“To discipline something, in the proper sense of the word, does not mean to repress it, but to train it – to encourage it to grow, and act, and be fruitful, whether it is a peach tree or a human mind.”
Ursula Le Guin
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Seminar Style Discussion Classes for Serious Readers ​

A series of facilitated discussion courses for anyone who craves the chance to read diverse and compelling texts and then to converse deeply on the ideas, philosophies, and cultural assumptions inherent within. This is not a lecture course. Your instructors - long-time faculty members of the renowned Collegiate Seminar Program at Saint Mary's College of California - will facilitate honest, open, and respectful discussions on a wide array of topics and texts. Never mind consensus or resounding agreement. Our goal is to gain a greater, more expansive and generous understanding of history, of ourselves as human beings, and of the living and nonliving world of which we are part.  

Click HERE to discover upcoming classes and to propose topics for study and discussion.   

"Talk Story" Consultations
​and Coaching 

Talk story is a method I use to help writers discover and to deepen story and to overcome blocks.  It's a simple, effective, and collaborative process that combines storytelling and deep listening, and is useful at any time in the writing process. Sometimes, to hear your story clearly, you must be heard. All are welcome. 

In addition to "Talk Story" consultations, I offer coaching for writers of all stripes, from high school students tackling the dreaded college essay, to professional writers working on book length projects. Rates vary. 

Finally, I offer query letter coaching for anyone preparing to submit to a literary agent or editor.  

This community welcomes people of all races, religions, genders, ethnicities, and economic circumstance.  And, yes, all genres! 

A Few Essays On Writing 


​​"Into The Lake"

"Writing as Laborious Play"

"The Tourist, the Expat, and the Native: A Traveler’s Approach to Crafting Historical Fiction"

AMCA Reading Series 

Join us online on the second Sunday of each month at 4:00pm (pacific). 

October 9, 2022 
A reading and discussion of 
Slaves for Peanuts: 
A Story of Conquest, Liberation, and a Crop That Changed History
by 
Award winning independent writer and editor 
Jori Lewis 
with Lillian Howan 

REGISTER HERE for this free online event! 

 Writing Workshops​

September 22nd
and September 29th 
6:00pm - 8:00pm
​(on Zoom)
Writing Young Characters Authentically 
With Dallas Woodburn 
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How does one create teenage characters who feel honest and compelling to the reader? Whether writing fiction for teenagers or adults, it can be difficult to present teenage characters in an interesting and genuine way. This workshop will provide guidelines and examples, as well as writing prompts and exercises, to help writers create young characters authentically in fiction. 
 
To address this topic, we will look at examples from contemporary adult and YA fiction, delve into our own memories of childhood and adolescence through writing exercises, and discuss the boundary between young adult fiction and adult fiction featuring teen characters.
 
CLICK HERE: to learn more and to SAVE YOUR SPOT ​


Art is a Spiritual Act and a Human Right.

This community welcomes people of all races, religions, genders, ethnicities, and economic circumstance.  (And, yes, all genres!) ​