Classes-Calendar

  • Online Book Group: Matthew Felix - Personal Growth
  • Writing Historical Fiction
  • Workshop Anne Lamott 5.11.24 Virtual (Ticketed)

BOOK PASSAGE CLASSES

Spring 2024 Classes

Book Passage is offering new classes for all areas of interest in 2024!

Please click on any category below or scroll down to browse the catalog.
Any questions, email classes@bookpassage.com

To view the classes by date, please click here for a calendar view .

 

        

 


 

ARTS & CULTURE

ART HISTORY

Art Lovers’ Lisbon: Three Museums Not to be Missed
Instructor: Kerrin Meis   

Join art historian Kerrin Meis for a tour of three essential Lisbon museum that might not be found in your guidebook. READ MORE


DATES: Mar 15, 2024
             1 Friday
TIME: 1:00PM-3:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

Art and Architecture of Northern Spain
Instructor: Kerrin Meis   

From Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela, discover the fantastic art and architecture of this diverse and captivating area. Explore Picasso, Gehry, Gaudi and much more! READ MORE

DATES: April 10 & 17, 2024
             2 Wednesdays
TIME: 1:00PM-3:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

 

BOOK GROUPS

Contemporary Classics  
Instructor: Jennifer Carson  

Writer and professional book group facilitator Jennifer Carson will lead this group in reading recent literary fiction with exceptional promise. With a diverse selection of inspiring of voices, Jennifer aims to facilitate stimulating, engaged, and elevated discussions that bring forth fresh insights about each month’s book. READ MORE
 

 

DATES: Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 12, Apr 16 (3rd Tue), May 14, Jun 11
Second Tuesday of the Month
TIME: 10:30AM-12:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera

 REGISTRATION CLOSED 

Contemporary Jewish American Fiction Book Group
Instructor: Alex Ullman

In reading four novels published from the past four years, we'll ask: what makes a novel "contemporary," "Jewish" or "American" today? Writer and educator Alex Ullman will guide this dive into the contemporary Jewish novel, exploring identity, assimilation, language, history, and also the ways all these themes are challenged by current literary voices.  READ MORE


DATES: Jan 23, Feb 13, Mar 12, Apr 16
Four Tuesdays
TIME: 5:00PM-6:30PM

LOCATION: Live via Zoom 

 REGISTRATION CLOSED

First Editions Book Discussion Group
Instructor: Lisa Joss

Interested in reading novels by the freshest new voices? Join our first Editions Club and the Book Discussion Group too. Already a First Editions member? Register here to join us for the discussion! Register for each meeting monthly.  READ MORE

DATES: Third Monday of the Month
TIME: 2:30PM-4:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera

 REGISTER HERE 

Mysteries Abroad: Book Group
Instructor: Luisa Smith

There is no better way to learn about a country than to explore the parts that are hidden from most tourists -  the hidden streets and alleyways where crimes occur, following the investigators unique to each locale. Join editor Luisa Smith on a thrilling tour of the world through crime fiction. READ MORE

DATES: Jan 12, Feb 9, Mar 8, Apr 12
Second Friday of the Month
TIME: 10:30AM-12:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera

 REGISTRATION CLOSED

Travel Literature
Instructor: Michael Shapiro (with appearances by the books' authors)

This book group will review modern classics from four titans of travel literature. The books' authors wil be joining the group discussions! Led by author and longtime Book Passage Travel Writers Conference faculty, Michael Shapiro, the group will explore best-sellers and lesser known but equally rewarding books from these masters of the genre. READ MORE
 

DATES:  Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 9, Apr 13
Second Saturday of the Month
TIME: 10:15AM-12:00PM
LOCATION: 
Zoom

 REGISTRATION CLOSED

Personal Growth
Instructor: Matthew Felix

This book group tackles personal growth from four distinct perspectives: holistic (and lighthearted), cerebral, physiological, and spiritual—finding joy! Writer and certified life coach Matthew Felix will lead participants on a journey of self-discovery through an exploration of how to live a more intentional, engaged, and fulfilling lifeREAD MORE

DATES: Mar 30, May 4, Jun 8,  Jul 6
4 Saturdays
TIME: 10AM-11:30AM
LOCATION: 
Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

LANGUAGE CLASSES

Italian: Beginner 1
Instructor: Valentina Medda

Join Valentina for a fun and communicative introduction to the Italian language. You will start from the basics, learning and practicing in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. READ MORE

DATES: Apr 5 - May 24
             8 Fridays

TIME: 12:30PM-2:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

Italian: Beginner 2
Instructor: Valentina Medda

For students continuing from Beginner 1. Join Valentina for a fun and communicative introduction to the Italian language. READ MORE

DATES: Apr 4 - May 23
             8 Thursdays

TIME: 1:30PM-3:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

Italian: Beginner 4
Instructor: Valentina Medda

For students continuing from Beginner 3. Join Valentina for a fun and communicative introduction to the Italian language. READ MORE

DATES: Apr 4 - May 23
             8 Thursdays

TIME: 11:30AM-1:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

Italian: Elementare 1
Instructor: Valentina Medda

For students who have completed all beginner classes (through Beginner 4) at Book Passage, or for new students with previous basic grammar knowledge of the Italian languageREAD MORE

DATES: Apr 5 - May 24
             8 Fridays

TIME: 10:30AM-12:00PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

Intermediate Italian 
Instructor: Wendy Walsh

Join teacher Wendy Walsh for a seven-week online course aimed at intermediate studentsREAD MORE

DATES: Apr 16 - May 28
             7 Tuesdays

TIME: 9:00AM-10:30AM
LOCATION: Online Via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

Advanced Italian
Instructor: Wendy Walsh

Join teacher Wendy Walsh for for a seven-week online course aimed at advanced studentsREAD MORE

DATES: Apr 18 - May 30
             7 Thursdays

TIME: 9:30AM-11:00AM
LOCATION: Online Via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

Spanish: Continuing Beginner
Instructor: Victoria Einhorn  

Join Victoria Einhorn for a continuing introduction to Spanish, for new and former students. You will learn the basics of the language through reading, writing, addressing grammar and responding to written text. READ MORE

DATES: Mar 27 - May 29 (no class Apr 10 & 17)
             8 Wednesdays
TIME: 10:30AM-12PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

Spanish: Advanced Beginner
Instructor: Victoria Einhorn  

Join Victoria Einhorn for a continuing introduction to Spanish, for new and former students. Advanced beginners have a solid grasp of Spanish sentence structure and will learn the basics of the language through reading, writing, addressing grammar and responding to written text. READ MORE

DATES: Mar 25 - June 3 (no class Apr 8 & 15, and May 27)
             8 Mondays
TIME: 10:30AM-12PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

Spanish: Advanced Intermediate
Instructor: Victoria Einhorn  

Join Victoria for a Spanish class for those with experience and comfort with the language. Students will work towards fluency by reading, writing, addressing grammar and responding to written text. This class includes lot of conversation opportunities! READ MORE

DATES: Mar 25 - June 3 (no class Apr 8 & 15, and May 27)
             8 Mondays

TIME: 12:15PM-1:45PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

 

LIFESTYLE

A Deep Dive into iPhone Camera & Photography
Instructors: Susan & Neil Silverman

Want to become a pro with your smartphone camera? This hands-on workshop will set you on that path. Combining discussion and demonstration with the iPhone Camera, Susan and Neil Silverman will share their photography experience with you. READ MORE

DATES: March 16
             1 Saturday

TIME: 10:30AM-2:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE 

Jewelry Making Workshop
Instructors: Amy Fitzgerald and Kelly Konis of Silverwork Studios 

Learn to create and solder a stunning sterling silver ring from dozens of designs and gemstones. No prior experience necessary. You will leave with a new piece of jewelry and a customized, leather bookmark, a special offering for Book Passage book lovers! READ MORE

DATES: Apr 28, 2024
             1 Sunday

TIME: 12PM-3PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

WRITING CLASSES

WRITING

Expressing Your Truth: Connecting with Your Authentic Voice
Instructor: Britta Stromeyer Esmail

Your voice is the essence of your writing, the key to making words come alive, and the signature that sets you apart. Authentic voices connect us. This class is a haven for anyone seeking to unearth and refine their genuine writer's voice, take creative risks, and witness their writer’s soul flourish. This is not just a workshop; it’s discovery and growth. READ MORE

DATES: Mar 30
            1 Saturday
TIME: 1:30PM-3:00PM

LOCATION: Corte Madera Store & Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

Your Story, Well ToldStorytelling Workshop with the Host of "The Moth" 
Instructor: Corey Rosen

Author and Storyteller Corey Rosen (host of The Moth, BATS Improv, Author of "Your Story, Well Told") helps you to uncover your best stories, develop them in a safe and supportive environment, and then perform them in a free LIVE showcase for friends and family. READ MORE

DATES: Mar 6 - Apr 3, 2024
             5 Wednesdays
TIME: 1PM-4PM

SHOWCASE: Sat. Apr 13 at 11AM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE 

Writing Picture Books 
Instructor: Monica Wesolowska 

In this class, you will learn some of the rules for writing a picture book for publication today. You will also be encouraged to play around with those rules, unleashing your own unique creativity. READ MORE

DATES: Apr 14 , 2024
             1 Sunday
TIME: 2PM - 5PM

LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

Building a Story: Plot
Instructor: Nina Schuyler

Wondering how to organize the events in your narrative and build tension in a story? In this two-day workshop, students will explore a different approach to plot each session: the causation plot and braided or episodic plot structure READ MORE

DATES: Apr 14 & Apr 21, 2024
             2 Sundays
TIME: 11:30AM - 1:30PM

LOCATION: Corte Madera Store & Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

Read (James Baldwin) Like a Writer
Instructor: Jennifer Carson

The more we bring an analytic eye to others’ work, the more possibilities open up in our own. In this course, we’ll closely read the classic novel by James Baldwin, Giovanni's Room.  READ MORE

DATES: Apr 17 - May 15, 2024 (No class May 1)
             4 Wednesdays 

TIME: 4:30PM-6:00PM
LOCATION: Online via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

Writing Micro Fiction
Instructor: Britta Stromeyer Esmail

Dive into the world of flash fiction, where the power of storytelling meets the art of brevity and every word matters, every sentence packs a punch. Whether you aspire to craft standalone micro-stories or use this form to enrich your longer works, this course will equip you with the skills to create concise, impactful narratives that leave a lasting impression. READ MORE

DATES: Apr 20, 2024
             1 Saturday 

TIME: 1:30PM-3:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store & Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

Writing Historical Fiction
Instructors: Linda Joy Myers and Siobhan Curham

Historical fiction is one of the most popular genres in the book world, and it's really fun to write, too! In this informative and interactive masterclass, best-selling historical novelists Siobhan Curham and Linda Joy Myers will guide you through the key elements of writing gripping historical fiction. READ MORE

DATES: April 27, 2024
             1 Saturday
TIME: 1PM-4PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store

 REGISTER HERE 

Time to Write! A Prompt Writing Workshop
Instructor: Britta Stromeyer Esmail

During this two-hour workshop, Britta will inspire you to stay connected to your creative mind as you work on a new prompt every 10-15 minutes. It's like speed-dating for writers (without the date!) There will be plenty of time for sharing at the end. READ MORE

DATES: May 4, 2024
             1 Saturday
TIME: 1:30PM-3:30PM
LOCATION: Corte Madera Store & Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

Ticket to Write: The Whys, Wherefores and How-To’s
Instructor: Anne Lamott

This is Annie’s annual 3 hour workshop on everything she knows about writing, with an emphasis this year on why writing and truth-telling is so vital to each person, the community, and the world.  READ MORE

DATES: May 11
             1 Saturday 

TIME: 1:00PM-4:00PM
LOCATION: Online via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 


PUBLISHING

How to Get Your Book Published
Instructor: John G . Geoghegan

This course is to help aspiring authors improve their chance of getting their memoir, novel, or non-fiction book considered for publication by a reputable literary agent, acquisitions editor, or publishedREAD MORE

DATES: April 7, 2024
             1 Sunday

TIME: 12-3PM
LOCATION: Online via Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

The Business of Kids' Publishing - COMING SUMMER 2024
Instructor: Mat Heagerty

You have written a children’s book… now what? Join Mat Heagerty, children’s book writer, to guide you through the wild world of getting your book published. READ MORE

DATES: TBD
             3 sessions

TIME: TBD
LOCATION:
Zoom

 REGISTER HERE 

 

 

Questions about Book Passage classes? Contact: classes@bookpassage.com