Writing Pad
Classes in Los Angeles
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.
20 classes with availability
Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials Class with Erika Schickel
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Step into the craft of turning personal experiences into captivating narratives with memoirist Erika Schickel. Pick up insights on building compelling emotional journeys, growing vivid storytelling, and stepping deep into your own narrative. Whether you're a seasoned writer or new to memoirs, uncover the techniques for bringing your story to life.
NY Times Worthy Personal Essay with Brett Paesel
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Dream of placing a personal essay in The New York Times? Let Brett Paesel, a "Modern Love" contributor, walk you through the process. In this workshop, you'll learn the unspoken expectations of the format, receive expert feedback, and shape a polished essay ready for submission. Ideal for writers looking to break into prestigious publications and lift their personal storytelling.
Oct 20th
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Nov 15th
2–5pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Nov 16th
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Memoir 1: Memorable Memoir Workshop with Erika Schickel
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Turn your life's stories into captivating narratives with Erika Schickel. In this engaging online workshop, you will learn how to craft a compelling memoir with authenticity and vivid detail. Pick up personalized feedback and discover the secrets to turning memory into a powerful emotional journey. A great fit for new and experienced writers alike.
Oct 21st
5–8pm PT
Meets 4 Times
Oct 24th
10am–1pm PT
Meets 4 Times
Dec 9th
5–8pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Screenwriting 1 with Chris Reed
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Discover the keys to crafting a standout script with veteran screenwriter Chris Reed. This online class walks through essential screenwriting abilities, from story structure and character development to formatting and scene writing. Pick up industry insight, sidestep common pitfalls, and shape your movie idea into a polished script ready for the next stage.
Oct 24th
10:30am–1:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Jan 16th
10:30am–1:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Book Proposal 1 with Rachel Kambury
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Learn how to craft a compelling book proposal that grabs the attention of agents and publishers. With expert guidance from an industry professional, you will develop a pitch-perfect overview, annotated outline, and marketing strategy tailored to your book. The course gives you the tools to present your project in its best light and move your publishing dreams forward.
Jan 20th
5–7pm PT
Meets 7 Times
Horror Feature Writing 1 with Cheryl Meyer
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Build the craft of horror screenwriting and bring your terrifying vision to life. Explore high-concept ideas, blend subgenres, and craft compelling characters that haunt the screen. With expert guidance, uncover the practices of structure, suspense, and scares while making your script shockingly producible. Step inside if you dare and start building the next breakout fear fest.
Oct 20th
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 4 Times
Dec 1st
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
TV 3 with Mike Ellis
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Refine your TV pilot script with expert guidance focused on strengthening story, dialogue, and action. Learn to weave thematic elements into your work and perfect your opening scene. With targeted feedback and techniques for transforming your draft, you will be on your way to a standout pilot that advances your career.
Oct 20th
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 8 Times
Nov 15th
10:30am–1:30pm PT
Meets 8 Times
Feb 9th
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 8 Times
Memoir 3: Memorable Memoir Workshop with Erika Schickel
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Take your memoir to the finish line with expert guidance in this advanced workshop. Built for experienced writers, you'll receive personalized feedback and exercises to address specific challenges while making major progress on your manuscript. Join a supportive writing group and develop the tools to refine your memoir with grace and flair.
Oct 26th
5–8pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Nov 8th
10:30am–1:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
TV Drama 2: Draft Writing Workshop with Evelyn Yves
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Turn your TV pilot outline into a compelling script with techniques that strengthen structure, dialogue, and character development. Learn how to craft engaging scenes, establish a distinctive voice, and create an opening that hooks readers from the first page. Gain valuable feedback while making meaningful progress toward a polished, production-ready draft.
Nov 7th
10:30am–2pm PT
Meets 8 Times
Dec 13th
10:30am–2pm PT
Meets 8 Times
Humor Writing with Rebecca Saltzman
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Sharpen your comedic voice and shape your own humor piece in this engaging writing class with Rebecca Saltzman (New Yorker, McSweeney's). Learn techniques for political satire, comic monologues, and more through fun exercises and expert guidance. Leave with a polished, publication-ready piece.
Nov 9th
5–8pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Jan 11th
5–8pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Copywriting with Dan Hofstadter
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Discover how to turn your writing talent into a successful career in copywriting. Learn to shape compelling brand stories, work with SEO, and build attention-grabbing content for the web, social media, and advertising. Pick up insider knowledge from a working industry expert and develop a portfolio that helps you stand out from the crowd.
Oct 26th
5:30–7:30pm PT
Meets 7 Times
Short Story 1: Writing Workshop with Katherine Taylor
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Ready to publish your short story in a top literary journal? Join Katherine Taylor, a seasoned writer for The Los Angeles Times and ZYZZYVA, as she guides you in shaping a compelling narrative. Through in-class exercises and thoughtful talks, you'll develop a polished, publication-ready story while learning key elements of fiction. Ideal for writers ready to lift their work and get published.
Nov 1st
10am–1pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Jan 24th
10am–1pm PT
Meets 5 Times
How to Hook a Literary Agent with Roma Panganiban
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Take the guesswork out of the publishing process with expert guidance on attracting literary representation. Learn how to present your manuscript effectively, avoid common submission pitfalls, and make your work stand out in a competitive market. Receive personalized feedback and leave with a practical strategy for pursuing publication with confidence.
Oct 24th
10am–1pm PT
Meets 2 Times
TV Comedy 1: Pilot Writing Workshop with Berkley Johnson
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Learn how to develop a standout comedy pilot with guidance from a successful TV writer. Craft engaging characters, shape the DNA of your show, and refine your story's comedic elements. With expert feedback, you'll build a solid beat sheet that captures the essence of your series and positions you for success in the writers' room.
Nov 9th
5:30–8:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
TV Drama 1: Pilot Workshop with Nina Fiore
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Build a compelling one-hour television drama from concept to structure under the guidance of an experienced showrunner. Learn to craft a sharp logline, break story beats, and shape a season arc that sustains momentum. Through pitching and workshopping, refine tone, voice, and world-building to create a clear, production-ready pilot blueprint.
Nov 9th
6–9pm PT
Meets 5 Times
Feb 1st
6–9pm PT
Meets 5 Times
TV Drama 1: Pilot Workshop with John Herrera
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Bring your TV drama concept to life with coaching from a seasoned showrunner. Craft a sharp logline, structure a compelling pilot, and map a season arc that hooks audiences. Through workshopping and pitch practice, you will refine your voice and finish a beat sheet for a standout one-hour script.
Nov 14th
10am–1pm PT
Meets 5 Times
TV Comedy 1: Pilot Writing Workshop with Anna Salinas
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Bring your comedy concept to life with coaching from a successful TV writer. Learn how to define your show's DNA, build unforgettable characters, and craft a strong beat sheet for a standout pilot. With expert feedback and practical tools, you will move one big step closer to your own breakout series.
Nov 15th
10:30am–1:30pm PT
Meets 5 Times
TV Pitching: Sell It In The Room with Nathan Varni
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Take your TV pitch to the next level with expert guidance from an industry insider. Learn essential techniques to refine your hook, deliver a compelling presentation, and handle executive feedback with confidence. Gain firsthand insights into the pitching process and receive personalized feedback to sharpen your story and make it stand out in the room.
Oct 24th
10:30am–1:30pm PT
Meets 2 Times
NY Times Worthy Personal Essay 101 with Brett Paesel
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Discover how to write a compelling personal essay with expert guidance from a published author. The course teaches you how to turn everyday experiences into powerful narratives, with strategies for crafting stories that catch the attention of major publications. Begin your path toward an essay worthy of outlets like the New York Times or Salon.
TV 2: TV Draft Writing Workshop with Brett Paesel
Writing Pad See all classes by this school
Ready to turn your TV pilot outline into a strong first draft? Get focused guidance from a seasoned writer as you refine structure, sharpen dialogue, and bring your characters to life. By the end you will have key scenes on the page and the momentum to finish, with insights that lift your script above the pack.
Nov 12th
5–8pm PT
Meets 10 Times
Reviews of Writing Pad
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Screenwriting 101 with Chris Reed
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Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials Class with Erika Schickel
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Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials Class with Erika Schickel
The class was awesome. Very clear and jam packed with information. I would have liked to get the slides though as taking notes when it was moving so quickly was tough. Erika was wonderful, energetic and totally motivating. -
Adaptation to TV Pilot
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Resistance Smackdown: A Creative Writing Restoration Workshop with Erika Schickel
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TV Dramedy 101
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TV Structure for Pilot Writing with Alicia Carroll
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Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials with Laura Cathcart Robbins
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. -
Short Story 101 with Katherine Taylor
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Screenwriting 101 with Chris Reed
Very informative and inspirational! Highly recommend. -
TV 101: TV Writing Fundamentals Seminar
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Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials with Laura Cathcart Robbins
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
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
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
Excellent instructor, well-formatted, learned so much in 3 hours! Highly recommend. -
Screenwriting 101
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TV Structure for Pilot Writing
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Literary Novel 101
Excellent for someone who had no background and is curious about writing a novel. Great class dynamic. -
Short Story 101
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Book Proposal I: An Online Book Proposal
Nicky was an absolutely fantastic instructor! The course was everything I had hoped for and more.