publishing industry. This course that she offers includes 2 hours per month of private coaching, two monthly online meetings on the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesday of every month, a 10% discount on private coaching, and a 20% discount on other workshops, retreats, and online writing challenges.

First-Draft Incubator 2.0 can help you set reasonable goals, finish your book, learn tools of the trade to assist with outlining, writing scenes, character development, and so much more. For those interested, but require no coaching, the class costs $255 monthly. For existing students or former coaching clients, the course costs $195 per month. If you’re a writer who’s interested in taking the online courses only, it costs $125 per month. For more information, you can contact the team at LAWG via email or call (323) 963-3180 during regular business hours.

2. Making a Scene with Elizabeth L. Silver (Writing Workshops Los Angeles)

Writing Workshops Los Angeles (WWLA) is undoubtedly a leading authority when it comes to helping writers broaden their horizons and sharpen their creative writing skills. Originally founded by Edan Lepucki, they offer a multitude of different classes from fiction writing, nonfiction writing, poetry workshops, and more. WWLA’s talented faculty have published titles like “The Education of Margot Sanchez” by Lilliam Rivera, “Grace and the Fever” by Zan Romanoff, and Neon Green” by Margaret Wappler.

They are currently offering a memoir writing workshop called Making a Scene: How to Craft the Most Powerful Scene in Your Memoir . This class is being taught by Elizabeth L. Silver, the author of memoir “The Tincture of Time: A Parent’s Memoir of (Medical) Uncertainty.” The class takes place on March 30 th , 2019 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. This class will help any aspiring memoirist to focus writing on important, high-impact scenes to really help bring your memories to life.

Enrollment to this class is limited to eight students only, so if you’re interested in taking part, be sure to sign up as soon as possible. Class enrollment for new students is $130, and only $120 for returning students of the WWLA. This particular writing class will be hosted in Encino, about a 25-minute drive from downtown LA. Light snacks, coffee, and sparkling water will be provided. For more information, you can contact the team at WWLA via email .

3. Short Story Writing Workshop with Abigail Ulman (Writing Pad)

Writing Pad was founded by writers Marilyn Friedman and Jeff Bernstein in the hopes of helping writers gain the most of their writing experience. With several locations throughout Los Angeles, Writing Pad offers an assortment of different classes for different kinds of writers. Whether you’re interested in nonfiction writing, creative fiction, screenwriting, or TV writing, Writing Pad definitely has a class to offer you.

They are currently offering Short Story 1 , a short story writing workshop taught by Abigail Ulman. Abigail is the author of “Hot Little Hands,” and was recently a Wallace Stegner Fellow in Fiction at Stanford University. In this class, she hopes to help you with the essential elements of fiction writing, including productive outlining, plot mapping, character, plot, change, and point out mistakes that are all too common amongst inexperienced writers.

Short Story 1 is a 5-week program being hosted May 22 nd , May 29 th , Jun 5 th , June 12 th , and June 19 th from 7:30pm to 10:30pm at Writing Pad’s LA-East location. There are only four spots left, so it’s imperative that you sign up quickly before space runs out! The cost for this extensive 5-week course is $425 per person. One of the great things about Writing Pad is they also accept course payments in installments! For more information, you can contact the team at Writing Pad either via email or call (213) 325-6910.

4. Write Fiction Like A Pro with Steve Alcorn (LA County Library)

The LA County Library is a great resource for aspiring authors looking to get a leg-up in their writing careers. The LA County Library offers free writing classes through Gale Courses, so if you’re a library card holder, this is definitely a service you should try and take advantage of! Gale Courses currently offers several creative writing classes, including Writing Fiction Like A Pro with Steve Alcorn.

Steve Alcorn is a published author of both fiction and nonfiction. Over the past 10 years, he has helped more than 300,000 students develop their ideas into full stories. Many of his former students have even gone on to write and publish their own novels. He has written titles like “A Matter of Justice,” “Everything in Its Path” and the children’s storybook, “Molly Builds a Theme Park.”

Write Fiction Like A Pro will go over story structure, dramatic elements, the development of character, story ideas, outlining, plotting, and more. This is a six-week program that has several different starting dates: March 13 th , April 17 th , May 15 th , and June 12 th . There are no requirements to enter this program, although you should at least have a working PC or Mac device you can use with an up-to-date writing software. As mentioned before, this course is free to all LA County Library patrons, so be sure to enroll now !

5. Six-Week Writing Workshop with Jonathan Blum

Jonathan Blum is the author of “Last Word” and “The Usual Uncertainties.” After having graduated from UCLA and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Jonathan resettled in Los Angeles and now offers an assortment of writing classes. He is currently offering a six-week long fiction writing workshop with a limited class size of 10 students. In this course, he helps his students workshop short stories and novel excerpts up to 20 pages to help in structure, characterization, and language.

This course runs twice a year, once in the spring between March 31 st to May 5 th , and once in the fall between September 22 nd to October 27 th . All classes take place on Sundays between 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The course fee is $575 per person. Alternatively, Jonathan offers a two-month intensive workshop for writers that not only assists with a 20-page story workshop, but case studies of select published fiction. This course goes for $720 per person, and the class is again limited to 10 students. For more information, you can contact Jonathan directly through his website’s online contact form .

6. WriteGirl Writing Workshops by WriteGirl

WriteGirl is a program honored by First Lady Michelle Obama and the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. This fantastic program offers young girls the opportunity to explore the realm of creative writing and hopefully nurture their imagination and self-confidence. This Los Angeles-based organization offers dozens of writing workshops, panel discussions, and special events. Their up coming panel, Lights, America, WriteGirl! features speakers like Lauren Graham, Seth Rogan, Stephanie Katherine Grant, and Keiko Agena.

WriteGirl offers writing workshops from September all the way through June to cover topics about poetry, songwriting, journalism, screenwriting, creative nonfiction, and fiction. They just recently wrapped up their Character & Dialogue Workshop at the Linwood Dunn Theater at The Academy, Hollywood. For a full list of their upcoming events, click here . If you’re a young writer interested in this program, simply contact the team at WriteGirl via email or call (213) 253-2655 to see about getting involved.

7. Creative Writing Workshop by Writopia Lab

Writopia Lab is another great resource for young writers hoping to develop their writing skills. Writopia Lab offers a wide range of writing classes in the hopes of promoting literacy and critical thinking in children and teens. They currently offer half-day creative writing workshops in the Los Angeles Metro area. They offer creative writing workshops, classes for screenwriting, memoirs, narrative therapy, language play, graphic novels, and so much more!

You’re strongly encouraged to check out their class availability to check out the time, date, and age group for each class. Fees for half-day writing classes start at $595 per attendant. They also offer full-day writing camps during summer break and school-year breaks, with fees starting at $880 for one whole week. For more information, you can contact the team at Writopia Lab via email or call (323) 761-0453.

8. The Veterans Writing Project by The Writers Guild Foundation

The Writers Guild Foundation offers a unique writing class intended specifically for veterans. Their Veterans Writing Project helps individuals with military backgrounds to nurture and develop a passion for writing that can help them transition from their life of service. This is a year-long project that offers a weekend-long writing retreat, and a monthly follow-up with workshops and other special events.

The program’s application window to apply for the 2019-2020 year is now closed, but you’re strongly encouraged to subscribe to the Writer Guild Foundation’s email list to receive updates and to learn when the application window reopens. This program is completely free and accepts up to 50 veterans every year to participate. For more information, you can contact the Writers Guild Foundation via email or call (323) 782-4692.

9. Professional Screenwriting and Television Writing Workshop with Corey Mandell

Fiction and nonfiction writing aren’t the only avenues authors can explore when it comes to their literary creativity. Corey Mandell is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter who has worked on projects with Ridley Scott, Harrison Ford, Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, John Travolta, the Warner Brothers, Universal, 20 th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, and more! He offers both author coaching and script consultations to interested writers.

Corey currently offers a Professional Screenwriting and Television Writing workshop for writers living in Los Angeles. His class is also offered through multi-video conference technology, so it’s actually available to students around the world. The class costs $595 per person and spans a total of 8 weeks. The course goes over narrative intensity, organic escalations, clarity, efficiency, high-impact pacing, and more. For more information, you can contact Corey directly via email .

10. Sketch Level 1 Intensive: Intro to Sketch Writing with Anna Cecilia

The best comedians know that the best rib-ticklers come about thanks to a great sense of improvisation and a keen storytelling ability. The Improve Space is a Los Angeles-based performance school that offers a wide range of workshops to help comedy writers focus on building industry relationships, help with character development, and storytelling skills. This non-profit organization is located near UCLA and offers a safe place for actors and writers alike to nurture their imagination.

They have a long list of classes that are coming soon, including Sketch Level 1 Intensive: Intro to Sketch Writing led by Anna Cecilia. Anna herself is a sketch comedy writer, performer, and director who graduated from Harvard University. The class itself offers four intensive classes and a table read to showcase your brilliant work. Enrollment is now open, and only costs $199 per person. If you’re interested in this class, you can contact The Improv Space through their website’s online contact form to apply or request more information.

11. UCLA Extension Writer’s Program

The University of California Los Angeles’ Extension offers a fantastic writer’s program for those determined to refine their skills and prepare for a long and successful career in the industry. Widely regarded as one of the best writing programs Los Angeles has to offer, UCLA Extension offers classes for the basics of writing, fiction (for beginner, intermediate, and advanced writers), creative nonfiction (for beginner, intermediate, and advanced writers), writing for young readers, poetry, and editing and publishing courses. They also offer classes for screenwriting (both TV and film).

They are currently offering a Master Class in Novel Writing taught by Alyx Dellamonica, author of the award-winning “The Town on Blighted Sea.” This class is just one of many that you can apply for, and has a registration fee of $3860 payable upon program acceptance. It is a 30 week master-level course limited to 8 students only. Not only does it include a guaranteed entry into the James Kirkwood Literary Awards competition, but your work during the course will be considered by a literary agent upon course completion.

There are several ways to enroll into the Writer’s Program, the primary methods being either online , by phone (call 1-800-825-9971), or in person (visit the UCLA Extension Temporary Registration Office on the 1 st floor at Gayley Center at 1145 Gayley Avenue). An estimated breakdown for the program’s tuition comes to roughly $5400. You’re strongly encouraged to check out the program’s information section here .

12. One Person Show Workshop with Anne Marie Scheffler (The Second City)

The Second City is an organization that was founded in 1959 by Bernie Sahlins, Howard Alk, and Paul Sills with the aim to make big waves in the entertainment industry. Among other things, Second City offers writing workshops at their Hollywood location like their Satirical Writing Intensive and their One Person Show Workshop , currently led by Anne Marie Scheffler.

Anne Marie Scheffler is a critically acclaimed solo performer who has won several credits and awards for her writing and acting. Through this workshop, she hopes to help you take advantage of your unique voice and put it to work. One Person Show Workshop 1 is offered in a 2-day intensive starting at $200, or a 5-day course with a 1-day showcase performance for $585. Classes are available between April 8 th to April 12 th , Monday to Friday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. If you’re interested in this writing class, you can enroll here .

13. Master Class with Alan Watt (LA Writer’s Lab)

The LA Writer’s Lab was founded by Alan Watt, the author of “The 90-Day Novel” and “The 90-Day Screenplay.” Alan founded LA Writer’s Lab back in 2002 to provide a place for writers to better develop their craft and ability to tell a story. Alan himself has worked as the writer and director of the award-winning film Interior Night , so he definitely can teach aspiring writers a thing or two about how to apply their skills to their unique stories.

Alan is currently offering a Master Class in writing intended for writers hoping to complete their projects for publication or production. The class takes place over 12 weeks and costs a total of $1150 ($575 upon registration, and $575 upon the 5 th class). This class is limited to 8 students per semester and takes place on Saturdays between 10:15am to 1:15PM. Due to the small class sizes, you’re strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

14. Organizing Your Writing with Scrivener by Neelanjana Banerjee (Writing Workshops LA)

Writing your story is one thing, but learning how to organize your ideas effectively is another. WWLA offers a class called Organizing Your Writing with Scrivener , hosted by Neelanjana Banerjee. The class takes place April 6 th and April 20 th between 11:00am to 1:00pm. The best part? It takes place online! For writers based in Los Angeles, or anywhere beyond, this means you can take part in a memorable and helpful learning experience regardless of your location.

Neelanjana is a successful author of short stories, poetry, and essays, which have been featured in Prairie Schooner, PANK, The Liner, and World Literature Today . Through this class, she hopes to help authors through their drafting stages and to help organize their notes through the well-known and industry-wide used tool Scrivener. The class is limited to 8 students only and costs $130 for new students, $120 for returning WWLA students. For more information, you can contact the team at WWLA via email .

15. Memorable Memoir Workshop with Wendy Lawless (Writing Pad)

Another fantastic class offered by Writing Pad includes Memorable Memoir Workshop with Wendy Lawless. The class takes place for seven Saturdays (June 1 st , June 8 th , June 15 th , June 22 nd , July 13 th , July 20 th , and July 27 th ) between 11:00am to 1:00pm. There are only two spots left in this course, so be sure to apply if you’re interested! The class itself costs $425 per person.

Wendy Lawless is a two-time New York Times bestselling author who specializes in memoirs. She’s written “Chanel Bonfire” and “Heart of Glass,” both critically acclaimed memoirs! Through this class, Wendy hopes to teach her students about how to craft an emotional journey that’s both vivid in detail and compelling for your readers. You can even bring in up to 1200 words to every other class to receive helpful feedback from both Wendy and your classmates. For more information, you can call the team at Writing Pad at (213) 325-6910 or send them an email .

Are you aware of any other writing classes in Los Angeles? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!

K. Z. Kwan is a freelance writer based out of Halifax, Canada.

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8 Best Creative Writing Classes in Los Angeles

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TV Structure for Pilot Writing

Writing Pad

In this one-day structure clinic, successful TV writer Farhan Arshad (Co-EP, FRASIER, UPLOAD, 3 Pilots) will help you apply the toolset of the scribe to root your story in a clearly defined genre, give it a rock-solid spine and compelling arcs that launch your pilot firmly into series.

Website: https://writingpad.com/classes/online-tv-structure-for-pi...

Categories: Fiction and Screenplay

Start date:

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

If you’re a self starter who’s looking for all the tools to hit the ground running or if you’re a newbie who wants to get an overview of what novel writing is all about, this is the class for you. Topics include: character, description, and dialogue.

Website: https://writingpad.com/classes/online-novel-101-class-gre...

Categories: Copywriting and Content

Open all year round

In this one-day structure clinic, TV writer Alicia Carroll will help you apply the toolset of the scribe to root your story in a clearly defined genre, give it a rock-solid spine and compelling arcs that launch your pilot firmly into series.

Website: https://writingpad.com/classes/?genre=TV%20Writing

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Short Story I

This course provides a foundational journey into the art of short fiction, focusing on core storytelling elements such as plot, perspective, setting, and character development. Participants will engage in various exercises and assignments to develop their story ideas, with the goal of drafting and revising a short story. Suitable for aspiring writers, the course is offered both in-person and online, spanning 10 weeks with a limited enrollment to ensure personalized guidance​​​​​​​​​​.

Website: https://www.uclaextension.edu/writing-journalism/creative...

Categories: Short Story

The 90-day Screenplay Workshop

L.A Writers' Lab

Alan Watt's 90-Day Screenplay workshop is a live Zoom course that takes you from concept to finished screenplay in 90 days. The 14-week workshop includes craft lessons, film clips, and writing exercises. Daily guidance letters and optional one-on-one story consultations (at an additional cost) are also offered​​​​​​​​​​.

Website: https://lawriterslab.com/online-writing-classes/90-day-sc...

Categories: Screenplay

The 90-day Memoir Writing Workshop

Taught by Alan Watt, this live Zoom workshop takes you from the initial idea to the completion of your memoir's first draft in 90 days. Meetings occur weekly on Thursdays for 14 weeks, combining craft lessons and writing exercises. Participants are expected to make a financial commitment, with a suggested donation of $1,500 and a minimum of $750.

Website: https://lawriterslab.com/online-writing-classes/90-day-me...

Categories: Memoir

The 90-day Novel Writing Workshop

This engaging 90-day live Zoom workshop, led by Alan Watt, guides you from the initial idea to the first draft of your novel. Meeting weekly for 14 weeks, it combines craft lessons with writing exercises. Daily letters provide further guidance, and recorded sessions are available for three weeks​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Website: https://lawriterslab.com/online-writing-classes/90-day-no...

Categories: Book

Creative Writing Workshop - All Genre

LA Writers Group

Engage in our weekly generative creative writing workshops, open to writers of all genres and skill levels. These workshops are hands-on, focusing directly on writing, with prompts inspired by various themes, educational aspects, craftsmanship, or creative exploration.

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-writing-workshop-al...

Categories: Fiction, Essay, Poetry, Nonfiction, Short Story, and Book

So you’re looking for creative writing classes in Los Angeles

Los Angeles isn’t just a Hollywood sign. It’s also a city brimming with stories, from shows for the silver screen to the books that we read on paper on the subway. As author Mike Sonksen once said, “The world is a suburb of Los Angeles”—so if you’re trying to sharpen your storytelling skills, you can’t go wrong by taking a creative writing class in Los Angeles.

This directory of the best writing courses in Los Angeles is meant to help you locate the right one for yourself.  We’ve included filters for price and genre so that you can quickly sort through the writing classes. And before you commit to any one writing class, consider the following questions:

• Who is the instructor?
• What is the price of the writing course?
• How far away is the writing course in Los Angeles? Is there a remote alternative?
• How long could the course last?

Got any questions about finding the right writing class in Los Angeles for you? Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] . Good luck!

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FICTION-WRITING CLASSES

Jonathan Blum’s fiction-writing workshops are among the best in L.A. according to  “ 15 Top Writing Classes in Los Angeles ” by Katrina Kwan of Writing Tips Oasis.

Welcome, writer. I offer workshops in Downtown Los Angeles as well as on Zoom. I have been teaching fiction writing in L.A. since 2015. My students have gone on to attend an array of MFA programs and to publish widely. You may enroll in any of my classes by scrolling down to the pay option and following the steps.

Please feel free to contact me with questions.

Classes are refundable up until 10 days before the class starts.

Students must be at least 18 years old.

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• Two-Month Advanced Workshop  in Downtown L.A. (Every other Saturday, July 6 - August 31)
• Two-Month Advanced Workshop  on Zoom (Every other Sunday, June 30 - August 25)

“ After a decade of writer’s block, I enrolled in Jonathan’s online workshop. Jonathan creates a supportive and thoughtful environment for the study of craft. He encouraged me to take risks as a writer and think deeply about stories in ways that I could never have imagined. His classes are truly life-altering. With Jonathan’s guidance, I applied to a number of top-notch MFA programs, and I’m thrilled that I’ll be attending Warren Wilson in the spring. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

Jaime Goodrich, 2020 and 2022 student

“ This is the best writing class in Los Angeles. Getting to attend Jonathan’s fiction writing workshop is like having the Iowa Writers’ Workshop come to you. Jonathan’s rare, thoughtful approach and innate brilliance will change you as a writer. Already I have had a short story turned into a draft of a novel and another short story published. Jonathan has helped me move my work to the next level.”

Arabella Field, 2017, 2018, and 2020 student

“ I recently finished a writing class with Jonathan, and it’s the best writing class I’ve ever taken. He is supportive and his classes attract talented writers, so you end up being surrounded by and getting feedback from not only Jonathan but a group of gifted writers. The class was an inspiring treat.”

Faiza Ambah, 2019 student

Segment: openings.

"I have taken many, many fiction writing classes, and Jonathan is one of the best instructors I’ve had. His knowledge of craft runs deep, and he is honest yet supportive. I highly recommend his class.”

Rachel Vogel

"Jonathan Blum is an amazing instructor. He really knows his stuff. I was a first-timer — never had I written any fiction. I genuinely enjoyed every class session. Writing is an art form and I am a much better artist because of this class and Jonathan.”

Heidy Garcia

“Jonathan’s workshop was a game-changer for me. I had long been rejecting the techniques and habits of Screenwriting 101, and his class presented me with a more honest, organic approach to storytelling. He had plenty of expert knowledge to share with us week to week, but the core of his class was in guiding each of us to find our own way as writers. It was incredibly empowering, and I only wish I’d found him sooner.”

SIX-WEEK WORKSHOP

Course description.

• Open to writers of all experience levels, including beginners. Class size limited to 10.
• We’ll start by discussing how fiction works, what makes for a good opening, and how to create and develop characters.
• Each member of the class will draft a short story or novel excerpt of up to 20 pages, to be workshopped by the group.
• You will read and discuss published short stories and do weekly writing exercises, designed to sharpen your fiction writing skills and generate new work.
• Throughout the course, you will study how to structure a story, imbue your writing with meaning, improve your use of language, and revise drafts.
• ONLINE WORKSHOP
• IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

TWO-MONTH ADVANCED WORKSHOP

• In this course, called Revision Workshop, you will study how to revise your own works of fiction.
• Our text will be a course reader I have created. The reader contains published short stories along with earlier drafts of these stories, as well as interviews and essays on revision.
• Throughout the course, you will do at-home exercises where you explore components of revision--characterization, use of setting, weaving in of history, etc. You will then share and discuss these exercises in class.
• Each writer will be able to workshop up to 30 pages of fiction. 
• The class is open to committed, experienced writers. Class size limited to 10.
• A writing sample may be requested for entry into this workshop.

Discover student success stories from real students:

Manuscript services.

I read fiction manuscripts, from short stories to novels. I am thorough about it too. I will closely read your work, send you a detailed written response, and talk with you on the phone about the work. The fee is 5 cents/word with a minimum charge of $200. Let me know if I can help.

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(323) 761-0453 [email protected].

Writopia Lab runs creative writing workshops and camps , college essay workshops (and private sessions ), and so much more at our Santa Monica lab in Los Angeles!

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Check out the Weekly Trimester-Long Schedule .

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If you love writing and want to share that love with young writers, apply today to join Writopia Lab! Click here to learn more!

Creative Writing Classes Los Angeles, CA

Find & compare hands-on Creative Writing courses near Los Angeles or live online. We’ve chosen 0 of the best Creative Writing courses from the top training providers to help you find the perfect fit.

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Upskill or reskill your workforce with our industry-leading corporate and onsite Creative Writing training programs. Conduct the training onsite at your location or live online from anywhere. You can also purchase vouchers for our public enrollment Creative Writing courses.

Learn More About Los Angeles Creative Writing Courses

For registration assistance and a list of partners and affiliate schools, see the Partners Page . Neither Classes Near Me (“CNM”) nor Noble Desktop is affiliated with any schools other than those listed on the Partners Page. The information provided on CNM for all schools is intended to provide information so that you may compare schools and determine which best suits your needs. The information provided is not updated regularly, so you should go to the schools website directly to verify their continued offerings. Neither CNM nor Noble Desktop can assist with registration for non-partner schools.

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8 Best Creative Writing Classes in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles is known for its vibrant creative scene , and it offers several excellent creative writing classes for aspiring writers. Here are eight highly regarded options:

• Writing Pad: Writing Pad offers a range of creative writing classes taught by experienced instructors. They provide classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced writers, covering various genres such as fiction, memoir, and screenwriting.
• UCLA Extension Writers’ Program: UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program is one of the most prestigious writing programs in the country. They offer a wide array of creative writing courses, including novel writing, short story writing, poetry, and nonfiction.
• The Writing Salon: The Writing Salon provides a nurturing environment for writers to develop their skills. They offer classes in various genres, including fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry, catering to both beginners and advanced writers.
• The Second City: Known primarily for its improv comedy, The Second City also offers writing courses. Their classes focus on comedy writing, sketch writing, and screenwriting, providing valuable skills for those interested in humorous and comedic writing.
• Los Angeles Writers’ Group: The Los Angeles Writers’ Group offers both online and in-person writing workshops. They provide a supportive community for writers to improve their craft, covering topics such as character development, plot structure, and finding an agent.
• Writers’ Program at the University of Southern California: USC’s Writers’ Program offers a range of creative writing courses taught by accomplished authors and industry professionals. They cover various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting , and television writing.
• The Idyllwild Arts Foundation: Located just outside Los Angeles in Idyllwild, California, the Idyllwild Arts Foundation offers a summer creative writing program. This intensive program allows writers to immerse themselves in their craft while surrounded by a beautiful mountain setting.
• Skylight Books: Skylight Books is an independent bookstore that also hosts creative writing workshops. These workshops focus on specific aspects of the writing process, such as character development, dialogue, and revision.

These are just a few of the many creative writing classes available in Los Angeles. Each of these options offers a unique learning experience, so aspiring writers can choose the one that best aligns with their goals and interests.

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Writing Workshops & Writing Retreats in Los Angeles & Online

Get words on the page..

View our creative writing workshops, retreats, and coaching programs here. In addition to writing workshops, we also offer daily writing challenges and coaching programs.

Our workshops encourage creativity, spark inspiration, teach writers to write better scenes, and help writers find other writers who understand the writing life.

We’d love to meet you.

Welcome to LA Writers Group.

Creative Writing Workshops:

These workshops are live on Zoom. We get right down to writing. Get words on the page based on writing prompts designed to increase creativity and help writers improve scene writing and storytelling skills. Some workshops may have a lecture component, and some may not. See workshop details.

Daily Writing Challenges:

My highly successful email-based writing challenges send you a daily writing prompt to get you back into a daily writing habit. Generate new ideas, learn to write better scenes, and commit to a daily creative practice.

Coaching Programs:

For those who are serious about completing a first draft. Choose from a more intensive one-on-one coaching program or the more affordable monthly coaching program.

If you are interested in receiving critique or guidance on your book project, please check out our Private Coaching options or schedule a free coaching/editing consultation .

Writing Retreats:

Coming Soon!!

InsideOUT Writers

Our MISSION

The mission of InsideOUT Writers is to reduce juvenile recidivism by providing a range of services that meets the unique needs of currently and formerly incarcerated youth and young adults.

Using creative writing as a catalyst for personal transformation, these young people are empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully re-integrate into our communities and become advocates for their futures.

Who we serve?

At insideout writers, we serve at-risk/at-promise, currently and formerly incarcerated, and foster youth and young adults.  once a member, always a member. we continue serving iow alumni members without ever charging a dime for our services. since 2009, we have served over 500 members with holistic case management services..

our impact inside?

Since 1996, we have provided over 26,000 youth with creative writing classes inside juvenile detention facilities. today we offer about 20 weekly creative writing classes inside la probation juvenile halls and camps., meet our executive director, jimmy wu.

A student of IOW's original Writing Program is one of IOW's first Alumni Program participants and is now one of the first ever hired by IOW. 

Looking for a job? We can help!

Our Alumni Program staff help at-risk/at-promise, formerly incarcerated, and foster youth with building resumes, interview skills, job leads, and submitting applications until you get a job. We even provide support after you get the job to make sure you keep it. Ask us how to get started today!

Need support? A dedicated IOW Advocate can help. 

Re-Entry support services

Mental health/counseling

Health/dental care access

Housing 

Job placement

Internships and Fellowships

Substance Abuse Treatment 

Community events and field trips

Weekly Writing Circles

Field trips and more!

View or download our IOW 2023 brochure

Get your hands on our IOW Brochure for yourself, to provide to your son/daughter, or to your. client for referral to our program. 

Easy to digest descriptions of our various programs at IOW. 

QR code to our Program Request Form.

Contact information to our Case Manager and Program Coordinator. 

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