Classes

Ellen teaches fiction writing classes in the San Francisco Bay area and several international locations. Check here regularly for updated schedules, class openings, and registration information.

To receive periodic emails with information about Ellen's classes, send an email to ellen@ellensussman.com and ask to be added to her writing class email list.

Ellen also works one-on-one with writers. If you're looking for a book doctor or a writing coach, or if you'd like a critical evaluation of your manuscript, contact her by email. ellen@ellensussman.com.

2009-2010 Stanford Continuing Studies

Ellen will be teaching a one day workshop on The Personal Essay in the Fall term. For information about these classes, check the online catalogue.

Mendocino Writers Conference

Ellen will be teaching at the 2010 Mendocino Writers Conference. For more information check their website.

Dates: July 29 - August 1, 2010

2009-2010 Private Classes

Fall Fiction Workshop
Classes meet on Thursday nights, from 6:30 - 9:30. Ellen will lead a workshop to critique student stories and chapters. A portion of each class will be devoted to exploring new material and new skills, usually through in-class exercises.

Location: my house in Los Altos Hills
Dates: First class meets on Sept 16. Last class is Dec. 9. (We skip the first two weeks of November.)
Cost: $600

Five Writers Discuss the Writing Process
This is a panel discussion, which Ellen will lead, with these fabulous writers:

Cara Black (writer of best-selling Paris mysteries, latest: Murder in the Palais Royal)
Jaqueline Luckett (Searching for Tina Turner)
Harriet Chessman (Lydia Cassat Reading the Morning Paper and other great novels)
Tanya Egan Gibson (How to Buy a Love of Reading)
Elizabeth Rosner (Blue Nude and The Speed of Light)

They'll talk about how they write novels and rewrite novels, how they get their ideas, how they got their publishing break, etc. This should be a great opportunity to talk to very accomplished writers and to learn more about the work they do. They will have their books available for sale. 

Time: Friday evening, Sept 10, 7PM - 9PM
Location: Ellen's house in Los Altos Hills
Cost: $50

Novel in a Year
This will be the fourth year that Ellen is offering this exciting class. Students sign on to make a commitment to write a novel in one year, beginning Oct 2, 2010. We meet on six Saturday mornings throughout the year. (the first and last meeting include lunch.)  Ellen offers a skill-based look at each aspect of the process -- pre-writing, first chapter, characterization, plot, the thick middle of the novel, endings and rewriting. She assigns each student a writing buddy for the year -- someone to meet for cafe writing or someone to read your work or someone to talk to about ideas. She reads all first chapters and talk about your launch. Each student meets with Ellen for two one-hour private sessions. At the end of the year, on Oct 2, 2011, the student hands in his or her novel to me. She'll do a full critique and offer a follow-up meeting. The cost for this class includes the critique at the end of the year. It also includes coaching all year -- by email, phone, or meeting.

Dates: Oct 2, Dec 4, Feb 5, April 9, June 18, Aug 6.
Cost: $2500, including full critique of your novel

What Ellen's Students Have to Say

“I was an English major and have an MFA in creative writing and after years of workshops, Ellen remains one of my all-time favorite teachers. She has a natural talent for motivating students to write, handling the group critique dynamic, and helping you shape and push a story forward. I always left her classes with a spark of inspiration.” — Lolly Winston, NY Times Bestsellers Good Grief and Happiness Sold Separately

“Why take one of Ellen Sussman's classes? Inspiration. Not enough? How about the kind of criticism that will enable you to find your own voice and move your writing from the pedestrian to the distinctive? You want still another reason? Well, then there's this: with the class comes membership in a writing fellowship that brings both shared excitement and terror. Go for it!” — Keith Raffel, Dot.Dead

“Ellen is a perfect combination of tough coach and head cheerleader. She teaches with deep understanding how a writer stuggles. While creating a warm and welcoming environment, she challenges you to find depth in your work you never knew you could achieve.” — Shelly King, Winner 26th Annual Palo Alto Weekly Short Fiction Contest, 2nd place winner of The Writer Short Story Contest