Writing Classes
with Laura Davis
Meeting Online on Wednesdays
or Thursdays
Rolling Start Date Based on Availability
Sign Up for Classes Now!
Two Types of Weekly Classes
Ongoing Writing Practice Class
Wednesdays
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific Time
The Wednesday weekly writing practice class is for those who dream of writing or want to write as a tool for self-expression, self-exploration, healing, and transformation. All the writing takes place during the class itself. The focus on this class is on self-expression and the healing power of writing, not on craft.
Feedback Classes
Thursdays
9 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific Time
or
6 - 9:30 PM Pacific Time
The Thursday classes are for those already working on a long-term writing project who are looking for a supportive group of peers to support them in their goals, critique their work, and hold their feet to the fire--with love.
Ongoing Writing Practice Class
Wednesdays - 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific Time on Zoom
This ongoing class is for students who want to use writing as a way to express themselves, explore their deepening creativity, grow as human beings and as writers, and strengthen their relationship with their own unique writing voice. Drop-ins are not allowed because they interfere with the intimacy and trust essential to a successful writing group.
The Wednesday morning class is not a critique group in which we polish finished pieces. Rather, it is a workshop in which we use class time to create new material. We alternate periods of writing with learning to listen to each other-not from a place of judgment or analysis-but from a place of focused attention and deep acceptance.
The Writer's Journey is rooted in writing practice, as developed by Natalie Goldberg in her classic books, Writing Down the Bones and Wild Mind, and is enhanced by my 30+ years as a successful author, book doctor, group facilitator, and writing coach.
“I have been in Laura Davis’s weekly Wednesday writing practice class for several years. It has become a strong contributor to my overall mental health and well-being. The intimacy and safety of the web Laura weaves in our online group creates a container that enables honesty, depth, vulnerability, and courage to emerge from our writing. We grow both as writers and humans. I strongly recommend Laura’s class for anyone ready to dive into the depths of who they are and to hone their skills as a communicator of the written word.”
—Janie Rommel-Eichorn, Carmel, California
“Writing with you and our group has become the backbone of my week, upon which everything else balances. I have grown to love and cherish each and every one of the faces and stories I get the honor of taking in each week. You've creatively manifested a dimension of virtual soil into which people can extend their roots! Your legacy of community building and story sharing will forever shine brightly. Thank you for being my beloved writing teacher.”
—Nancy Rosulek Kramer
"I have attended Laura's workshops over several years now. . . . I highly recommend Laura's classes to anyone who wants to explore the inner recesses of themselves and wants a safe, secure place to do it."
—Debbie Owen
“Laura Davis has revolutionized my relationship to writing. She has shown me that writing can be free and fun. I do not have to face a blank page and wonder how to tell my story. Her prompts lead the way into my soul.”
—Shannon LaGrandier
“Laura is skilled at creating a safe environment in which to explore and discover your hidden stories. She helped me turn off my critic so I could more easily let my words flow.”
—Tamara Myers
“Laura is a phenomenal, soul-based, sensitive, thoughtful, considerate teacher. She does a great job creating group safety and community.”
—Si Steinberg
“Laura is my favorite writing teacher. She creates a safe environment and balances instruction with the freedom to be your own creative self.”
—Joyce Bartlett, Marblehead, Massachusetts
The online writing practice class can help you:
- Discover the deep essence of writing
- Explore the unique nature of your own voice
- Develop a writing practice that frees your creativity and connects you to your wild mind
- Use original detail and first thoughts to make your writing come alive
- Take greater risks in your writing
- Overcome writer's block and the fear that you don't have what it takes to write
- Use the transformative power of writing to move through life's challenges
- Become part of a supportive community of peers that is committed to writing and listening together
During our online weekly sessions, we'll write together and share our writing. I bring writing suggestions, prompts, excerpts from great literature, guided meditations and other exercises designed to keep the channel from your heart to your head to your pen open. If I give a suggestion and it doesn't resonate with you, you are free to ignore it and write about whatever you choose. And it's also fine to attend if you have subject matter you're already exploring.
This class is appropriate for people who write to know themselves better, who have stories they want to tell, or who want to use writing as a daily discipline or practice. Both aspiring and published writers benefit from the honesty and intimacy of our meetings. Many choose to continue well beyond their first session.
Wednesday Class Registration
Registration is on a rolling basis, rather than having classes start on a set date. Ongoing writing practice classes meet for three hours per week online via Zoom.
Ongoing students commit to 8 weeks of classes at a time.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW STUDENTS: For new students who want to try out the class, I'm offering a starter series of four classes so you can get a feel for the class and decide if you want to become an ongoing member of our weekly writing community. The cost for this 4-week starter series is $300 and we can work out your start date together.
AGREEMENTS & CANCELLATIONS: Students make an ongoing commitment to these classes by paying for their series whether they can attend each individual class or not. Ongoing students are expected to give a month's notice before leaving the group.
Feedback Classes
Laura's feedback classes are designed for students who want to make progress on a focused project of their choice. It is designed for students who are already engaged in working of a narrative project of their own: a memoir, a collection of family history, essays, a novel, short stories.
Each week, writers sign up to get feedback and support from Laura and the rest of the group. We respond to shared work with insight and encouragement, helping each writer improve their craft and reach their personal creative goals.
Ira Progroff calls writing, "this solitary work we cannot do alone." These classes provide the support necessary to persevere in creative work.
Students wanting to join one of these classes must submit a 3-5 page writing sample to determine if they'd be the right fit for the class.
Admissions are on a rolling basis. When one writer leaves class, another is invited to take their place. Contact Laura to be screened for the class.
The cost of the feedback class is $600.00 for eight weeks of classes. Your intention should be to find a long-term home to support your writing aspirations.
Thursdays, 9:00 AM-12:30 PM Pacific Time (weekly)
Thursdays, 6:00-9:30 PM Pacific Time (weekly)
These are two separate classes.
Feedback Class Registration
If you're interested in being considered for one of Laura's feedback classes, email Laura at lauradavis@lauradavis.net with a summary of your writing experience, your goals, and a description of what you'd want to work on in class. Include a list of any prior writing classes or writing group experiences. Attach a 3-5 page double-spaced writing sample in Microsoft Word or as a PDF that represents the project you'd want to bring to class. Do not send extra pages. Laura will not be responding directly to your work. If you are a good fit for the class, she will contact you.
“If you’re working on a manuscript and are interested in upping your game, look no further than Laura Davis. Laura has her finger on the pulse of riveting writing. She’s an insightful teacher with a million ideas to help you—and is an editing genius. Best of all, Laura carefully guides you to dig deep—to elevate your story—the one you really need to tell.”
—Vanya Erickson, award-winning author of Boot Language
“Laura’s thoughtful and powerful guidance is an inspiration to my writing life. She is a master at creating a safe space to show up with vulnerability to share my weekly stories. I highly recommend her feedback class to anyone who is looking for a professional review with actionable steps forward. “
—Patti DiVella, Mill Valley, California
"Do you have any idea of how great a gift you have given to so many? All of us came to your writing feedback group to hone our craft. And we have! But, much greater than that, the soul gift, the eternal gift, is the deep friendships we have made while we restructured a plot, parsed a sentence and reworked a paragraph. All along the way, developing our characters: US! into a cohesive, supportive and loving tribe."
—Melody Sullivan