What writers have had to say about North Bay Writers Groups.
Dear Peg,
I felt compelled to write and let you know how much I appreciate your writing workshop. It’s my guess that you’re, most likely, not surprised by this compulsion. Your workshop members must send heaps of thank you letters. Nor, I gather, are you surprised by the fact that I want to write. You planned things that way, didn’t you? Your leadership set me on my writer’s path. Your motivation and encouragement inspired me to succeed and were crucial elements of my recent publishing successes. Your rigorous dedication to craft, your gentle but firm guidance, and the generosity of your close readings helped me persevere when I was too hard on myself, helped me discover the hearts of my stories, and showed me how to enjoy the challenges of becoming a better writer. I’ve been a member of several other workshops, and they have all been helpful. But your guidance and your workshop made the difference. I always recommend your workshop to other writers, beginners or advanced, regardless of whether they write fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. I tell them how you’ve been instrumental in my growth, how you’ve inspired me to take risks, and how you’ve helped me come closer to understanding my own aesthetic. Thank you so much for this workshop, for your dedication, and for encouraging me, always, to write, write, write. I am so very grateful. I love the work I’m producing. It’s some of my best to date.
I blame you.
With love,
John Z.
A struggling novelist and reluctant poet, I’ve taken Peg’s nighttime classes three times. I find solace in other writers’ projects, comfort in Peg’s astute comments and firm direction at the end of each class. It’s much like therapy. I’ve never gone home discouraged, no matter how dismantled the manuscript. The writing prompts are hilarious and freeing, and several exercises have led to new short projects.
But for someone who is always talking about writing her best novel ever, I have found Peg’s classroom puts such promises to the test: I have finished two complete manuscripts under her tender care. And made some very good friends along the route. An unheralded plus: her snacks are nutritious and brain-cell-enhancing.
She never mentions this.
Linden Berry
Mill Valley
Co-author/Dances with Wolf (Macmillan, October 2014)
After I decided to learn to write, I was so lucky to have discovered Peg Alford Pursell’s writing workshops. When I started I was long on story ideas and short on fiction techniques. Her workshops were even more valuable than I expected. I continually learned new aspects of the craft, and I enjoyed working with Peg and the other workshop participants.
Every class starts with a 10-minute warm-up writing prompt. I have turned many of these into stories I’m proud of. With encouragement and constructive critiques from Peg and the workshop members, I have also finished a novel and several short stories.
Peg is a phenomenal teacher—supportive, knowledgeable, and generous. No matter what their current skill level, each student receives the information and feedback he or she needs to improve from where they are. Additionally, learning how to give feedback on others’ work develops skills that spill over into improving and editing one’s own work.
I can’t recommend Peg’s writing workshops highly enough.
John P.
I’ve never had any interest in sports or sports metaphors. None. But with writing, I want to stretch myself. I want to excel and do my very best and continually improve. I want my writing to get better.
Peg helps me write better. In her weekly workshops, she provides me with structure, deadlines, and feedback.
The Structure is a commitment to a specific time and place to show up and write and talk about our work. With a deadline in two weeks, to pass out my fresh ten pages, I have to get busy. The race is on. Who knows why it’s easier to write for and with other people, but it is. It is for me.
Regarding feedback, in that inevitable gap between vision and execution, Peg helps me see where and how to improve—to cut, clarify, strengthen, rephrase, and move around.
In her notes on my manuscripts, Peg gives me her ideas, suggestions, and reactions, which, of course, I’m free to use or not. I tend to use about 98%.
Adrian T.
Participating in the North Bay Writer’s Group has been productive, creatively supportive, and fun. I leave every gathering with pointers to continue developing my writing, happy that I came. Peg is a kind and consistent workshop facilitator of understated brilliance.
Wendy S.
I feel so fortunate to be a member of NBWG. At the end of each session of NBWG, I can look back and see how much I have grown as a writer. Peg gently and deftly guides the group, shares her expertise freely, and inspires each person to pursue their individual strengths. I learn both from the insightful and thoughtful feedback from Peg and the other group members. I truly treasure my experience with NBWG and highly encourage writers of all levels to participate.
Stephanie F.
Do you aspire to be a writer or a better writer? Welcome to your new literary home.
By now you’ve read Peg Alford Pursell’s biography, applauded her publications, and been gob smacked by her well-deserved awards. Don’t let her position as a leading light of the Bay Area’s literary scene deter you. Peg is accessible and generous with her time and expertise.
Whether you join Peg’s workshops or work with her one-on-one, she will celebrate with you when your words flow, your dialogue rings true and your descriptions excite all the senses. When your shitty first draft turns into a shitty twelfth draft, she’ll look past flat characters and deadly wordplay to highlight phrases and settings that make you think thirteen may be your lucky number after all.
Please don’t misunderstand. Peg will not tell you what you want to hear. She will tell you what you need to hear. You’ll hear your work shows promise–when it does. You’ll know a sentence is perfect–when it is. You’ll also learn where to rewrite, where to free write, and where to simply drop those four pages and start again. Peg brings you the honest and expert input your friends and family can’t provide.
Don’t wait. Sign up. Try your best. You will grow with Peg’s advice and inspiration. I did.
Jo H.
When I began your workshop, I was not writing at all, and had not written for 15 years. Now, six months later, I’m writing several times a week and sending work out for publication. I’ve just had my first story accepted! I’m extremely grateful and credit your gifts as a mentor.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Larry K.
If I don’t attend Peg’s workshops, I don’t write. I wouldn’t admit this until a couple of my fellow workshoppers admitted the same thing. We get how hard it is to put new work out there and, the magic part is, we get each other. Peg has created a space where we’re comfortable enough to actually write and read our work aloud. Yeah, we moan a lot, but we laugh hard, too. Sometimes someone will write something that touches us so deeply, it’s embarrassing. I love when that happens.
Ginny H.
I love writing to the prompts. I get energized by participating in these group exercises, and I love hearing the variety of riffs that others write in response to prompts. I frequently use the piece I have written as the basis for a longer, more in-depth story. I also get a lot out of the critique portion of the workshop. I learn so much about the craft of writing and the architecture of stories from this process. I especially like the guidelines she gave us for critiquing. I try to follow the broad outline of those guidelines when I give feedback, and I think they make my feedback more constructive. Moreover, they are helpful to me when I edit my own stories. I now have a stronger sense of how to write a complete short story. I always learn a great deal during the discussion of members’ stories. Peg is an amazing and insightful teacher.
I have grown incredibly as a writer since I started this workshop. I went from writing short superficial pieces in response to classroom prompts, to being a full-fledged short fiction writer. I now have the know-how and confidence to write a decent short story, and I have started to visualize turning some of my stories into a novel. I find the workshops enjoyable, gratifying and satisfying. I recommend it for the convivial atmosphere, the camaraderie and sense of community, the constructive critique sessions, and the joy of writing to prompts and sharing our pieces with others.
Barbara S.
The structure really works for me. I love the free write portion of the evening. There is something special about being around a table with those prompts and the sound of others working away that is magical. The critique portion is great. The discipline of having to turn in a piece of writing works very well. I don't want to miss my opportunity and I love the feedback. Likewise, I look forward to reading and studying the other participants' pieces and to hearing what everyone else has to say about their pieces.
You are fantastic. You're warm, personable, genuine, and you provide in-depth, invaluable feedback. You control and move the group forward in a constructive, up-beat way. As a moderator or leader, you provide guidance that is constructive, positive, and yet you do not let anyone dominate, undermine, or otherwise take control of the evening or agenda.
Everyone brings so much talent and thoughtful consideration to the workshop and is so generous with their talent and concern for the other participants. The workshop is the highlight of my week.
Jean M.
When I first started the group, the characters I wrote were mute! With the steady encouragement, patience, and guidance from Peg and fellow workshoppers, I found voices for my characters, and ultimately, for myself. The revisions, comments, and honest critique from NBW were invaluable. NBW is a group of writers who, in time, became like family; I often found myself writing to them. Because of this motivation, I generated tons of stories, two of which were eventually published! NBW will also teach you how to read and think like a writer, and just as importantly, will provide you with a community of writers who will challenge and motivate and inspire.
Nancy A.
I have seen all levels of writing skill enter the workshops and improve. The teaching is done by example, using what we have written. This makes the teaching relevant and easier to understand and digest. The environment is safe to take the risk of writing in front of others and getting feedback. Peg is very non-judgmental of others and their work. I am very sensitive to that behavior, not because I worry about criticism, but because learning involves being on new ground. That is anxiety producing. If the climate adds to the anxiety inherently there, the learning suffers. You have a gentle, informed touch, Peg. It is a pleasure to learn with you.
Judy B.
The structure of the workshop is very strong as a framework for anyone interested in pursuing writing, but it rises to a 10 because of you, Peg, the facilitator. Your knowledge of craft is invaluable and your supportive nature helps us all become better writers and helps us read more critically, but the environment that you create makes us all feel safe. I have much more confidence in my potential as a writer.
Stephanie G.
When I first started this workshop I found critiquing a bit daunting. If someone’s writing was particularly good or attractive to me, I had a hard time seeing anything that could be improved. When someone seemed particularly inexperienced and the writing did not appeal to me I was equally challenged to provide practical suggestions. After a few workshops and exposure to good writers and good critiquers I have been able to read a work in progress with better comprehension and I find myself catching things that other writers find helpful.
Being a novice when I started, I would say I have grown by leaps and bounds. Your words, Peg, about “touching your writing every day” have been enlightening. This is such a brilliant concept—commitment without stress or guilt. It has changed my discipline and I expect I will continue to grow in my commitment. With each workshop I take I can see growth in my writing and in my attitude towards accepting myself as a writer. The level of mentoring that you deliver is amazing. I am amazed at how you can spot a diamond in the rough and generously develop that person’s writing.
Rochelle S.
The writing prompts give me confidence that I can actually produce material, without having to wait for “inspiration.” If it weren’t for them, I would hardly ever write anything new. I constantly surprise myself at what I come up with in ten or twelve minutes with no pre-planning. In fact, it’s the lack of planning out what I’ll write and the absence of time for editing or self-censoring that makes the writing flow so well. This is one of the greatest gifts I’ve gotten from the workshops.
The format is super nourishing to any level of aspiring writer, and the support and intelligent feedback of the facilitator and other participants is a gift like no other.
The workshops are better than any writing class I’ve ever taken. I get a lot out of the positive emphasis on learning and growing, without ever any pressure or negativity. Thanks!
Bev M.
The workshop exceeded my expectations. It not only encouraged me to get back into writing (which was my hope) but I learned, too. Lately, I'd been feeling that workshops I took were interesting but that I had not learned anything new.
I was delighted with the quality of writing and critique from my workshop mates and, most especially, from the workshop leader. You have an exceptionally nurturing and positive manner while being helpful in improving the writer, Peg. That's a gift or talent or both.
Having to consider why a work is exciting or jarring forces one to think about writing and what is truly artful. It is also inspiring to realize that other people have not-so-perfects drafts too and that winnowing out the sloppy and inelegant is just part of the writing process.
The workshop is particularly good for a writer experiencing a dry spell. It’s a unique combination in which you learn about techniques and the art of writing and inspiration, which gives you energy and fortitude to keep going and grow as a writer. Moreover, Peg manages to make her workshop a safe environment, which is especially important for new or struggling writers.
Claire B.
I highly recommend the North Bay Writing Group. I came into the workshop as a beginning writer. Although the group consisted mainly of experienced writers who had been together for some time, I was warmly welcomed. Reading and critiquing their work within a structured framework has been as valuable for me as having my work likewise read and critiqued. Peg is a gifted facilitator. She keeps the group grounded in constructive feedback and focused on craft issues, while at the same time creating a good-humored atmosphere. It was my great pleasure to be a part of such a dedicated, inspiring, and creative group of writers.
Robin F.
Every time I take your workshop I'm astounded by how much more growth as I writer I make. I feel able to write on my own but the sessions are so much fun. It keeps the hard work playful and keeps me going in between classes. The format is excellent, each session interesting and productive. The participants are talented and I learned from everyone. Your guidance is especially helpful to me, with your intelligent support for digging deeper. I will keep taking this workshop as long as you’ll have me.
Suzanne R.
Dear Peg,
I felt compelled to write and let you know how much I appreciate your writing workshop. It’s my guess that you’re, most likely, not surprised by this compulsion. Your workshop members must send heaps of thank you letters. Nor, I gather, are you surprised by the fact that I want to write. You planned things that way, didn’t you? Your leadership set me on my writer’s path. Your motivation and encouragement inspired me to succeed and were crucial elements of my recent publishing successes. Your rigorous dedication to craft, your gentle but firm guidance, and the generosity of your close readings helped me persevere when I was too hard on myself, helped me discover the hearts of my stories, and showed me how to enjoy the challenges of becoming a better writer. I’ve been a member of several other workshops, and they have all been helpful. But your guidance and your workshop made the difference. I always recommend your workshop to other writers, beginners or advanced, regardless of whether they write fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. I tell them how you’ve been instrumental in my growth, how you’ve inspired me to take risks, and how you’ve helped me come closer to understanding my own aesthetic. Thank you so much for this workshop, for your dedication, and for encouraging me, always, to write, write, write. I am so very grateful. I love the work I’m producing. It’s some of my best to date.
I blame you.
With love,
John Z.
A struggling novelist and reluctant poet, I’ve taken Peg’s nighttime classes three times. I find solace in other writers’ projects, comfort in Peg’s astute comments and firm direction at the end of each class. It’s much like therapy. I’ve never gone home discouraged, no matter how dismantled the manuscript. The writing prompts are hilarious and freeing, and several exercises have led to new short projects.
But for someone who is always talking about writing her best novel ever, I have found Peg’s classroom puts such promises to the test: I have finished two complete manuscripts under her tender care. And made some very good friends along the route. An unheralded plus: her snacks are nutritious and brain-cell-enhancing.
She never mentions this.
Linden Berry
Mill Valley
Co-author/Dances with Wolf (Macmillan, October 2014)
After I decided to learn to write, I was so lucky to have discovered Peg Alford Pursell’s writing workshops. When I started I was long on story ideas and short on fiction techniques. Her workshops were even more valuable than I expected. I continually learned new aspects of the craft, and I enjoyed working with Peg and the other workshop participants.
Every class starts with a 10-minute warm-up writing prompt. I have turned many of these into stories I’m proud of. With encouragement and constructive critiques from Peg and the workshop members, I have also finished a novel and several short stories.
Peg is a phenomenal teacher—supportive, knowledgeable, and generous. No matter what their current skill level, each student receives the information and feedback he or she needs to improve from where they are. Additionally, learning how to give feedback on others’ work develops skills that spill over into improving and editing one’s own work.
I can’t recommend Peg’s writing workshops highly enough.
John P.
I’ve never had any interest in sports or sports metaphors. None. But with writing, I want to stretch myself. I want to excel and do my very best and continually improve. I want my writing to get better.
Peg helps me write better. In her weekly workshops, she provides me with structure, deadlines, and feedback.
The Structure is a commitment to a specific time and place to show up and write and talk about our work. With a deadline in two weeks, to pass out my fresh ten pages, I have to get busy. The race is on. Who knows why it’s easier to write for and with other people, but it is. It is for me.
Regarding feedback, in that inevitable gap between vision and execution, Peg helps me see where and how to improve—to cut, clarify, strengthen, rephrase, and move around.
In her notes on my manuscripts, Peg gives me her ideas, suggestions, and reactions, which, of course, I’m free to use or not. I tend to use about 98%.
Adrian T.
Participating in the North Bay Writer’s Group has been productive, creatively supportive, and fun. I leave every gathering with pointers to continue developing my writing, happy that I came. Peg is a kind and consistent workshop facilitator of understated brilliance.
Wendy S.
I feel so fortunate to be a member of NBWG. At the end of each session of NBWG, I can look back and see how much I have grown as a writer. Peg gently and deftly guides the group, shares her expertise freely, and inspires each person to pursue their individual strengths. I learn both from the insightful and thoughtful feedback from Peg and the other group members. I truly treasure my experience with NBWG and highly encourage writers of all levels to participate.
Stephanie F.
Do you aspire to be a writer or a better writer? Welcome to your new literary home.
By now you’ve read Peg Alford Pursell’s biography, applauded her publications, and been gob smacked by her well-deserved awards. Don’t let her position as a leading light of the Bay Area’s literary scene deter you. Peg is accessible and generous with her time and expertise.
Whether you join Peg’s workshops or work with her one-on-one, she will celebrate with you when your words flow, your dialogue rings true and your descriptions excite all the senses. When your shitty first draft turns into a shitty twelfth draft, she’ll look past flat characters and deadly wordplay to highlight phrases and settings that make you think thirteen may be your lucky number after all.
Please don’t misunderstand. Peg will not tell you what you want to hear. She will tell you what you need to hear. You’ll hear your work shows promise–when it does. You’ll know a sentence is perfect–when it is. You’ll also learn where to rewrite, where to free write, and where to simply drop those four pages and start again. Peg brings you the honest and expert input your friends and family can’t provide.
Don’t wait. Sign up. Try your best. You will grow with Peg’s advice and inspiration. I did.
Jo H.
When I began your workshop, I was not writing at all, and had not written for 15 years. Now, six months later, I’m writing several times a week and sending work out for publication. I’ve just had my first story accepted! I’m extremely grateful and credit your gifts as a mentor.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Larry K.
If I don’t attend Peg’s workshops, I don’t write. I wouldn’t admit this until a couple of my fellow workshoppers admitted the same thing. We get how hard it is to put new work out there and, the magic part is, we get each other. Peg has created a space where we’re comfortable enough to actually write and read our work aloud. Yeah, we moan a lot, but we laugh hard, too. Sometimes someone will write something that touches us so deeply, it’s embarrassing. I love when that happens.
Ginny H.
I love writing to the prompts. I get energized by participating in these group exercises, and I love hearing the variety of riffs that others write in response to prompts. I frequently use the piece I have written as the basis for a longer, more in-depth story. I also get a lot out of the critique portion of the workshop. I learn so much about the craft of writing and the architecture of stories from this process. I especially like the guidelines she gave us for critiquing. I try to follow the broad outline of those guidelines when I give feedback, and I think they make my feedback more constructive. Moreover, they are helpful to me when I edit my own stories. I now have a stronger sense of how to write a complete short story. I always learn a great deal during the discussion of members’ stories. Peg is an amazing and insightful teacher.
I have grown incredibly as a writer since I started this workshop. I went from writing short superficial pieces in response to classroom prompts, to being a full-fledged short fiction writer. I now have the know-how and confidence to write a decent short story, and I have started to visualize turning some of my stories into a novel. I find the workshops enjoyable, gratifying and satisfying. I recommend it for the convivial atmosphere, the camaraderie and sense of community, the constructive critique sessions, and the joy of writing to prompts and sharing our pieces with others.
Barbara S.
The structure really works for me. I love the free write portion of the evening. There is something special about being around a table with those prompts and the sound of others working away that is magical. The critique portion is great. The discipline of having to turn in a piece of writing works very well. I don't want to miss my opportunity and I love the feedback. Likewise, I look forward to reading and studying the other participants' pieces and to hearing what everyone else has to say about their pieces.
You are fantastic. You're warm, personable, genuine, and you provide in-depth, invaluable feedback. You control and move the group forward in a constructive, up-beat way. As a moderator or leader, you provide guidance that is constructive, positive, and yet you do not let anyone dominate, undermine, or otherwise take control of the evening or agenda.
Everyone brings so much talent and thoughtful consideration to the workshop and is so generous with their talent and concern for the other participants. The workshop is the highlight of my week.
Jean M.
When I first started the group, the characters I wrote were mute! With the steady encouragement, patience, and guidance from Peg and fellow workshoppers, I found voices for my characters, and ultimately, for myself. The revisions, comments, and honest critique from NBW were invaluable. NBW is a group of writers who, in time, became like family; I often found myself writing to them. Because of this motivation, I generated tons of stories, two of which were eventually published! NBW will also teach you how to read and think like a writer, and just as importantly, will provide you with a community of writers who will challenge and motivate and inspire.
Nancy A.
I have seen all levels of writing skill enter the workshops and improve. The teaching is done by example, using what we have written. This makes the teaching relevant and easier to understand and digest. The environment is safe to take the risk of writing in front of others and getting feedback. Peg is very non-judgmental of others and their work. I am very sensitive to that behavior, not because I worry about criticism, but because learning involves being on new ground. That is anxiety producing. If the climate adds to the anxiety inherently there, the learning suffers. You have a gentle, informed touch, Peg. It is a pleasure to learn with you.
Judy B.
The structure of the workshop is very strong as a framework for anyone interested in pursuing writing, but it rises to a 10 because of you, Peg, the facilitator. Your knowledge of craft is invaluable and your supportive nature helps us all become better writers and helps us read more critically, but the environment that you create makes us all feel safe. I have much more confidence in my potential as a writer.
Stephanie G.
When I first started this workshop I found critiquing a bit daunting. If someone’s writing was particularly good or attractive to me, I had a hard time seeing anything that could be improved. When someone seemed particularly inexperienced and the writing did not appeal to me I was equally challenged to provide practical suggestions. After a few workshops and exposure to good writers and good critiquers I have been able to read a work in progress with better comprehension and I find myself catching things that other writers find helpful.
Being a novice when I started, I would say I have grown by leaps and bounds. Your words, Peg, about “touching your writing every day” have been enlightening. This is such a brilliant concept—commitment without stress or guilt. It has changed my discipline and I expect I will continue to grow in my commitment. With each workshop I take I can see growth in my writing and in my attitude towards accepting myself as a writer. The level of mentoring that you deliver is amazing. I am amazed at how you can spot a diamond in the rough and generously develop that person’s writing.
Rochelle S.
The writing prompts give me confidence that I can actually produce material, without having to wait for “inspiration.” If it weren’t for them, I would hardly ever write anything new. I constantly surprise myself at what I come up with in ten or twelve minutes with no pre-planning. In fact, it’s the lack of planning out what I’ll write and the absence of time for editing or self-censoring that makes the writing flow so well. This is one of the greatest gifts I’ve gotten from the workshops.
The format is super nourishing to any level of aspiring writer, and the support and intelligent feedback of the facilitator and other participants is a gift like no other.
The workshops are better than any writing class I’ve ever taken. I get a lot out of the positive emphasis on learning and growing, without ever any pressure or negativity. Thanks!
Bev M.
The workshop exceeded my expectations. It not only encouraged me to get back into writing (which was my hope) but I learned, too. Lately, I'd been feeling that workshops I took were interesting but that I had not learned anything new.
I was delighted with the quality of writing and critique from my workshop mates and, most especially, from the workshop leader. You have an exceptionally nurturing and positive manner while being helpful in improving the writer, Peg. That's a gift or talent or both.
Having to consider why a work is exciting or jarring forces one to think about writing and what is truly artful. It is also inspiring to realize that other people have not-so-perfects drafts too and that winnowing out the sloppy and inelegant is just part of the writing process.
The workshop is particularly good for a writer experiencing a dry spell. It’s a unique combination in which you learn about techniques and the art of writing and inspiration, which gives you energy and fortitude to keep going and grow as a writer. Moreover, Peg manages to make her workshop a safe environment, which is especially important for new or struggling writers.
Claire B.
I highly recommend the North Bay Writing Group. I came into the workshop as a beginning writer. Although the group consisted mainly of experienced writers who had been together for some time, I was warmly welcomed. Reading and critiquing their work within a structured framework has been as valuable for me as having my work likewise read and critiqued. Peg is a gifted facilitator. She keeps the group grounded in constructive feedback and focused on craft issues, while at the same time creating a good-humored atmosphere. It was my great pleasure to be a part of such a dedicated, inspiring, and creative group of writers.
Robin F.
Every time I take your workshop I'm astounded by how much more growth as I writer I make. I feel able to write on my own but the sessions are so much fun. It keeps the hard work playful and keeps me going in between classes. The format is excellent, each session interesting and productive. The participants are talented and I learned from everyone. Your guidance is especially helpful to me, with your intelligent support for digging deeper. I will keep taking this workshop as long as you’ll have me.
Suzanne R.
