This is a creative program for girls who love to write fiction and invent new worlds. We discuss the structure of "the heroine's journey" in all stories (originally coined "the hero's journey" by Joseph Campbell), with particular emphasis on the internal and external development of each character (what they think they want vs. what they need to learn) and how to make heroic choices, being brave and resilient in the face of adversity. Through the process of writing and reading their words out loud, girls discover their own unique power as storytellers—their author-ity!—in becoming the authors and heroines of their own lives.
 

As with all our programs, we use the Amherst Writing Method, a methodology rooted in the belief that everyone is a writer, all feedback is focused on the strengths of the writer, and our unique writing voice will continually grow clearer and stronger, the more it is expressed and encouraged.
 

Instructors:  Elizabeth Perlman and Melissa Quiter
 

• *Girls includes all gender-expansive youth.

• Enrollment occurs quarterly (our schedule is based on the Acalanes District academic calendar) but tuition is pro-rated depending on the day you register. Because we depend upon tuition to run and sustain our org, we cannot offer refunds once the quarter is underway. That said, if your child doesn't absolutely love their first class, just let us know and we can provide a full refund up to 5 days after the first class. We want your child to choose writing purely for the joy of it!

• Private and homeschooling classes available upon request.

• See Tuition page for details.
  
  For questions or to talk in more depth, contact Elizabeth.

In this class, TIWP graduates will select, edit, and lay out their strongest pieces in order to self-publish their own anthology of writing. Whereas most of our classes are focused on generating that all-important first draft (and our TIWP anthologies only feature 2-3 pieces per author), this class is focused on a vigorous process of editing, polishing, and culling the best writing of each writer, anywhere from 10 to 50 pieces.

 

Writers will also learn more about editing and book design using the platforms Reedsy and Canva. Those who enjoy art or photography will learn to integrate visuals into their writing and everyone will be empowered to design their own cover. We will also discuss website builders like Wix, Weeby, Squarespace, and Wordpress, including the process of purchasing your own domain and establishing your online platform as a published author.

 

In the end, each writer will emerge with an exceptional portfolio of writing in the form of a professional quality book (with both soft and hard cover options) printed through Blurb in San Fransisco. (Books published through Blurb can be sold via the Blurb Bookstore, on Amazon, and in over 39,000 stores with Ingram's distribution.)
 

As with all our programs, we use the Amherst Writing Method, a methodology rooted in the belief that everyone is a writer, all feedback is focused on the strengths of the writer, and our unique writing voice will continually grow clearer and stronger, the more it is expressed and encouraged.

​

Instructor:  Elizabeth Perlman

​

• Class size is 4-8. Each class is two hours at $90/class.

• For questions or to talk in more depth, contact Elizabeth.

For anyone who needs some time to de-stress and decompress, this 75 minute, after-school program gives kids a chance to express their needs, connect to their strengths, find their voice and develop their creative-muscle. (Creativity IS a muscle and it gets stronger the more you use it!) This program is offered on campus, usually in the Wellness Center, because it's so good for mental, social and emotional health. It’s also very relaxing, energizing and fun!
 

As with all our programs, we use the Amherst Writing Method, a methodology rooted in the belief that everyone is a writer, all feedback is focused on the strengths of the writer, and our unique writing voice will continually grow clearer and stronger, the more it is expressed and encouraged.

​

Instructor:  Elizabeth Perlman

​

• Day and time determined by the school.

• Class size is 5-10.

• Cost is $40/class. Need-based scholarships available on request.

 

For questions or to talk about bringing this program to your school, contact our Elizabeth.

If you love writing with us but don't have the time to meet every week, consider a 3-7 day writing camp, in which we will tailor the curriculum and the focus (fiction or nonfiction) to the interests of those enrolled.
 

As with all our programs, we use the Amherst Writing Method, a methodology rooted in the belief that everyone is a writer, all feedback is focused on the strengths of the writer, and our unique writing voice will continually grow clearer and stronger, the more it is expressed and encouraged.

​

Instructor:  Elizabeth Perlman

​​

• *Girls includes all gender-expansive youth

• See Tuition page for details.

• To develop your camp schedule or talk in more depth about the content, contact Elizabeth.