Writing Workshops in Los Angeles, San Diego, Online & Book Coaching

Kind

We support, encourage, and inspire writers of all genres. We’ve helped many writers establish or reestablish a productive and creative mindset, fill their pages, and learn their craft through our creative writing workshops and private coaching. We don't believe in the tough-love approach. We believe in empowering writers to explore their craft.

Supportive

We only pick leaders who lead our writing workshops with love. We hire exceptional group leaders who are adept at engaging small groups of writers. We screen them for their expertise, their diplomacy, and their belief in positive reinforcement. We believe writers need a safe space to grow.

Personal

Our creative writing workshops are never about lectures with hundreds of people. Instead, our workshops are small and geared toward individual attention. We also offer one-on-one coaching for writers working on a first draft or editing for writers with a completed manuscript.




Recent Short Stories and Essays by Nicole's Clients
Take Fountain: Finding Home Amongst LA's Historic Buildings by Anne Sawyier, published in Slag Glass City.
Vigil by Katlyn Minard, published in Ligeia Magazine
Death in a Hollywood Edit Bay by Katlyn Minard, published in print by Train River. Read her interview online.
Séance by Katlyn Minard, published by Train River Capulet Mag
Golden Gate, a full-length stage play by Lindsey Kirchoff, endorsed by Terri Cheney, New York Times bestseller. Featured in Playwrights' Center of San Francisco 2022 Spring Reading Series, winner of 2021 Durango PlayFest
The Sea Witch by Lindsey Kirchoff - Shortlisted in 2021 Fractured Lit $3,000 Fairy Tale contest judged by author Kevin Brockmeir and quarter-finalist for Ruminate Magazine 2022 Fiction Contest
Story Eater by Lindsey Kirchoff - Quarter-finalist for Ruminate Magazine 2022 Fiction Contest

About Nicole.
Nicole co-founded Los Angeles Writers Group in 2003. She authored the successful Get Writing Again in 15 Days and the 100 Days of Writing email-based daily writing challenges. While Nicole focuses mostly on editing and coaching writers, her writing credits include both poetry and fiction (Hissquarterly.com, Strongverse.org, Six Sentences, and Narrative Magazine, placed amongst others). She has also worked as a freelance and content writer, and has been hired to rewrite screenplays.
Coaching Stats:	Specialties:
—Two clients—so far!—got an agent and a book deal (both fiction and nonfiction)—see success stories —Many clients have self-published —Many clients have had short stories / essays published —Thanked in seven books —Three clients are currently seeking representation	Developmental editing and first-draft coaching for both short and full-length fiction, memoir, nonfiction, & screenplays (not television) —Creativity coaching —Productivity coaching —Scene Improvement —Structure —Writer’s block

Sharing a new testimonial from a First Draft Incubator workshop attendee:

I came to this course with 20-odd pages of tired material, a clichéd main character, and no idea how to map out my novel. Despite having two decades of experience as a magazine features writer, I was stumped on how to organize and sustain compelling long form fiction. Less than six weeks later, I have a complete outline and a solid second take on several important scenes.
If you’re serious about finishing your first draft, sign up for this class. Nicole will be a generous advocate for your work. She'll honor your personal creative process and she will ask you all the hard questions at just the right time.
D.M.

It is always a pleasure to gather in this intimate setting with a few writers who want to read literature, together. In this sacred space, we go further and higher when we read out loud and talk about what makes a particular piece so moving. Then, we can all come alive with inspiration!
F. M.

It is always a pleasure to gather in this intimate setting with a few writers who want to read literature, together. In this sacred space, we go further and higher when we read out-loud and talk about what makes a particular piece so moving. Then, we can all come alive with inspiration!
F.M., Los Angeles

This is the best writing organization you will find!! I'm from Michigan and contacted Nicole about private coaching in 2015. Our first meeting/consultation was incredible. I felt like we had been friends in a past life. Nicole is genuine and is truly an expert in the craft.

We met via "Zoom" during our sessions, and she allowed me enough time to finish my edits and set up a meeting when I was ready. In terms of experience, she meets you where you are. She listens and edits carefully to fully understand what you need to do in order to move forward. In the sessions, we had a dialogue. She was not preaching to me or lecturing. Her unique ability to explain and teach helped me retain the information she gave me.

I was self-taught until I met Nicole. She helped transform my writing in ways I cannot describe. I am proud to say that in 2016 I published a chapter Nicole helped me edit from my upcoming novel for an impromptu reading. The feedback I received from the audience was magical. Word has spread, and friends are still asking for copies.

As writers, it is up to us to put our best foot forward and own our craft. Nicole helped me find that confidence and own it. Not only does she teach, she believes in you. And to me, that is greater than any lesson someone can offer.

I would recommend LA Writers Group to any writer serious about the art. I brag about the organization every chance I get.
Nicole S.

Nicole understands that working with writers doesn't just involve talking about their project. She has the rare and brilliant skill of sensing what is really at the root of slowing a writer down and is more than willing to get into the messy and seemingly "unrelated" discussions that surround every writer's process. Working with her for these past three months has enabled me to minimize the confusion and frustration that always arises in the writing process and get back to making progress on my book faster. Instead of spending days of energy in emotional defeat, I spend an hour on the phone with Nicole and find my way back to the work at hand before evening time. She is a miracle worker, and her diagnostic skills are up there with rocket scientists. I'm not exaggerating. She's brilliant. Few people in the world have as much passion and grace when it comes to teaching the craft of writing. She also has an awe-inspiring ability to work with a widely diverse range of writers and personalities. Working with Nicole was the best investment in myself and my writing aspirations I could make.
Jess H.

I’m new to creative writing, and the 15 Day Challenge taught me so much! The daily prompts provided a journey of self exploration, and insight into new ways of bringing a story to life. Having the on-line community was invaluable. Seeing how others handled an exercise, helped me grow even more. I feel inspired to continue writing everyday. Thank you Nicole, for a wonderful experience!!
Frances S.