| "It was an extremely rewarding experience—well organized, managed, and executed. I would like to take some other courses organized along the same lines. There were no negatives worth mentioning. I will recommend it highly to others. A superb class!" |
-R. Stephen Rasin
Corporate President and Venture Capitalist
|
| "If it weren't for online classes, I would still be picking up those Gotham course bulletins and not finding a time when I could take a live class. It's almost 4am now, and I am getting a lot of work done. PLUS, we had classmates in Tokyo, California, Israel, Ontario, Oregon, etc. Priceless mix of people." |
-Theresa Barry
Editor
|
| "I loved taking the online class! Having taken Gotham classes both online and in person, I can honestly say I didn't miss the personal experience at all. In fact, the interaction among the students may have been more extensive because everyone had time to ruminate about their critiques and to say what they might not be willing to say in person." |
-Wendy Ouellette
Stage Manager
|
| "I didn't know I would get so much out of a course, much less an online one. This was not only my first writing class, but my first online class in general, and I'd recommend this to any of my friends and acquaintances who show an interest." |
-Heather Gadol
Actress
|
| "The readings were excellent examples of each craft element. I saw books I'd read before in new ways, and was introduced to new writers I'd never heard of. The lectures were in-depth and worthy of saving for deeper understanding down the line. Excellent class." |
-Karen Aschenbach
Writer/Editor
|
| "On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate this class a 10. The course, the fellow students, the insights, the structure, the ease of use of your Web site, and most particularly your instructor made the class one of the most wonderful, valuable, and interesting learning experiences of my life." |
-Gene DePoris
Publishing
|
| "The instructor's lectures were well crafted, and he expanded on his ideas throughout the week. The notebook assignments were extremely useful in fleshing out the characters in my book, and establishing a trigger for their conduct in my plot. But above all that, his comments on my work were stellar, he helped me to understand what I was writing, and motivated me to keep going." |
-John Fetto
Attorney
|
| "The instructor was very personable and gave intellectually stimulating lectures. He is one of the most exceptionally talented instructors I have ever encountered and that includes my college experience." |
-Gaye McKenney
Retailer
|
| "I have honestly found every week's lecture to be interesting, with something new and unexpected. I will return to the lectures long after the course has finished. It is just the most fantastic thing to be able to learn from an instructor in New York." |
-Margarita Crutchley
Assistant, Photo Library
|
| "Taking an online class was absolutely perfect for me. Fitting a student's life into family routine isn't always easy, but through the wonders of the Internet, I could log on whenever I had time. Contrary to my first belief, an online course can be a highly personal experience." |
-Grete Kempton
Student
|
| "I shopped around quite a bit on the Web before signing up, and this class has exceeded my expectations and given me the impetus and confidence to keep writing. The site is very well organized and made the whole process enjoyable. I think Gotham has set the standard for what an online fiction writing class should be. I will be back for more!" |
-David Krohne
Editor
|
| "I love it! I didn't think that an online class could be comparable to a real class; I never would have imagined it to be superior! Your online classes are the paradigm for all future online schools to emulate. Thanks to your class, I have already written the first 10 pages of my screenplay, and it's only the third week! You've made a lifelong Gotham student out of me." |
-Monroe Mann
President
Unstoppable Artists Business School
|
| "I heartily recommend Gotham Writers' Workshop screenwriting workshops. Their reputation for providing expert instruction, small class size, and extensive student-teacher interaction is unbeatable." |
-Frank Colin
Vice President
Final Draft, Inc.
|
| "Gotham Writers' Workshop has proved a priceless resource for our members, and writers around the world. Their skilled instruction, convenient class schedules, and student-faculty exchange are without equal." |
-John Johnson
Executive Director
American Screenwriters Association
|
| "The instructor provided an invaluable insider's point of view…. This Gotham class allowed me to take part in dialogues with people from Croatia to Washington State, on topics from an encounter with Mother Theresa to peddling a pedicab in California. I loved the disparate points of view and the extravagant variety of travel experiences that were shared online!" |
-Teri Albert
Writer
|
| "The teacher was one of the great teachers of my life (including my Yale professors!). He takes such tremendous care with each submission—it's as if he were preparing the students' novels for publication himself!" |
-Dolly Reynolds
Lawyer
|
| "I loved the online experience. The convenience of being able to study in my own home, and connect with people thousands of miles away. I think it's better than an actual classroom. It allows a more flexible schedule—if you get interrupted, you can just stop and catch up later.…" |
-Brenda Sorrels
Student
|
| "I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. In terms of my writing, it was a breakthrough experience for me. I started something that I think is my best work yet, and I hope to finish it within the next six months." |
-Vicki Norris
Retired Lawyer
|
| "This was one of the most impressive instructors I've ever had (either as an undergrad at Sarah Lawrence, a grad student at Harvard, a med student at Einstein, or a psych resident at NYU). He's very knowledgeable, approachable, encouraging, enthusiastic, and his lectures in and of themselves could constitute a textbook in the vein of Robert McKee's Story or Lajos Egri's Principles of Dramatic Writing." |
-David Salvage
Student
|
| "This class, taught by a literary agent, is a tremendous opportunity to ask questions of a publishing industry insider." |
-Alan Schleimer
Student
|
| "Quite simply, this has been a life-changing, life-enriching experience. No kidding. This is the best gift I've given myself in years." |
-Brenda Nesbitt
Creative Director
|
| "This course was exactly what I needed. Now I feel so inspired and motivated to keep writing, hopefully to the point where I'll eventually complete my first book. The instructor's down-to-earth, informative, and very encouraging style of teaching made all the difference. Was well worth it. Can't wait to do it again!" |
-Franca DiMaso
Sales Coordinator
|
| "More than I expected, and worth every penny. I signed up for the course through Zoetrope.com, an online writing community, and expected to learn a bit about the basics of fiction. But with my instructor's guidance and steady encouragement, I have participated in online conversations with my classmates about the intricacies of plot, dialogue, characterization, conflicts, resolutions, and revising. I have written two short stories, as well as commented and reviewed scores more. I have learned not just the basics of fiction, but what it truly takes to cultivate that passion so that it comes alive for readers. And I have learned that none of this is easy, but attainable with lots of dedication, perseverance and faith. And that's priceless." |
-Jamie Stockwell
Journalist
|
| "The instructor was amazing. She was always positive, insightful, encouraging, and tremendously knowledgeable. She pushed us to do more than we believed we could and gave us the benefit of both the breadth and the depth of her knowledge, understanding, and experience of the craft." |
-Anne Woods
Attorney
|
| "The instructor was one of the most articulate teachers I've had on any subject. She was also perceptive and highly intuitive. She was able to illuminate strengths and weaknesses in my writing with precision. She obviously cares about writing and about giving others the tools that will enable them to experience the rewards of writing something well." |
-Lisa M. Maranto
Tax Attorney
|
| "I learned more in this course than I could possibly write here. The instructor was amazing online. The best I've ever had and I have taken 7 online courses at various places. My understanding of the issues related to writing a novel is light years ahead of where it was prior to the class." |
-Barbara Seith
Managing Director
|
| "The instructor is that rare person who has proven herself a success in her field, and is also able to convey her understanding of the material in a clear, easy-to-follow fashion that promotes a healthy dialogue and understanding among her students." |
-Louisa Edwards
Editorial Assistant
|
| "This class has been one of the highlights of my life." |
-Sheryl Jones
Student
|
| "Science Fiction Writing I provided a wonderful step-by-step guide to the basics of writing compelling science fiction, covering everything from inventing a story line to plot and character development to the essentials of world-building. The class also propelled me into a community of writers, who bonded together in a supportive environment." |
-Laurie Pine
Communications Specialist
|
| "I think taking an online class is brilliant because you can access the class 24/7. I love the break down of the lecture, the notebook, the class discussion, and the booth. Most of all, this class got me writing for 10 weeks straight! With interactivity, you feel you want to write. You have a purpose and a goal so you prioritize it. And you feel like you're getting somewhere. I've taken Gotham's classes before and I will take them again—they're awesome." |
-Marilyn Miller
Screenwriter
|
| "Don't be hung-up on the idea of a 'cold, sterile computer class' - Gotham's web design is as close to being in a friendly classroom as you'll ever experience!" |
-Jeanne Rawlings
Documentary Filmmaker
|
| "The course gave me the push I needed to write again. I feel like I've gained a lot in writing skill and the reading has exposed me to a lot of writers I didn't know existed. I can't think of an easier or quicker way to access feedback from other writers. I can't wait for the next course…. I enjoyed the chat room specifically when our instructor and then a member of Zoetrope publishing joined it. The information I got from those two sessions was priceless." |
-Suzanne Hamby
Student
|
| "This was my first online class, and it will be the only way I'll ever take a class again. It was never boring. There were no classroom distractions and no 45 minute late-night drives. I could get up to make a cup of tea, listen to my favorite CDs, print out the lectures, and read them at my leisure. What could be better?" |
-Carol Davidsen
Office Manager
|
| "The instructor illuminated some common writing components in a new and more useful way. Point of view, characterization, and style were suddenly much easier to understand than they had ever been for me." |
-Sarah Grant-Keelin
Psychotherapist
|
| "I think it was a blast. I got an avalanche of material I could utilize for a long period of time, and loved the convenience of not having to go anywhere to do it. I lead a busy life and found it to be a fabulous asset to sit down at any time and read or critique or go over a lesson." |
-Marcus Colelli
House Painter/Stand-Up Comic
|
| "This course was very comprehensive and fun. A whole new world has opened up for me as a result of this class. Not only have I learned about writing fiction, I have also gained considerable insight on reading fiction. What's really been a gift is that I am now a much more conscientious observer of LIFE." |
-Richard Devine
Independent Computer Consultant
|
| "This has definitely been a positive way to work. The deferred-time aspect provides the flexibility necessary for an international group. How else could people stretched across some twenty time zones from Ohio to New Zealand via Europe and Israel work together?" |
-Tim Bowler
Journalist and Translator
|
| "The instructor was a constant source of inspiration, a supportive and perceptive critic. Thanks again for a course that has been very important to me...as a person, as a student, and as a teacher." |
-Harvey-Ann Ross
Teacher
|
| "The teacher was the best online instructor I've ever had. His lectures were presented in a clear, distinctive way. With student assignments, he did not ask too little and did not ask the impossible. He gave timely and much needed advice without diminishing one's ego." |
-Mary Louise Santacaterina
Student
|
| "If or when I get published, it will be the direct result of this class. The pace and the spacing of the material were well-planned. There was time to soak up the information presented and to apply that knowledge. This class was well worth it." |
-Tom Rizzo
Sales Communications Consultant
|
| "Thanks for an amazing online class. It was by far the best writing class that I’ve ever taken and right up there among the best classes of any kind I’ve ever taken as well." |
-Liz Duffy
Foundation Executive
|
| "There was a depth of sharing and trust that seldom occurs in life. I think the online format helped in this—we were forced to relate purely through the written word. What could be better for writers?" |
-Alice Wertheimer
Web Consultant
|
| "This is a real advantage for someone like me who lives far from New York. I was happy to have found it." |
-Ilona Koop
Student
|
| "I found the online format to be quite valuable as it allowed me to participate when I really didn't have the time. By freeing me from scheduled participation, I could stay current with the lectures and work at odd hours." |
-Howard Greenhalgh
Chief, Records Management
US Army
|
| "A great way to do it when time is difficult to schedule. Also the anonymity is less embarrassing than parading my first fiction efforts face-to-face." |
-Bryan Marshall
Scientist and Teacher
|
| "I am very impressed with the professionalism of the course and that of the instructor.... Gotham provides all the expertise to make online writing classes work efficiently even for me, a relatively new student of the computer world." |
-Elizabeth Walton
Interior Designer
|
| "Once I started the class at Gotham, I realized that writing, like any other craft, is a skill that can be learned. Now those once elusive elements of form as well as the proper tools were spread out before me. And although I know I have more editing and writing ahead of me, I also now know what it takes to get the job done." |
-Beth Ellwanger
Owner
The Better Body Firm
|
| "I especially liked the fact that the instructor had not only a writing and teaching background but also actually worked as a private investigator. This gave him a certain authority when discussing investigative techniques that increased students' comfort with a field most of us have only experienced vicariously." |
-Patricia Foulk
Public Affairs Director
|
| "The instructor had an excellent command of the material and conveyed it well. I learned a great deal about "world building" in Science Fiction, and how to stretch my creative imagination in ways that fit a story structure." |
-Ann Saccomano
Student
|
| "The instructor is wonderful, with loads of experience in writing romance novels. She is very helpful and open in her advice and gives wonderful, constructive feedback. This is the second time I took the course—to continue in an ongoing project—and the feedback from the instruction was well worth the price of the course." |
-Erin Richards
Business Development Manager
|
| "Prior to the course, I had no clue how to go about getting my novel published. Now I have a concrete game plan." |
-Valerie Cash
Registered Nurse
|
| "I learned a great deal about the inner world and the background of the publishing scene. I was taught how to write a powerful query letter just to help open the door. This knowledge will prove to be paramount in my quest to be published, I'm sure." |
-Joe Martin
Corporate Fleet/Internet Director
|
| "I enjoyed interacting with the diverse student body. The instructor was knowledgeable, and made it easy for anyone to follow her lectures. The dialogue between classmates and the instructor was great." |
-Michelle Brown
Consultant
|
| "The lectures were very thorough and the professor dedicated her time to help me individually with my query letter." |
-Anna Erickson
Teacher
|
| "I think it's great—convenient and you receive lots of concrete information you can print out. The agent/instructor brought the real world of publishing to us—even though it isn't always a pretty place." |
-Cynthia Mines
Journalist
|
| "The course really helped me look at memoir writing in a different way and gave me good insight into how to construct my own story in a way that is engaging, readable, and effective." |
-Daniel O'Rourke
Psychotherapist
|
| "I learned writing techniques, how to more objectively view my own work, to be persistent in rewriting, to avoid generalizing, the importance of good description...the list goes on and on." |
-Gerald Hale
Student
|
| "I learned some fundamental elements of writing for children. This course was extremely well organized. I was impressed with this from the first interaction. The instructor was wonderful. She was quite honest, and didn't just give us fluff about our writing. She really spent time looking at our work and analyzing the writing." |
-Sally Sizemore
Student
|
| "I really loved the experience of the online class. I will definitely take more classes in the future." |
-Aimee Dale
Mother
|
| "I love the online experience, and each class has been better than the last. I like the freedom of an online class, and as I have taken progressively more advanced classes, I have discovered the class interaction has also increased and been very good indeed." |
-Victoria Butler
Writer/Editor
|
| "I enjoyed the course even more than I thought I would. Gotham packs a lot of information into ten short weeks." |
-Kenia Maldonado
Registered Nurse
|
| "It was great taking this course online. I am now writing short stories. This is something that I have always wanted to do. Without the course, I am not sure when I would have done it. Taking the course online made it possible." |
-Eugene Lowe
Lobbyist
Ft. Washington, MD
|
| "Excellent information designed to help you cut your time in selling your screenplays. I recommend it for all those who want to sell their scripts" |
-Henry Kana
Actor
|
| "I gained determination to forge forth and see myself before a producer wanting to option my screenplay." |
-Nicole Chamberlain
Family Therapist
|
| "I loved this class. For a very reasonable price, I got structure from an experienced professional, as well as support from my peers. I went from wanting to write, unable to even IMAGINE submitting my work, to seeing myself as a writer, and a pretty good one, ready to market myself with confidence." |
-Tulasi Payne
Writer
|
| "I was more than pleased with how the course worked online. There was a real connection between all of us who participated. Gotham did a seamless job of keeping us informed and connected." |
-Laurie Parker
Dental Ceramist
|
| "The way the Web site is set up is excellent. The instructor is extremely personable and knowledgeable. He is able to give strong critical feedback and still be encouraging, a real feat!" |
-Elaine Avila
Playwright, Actor
|
| "The organization of the site is great. Easy to move around. Clear. Super!" |
-Remko Jansonius
Museum Curator
|
| "The great advantage to taking an online course is flexibility. I work full time and have a child. The fact that I could fit the course around my life rather than adapting my life to the course made all the difference—so much so that I've already enrolled for next term." |
-Malin Jennings
Vice President, Public Affairs
|
| "I learned what it takes to be a sitcom writer. I might as well have been writing for a show being produced today. I pitched ideas, made outlines, wrote draft after draft, and finally finished a full spec script." |
-Dan Acuna
Writer
|
| "Gotham Writer's Workshop was a godsend for me. When I started taking classes, I worked in the travel industry, which made keeping regular hours impossible. The instructor was giving with her time, encouraging with her praise, and thorough when it came to sharing her knowledge. I'd highly recommend Gotham Writer's Workshop to anyone interested in exploring their dreams of writing." |
-Toni Allardice
Student
|
| "As a former teacher, I thought I knew how to read critically—but I learned that I had more to learn! The lectures were excellent and the assignments helpful and on the mark." |
-Karen Albrethsen
Student
|
| "I like the fact that the class covered every aspect of travel writing. The class for me was quite thought provoking and eye-opening." |
-Christina Pouliopoulos
Student
|
| "The online class experience has literally changed my life. I now see myself as a writer. Thanks to the support and guidance I received from my Gotham instructor and my classmates, I now have the courage and confidence to begin the long process of submitting my work." |
-Jill Saigusa
Homemaker/Teacher
|
| "The instructor took the mystery out of mystery writing. Inch by inch, from the title, to the opening, on to the MacGuffin, and finally to how to deal with agents and publishers, he taught us the ins and outs of this mystery writing business." |
-Pamela Weaver
Interior Designer
|
| "Great lectures, with concise and clear tips on how to handle the major elements of the craft. The topics selected for the course were absolutely the right ones for a course of this level." |
-Brad Reddersen
Student
|
| "The instructor is very knowledgeable, approachable, and committed to the students. The lectures were thorough and instructive. I'll probably go back to them many times over the coming years." |
-Ranjan Das
Vice President, Software Company
|
| "I am very glad I made the decision to take this course. The structure really helped me get writing, stay writing, and improve the writing I did get done! Everything on your Web site worked as promised. It was easy to use and free of glitches. Wonderful." |
-Melanie Mcleod
Teacher
|
| "As dull as the concept of an online class might seem to the uninitiated, I found this advanced fiction class to be an immersive, exciting way to further my writing goals." |
-Robert Tocalino
Freelance Writer
|
| "I have read several books about the writer's craft, but the excellence of the lectures written by the instructor for this course stood out for me: She somehow found fresh angles, used particularly apt examples, and provided trenchant advice for writing and revision." |
-Angela Hahn
Veterinarian
|
| "I've found a writing community that I can take with me anywhere I can take my computer. I don't have to go out late at night on scary college campuses, decide what to wear, drive home on freeways at night—the list is endless, so I'll end it there. But there's more." |
-Julie West Staheli
Student
|
| " I started a year or so ago with no experience in writing, and I have come to a point where I have an overall grasp of the craft. Now I just need to write, write, and write. I have a level of confidence that I didn't have before." |
-Paul Andreini
Physician
|
| "Online courses are great. I could access my course materials anytime and anywhere; whenever it was convenient for me. It brought the classroom right into my own living room." |
-Colleen O'Keefe
Associate Marketing Manager
|
| "I like that the online class setup allows me the freedom to pursue the lessons and homework when I want (and doesn't require me to commit a certain night a week)." |
-Sarah Burgundy
Catalog Manager
|
| "The class was great. I write for a living, but this class really got me excited about my own work again. I found a group of people who speak my language…and we worked on learning more of that language together." |
-Annika Wood
Television Promotions Writer/Producer
|
| "This course covered everything a new writer has to know, and even experienced writers can benefit by a refresher. From character development, plot, and setting all the way to style and voice, it was covered well with nothing left unturned!" |
-Susan McKie
Business Owner
|
| "The online class was a great way to fit writing into my busy schedule. The class discussions and teacher feedback were invaluable" |
-Joe Mefford
President
ScreenStyle.com
|
| "The instructor knows her stuff, and it shows. Very illuminating course. Now I feel I have a much better understanding of how a screenplay gets sold." |
-Kerry Dachos
Homemaker
|
| "You cannot put a price on the knowledge and constructive feedback I have gained through this class…. This is the best online format I have experienced." |
-Amy Jenkins
Writer
|
| "I found it very stimulating having such a small class and will continue to stay in contact with my fellow students. A real bond was formed between us and the instructor that I will not soon forget." |
-Linda Lane
Pharmacist
|
| "I am an avid fan of the online classes. I like the convenience of attending the lectures as my schedule permits. I am enabled to attend classes with first-rate teachers without traveling great distances. My classmates are from various parts of this country as well as from other countries." |
-Elizabeth Pye
Retired University Administrator
|
| "I loved the flexibility, and the quality of the instruction was unsurpassable." |
-Lynn Hoffmann
Retail Manager
|
| "I loved the online courses. I could not attend class in New York. This way I live in paradise (Vancouver) and learn from people all over the world." |
-Sharron Gunn
Student
Teacher
|
| "I found the instructor extremely straightforward and informative. A true pro!" |
-Susan Feitelberg
Student
|
| "The instructor gave a no-nonsense insider's look in the wild kingdom of the publishing industry, from a careful portrayal of the characters that inhabit it to the perils, pleasures, and pitfalls we are likely to encounter along the way. Finally, she armed us with a clear understanding of the kinds of tools and skills we need to make our way successfully through this jungle." |
-Sharron Mendel
Consultant
|
| "I love the online possibility! Sitting here in Santa Fe and having outstanding teachers from New York or other areas is one of the great benefits of this method. I love being able to create my own time structure—I would not do it otherwise. Your Web site functions very well; I am amazed how everything is connected and one thing reacts to the other. Well done!" |
-Shanti Bannwart
Psychotherapist
|
| "The instructor earns 5 stars in my eyes!" |
-Tara Rose Coyote
Importer
|
| "The instructor is a master of her craft. Her understanding and insightfulness, combined with her vast knowledge, made this the most enjoyable writing class I have ever taken." |
-Thomas Rogers
Sales Trainer
|
| "I have been thinking about writing for several years but could never seem to get off the mark and do anything about it. This course got me in gear and made me write." |
-Hayden Dent
Attorney
|
| "I thought everything about the course was great! The instructor, classmates, the tech support team, and I love how we are sent e-mail about anything that happens within our class." |
-Holly Jablonowski
Habitation Specialist
|
| "The instructor was an excellent teacher who really knew how to put difficult, abstract concepts into crystalline focus." |
-John Diller
Student
|
| "Fiction Writing II took my writing skill set to the next level. Whereas Fiction Writing I covered generalities, Fiction Writing II probed deeper, giving more detail and insight into the art of writing. I have benefited tremendously since October, when I enrolled in your writing program." |
-Gene Venditti
Graphic Designer
|
| "The online class was fantastic for time management. I had a newborn baby when I started the class, and my friends thought I was crazy studying when my daughter was so young, but the online class allowed me to study while she was sleeping. It gave me the perfect balance without the pressure of having to attend class each week." |
-Stephanie Salisbury
Business Analyst
|
| "It would be hard to list in a few words all I have learned from this course. I learned from every lecture and found them interesting, absorbing, and challenging." |
-Peggy Housholder
Student
|
| "I live in a small town. We don't have the benefits of a metropolitan talent pool. The online class gave me the chance to take a class from a school in New York right from my kitchen table." |
-Leslie Colvin
Writer
|
| "The course is well-structured and moves swiftly through several topics to give a complete look at writing. The instructor showed expertise, professionalism, and interest in helping each classmate. Her lectures were well written and she challenged each of us. I am going to miss her." |
-James Starrette
Woodworker
|
| "The Web site is a marvel. It works seamlessly." |
-Earl Pye
Chemistry Professor
|
| "The instructor was the first writing instructor I ever had that actually gave constructive criticism. After every one of her comments I felt that I had been given a little gift." |
-Erin Foster
Student
|
| "The instructor was very professional, very helpful, and very dedicated." |
-David Seaborn-Jones
Writer
|
| "I knew nothing about writing children's stories when I began the course. Now I have a wealth of information for the future." |
-PATRICIA JOHNSON
Self-Employed
|
| "The lectures and the feedback from the instructor were excellent—and I say that as a teacher myself. (We teachers tend to be hypercritical.)" |
-Cindy Bendshadler
College English Instructor
|
| "I learned a lot about how to approach writing. It was analogous to a drawing course I had taken once—everyone can fiddle around, but if someone shows you a different way of looking at things or approaching things, your quality and depth improves." |
-Kyla Terhune
Medical Student
|
| "The instructor had an incredibly lucid way of teaching and a mastery of her subject. Both her lectures and her critiques were concise, to the point, funny, and full of valuable insight. I learned tons from her." |
-Will Crosby
Illustrator/Artist
|
| "I learned skills that have given me a firm foundation to start realizing my dream of becoming a writer." |
-Erelin Emmert
Housewife
|
| "I learned what real screenwriting is about—more than I could ever learn from just reading books." |
-Darshan Thakkar
Attorney
|
| "I learned several specifics about writing a novel, such as story drivers and presenting character attitude when writing description. I also feel far more confident on how to approach the writing of a novel—what essential elements I need to map out before getting to work on writing it." |
-James Hornbeck
Retired
|
| "Many say that New York City is the center of the publishing world. The Gotham Writers' Workshop enabled me to tap into the nutrients concentrated there, despite being thousands of miles away on the west coast. It connected me with like-minded people around the country and beyond. And I was stunned by the caliber of instruction." |
-Stephen Kane
Writer & Software Consultant
|
| "I'm 63, and with teachers of this caliber I could look forward to a lifetime of learning wherever I reside." |
-Marc Kouffman
Student
|
| "I found myself excited by the class—I would rush home from work so I could read everyone's comments and submissions." |
-Elsa Kessler
Student
|
| "This course was a great adventure!" |
-Asta Hairston
Educational Administrator
|
| "I finally wrote the story for children that I have wanted to write for years. I had characters that I had illustrated a couple of years back and I had wanted to write a story to put them in. This course inspired me to do that. I have a little more editing to do, and then I plan to try and get it published. This was an excellent experience." |
-Joanna Friedman
Acupuncturist
|
| "I love taking an online class! It is Sunday morning, my husband and children are still sleeping, the house is quiet, and I'm sitting here in my pajamas with a cup of coffee learning how to write! It's fantastic! There are too many places I have to be every week, and I can complete my course without leaving the house, whenever I want to." |
-Carol Krakower
Speech-Language Pathologist
|
| "I've read books before on script writing, but nothing compares to what I learned in this instructor's class. I've gained invaluable knowledge in such a short period of time. I am now able to use her easy to follow steps to develop the screenplay I know I'm capable of writing." |
-Scott Griffel
System Engineer
|
| "The instructor is articulate and masterful as a writer and an instructor. He made the class environment vibrant. His willingness to help his students and the insights he gave are par excellence. I would pay good money any day to take this instructor's class." |
-Joel Zabaldo
Marketing
|
| "This worked really well for me. What an incredibly cool thing for those of us who are isolated by either time or place to be able to take an online class." |
-Candace Chase
Stay-at-Home Mother
|
| "I really prefer the online format. It requires you to to be more thoughtful and articulate about what you are trying to say—especially when reviewing other classmates' work." |
-Virginia Glenn
Marketing Consultant
|
| "I owe the instructor a serious dept of gratitude, because for the first time since I was very young I am writing every day, and it feels like the top of my head has opened up to get some air." |
-Mia Sara
Student
|
| "This course gave me a solid overview of the elements of mystery writing, and an idea about how to put them together." |
-Carla Norcott-Mahany
Lobbyist
|
| "It was a wonderful experience. I learned a lot, and I believe I grew a great deal as a writer." |
-Ariella Benshmuel
College Student
|
| "Taking the online class ended up being much better than I expected. I was afraid I wouldn't have the one-on-one that a live class has. To my surprise it was set up so that it was very personalized. It was a great experience for me, and I would recommend it to everyone." |
-Jacque Folts
Manager of Marketing & Public Relations
|
| "Taking a course online is the best thing I have ever done along these lines. This course offered me great insight and positive answers to many questions I have wondered about." |
-Colleen Becker
Mother, Housewife
|
| "Taking the course online was a lifesaver for me! I'm disabled and cannot get out to take classes. I found this course very effective." |
-Kira Moore
Student
|
| "I began the course with a particularly difficult project in mind. This course helped me finish a first draft of a play that I have wanted to write for a long time." |
-Tara Goldstein
University Professor
|
| "This course took what had been a mystery and turned it into something I could not only understand but apply." |
-Jim McElroy
Retail Sales
|
| "Great course. The feedback was positive, and the suggestions for improvement were very helpful." |
-Jennifer Moore
Product Manager
|
| "I learned a great deal…I have already recommended Gotham to others." |
-Larry Nelson
Retired Law Enforcement Officer
|
| "This course is a great way to be introduced or reacquainted with the nuts and bolts of creating a fictional story." |
-Julie Meintel
Student
|
| "This course gave me an appreciation for great fiction and also will help with my writing since I now know there is a method to the madness. Additionally, it got me reading again, which may be the most important of all." |
-Tom Watson
Student
|
| "The instructor's extensive knowledge of travel writing and her professional experience were very valuable…" |
-Lucia Kegan
Student
|
| "I learned about myself and what I hope to accomplish as a writer and traveler." |
-Christian Lewis
Reporter
|
| "If I go on to be a successful published writer, and I will, it will be because of the Gotham classes I took." |
-Bhyl Hughes
Business Executive
|
| "I was introduced to a whole new aspect of poetry. I am a much more versatile and open-minded writer for it." |
-Stephanie Salerno
Student
|
| "I have greatly expanded my knowledge of poetic techniques and... the richness and possibilities of the poetic form." |
-Phil Roberts
Public Servant
|
| "The structure of this class is fantastic. I think that it's very easy to navigate and it really keeps you working. Everything was timely and very interesting to me." |
-Karen Cevallos
Teacher
|
| "The instructor was exceptional in his lectures, musings, and personal critiques of the students' work. I gained a lot of insight on the craft of writing through his knowledge. He was somehow able to make what had previously been unclear to me crystal clear." |
-Kim E. Revay
Technician
USDA
|
| "The instructor very quickly answered any student questions. No one was left waiting for an answer. She was very straightforward and knew her business." |
-Nancy Wile
Student
|
| "I was able to refine my pitch-writing skills and obtained a general understanding of how to get doors to open." |
-Cheryl Farr
Chemical Engineer
|
| "I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone who is serious about a writing career." |
-George Strout
Writer
|
| "This teacher was one of the best teachers I've had (and I've had a lot)." |
-Jan Pankey
Student
|
| "The instructor does a great job communicating with her students and makes a real effort to make herself available. I found her to be both interesting and informative as well as friendly in her approach to students." |
-Lyndon Taylor
Business Owner
|
| "The instructor provided information scattered over various books I have read over the last year in a clear and concise manner that I was able to understand. Being totally unfamiliar with how the publishing industry operates, I really appreciate how she put all the information together so that someone like me could grasp it." |
-Mona Benge
Retired Event Coordinator
|
| "This course gave me an in-depth analysis of the industry and enlightening information about the people within it." |
-Tom Lance
Accountant
|
| "The course has been a very positive experience for me. It helped me overcome a long-standing [case of] writer's block and greatly increased my confidence." |
-Campbell Kaiser
Self-Employed
|
| "I have taken many online training courses, and this is the best one I have ever had. The format was really quite effective in that it divided the components of the course into different sections: the lecture with discussion, the notebook/assignments, and the chat section. This kind of modular design facilitated effective learning and easy navigation." |
-Maria Pere-Perez
Senior Manager, Alliances
|
| "I appreciated my instructor's insights and knowledge. She was gifted in expressing her gained wisdom through her lectures in a very methodical, logical, and inspiring manner." |
-Joyce Fuller
Nurse
|
| "The course was structured extremely well, with each lesson a definite building block on the last. The instructor was able to explain each very well, and used great examples to help illustrate her points." |
-Kristan Reid
Advertising
|
| "I learned the ABC's of children's book writing." |
-Rachel Cohen
Magazine Writer
|
| "Online classes with Gotham are a wonderful experience…one I will certainly repeat, probably many times." |
-Stefanie Davies
Homemaker/Writer
|
| "The instructor fostered a genuine sense of community despite the Internet environment and distance between students and teacher." |
-Josette Belvedere
Attorney
|
| "There is no possible way to list all that I have learned from the course, instructor, and my fellow classmates." |
-Rhys Patterson
Student
|
Take a look at what past and present students of Gotham Writers' Workshop have to say: