Book Passage

Classes & Writing

Book Passage Hosts Hundreds of Classes
Book Passage has hosted writing classes, workshops, and conferences for over 35 years. Our classes have also included art, history, food, publishing, social issues, and many other topics. We’ve had many large programs as well as intimate gatherings that allow students to work closely with the teachers.

Many Writers Got Their Start at Book Passage

There are many Book Passage classes that focus on writing, editing, and publishing. Many well-known writers got their start in a BP class or writing conference. That's where they've honed their skills and made the connections they needed to embark upon a successful writing career.

-- For a current list of classes by subject, please click here.

-- For a current list of classes by date, please click here.

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Mystery Writers Conference

Fri., July 19, to Sun., July 21, 2024

The Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference is in its 29th year, and its reputation among writers continues to grow. The Conference covers everything mystery writers need, from developing ideas and writing skills to finding an agent and publisher. Here's what you'll find at this 3-day Conference: Click here for more information.

  • Authors offer classes on setting, dialogue, and character development.
  • Editors, agents, and publishers tell participants what they need to know to get published.
  • Writers in the various mystery genres show how to write about private eyes, amateur sleuths, cyber-crimes, and police protagonists, as well as stories in historical settings.
  • Participants learn how to work with editors, agents, and publicists. 
  • Conferees meet with panels of detectives, forensic experts, prosecutors, defense lawyers and other crime-fighting professionals who share their expertise and help authors bring realism to their writing. 
  • Optional, private evaluations of manuscripts can be arranged for Conference participants.

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Travel Writers & Photographers Conference

Thurs., Aug. 8 - Sun., Aug. 11, 2024

The Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference is now in its 29th year. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference attracts faculty and attendees from around the world. Alumni of the TWPC have roamed the world, written about almost every part of it, and have published books, articles and photos -- many as a result of contacts made and skills learned at the Conference. The TWPC offers a four-day array of workshops, panels, and evening activities. There is no finer travel writing conference anywhere in the world. Click here for more information.

 

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Five Things I've Learned
Five Things with Extended Sessions (Click here)

We’ve worked with our media partners at Extended Session to develop a new series of online classes that tap into the experience of famous writers. The title (“Five Things”) hints at the focus: these are usually short classes that get right to the heart things immediately. For a current list of Five Things I've Learned classes, please (Click here)

 

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Left Coast Writers

Left Coast Writers has long been a part of the Book Passage team. This writer’s group provides literary connections, professional support, readings, writing tips, literary chats, unabashed networking, and great fun. LCW writers are often a part of Book Passage author presentations. In short, it has everything a writer needs! LCW meets at Book Passage and is led by Linda Watanabe McFerrin. For more information, please Click here.

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Professional Consultations

For the past several years, Book Passage has developed a program of linking writers with mentors to help them with their writing. The pandemic forced us to modify this program, but we are back, moving forward with a system that will put new writers in touch with veteran writers who can help them with every phase of their writing careers. or more information Click here .

 

Teacher Recruitment

Teach a class at Book Passage! As the host of some of the top classes in Marin, Book Passage can offer you an established community, marketing, and support for your class. We look forward to hearing your proposal, for more information Click here .