Levantine Cultural Center in association with The Writing Studio offers ongoing classes in creative writing, autobiography, memoir and fiction, with Elana Golden.

Every Saturday except the 4th Saturday in the month.

Class can be joined at any time. Sign up for a set of four classes.Discounted rate of $120 for four (4) consecutive classes paid in advance. Suitable for new and experienced writers. Limited to 10 participants.

In each class, participants write and read in the group in an atmosphere of respect and artistic passion. The skills of creative writing are taught and explored, as well as methods to put aside the critical mind and free the writer's personal voice.

An assignment exploring a topic such as childhood, immigration, relationships, sexuality, prejudice, war, addiction, financial crisis, grief and hope is presented in each class. World myths, and music, painting and literature of the great masters are used to inspire the work. The classes are cathartic, educational, transformational and fun.

RECENT TESTIMONIALS

“After completing my first feature film, I felt blocked in writing my second screenplay. After one class in creative writing with Elana Golden at Levantine Cultural Center, which I took for fun, I reconnected to my core creativity. It was so fruitful that I gave Elana my new screenplay for feedback.  Working with her helped me find the soul of the script and what I wanted to say.  I strongly recommend Elana’s classes in creative writing and screenwriting.” —Sabine El- Gemayel, writer/director Niloofar

“I have taken classes in creative writing with Elana Golden at Levantine Cultural Center for several months. It has been a great journey of self-discovery, of writing freely without inhibitions. The immigrant experience is emphasized, brought out in the open and celebrated.” —Nader, Engineer

“Elana facilitates a comfortable environment which allows creativity to flow. I recommend this class to anyone who seeks to remove artistic blocks and strengthen their technique and ability to write.” —Ali, filmmaker 

“Elana is insightful, encouraging, and knows how to bring the best in each writer in the class. I feel so fortunate to have found this opportunity at Levantine Cultural Center.” —Mahta Sharrif, actress

In the safety of the writing group, we take one moment from our lives and enter it fully. We slow down and look at it through the lens of the writer, allowing the story to emerge from the silence within. Learning to follow rather than lead the story, our writing is fresh, free, original, unexpected.

"Elana is an amazing writing instructor. Soon after I took one of her seminars, I wrote my novel in just 3 months. She works less with your mind and more with your heart & soul causing your writing to pour out like a tidal wave. She will create sessions tailored to your writing needs." —Joe Lam, novelist, award-winning film/video producer

To register, please call Tara Marie Good, at Levantine Cultural Center, 310.657.5511.