Spring 2026
Hello,
Information about writing workshops.
Some are free. Some have a fee.
Writers Forum March 26
6 pm to 7:30 pm Pacific Time
Free on Zoom
Samantha Rose, Debra Koehler, and Marlene Cullen in conversation about the business of writing, from researching to publishing to promotion.
We will discuss different strategies leading to the goal of publication.
Samantha Rose is an award-winning television producer and an internationally bestselling ghostwriter of nearly twenty titles, some selected for Reese’s Book Club and Target Bookmarked Picks.
She is the principal of Yellow Sky Media, a boutique editorial agency in Petaluma, California, where she lives with her son.
Her memoir, “Giving Up the Ghost: A Daughter’s Memoir” was awarded Best Memoir at the 2025 San Francisco Book Festival.
Debra Koehler lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and three rescue cats.
Her debut novel, Amoran: A Cozy Contemporary Portal Fantasy with Humor and a Touch of Romance, is available where paperbacks and ebooks are sold.
In Jumpstart Writing Workshops and her blog, The Write Spot, Marlene Cullen creates welcoming spaces where writers feel safe, encouraged, and often wonderfully surprised by their writing. She is the editor of The Write Spot Series of anthologies.
The Write Spot books entertain and spark creativity to write.
Every story, vignette, and poem includes a writing prompt, transforming each book into a portable writing group—ready whenever you are.
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.
No cost, no advance preparation needed.
Full-Moon Writing
Drop-in monthly 1-hour sessions are by donation (suggested $10–20) and support the Adrienne Momi memorial fund for workshop participants facing financial hardship.
Click on the Zoom link at the start time: 5–6 PM Pacific to join.
2026 Full Moon Sunday Writes:
Apr. 5: Pink Moon
May 3: Flower Moon
May 31: Blue Moon
Memorial fund supports writers
Nicole offers need-based partial scholarships to one writer per series. Several writers with financial limitations have been able to attend Nicole’s Amherst Writers workshops at a discount.