Events & Classes
Upcoming Events
From Brilliant Idea to Successful Publication
Friday, January 13, 2023, 1 pm
Everyone has stories to tell, and many of us want to put our stories into the hands of readers. The start of a new year presents a good opportunity to take a big-picture look at what you want to accomplish with your writing in the months ahead. We’ll explore the process of developing your story, from getting the initial spark, through putting it down on the page, to getting it published and out into world. Whether you are writing a novel, a short story, a memoir, or a personal essay, you’ll come away with inspiration, helpful information, and a clear idea of the path that leads to becoming a published author.
Registration info coming soon.
Classes
Mystery Writing
10 Wednesday evenings, September 14–November 16, 2022
UC Berkeley Extension
Via Zoom
The mystery is the one of the most popular and pleasurable forms of storytelling for both readers and writers. In this class you will explore the art, the craft, and the business of writing crime fiction in its many forms—detective stories (from cozy to hard-boiled), police procedurals, thrillers, and suspense. Discover clues to creating successful mystery novels and short stories: creating strong characters, portraying vivid settings, building suspense, and developing a convincing plot with a satisfying resolution. This course will guide you through the process, from finding ideas to marketing your work.
For more info and to register, click here.
Looking for a Speaker?
If you'd like to have a great speaker for a group or instructor for a writing class or workshop, please contact me.
I enjoy speaking to book clubs, library audiences, writers groups and community organizations, and sharing my enthusiasm for writing with participants. I have talks and workshops ready to deliver, or I can develop one to suit your interests and needs.
I enjoy speaking to book clubs, library audiences, writers groups and community organizations, and sharing my enthusiasm for writing with participants. I have talks and workshops ready to deliver, or I can develop one to suit your interests and needs.
A Sampling of Participants' Comments
"A wonderful class! It was so well organized, focused, and inspirational."
"You are a wonderful and inspiring teacher, thank you. I have been looking for a way to finally begin writing, and you gave me the tools and the courage to do it."
"[Margaret] was very insightful, committed and knowledgeable. The class was a sheer delight."
"I wanted you to know that Peggy was *outstanding* today, first giving a short story class all morning, then as luncheon speaker . . . She was so well prepared, amusing, informative, inspiring . . . the buzz was terrific!"
"You are a wonderful and inspiring teacher, thank you. I have been looking for a way to finally begin writing, and you gave me the tools and the courage to do it."
"[Margaret] was very insightful, committed and knowledgeable. The class was a sheer delight."
"I wanted you to know that Peggy was *outstanding* today, first giving a short story class all morning, then as luncheon speaker . . . She was so well prepared, amusing, informative, inspiring . . . the buzz was terrific!"