Writing Pad

I took a 6-​week TV Drama class with Pat Charles at Writing Pad and the experience was worth every penny and more. My classmates were all very serious about their writing, which is a major plus in my book because everyone was there to work hard. We had a great group dynamic of very diverse voices. Pat’s direction and feedback were simply awesome. It was a tough class because Pat will push you the way any show runner would in a real writing room. The tools I learned have made me much more critical of my writing in a very constructive way. I look forward to taking another Writing Pad class in the future!

Writing Pad is an independently run writing program with a full slate of classes and workshops in fiction, screenwriting, memoir, storytelling, publishing, etc. etc. etc. Basically, if you’re interested in writing anything, there should be a class that suits your needs. Classes take place at two locations, one in the Arts District and one across from the Westside Pavillion. They’re both cozy spaces, where shoes come off and you learn some craft in a comfortable, loungey setting. Snacks, tea, and coffee are provided.
I’m happy to see all the great reviews on Unilocal.I’m an instructor, so I can’t comment super usefully on the quality of instruction, but I enjoy the classes quite a bit. (Also, I haven’t taken classes with them, but my friends Amelia Gray, Ben Loory, and J. Ryan Stradal have taught here, and they’re all at the top of their game – go read their books!) They’re small, capped at ten students, and the seminar set-​up means we have plenty of time to spend on each student’s work. I taught a 5-​day novel-​writing workshop at the westside location and am in the middle of teaching another downtown. (I’ll be teaching another downtown starting February, if any Unilocalers want to learn novel writing from another Unilocaler.) We cover all the basics, and do lots of workshopping. It’s fun for me, and I hope it’s helpful for the students.
Writing Pad seems designed for adults with jobs and lives who’ve always been interested in writing but haven’t had time to devote whole strands of their existence to the pursuit of literary greatness. It’s a fun, relaxing creative outlet, and I can say from experience that the classes get people writing, and writing well.
Maybe one day I’ll teach a Unilocal review workshop. Watch this space for updates.

Taking classes with the Writing Pad have been amazing experiences. So far I have taken two classes there and plan to take more in the near future.
Prior to coming here, I reached out to Marilyn in hopes of finding ways to formulate my writing structure and creativity. She was extremely helpful in providing me with information about upcoming classes and the lesson plans involved. Looking for a particular genre, she was able to enroll me into the particular workshop that fit me and my interests best.
In that class, I was instructed by Summer Block Kumar who made the class really enjoyable; teaching a thorough and well detailed hands on class. Learning from Summer was fun, she brought together a class through fun exercises, team work while surrounding us positive vibes.
I am definitely looking forward to coming back, great place to keep writers started or back on track!

I LOVE Writing Pad! I’ve taken 3 classes so far. Their experienced, professional teachers have helped me write my book and create my book proposal and I just got a publishing deal!
Thanks Marilyn @ Writing Pad!!!

Honestly, I cannot say enough good things about the writing pad. I have taken a few classes and I always learn more than I even expect. Mr. and Mrs. Writing Pad are a cool couple that think of everything. They provide a comfortable environment, discounts for return offenders and light healthy snacks. Although, they have reasonably affordable they have payment plans. They get professional and experienced teachers. They cover a wide range of writing genres.

I’m kind of addicted. Marilyn and Jeff are angels. And taking the series of classes by Chris Reed is the only way I’m getting my screenplay written! He’s absolutely fantastic to work with. I WP.

I’ve learned a lot in every Writing pad class I’ve taken (about 6 now) but I want to especially focus on PAT CHARLES and his DRAMA PILOT CLASS because he has a new session starting soon. You will start the class with just a logline and by the end of it you will have the plot points figured out. Most writers will tell you this is the hardest part of writing a script, but Pat makes it feel easy. He has an awesome combination of easygoing and laser focused in his teaching style that I really connected with. Overall it was an AMAZING class and a real bargain compared to similar offerings out there.

I feel so fortunate to have taken Peter Iliff’s screenwriting class. It was fantastic! He brings both his talent as a writer and his years of professional experience to bear on your idea. Although the effect has the potential to be intimidating, Peter’s manner is so warm and approachable that this is never the case. He is incredibly generous with his time and insight. He gives you a huge amount of help on your own story, plus you learn just as much from listening to how he approaches other people’s projects. By the time class is over, you’re inspired and energized to get to work on your script. Thank you, Peter!

I’ve taken a few screenwriting classes through Writing Pad. I highly recommend Chris Reed. He’s thorough and thoughtful and really cares about the success of his students. He’ll give you homework and help you understand the essential components of screenwriting. He’s a great instructor.
The only reason why there’s not five stars is the class runs until 10:30 which is past my bedtime.

Great teachers. fun place and very hospitable! Marilyn always caters it with various munchies, occasional glasses of wine and offers WI-​FI if you need but be forewarned you may get your hand slapped if caught surfing during a class. Plenty of parking and just around the corner from the amazing Urban Radish — a great place to wait if you come early.

I recently took a writing class taught by Sara Benincasa through Writing Pad. It was a very enjoyable class in a very encouraging, supportive and safe environment. Marilyn and Jeff of Writing Pad are wonderful! I had to cancel the original class that I signed up for at the last minute, but they were very diligent in following up with me to take a make-​up class. Even after the class, Marilyn had reached out to me to provide encouragement and tips to pursue my writing. I could really feel her genuine interest in helping people pursue their potentially hidden talent in writing. I would definitely take another class at Writing Pad and highly recommend them!

I’m just about to start my fifth Writing Pad class. That pretty much says it all, right? Every single class I’ve taken has more than delivered on what was promised in the class description. The instructors are not only successful in their respective fields, they are also terrific at passing along their knowledge and the benefits of their experience.
Jeff and Marilyn have created a cohesive community through classes, panels, and other special events. The class locations support the safe, creative atmosphere that allows students to take risks, be inspired, and explore the far reaches of their own creativity.

I have nothing but good things to say about Writing Pad. I’ve taken 2 classes here with Natasha, who is amazing. She gives insightful and detailed feedback and is more than willing to help you get published if she thinks your work is ready (she helped me get published on Vice), but will definitely work you hard to get the best work out of you. It’s not a place where you just submit work and walk away. With both of the classes I’ve taken, I feel I’ve gotten more than my money’s worth with all of the feedback and networking opportunities. If you work hard, the classes can pay for themselves. Plus, the classes are honestly fun.
Marilyn is also wonderful. She has made my experience at Writing Pad even better by being so accommodating and patient with any questions or requests I’ve had. They offer a ton of different classes and host all sorts of panels with well-​known writers. I was pretty surprised I had never heard of this place; it’s such a hidden gem for writers of all genres.
Definitely go!

I came to Writing Pad three years ago and have stuck around because of the community of people. When I first decided to take on some serious writing, I had no idea where to begin. The resources here are wide and abundant and Marilyn is just awesome at connecting you to the right people.
The regular staff of teachers are very professional and helpful, and there are quite often a handful of new teachers that come to share their gifts with this community. I’ve taken a good variety of classes and I can honestly say that I’ve gotten something useful from every teacher and student that I’ve met.
If it wasn’t for Writing Pad and Marilyn’s wonderful hospitality, I don’t know where I’d be right now. This was a great starting point for me, and I plan to be a part of this community for a long time to come. Thanks Marilyn!
…At least come for the sangria. ;)
Young

I am a big fan of the Writing Pad! I’ve taken a pilot re-​write class, a class on doing script coverage, and I’ve been to a few of their panels and other events. I learned a lot in each of the classes, and my projects will definitely be better because of them.
I’m constantly impressed with Marilyn and Jeff’s network of teachers and panelists. They bring in a lot of working, successful writers and entertainment professionals who give you battle-​tested advice on how to improve your writing and your career. Who knew that Nia Vardalos and Diablo Cody were writing buddies? That panel was my first Writing Pad experience, and it was awesome to hear about how those ladies approach writing and support each other. One of the best things about the classes are the small class sizes — you get to know your teachers, and they get to know you and your work.
Plus Marilyn and Jeff are really cool people!
I feel like I’m gushing… but I honestly forward all the Writing Pad emails to friends, encouraging them to check out events or classes.

I’ve never written a Unilocal review before, because I rarely have strong feelings one way or another, and am too lazy to take the time to add my 2 cents. In fact, I probably would never have written a review at all, if I had not read the negative review posted earlier. I feel it is misleading and I am compelled to write this.
I have been a student of the Writing Pad for over 2 years and have found the classes to be enormously helpful. I started writing a novel and am currently revising it, through the classes I have taken there. I also met an agent in one of the classes, who is now interested in representing this novel.
I am so impressed with the instructors they are able to attract, and the classes are equal to any I’ve taken at UCLA Extension and various other places. I personally write fiction, but the breadth of class offerings is extensive, from screenwriting to essays, to children’s books, and beyond. They also offer panel discussions and events with highly successful, sought-​after, working professionals. The classes are affordable and convenient to both the Westside and Eastside of Los Angeles. I’ve found the classes to be supportive and nurturing in guiding even the most beginning writer through the process of creating compelling stories and characters. It’s definitely worked for me.
I received no free gifts, discounts or prizes to write this. My only incentive was to share my own personal experience in the hopes that Marilyn and Jeff can continue to grow and expand their course offerings, and I can continue to take them.
This summer, I am starting my second novel in my classes at the Writing Pad.

If you take one class here, mark my words, you’ll be hooked.
I started small, with a ‘how to pitch’ class (journalism) that was just one evening, and then took several of Taffy’s personal essay classes (life changing), and have also taken a copywriting course which was also really great.
Marilyn and Jeff are the sweetest, most welcoming, caring people ever and it’s great to support a business like theirs which is really making a difference in a lot of lives.
To put it simply: if you’re considering taking a writing class, go for Writing Pad!
P. S. To the person who wrote a bad review (the ONLY person, clearly this is a one-​off experience and not indicative of the entire business) I met Marilyn and Jeff THROUGH Writing Pad — nobody recommended them to me, so I was completely unbiased in my initial interactions. Writing Pad is a small business, not some big corporation, so they can’t refund every person who cancels after classes begin (TWICE? seriously dude?). You have taken someone else’s space, and they end up losing a lot of money (and so does the hard working instructor). It doesn’t exactly speak well of you that you cancelled the first two classes you signed up for.
I have some advice for you. Read this:
Specifically, read number 3.

After taking a 1-​day storytelling class with Brian Finkelstein (which I really enjoyed), I finally had time to take a longer class, and ended up signing up for a 5-​week storytelling class with Cole Kazdin. It was fantastic. She was a nurturing instructor who encouraged your natural voice, but also was a genius with a revision. Typically, I have stage fright, but when it came time for our performance at the end of the class, Cole made the experience as comfortable as it could be. The whole thing went really well, and since then, I was able to perform one of the stories I wrote in her class as a finalist in Writing Pad’s Story Lotto competition!
As a writer, it was a brand new experience for me, and one that provided me with the confidence to continue moving forward with my writing and storytelling. I didn’t win, but It also made people more aware of who I am and what I do – when you say you’re in a storytelling competition with a grand prize of over $ 1,000, people tend to sit up and take notice. Like the other Writing Pad classes, I highly recommend the storytelling ones.
And don’t be afraid to take some risks and participate in the Writing Pad events. When else are you going to be in a room with a bunch of other people who are actually interested in the fact that you’re a writer?

I went to the downtown location for Ann Randolph’s class. First of all, the loft is in a great old industrial building in the Toy District, you’ll want to allow some time to explore before or after your class. There are some great bars and restaurants that have popped up in the last couple years.
As for the school, I like the casual environment. Class sizes are kept small, which is important when you’re sharing unfinished work. The prices are pretty reasonable too, compared to others I’ve checked out. Best of all, they serve some tasty food at the breaks (at least, they did at the one I attended).
The list of upcoming classes looked very interesting. I’ll definitely be back.

I absolutely adore Writing Pad. The environment is so welcoming, and it’s a great place for feedback on your work. All levels are welcome, and they have amazing teachers. I recently took a class with Leigh Bardugo (Shadow and Bone) to give you an idea of the excellent authors they secure. I’ve taken personal essay writing classes, novel writing classes, and screenwriting classes. All of them have been excellent.
Oh, and the snacks are fantastic, too. ;)