Hello. Nice to meet you. 👋🏼
About Los Angeles Writers Group
Los Angeles Writers Group began in 2003 as a simple gathering of five friends sitting down each week to write, share work, and support each other. Founded by Nicole Criona and Sanora Bartels, what started as a small local circle quickly expanded as writers from all over reached out to join.
Today, with Sanora having shifted her focus to documentary filmmaking, Nicole continues to direct the Los Angeles Writers Group alongside a dedicated team of experienced workshop leaders, editors, and coaches. Together, we offer creative writing workshops, feedback groups, and personalized coaching for writers across all genres.
Our Mission
Writing can be an isolating process, but no writer should have to navigate it alone. Our mission is to support, encourage, and inspire writers at every stage of their journey, whether you’re putting pen to paper for the very first time or polishing a final manuscript.
Over the years, we’ve helped writers rediscover their creative flow, fill blank pages, and complete drafts of memoirs, novels, screenplays, teleplays, and stage plays. We have helped writers craft query letters and synopses and have coached them from their first drafts to their final drafts. Our clients have published fiction, nonfiction, essays, short stories, and poetry. Our clients have been traditionally published, hybrid-published, and self-published, all with fantastic reviews.
We believe that everyone has a story worth telling, and that every writer deserves an encouraging environment and the practical craft tools needed to tell it well.
When you join one of our workshops or coaching programs, our goal is for you to walk away with something real to show for your time: a fresh set of ideas, a completed scene, a clearer outline, or a draft you feel proud to keep building on.
Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe that great writing flourishes in an environment of intentional support, clear technique, and deep respect for your unique voice.
Facilitators Who Teach, Not Just Tell
Writing well and teaching well are two distinct talents. We specifically select and train leaders who excel at the art of supportive instruction. Our facilitators are experienced, supportive editors skilled in guiding you through scene-level technique, story structure, and the mechanics of craft—giving you practical, actionable tools you can use immediately on the page.
Your Story, Your Vision
We don’t believe in “tough-love” critiques or pushing writers into a predetermined mold. A great workshop shouldn’t feel like an obstacle course to survive, nor should it reflect the personal preferences of its leader. Our role is to help you uncover and execute your vision for your story with constructive feedback that leaves you feeling energized to write, not discouraged.
How We Choose Our Leaders & Coaches
We take the responsibility of choosing our workshop leaders and coaches very seriously. Our team comes from a wide variety of backgrounds: some have extensive publication credits, others are actively working on their next manuscript, and many have taught at universities or in community arts programs.
While background and craft knowledge matter, our highest priority is how empathetically a leader supports writers. We do not believe in tearing people down in the name of creativity. Every leader on our team is chosen not just for their technical expertise, but for their patience, generosity, and commitment to creating a safe space where you can take creative risks.
Interested in teaching with us?
If you are a supportive editor and instructor interested in pitching a workshop, please send your proposal to lawritersgroup@gmail.com.
How Our Workshops Work
We host our creative writing workshops and feedback groups online, in comfortable private residences (to keep tuition accessible), and in local community spaces.
Our sessions are collaborative and hands-on. Rather than sitting through long lectures, you’ll dive straight into writing, dynamic discussions, and active craft exercises. You will always leave with new tools, real progress on the page, and the momentum to keep going.
(Please note: Our workshops and coaching sessions are designed specifically for adult writers and are not suitable for children.)