Writing Pad

Professional

See all classes taught at Writing Pad

Downtown, Los Angeles, California

(54 Reviews)

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

(54 Reviews)

2/8/2022
Joanne M.

Attended: Memoir 101

It was good to have exercises and not just consist of lectures from the instructor. I would've enjoyed more participants sharing their writing.

12/13/2021
Jennifer s.

Attended: 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.

7/19/2021
Aneta M.

Attended: 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.

3/16/2021
Lisa M.

Attended: Story Structure

Excellent instructor, well-formatted, learned so much in 3 hours! Highly recommend.

1/17/2021
Anonymous

Attended: Literary Novel 101

Excellent for someone who had no background and is curious about writing a novel. Great class dynamic.

12/16/2020
Doug C.

Attended: Book Proposal I: An Online Book Proposal

Nicky was an absolutely fantastic instructor! The course was everything I had hoped for and more.

3/22/2020
Anonymous

Attended: Memoir 1: Memorable Memoir Workshop

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.

9/14/2019
Jennifer W.

Attended: Podcasting 1: Start Your Podcast

It was very informative and Anna Scott was a great instructor. I learned a ton and can't wait to start my podcast.

8/3/2019
Anonymous

Attended: Memoir 1: Memorable Memoir Workshop

Love it! Learned so much!

6/24/2019
Anonymous

Attended: NY Times Worthy Personal Essay

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.

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