Wanted to thank you, Elna, for another good story class through Writing Pad. Though i was expecting to write, not stand and deliver, it was such a treat (in the end) to jump hurdles I never thought i would or could. Your feedback is precise, actionable and supportive. What a gift to the many who work with you. Thanks. Marilyn read more

So I went to a community pop-up dinner with my coworker a few months ago and we were chatting with this cool artsy couple sitting next to us at the table. Marilyn and Jeff turned out to be both writers, and I told them that when I'm not at my day job, I've written a few pieces that were published on digital lifestyle sites. We bonded over the trolling/haterade we all received in the comments sections. I mentioned that I'd been feeling too lazy and uninspired to write recently and they told me they actually founded a writing school called the Writing Pad, where different well-known writers come in and teach the field they specialize in. I looked it up online later and browsed through their current curriculum to find what interests me. I picked the 5-week personal essay workshop. I'm currently halfway through it, but so far the workshop has exceeded my expectations. Not only does it teach you about the common structure and do's and don'ts of that particular genre, the group keeps you motivated to continue and finishing your writing by holding you accountable to a certain schedule. It is a very safe environment to share your personal stories, where everyone is supportive but isn't afraid of offering constructive criticism because they all want to help you. The person running this particular workshop is Mark Luckach who has been published in the NY Times and is currently working on a book with an agent. I find him incredibly helpful, probably because his regular job is a school teacher :) Lastly personally I had only worked on writing in my own home or at a cafe before, and sometimes I would get distracted, but I really like the environment of the Writing Pad: it feels like a nice clean living room, and the tall ceiling makes the space feel really big and free. The comfortable chairs and couches, various snacks and refreshments also really help the creative juices when you're sitting in the same spot for hours at a time. I look forward to checking out more of the classes here! read more

Writing Pad - super homey feel! but you know, like a really clean and nice person's house :) - Specialty Schools Near Me - San Francisco, California

I took the 5-week oral storytelling class with Corey in SF. In the month since, I've won TWO local storytelling competitions. I can directly attribute my success to the wonderful things I learned at Writing Pad. The class was not cheap, neither in price nor class. The substantial investment made me take every class seriously, arrive on time (except the first one!), and put my heart and soul into my work. Jeff and Marilyn, Mr and Mrs Pad, run the school at the pinnacle where professionalism meets a friendly, off the cuff vibe. They're so devoted to their cause, they even took the class along with us! Corey's simple approach, as well as the down-to-Earth environment of the Writing Pad, instilled confidence and a can-do participation aspect I've found largely lacking from institutional learning. This wasn't about admiring great storytellers; it was an immediate, nuts-and-bolts approach to improving my own personal self-expression. Corey's easy-to-use structure liberated my creative self, freeing a back-up/ pent-up logjam of ideas. Dealing with massive performance anxiety, Corey's "yes, and" technique set me free to fail without fear or shame, and turned classmate feedback from an intimidating ordeal into an exciting collaboration! Truly, that's a gift. But the greatest gift of this class was the deeper lesson, the personal transformation that happened within the class itself. Whether we knew it or not, wanting to tell our stories masked something deeper, a personal need for growth, be it in self-acceptance, performance anxiety, perfectionism, vulnerability, a tendency to ramble... I saw all my classmates improve and transform in these areas under the Writing Pad's guidance-- a bargain at twice the price! read more

I've taken a couple of their classes online, and one in LA. Each time, I found the teachers to be top-notch. They've motivated me to produce work I didn't know I had in me. It's always better to take the classes in person, though, so I'm glad they've opened a branch in SF. Looking forward to many more writing adventures! read more

I came upon the Writing Pad quite by accident. Walking in the Marin Headlands, I noticed a slip of paper the size of a fortune-cookie fortune on the path in front of me. I stooped to pick it up, and found on it a phone number and the Writing Pad's url. I'd recently begun thinking of taking a writing class to help get myself back into the practice, so the timing was auspicious. Plus, I rarely hike in the Headlands, so to come upon a tiny slip of paper there that led me to a class I'd been thinking of taking anyway--well, the randomness was bizarre. I don't believe in fate, but I signed up anyway, and I'm glad I did. I took a class on writing short fiction. The class was small enough to be comfortable, and the instructor, Suzanne Rivecca, was very good. She was a professional, having won a Stegner Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts grant in the past. She was also smart and articulate, and she had the rare ability to offer constructive criticism in a way that challenged me to improve without making me feel embarrassed about my work. In addition, as part of the class, an editor from the SF literary journal Zyzzyva spent an hour-and-a-half at one of our meetings answering questions about getting published. Who knows, maybe you'll read about me one day in the New York Review of Books. I'd have to change my belief about fate then, I suppose. The Writing Pad seems to have put together a long list of accomplished writers to teach their classes, and I look forward to taking other classes in the future. read more

I've taken the Storytelling class with Corey Rosen twice and both times were a joy. I went from swapping stories with friends to presenting at The Moth and other storytelling gatherings within a very short time. The classes are comfortable and welcoming, providing an open space for any sort of story one wants to tell. I got tips re: what The Moth looks for in structure, theme etc. Corey is a treasure trove of advice and guidance and works well with all levels of students. The classes have been a personal rebirth for me and have instilled me with a much needed confidence boost. Concluding the class with a performance in a theatre is the perfect capstone. My time in Writing Pad has been invaluable and I would highly recommend the Storytelling classes to anyone interested in learning how to tell really great stories. read more

Writing Pad has honestly been one of the greatest things to happen to my life. I always knew I loved writing, I had lots of stories but lacked the structure to get them on paper or tell them on a stage. I started with the personal essay class, and I produced a 1,200 word essay that is on the desk at Elle right now, and will hopefully be published in a few weeks! After that I was hooked. I took the introductory storytelling class with Corey Rosen, and performed my story at the Moth a few weeks later in front of hundreds of people. I'm currently taking the memoir class and am excited to start up Radio Storytelling in the next few weeks. The staff, teachers, and participants at the Writing Pad are truly top notch. It is such a supportive environment and I've learned so much during my time there. It has breathed new life into me and I can't recommend it enough. read more

One of the best things I did in 2015 was take Writing Pad classes. I had been in a creative slump for years and couldn't jumpstart on my own, knew I needed some type of structure but was intimidated by the thought of taking a class and sharing work but I saw an ad for the Writing Pad in a local cafe and it immediately resonated. The workshop offerings were very appealing (Personal Essay, Storytelling to name two), and they were only 4 or 5 weeks so not a totally risky investment in case I couldn't hack it. I really wanted to take the storytelling class with Corey Rosen, host of the local Moth story slams, but it didn't fit into my schedule and I knew if I didn't take the leap right then and there inertia might again take over. I saw Personal Essay Writing was the next up so I closed my eyes and pressed "purchase". The class was wonderful. Mark is such a generous teacher both with insight into his creative process and great critical feedback. Ideas started to flow and it was surprisingly easy to share work with everyone partly because Mark was very encouraging and we were all sharing personal work. The group was a nice mix of experienced and new writers but Mark took our work seriously and everyone's work improved over the course of the class. He offered advice on where and how to go about publishing our work and next steps. I signed up for storytelling as soon as I finished Mark's class. I am having so much fun with it. Corey does comedy improv with Bay Area Theater Sports and has incorporated some fun theater games as warm ups to help us with our performance skills. We also go over story structure and the most effective ways to tell vs. write a story. I intend to prepare some stories for local Moth nights and take a second class with Corey. I am so happy I found the Writing Pad--when I'm in my car, instead of compulsively worrying about work, I'm finding myself practicing my stories. As far as the class space--I like it. It's small but intimate and I don't find it distracting unless people come late and the phone/bell rings, but late-comer would be disruptive anyway. If I had one criticism it would be that the classes would benefit from being a bit smaller to give a bit more time for individual critique. At the same time I feel like i'm building a new community. Marilyn and Jeff (who run the school) are always inviting folks to literary events and social gatherings so there are lots of opportunities to connect with other writers beyond the classes. I highly recommend the writing pad for anyone who likes to write regardless of if you are published or a newbie! read more

I recently completed the Personal Essay workshop with Kathryn Goldberg and I have nothing but positive feedback for both Kathryn and the Writing Pad. I have always enjoyed writing but I've fallen out of the habit in the last few years. This workshop gave me the structure and encouragement to actually sit down and finish something. I've taken a couple writing workshops elsewhere and this class was my favorite by far. I loved that the class has a clear purpose: craft a polished essay and walk away with the tools you need to get it published. Kathryn emailed the class before our first session with some readings and asked us to begin working on our essay pitches. I appreciated that we were able to dive in on the first session and make the most out of the limited class time. Each session began with a short lecture but we spent the bulk of our time discussing our pieces. Kathryn came prepared with some detailed notes for each writer and would follow-up with emails after class. The structure of these sessions was conducive to lively, constructive discussions. I also found that workshopping my classmate's pieces was as rewarding as discussing my own. As a bonus, the Writing Pad staff are super friendly. They keep the space feeling tidy and provide snacks, tea, and coffee. I would recommend this workshop to writers at all levels. The non-intimidating setting and clear instruction make it a welcoming place to share your work. read more

I took the personal essay class with Kathryn Goldberg. Prior to the class I had a light writing practice and zero experience publishing essays. With the help of Kathryn and the community of writers we created during the workshop, I learned how to structure and pitch essays for online and print publications. Beyond the practical knowledge, the Writing Pad created a safe space for people who might have not consider themselves Writers to own their craft. Listening to the experiences and words of the other participants helped me gain greater insight of what makes for good writing. With any class you take, you get from it what you put into it. I valued having deadlines, the support of my classmates and the critical eye of Kathryn's tenure working as a professional writer. I am currently working with an editor who is interested in publishing the essay I wrote for this class. If that isn't proof of the efficacy of The Writing Pad, I don't know what is. read more

I've taken a few classes at Writing Pad. The classes are taught by people who have been successful in their craft. I took a personal essay class, and was very pleased. I took a blog writing class and a class on how to get published. The teachers are always insightful. The publishing class even had a guest Editor from a literary magazine. I also took storytelling with Corey Rosen. His teaching style is a lot like mine. Corey has a foundation in improv, which is very helpful in writing and performing. I would definitely recommend his class for any beginning storyteller. He talks about story structure, memorization and mic techniques. I would also recommend this class for anyone interested in telling 5 minute stories, especially at The Moth. As David M. points out, Corey shares the structure that is most popular at Moth events. Corey has insightful feedback for stories, and that alone, is worth taking his class for anyone at any level. I really like the casual atmosphere of all the classes there. Jeff and Marilyn always provide healthy snacks and tea/coffee. AND if you miss a class, they record it for you! read more

Writing pad changed my life. I am still finishing my book. Almost done 1 year later... but they also gave me the confidence to continue my short stories. I have two published short stories! As with any school the experience depends on the teacher you get but these are all experienced writers with devoted students. read more

I really learned a lot from the Storytelling class with Corey. I feel the structural things I learned permeating everything I make now. The community aspect, the fact that it is in person and that we all paid for it and are all doing our best, makes it so special and beautiful. I would recommend this class the most highly. read more

I love Writing Pad. I produced my first solo show with workshops at Writing Pad. The best part of WP is that the owners, (Mr. & Mrs. Writing Pad) really care a lot about their students and they help them reach success by constant encouraging as well as promotion help. All of the teachers I've worked with are professionals who are out there in the world creating high quality work. I'm in a Masters of Fine Arts writing program and I can say that the classes at Writing Pad are a lot more affordable than grad school, but the education they give is unparalleled because it is practical! Take classes here. Maybe I'll meet you! read more

I love taking classes -- anything from yoga to bike mechanics. Online classes are great, but nothing beats the good old fashioned interpersonal, interactive classes. When I lived in Manhattan, I took classes at the Gotham Writers Workshop and I was deep on the hunt for something similar in SF when I stumbled upon Writing Pad. Much to my happy surprise, writing pad had SEVERAL different selections of writing classes from memoir writing to podcasting. Additionally they have a star-studded group of teachers. I saw mine on ABC one night when I was watching TV!! I cant' say enough good things about Writing Pad or the teachers, or the founders!! read more

The Writing Pad has helped me get back on track with my writing and do it with a clear goal in mind. I've taken 2 classes with them and both instructors were encouraging, warm, and offered real-world advice to help turn my writing into a published piece. I've also benefitted from the insights and work shared by other students in the small,intimate classes, which has been an added bonus. I just wish I had more hours in the day to take their classes! Very excited to try the storytelling class with Cory Rosen next. They have a tremendous and growing catalogue of classes that sound fun, enriching, and (hopefully) career advancing. Thanks Marilyn and Jeff! read more

The short story workshop I took with Jodi Angel blew me away. Jodi was a fantastic instructor (knowledgeable, encouraging, just the right amount of pushy) and the other writers in the room seriously impressed me with what they produced during our exercises. I left feeling inspired and motivated to work on some shorter pieces I had sketched out (who knew my kids were going to get sick for nearly two months straight?). The Pad itself is such a great, warm space. It's in Potrero in a building that must have many visual artists, because the walls are lined with gorgeous art. I could have spent some serious time just taking in everything on in hallway. The loft itself is warm and clean, filled with sunlight (which is important to me). Marilyn and Jeff (Mrs. and Mr. Pad) were there, offering coffee, tea, and awesome snacks (they take your gluten-free needs into account). They followed up with me afterward. They are so encouraging and lovely. So, yeah, GO! Take a class. You will not regret it. read more

Jodi Angel taught a great class packed with tips and exercises. The hosts sparkled with good energy and encouragement, the 'writing pad' was comfortable and high-ceiling'd (not a word, but hey I'm a student), and I met some other interesting writers. Worth every minute of it --- and our exercises were timed. read more

My one experience with Writing Pad -- a class on writing a personal essay -- was very positive. The instructor was very knowledgeable and generous with his time and expertise. Fellow students all had powerful stories of their own to tell, and they were all generally supportive and gave excellent feedback. I'm confident that I'll see my work in print, or in pixels. The venue was easy to get to, and there's plenty of street parking. Overall I'm very glad I took this class. read more

I was a Writing Pad groupie when I lived in LA and I'm thrilled they have opened a SF location. This is the best kind of class: The environment is always welcoming, supportive and comfortable. The food and snacks are a wonderful bonus, and the teachers are all experienced, professional and dynamic in their own way. Highly recommended!! A++ read more

I have taken a lot of classes in the City and what I really liked about the two that I took at the Writing Pad was that they were both goal-oriented. At the end of Corey Rosen's Storytelling class you have a story you can (and do!) perform in a show and and in KK Goldberg's Personal Essay class you complete an essay to send out and hopefully get published (fingers still crossed on this one!). The teachers are talented professionals who create a comfortable environment in which to share personal work. Marilyn and Jeff are very accommodating and friendly and do all they can to make sure you have a good experience. read more

I just completed the Personal Essay class with Kathryn Goldberg and really loved it. Her feedback was incredibly helpful and the class was fast paced and very interesting. I am thrilled that I was able to complete an actual essay, and be proud of it - something at the beginning of class I did not think I could do at all. I can't wait to take another one of her classes or another one at writing pad - they are the best! read more