February 2026
Hello,
Free Writing Workshops Online
Information for in-person workshop at The Sitting Room in Cotati, hosted by Nicole Zimmerman at the end.
Save the Dates!
Writers Forum Workshops
There will be three Writers Forum Workshops in February.
Free on Zoom 6 pm to 7:30 pm Pacific Time
No registration. Just enter the Zoom Room around 5:45.
Bring your questions for these amazing presenters!
Tuesday, February 10 Kate Farrell: Telling Your Life Story
Memoir writing is often an emotionally intense process that can resurrect old feelings and traumas. We’ll discuss the ups and downs of writing a memoir, how to find support, and techniques to use in the process.
Wednesday, February 18 Samantha Rose: Truth Telling in Memoir
In memoir writing, we set the intention to tell a truthful story about our lives but often, truths that were buried or unknown, come through in the writing. In the spirit of truth-telling, Sam will discuss the truths that emerged while writing Giving Up the Ghost and how they shifted the story she had been telling myself for much of her life.
Thursday, February 26 Debra Koehler: Making it to “The End”—Trusting Your Writing Journey
Debra will share her writing journey, from believing she couldn’t possibly be imaginative enough to write fiction, to producing a four-book fantasy series. Her talk will cover how intuition helped her to write and move beyond the setbacks and blocks that can be part of any writer’s journey.
For robust Forum discussions, prior to the event:
Read Kate Farrell’s Substack ONCE UPON: A Storyteller’s Memoir
Read “Giving Up the Ghost, A Daughter’s Memoir” by Samantha Rose.
And “Amoran” by Debra Koehler.
Wednesday, February 11, 8 am Introduction to Self-Publishing Masterclass by Alexandra Armor
The Introduction to Self-Publishing Masterclass is a free 90-minute webinar about what self-publishing is, what it isn’t, how to avoid the scams that new writers can fall prey to, and how to get started on a self-publishing journey. Hosted by Alexandra Amor, The Self-Publishing Coach. Registration is required.
Zoom Co-Writing with Kathy McKernan
7 am – 12:30 pm Pacific. Last Saturday and Sunday of each month.
Sessions are FREE, no registration. Anyone diving deeply into a creative project is welcome. You don’t have to stay the whole time. Sundays close with a visit from The Brevity Blog editor Allison K Williams to discuss writing and publishing questions.
Read Kathy’s January 20, 2026 Brevity post, “Writing Long: Unlocking Your Story with Deep Work” to understand the benefits of uninterrupted writing time.
Writing Workshop for a Fee
Concept-to-Draft:
Six Weeks to Birth Your Short(est) Story Taught by Audrey Kalman
Cost: $333
Six Wednesdays, March 4 through April 8, 4-5:30 pm PT
and
Five Saturdays, March 7 through April 4, 10 am-noon PT:
Community Writing Sessions
These online workshops will guide you from inspiration through creation, writing, and initial editing of a short story or creative nonfiction piece. You’ll get practical strategies for generating story ideas, recognizing compelling openings and characters, earning your ending, sharpening voice, and working with pacing. Participants will write during each session using Birth Your Truest Story’s effective blend of inspiring prompts, with time for sharing and questions.
Taught by Audrey Kalman, author, coach, editor, and co-creator of the Birth Your Truest Story writers’ community. Registration is required.
Free In-Person Writing Workshop
Nicole Zimmerman facilitates Round Table discussions at the Sitting Room Library in Cotati to support the challenging process of bringing a book to fruition.
“Round Tables are a new way of getting small groups in conversation using the rich resources of the Sitting Room Library.
No cost, no advance preparation needed.
“Are you in the midst of (or ready to begin) working on a memoir and feeling isolated in your writing or revision process?
Whether you’re stuck in the messy middle, inspired by reams of research, or unsure where to start, find camaraderie with fellow writers of creative nonfiction (CNF).
Rather than critique others’ work, we’ll simply check in on our own progress—sharing stumbling blocks and successes, brainstorming craft issues, and perhaps reading short excerpts aloud from our works-in-progress for encouragement.”