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.

Update about Coronavirus & Online Opportunities.

Even before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, I had been moving to a mostly online format since August 2019, except for my in-person retreats, due to the high cost of commercial rental space and my desire not to charge high fees for creative writing workshops.

While the in-person writing retreats are currently pasued, you can participate in workshops and coaching online, from anywhere.

I hope to see you online!

Please follow your city’s guidelines for keeping yourself and others safe and healthy.

About Nicole

Nicole is the owner of Los Angeles Writers Group and a book coach.

Coaching Stats:

– Success stories
– 40 clients have completed drafts of their book.
– Thanked in 5 books.
– 5 clients are currently seeking representation.
– 1 currently being considered by agents.
– 2 currently have representation
– 2 clients sold their books to traditional publishers (due out Summer 2021)

Specialties:

– Developmental Editing and First-Draft Coaching for Fiction, Memoir, Nonfiction, & Screenplays
– Creativity Coaching
– Productivity Coaching
– Scene Improvement
– Structure
– Writer’s blocks
Nicole Criona founded LAwritersgroup.com in 2003. She specializes in Developmental Editing and coaching fiction writers, nonfiction writers, and screenwriters who want to complete their first draft.

Nicole authored the successful Get Writing Again in 15 Days email course.

While Nicole focuses mostly on helping writers, Nicole’s writing credits include poetry and fiction on Hissquarterly.com (Sanity is a One-Trick Pony issue), Strongverse.org, Six Sentences, and Narrative Magazine, among others. She is currently working on a novel and a non-fiction book. Read Nicole’s poem, Advice to an Angel About to Fall. She has also worked as a freelance and content writer.

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.

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.

Nicole, I want to thank you for your thought provoking and active participation as the facilitator of this incredible 15-Day experience! I began this workshop with lots of apprehension which was similar to how I tackled my writing, unfortunately. But, with your energy and tenacious daily prompts and up-to-the minute feedback, I was able to defeat the writers block that I often found myself in! I’ve been writing everyday since your workshop and I’m happy to say that I have actually completed two articles that I am preparing to submit for publication! I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm, professionalism, and mindful energy that you brought to this 15-Day challenge! I’m actually considering doing it a second time!
Deb G.

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.

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.

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.