“Mary’s focus on story structure, that mystery of what makes a story from an idea or scene, was so useful to me. Her questions changed the things I think about when I sit down to write and especially when I go to re-write. Each week, she gave us terrific exercises for getting to the heart of structure questions, she was generous reading writing done outside class and she has a fabulous sense of humor besides. For me, the practice of the seven sentence story alone was a reason to study with her. ”
-Darcy Vebber
“I’ve taken several fiction workshops in college and other settings and I don’t hesitate to say that the WWLA fiction class I took was the single most interesting and most valuable fiction class I have taken. You will be inspired to try new techniques, intrigued by discussions on the subtleties of craft, motivated to get the work done, and made welcome to share your work. The assigned reading was very well chosen, and included theoretical material and sample stories from both established and lesser known writers. The in-class writing assignments were unique and provocative. Class discussions were chosen based on the students’ interests, not a generic fiction curriculum. Edan’s teaching style is relaxed and personable, and yet she keeps discussions focused, stays on agenda, and respects the value of time. I was most impressed by the structure of the in-class critiques each writer receives for a story they submit. I don’t want to disclose Edan’s method in any detail, but suffice it to say that our critiques were amazingly well structured around the twin goals of sensitivity to writer’s ego and the need for candid feedback. If you want to hone your craft, meet new writers, or you simply need a push to get yourself writing again, you’d be silly not to sign up with WWLA.”
-Nick Morgan
“I have been studying with Chris Daley for the past half year and have just re-upped for another class. Her creative nonfiction class (essays/memoirs) has been instrumental in pushing my work further. Chris creates an environment that feels both safe and challenging. One of my pet peeves is when a class is “soft” and everything turned in gets met with unconditional praise. I always feel like I’ve wasted my money and could have simply asked my mom to read the piece! That said, I’m not a glutton for punishment either. Chris’s style is honest and supportive. You get real feedback and the inspiration to take it to the next level. This class is a hidden gem.”
-Angela Espinosa
“Elline was a kind, generous, and encouraging teacher with a wealth of knowledge about poetry. She created a workshop environment where each student could bring their voice to the table, no matter how different our poetic styles were. She thoughtfully considered everyone’s comments during discussions, had helpful recommendations about our work, and was very responsive to requests to talk about our poetry outside of class. It was a pleasure to spend my evenings with Elline and our workshop group!”
-Claire Cronin
“Leslie’s class was always lively. She had a subtle way of leading discussion, and our efforts were acknowledged in a supportive, up-beat way. It felt as if we were all learning at the same time, a difficult skill for any teacher to master. No question she knows writing. I’m glad I spent that time with her.”
-J.P. Bumstead
“I entered Chris Daley’s Creative Nonfiction class knowing that I wanted to work on a memoir I’d been thinking about for a long time, but feeling at a bit of a loss about where to start. The reading assignments Chris selected were incredibly helpful - just learning about how other writers have approached the genre was enough to get me started. By the end of the eight weeks I had a good sense of my strengths and areas of focus for improving my work, thanks to Chris’s instruction and feedback. I also met some great people and had fun discussing writerly things with other writerly types. I’m looking forward to the next workshop.”
-Sara Campbell
“Elline’s teaching approach is well balanced. We spent about equal time examining a wealth of poetry from an eclectic variety of noted poets, and the poetry of fellow class members. We studied a broad range of poetry types and styles, making sure to spend sufficient time on the more difficult aspects in order to dig deep enough to gain a more thorough understanding. Her criticism is gentle and supportive, but also very enlightening in helping each poet develop his strengths and eliminate his weaknesses. Having the class in someone’s home also added to the experience. It was very fun and informal and I believe helped everyone to be more open with their poetry and critiques.”
-David Slavin
“Working with Edan has revolutionized my writing. After taking several classes with her in the past year, the quality and consistency of my work has made a quantum leap because not only do I have a better grasp of how to draft my stories in the first place, I have received wonderful insight into the revising process. Edan’s critiques are challenging and inspiring. Our workshop discussions have given me priceless insight. I was incredibly nervous the night of my first workshop, but by the end of class I knew I’d found a true ally in the writing world. I’m deeply grateful to Edan for her kindness and hard work. She’s a phenomenal teacher. If it were socially acceptable, I would spend my days wearing a sandwich board that reads EDAN ROCKS at all times. I might do it anyway.”
-Joy Allen
“Moving to Los Angeles can be a lonely experience. You are never sure where to go to find support and guidance in your art, especially writing. Writing itself is a lonely pursuit, however, by chance I found myself in Chris Daley’s Creative Nonfiction Beginning class and I was forever uplifted. Not only did the environment of the class feel intimate and sincere, but constructive. Chris embodies what writing teachers should be: a balance of ease and drive. The class has the ease of comfortability to be yourself and be open, but also the drive and strictness to keep you on track and find your direction. I’m on my third class with Chris and now pursuing my first nonfiction book. She will be listed on my dedication page; it’s the least I can do to express my gratitude.”
-Andrea Galvez
“Finding an environment that is at once nurturing and challenging is almost as important to the writing process as actually sitting down in front of the computer. Writing is hard, finding inspiration is hard, honing your voice is hard, and doing it all on your own is lonely… but as it turns out, it doesn’t have to be. You may not think you need a class to write, but I guarantee the process will be far more enjoyable if you take the creative nonfiction class. You will discover so much more about yourself as a writer, especially with a teacher like Chris Daley pushing you to explore and play. She creates a safe place for us to try and fail, learn from it, and then try again and grow. Everyone has a natural voice, but a class like this, with a teacher like Chris, will help you not only sharpen what is best about your unique voice but also explore new styles that could potentially open you up to whole new worlds as a writer. Unless you’re illiterate, you probably don’t need a class to learn how to write, but you really should consider this class if you want to learn how to be a writer.”
-Emma Fletcher
“Taking Mary’s fiction class provided exactly the push to my imagination and confidence that I needed to start a new novel and produce several short stories. Even between classes, her regularly emailed prompts sparked 500-800 words a day of fresh content. Mary is straightforward in her suggestions for improvement as well as inspiring in her support for what works. She was exactly the antidote I needed to the journalism I write for my ‘day job.’ My mind is a happier place because of her and I’m bummed that her next class filled up before I secured a slot. I highly recommend Mary’s class to veteran and new fiction writers. She is awesome.”
-Nomi Prins
“Edan’s one-on-one critique of my 450-page manuscript was the single most valuable writing instruction I’ve ever received — and I say that after at least $150,000 worth of undergrad and post-grad writing instruction! If you’re looking for trusted guidance and thorough, honest, and effective feedback, a critique with Edan is second to none.”
-Caitlin Creevy
“I love Chris and her class. She’s warm and highly intelligent, thoughtful and thought provoking. I started her class two sessions ago with no previous writing experience and only an idea. As I now enter my third session I am close to completing my first long form composition, a one man show. She helped to give form and guidance to my fledgling thoughts and motivated without judgment, all while fostering a supportive atmosphere that is often filled with laughter.”
-Gregory Thirloway
“Working with Edan in her writing workshops not only got me back to my novel, it also breathed new life into it. Her thoughtful and spot-on commentary has made my book infinitely better, and I’m constantly challenged to be a better writer with her as my guide.”
-Eric Cohen
“Chris’s workshops are a perfect mix of intellectual rigor, inspiration and fun. She looks out for her writers, fosters a generous atmosphere, and exposes us to a lot of great reading. These are the best writing classes I’ve taken in Los Angeles.”
-Kristen Havens
“Edan is that rare and enviable blend of talented teacher and gifted writer. She takes her students’ work seriously while creating a fun and stimulating classroom environment. With every workshop, I learn more and more and my writing improves.”
-Stephanie Eve Halpern
“In Edan’s writing classes, I have found a fantastic thought-provoking writing community. Edan’s insights are excellent and supportive, while also challenging me to work harder towards better writing. The atmosphere is incredibly productive while also maintaining fun and comfortable discussion. I have not only gotten great writing advice and direction from working with Edan, I have also made a lot of great friends in my fellow students. A must-take class, whether you are working on a novel or short fiction–this lady has it all!”
-Caroline Donahue