Class: David Corbett - The Character of Crime
A Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference Pre-Conference Class
Thurs., July 25 • 1:00-3:30 pm • $125 or $90 for Conference Attendees
In this pre-conference workshop, award-winning crime novelist David Corbett shows the key roles that make crime fiction work, with focus on the specific demands of the three major subgenres of crime fiction—mystery/ detective, crime, and thriller—and an emphasis on maintaining dramatic tension, creating moral complexity, and avoiding cliché.
- Street:
- 51 Tamal Vista Blvd
- City:
- Corte Madera ,
- Postal Code:
- 94925
Class: Susanne Pari & Sheila Gordon - Together Stories
Sat., Aug. 3 • 10:00-12:00 pm • $40
The idea behind “Together Stories” is deliciously simple and wonderfully addictive: using storytelling to forge a bond between the young and the old. Learn how to create a collaborative story using a sequential back-and-forth method via email. Writing a story with a child is a unique way to gain insight into a child’s thoughts—and the kids love it! Susanne Pari is a novelist, essayist, and author of The Fortune Catcher. Sheila Gordon was one of the original organizers the Kidney Foundation Authors Luncheon. She has written a Together Story with her granddaughter Emily.
- Street:
- 51 Tamal Vista Blvd
- City:
- Corte Madera ,
- Postal Code:
- 94925
Class: Mary Edwards - Jump Start Your Art Career
Sat., Aug. 3 • 10:30-12:30 pm • $50![]()
Build your art career by learning to think like an entrepreneur.
Mary Edwards is a Career and Life Coach for Artists. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and teaches workshops for artists throughout the Bay Area.
- Street:
- 51 Tamal Vista Blvd
- City:
- Corte Madera ,
- Province:
- California
- Postal Code:
- 94925
- Country:
- United States
Class: Elizabeth Stark Powers - Crafting Unforgettable First Pages
Sun., Aug. 3 • 1:00-4:00 pm • $60
You only have a couple pages to hook your prospective agent, editor or reader. Detailed edits and a technique checklist make your opening stand out from the slush pile.
Elizabeth Stark Powers wrote the novel Shy Girl and two short films. She is a veteran writing instructor.
- Street:
- 51 Tamal Vista Blvd
- City:
- Corte Madera ,
- Postal Code:
- 94925
- Country:
- United States
Class: Andrea Alban - Critique Circle for Developing and Revising your Children's Book
2nd Sunday of Every Month, 5:00 - 8:00pm
$40 per session
Critique Circle for Developing and Revising your Children's Book is a monthly workshop led by Andrea Alban for children's writers to deepen the craft of fiction, from initial concept through finished manuscript. Included is plotting a page-turning story structure, developing quintessential characters, creating vivid story worlds, and practicing the art of revision. Writers learn how to give and receive feedback in the spirit of generosity. The mission of this university-level workshop is to guide writers to publish their work. Included is research into publishing houses and literary agencies, and the art of writing cover/query letters, synopses and sample chapters that stand out from the crowd.
Testimonials:
What I most appreciate about Andrea is her optimism and support--a self-described "cheerleader." She has been like a college professor giving me valuable lessons in picture book creation. Her honesty and writing exercises helped me find my voice. It's been an incredible journey with Andrea as my story midwife!
Andrea Alban is the author of nine books, including the YA novel, Anya's War, (shortlisted for China's 2012 Panda Awards and an ALA honor book), and the bestseller, The Happiness Tree. She is a dynamic speaker at schools, writing conferences, and literary festivals. Andrea edits manuscripts and coaches writers in manuscript development and revision as well as how to prepare submissions to editors and agents.
- Street:
- 51 Tamal Vista Blvd
- City:
- Corte Madera ,
- Province:
- California
- Postal Code:
- 94925
- Country:
- United States
Class: Diane Conway - Fearless Creating
Sat., Aug. 17 • 10:00-1:00 pm • $40
The blank page, canvas, or stage is daunting. Fear kills our ideas. Together, we break through our barriers and dare to be creative. This class gives you the tools to begin, to stay motivated, and to finish your creative projects. Diane Conway, life coach, is the author of What Would You Do If You Had No Fear? Living Your Dreams While Quakin’ in Your Boots.
- Street:
- 51 Tamal Vista Blvd
- City:
- Corte Madera ,
- Postal Code:
- 94925







