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Writing Pad

Writing Pad classes offer a unique and enjoyable writing experienceith wtop-notch instructors, a safe and playful environment, and a focus on spontaneous writing exercises. You can expect to unleash your creativity and receive supportive feedback.

About Writing Pad

Writing Pad classes aren’t stuffy. They’re pampering, relaxing and inspiring. At each class you can expect:

  • Top-notch instructors who are experienced writers with a passion for teaching.
  • Decadent, gourmet tasting plates and/or desserts.
  • A safe, playful writing environment to help you fearlessly channel your creativity.
  • Small classes (12 students max) held in a comfy, modern space.
  • A fun, intellectual vibe infused with the spirit of a cocktail party/creativity spa.
Philosophy

A writing class shouldn’t be boring or annihilate your ego! All Writing Pad classes are flavored by the Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) method. The AWA method establishes a safe, respectful writing space and encourages spontaneous writing exercises (e.g., timed writing to a prompt). If a student decides to read what he’s written in class (reading is not mandatory), the group will only respond with what they like and remember. If a student brings in writing he’s worked on outside of class, he’ll receive balanced feedback.

This method was developed in response to the traditional writing seminar where students bring in manuscripts for harsh critique, often leaving class feeling blocked and discouraged. In contrast, the AWA method blends improvisational writing and a safe, supportive environment to produce richer, more innovative writing in students.

Class Structure

Every class has a different balance of in-class writing, craft talks, and workshopping. Classes typically run for two and a half hours and include brief social breaks accompanied by assorted teas, gourmet tasting plates, and/or dessert.

Reviews of Writing Pad

(4.6-star rating across 64 reviews)
  • Screenwriting 101 with Chris Reed

    Anonymous • February 17, 2026
  • Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials Class with Erika Schickel

    NANCY C. • November 1, 2025
  • Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials Class with Erika Schickel

    Patricia M. • October 1, 2024
    The class was awesome. Very clear and jam packed with information. I would have liked to get the slides though as taking notes when it was moving so quickly was tough. Erika was wonderful, energetic and totally motivating.
  • Adaptation to TV Pilot

    Danielle S. • May 24, 2024
  • Resistance Smackdown: A Creative Writing Restoration Workshop with Erika Schickel

    Emily L. • March 28, 2024
  • TV Dramedy 101

    Amy B. • February 14, 2024
  • TV Structure for Pilot Writing with Alicia Carroll

    Amy B. • February 12, 2024
  • Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials with Laura Cathcart Robbins

    Anonymous • January 17, 2024
    Instructor actually published a memoir that sold very well. She shared tips that we could use immediately and was open with her story and her process. Respectful when class read stories and offered great commentary.
  • Short Story 101 with Katherine Taylor

    Lisa J. • December 5, 2022
  • Screenwriting 101 with Chris Reed

    Jaclyn G. • November 7, 2022
    Very informative and inspirational! Highly recommend.
  • TV 101: TV Writing Fundamentals Seminar

    Tiss D. • March 7, 2022
  • Memoir 101: Memoir Essentials with Laura Cathcart Robbins

    Joanne M. • February 8, 2022
    It was good to have exercises and not just consist of lectures from the instructor. I would've enjoyed more participants sharing their writing.
  • TV 101: TV Writing Fundamentals Seminar

    Jennifer s. • December 13, 2021
    This was my first zoom experience but will not be my last. I am already looking into which class to take next. I learned quite a bit and he gave steps to take now if someone wanted to be a tv writer.
  • TV Drama I: TV Drama Pilot Workshop

    Aneta M. • July 19, 2021
    This was THE BEST CLASS I ever took. Ryan is an excellent teacher. His passion and dedication to what he does is extremely contagions. At the end of each class none of us wanted to leave. Ryan always stayed after class to answer all our questions. We all felt very saddened that the class ended and suggested that he should also teach TV Drama II.
  • Story Structure

    Lisa M. • March 16, 2021
    Excellent instructor, well-formatted, learned so much in 3 hours! Highly recommend.
  • Screenwriting 101

    Anonymous • March 14, 2021
  • TV Structure for Pilot Writing

    Mildred L. • February 8, 2021
  • Literary Novel 101

    Anonymous • January 17, 2021
    Excellent for someone who had no background and is curious about writing a novel. Great class dynamic.
  • Short Story 101

    Mars I. • January 11, 2021
  • Book Proposal I: An Online Book Proposal

    Doug C. • December 16, 2020
    Nicky was an absolutely fantastic instructor! The course was everything I had hoped for and more.

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