The Writing Studio, founded by Elana Golden, offers classes and workshops in creative and personal writing to experienced and beginning writers. With over 17 years of experience and 4000 classes, it is a unique and highly respected Los Angeles school.
Elana Golden teaches writing through the use of the personal story for the sake of peacemaking and beauty. She founded the Los Angeles based Writing Studio™ in January 2000, and since then has taught over 3500 classes, workshops and individual sessions in creative, personal writing to experienced and beginning writers, screenwriters, as well as coached many actors for auditions and parts.
In addition to the ongoing weekly classes at the Writing Studio’s permanent location in Los Angeles, Elana has taught her workshops in Colorado, Arizona, the Bay Area, and at the Skirball Cultural Center of Los Angeles. She also worked with Palestinian and Jewish high school students from Israel/Palestine using creative writing as part of a peacemaking training program, and with Palestinian women in Orange County.
There are no other schools in LA like The Writing Studio. Elana has taught over 4000 classes and workshops in the US and abroad, and the school has been in operation for 17 years!
The Writing Studio
Hollywood, Hollywood Near the intersection of La Brea & Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, California 90036
Reviews of The Writing Studio
(4.7-star rating across
56 reviews)
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Anonymous
• April 21, 2024
The class was not at all what I expected. We spent most of the time writing (1.5 hours) and the feedback was vague because the instructor never actually read our work - we read it out loud. There's no opportunity for anyone to have an entire story heard/read at once. This was a very frustrating experience. I can write for free. I was hoping to learn something about the craft of writing and get constructive feedback on lines and structure. That didn't happen.
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Eric W. • December 21, 2023
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Lynne H. • February 8, 2023
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Anna D. • January 13, 2022
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
RICK CHERTOFF • September 23, 2021
Beyond learning skills I needed somebody who "gets" what I write, what I'm interested in, and Then gives the kind of feedback that "feeds" my desire to write. I have a life of my own stories I want to tell and Elana at the Writing Studio consistently, actually without fail, is ready to help me birth those stories.
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Sina • September 16, 2021
I have been taking creative writing class with Elana for the past two years, both in person and on Zoom. I especially like that the class is on Zoom, because I can still benefit from receiving invaluable writing instructions and writing experiences that Elana provides, in the comfort of my own home. I highly recommend this class for those who are looking for a small class setting with personalized instruction and feedback, and looking to transform stories into works of art.
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Heather Sioux • September 13, 2021
I came to Elana's class through a gift certificate my cousin had given me for my Birthday and I must say this is the most serendipitous birthday gift yet! I initially attended a one day workshop where I was able to begin cultivating my ability and discover my voice, and I enjoyed it so much I've continued with weekly sessions. It's been ten months now! Elana leads the classes with intention, kindness and mutual respect, throughout the course of our time tougher so far I feel I've been able to further hone my creativity and expression. I attend class via zoom from the east coast and although I have never met Elana or any of my writing cohort in person they have all become an important community to me during this pandemic.
I'm so grateful to have met Elana and for my experiences in our weekly sessions! Elana thank you so much for your wisdom, commitment and light. I truly hope we can meet in person one day.
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Rochelle Caplan • September 10, 2021
I have been taking creative writing lessons with Elana Golden from January 2020. Prior to the COVID epidemic I attended in-person classes and since the onset of the epidemic I have participated in weekly classes via Zoom. Irrespective of the venue, whether in-person or virtual, Elana's classes are excellent. The feedback she provides on my writing samples and on those of other students has helped me to begin to understand the nuts and bolts and do's and don'ts of writing a novel. Elana is devoted to her students' work and often comes up with additional thoughts and insights about their writing during the week after class and before the next lesson. I highly recommend these classes to anyone who wants to learn creative writing.
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Deborah Myers • September 10, 2021
I have been participating in Elana’s classes, at first in person, now on zoom, for over a year and a half. To say I enjoy them is an understatement. She creates an environment that allows and encourages you to write deeply from your heart. The three hours each week I spend with Elana and the others in the group are a time of exploration and self-knowing I would not experience were I writing on my own. She teaches technique organically, and gives you the insight to see your writing more deeply as it and you evolve. Classes with Elana have become a priority activity in my week that I cherish.
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Anonymous
• September 10, 2021
I have been attending Elana's class now for two years. I started in her cozy living room and since the pandemic have been attending via Zoom. Elana is a great instructor. She is nurturing yet knows how to gently push her students to put their best work on paper. The weekly sessions are both relaxing and rejuvenating. Elana addresses each student with helpful constructive feedback and encourages positivity from the rest of the group. I've stuck around as long as I have because Elana makes my work feel worth it.
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Gwen Hummel • September 10, 2021
I've taken classes with Elana Golden both in her home (pre-pandemic) and on Zoom during the pandemic - she is definitely a teacher of substance and never fails to have substantial and valuable things to say - she is equally good in person and on Zoom - I've been doing her three-hour classes weekly for about two years now and I consider this to be one of the best things I do each week. She never disappoints. I would mourn terribly if she ever went away.
Saturday Creative Writing Workshop
Joi W. • April 20, 2020
Elana was an incredible guide!
I truly enjoyed her class!
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Kiara R. • February 19, 2020
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
David B. • January 24, 2020
Elana is a very skilled and intuitive teacher. Her suggestions were incredibly helpful.
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Malcolm G. • January 17, 2020
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Deborah M. • January 9, 2020
Saturday Creative Writing Workshop
Heidi B. • November 18, 2019
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Sydell W. • August 28, 2019
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Barri F. • August 13, 2019
Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom
Jesse N. • June 27, 2019
Love Elana love her class love the other students. Nothing not to love!
Students at The Writing Studio have expressed their appreciation for the classes, highlighting the valuable skills they acquired and the supportive environment that facilitated their growth as writers. Many students mentioned Elana's ability to provide personalized feedback and guidance that helped them hone their creativity and express themselves authentically. The classes, whether in person or on Zoom, were described as positive experiences where students could explore their writing deeply and receive valuable insights into storytelling techniques. The sense of community formed among the students was also noted as an important aspect of the classes, especially during the pandemic. Overall, students expressed gratitude for Elana's wisdom, commitment, and nurturing approach, indicating that their experiences in the classes had a significant impact on their writing journey.
Direct quotes:
1. "Elana creates a space of sacred freedom where the creative soul inside of you cannot help but come alive."
2. "Elana's wisdom, intuition, encouragement, safety, and constructive feedback provide a trusting invitation to write and is sure to bring an author out of anyone who has a unique story to share - which is all of us."
3. "Elana's gentle inclusive setting stimulated my writing skills to the next level. I can now call myself an accomplished writer."
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