For intermediate and advanced picture book authors. Participation by invitation only.

This workshop runs over the course of six weeks, with a limit of four writers chosen by Lisa according to level, with the aim of strong chemistry and community building.

Two writers submit a picture book draft each week for supportive and constructive whole group discussion, as well as craft tips and tricks applicable to all. Submissions can be new stories or revised versions of a previously workshopped manuscript. Written feedback from Lisa included for both submissions.

Each workshop includes a weekly picture book review, and time for Q&A. Meets via Zoom. Recordings available for missed sessions.

90 minutes once a week for 6 weeks. Usually offered 3 times per year:

• February/March

• May/June

• September/October

This group has a limit of 6 very dedicated writers.

Offered through The Writers Grotto, this workshop takes place during the month of November.

Many would-be novelists fall short of their NaNoWriMo goals, but this course is designed to give each writer maximum chance of success and a more polished draft. Custom coaching, brainstorming and feedback, plus plenty of emotional support will keep you on track.

Included in the course:

• Weekly one-on-one sessions with the instructor

• Individualized feedback specific to your project during weekly one-on-one

• Daily personalized email with strategies and prompts

• Ability to email instructor daily for help

• Weekly whole class meetings with the instructor

• Limited class size ensures more attention and support

‍For more details on this course, please visit and register through The Writers and Grotto.

Saturdays, Nov. 1st - 29th, 2025, from 10:00-11:00am PT

Writers are grouped according to age and writing level. Workshops for ages 9 and up.

In this workshop, writing becomes a fun and exciting event—something the kids all look forward to each week. Group workshops have the added benefit of socializing and seeing how other young writers work. The kids inspire each other, and everyone loves hearing a dramatic reading of their work. Lisa provides plenty of encouragement and praise for what they are doing right, and as trust is gained, she’ll layer in gentle notes for improvement.

Workshop meets 60 minutes, once per week after school, for 6 weeks. Writing outside workshop time is encouraged!

Generally offered continuously throughout the school year.

All levels and genres. Requires novel work in progress.

Offered through The Writers Grotto.

In this workshop you’ll examine and revise the beginning of your novel to help you blend beautiful prose and tight, consequential plot to create pages that draw your readers in. We’ll examine short excerpts of great novels, stories, children’s books, and more to level up your writing with relatable characterization, deep emotion, conflict, tension, and big themes.

This is a generative revision workshop with writing prompts, and you will learn concrete strategies to whip your novel’s beginning into shape. Bring the first 5 pages of your novel in progress either in hard copy or on your computer. If you want to work from hard copy, please have sticky notes and three colors of highlighters or colored pencils. This class is for all levels and genres.

‍Optional add-on: After the workshop, students have 10 days to send their revised first 5 pages to receive written feedback for an additional $40. Feedback will be given within two weeks of submission.

Best for beginners or writers new to the children's literature genre.

Offered through The Writers Grotto.

Now more than ever, kids need the stories that only you can tell.

‍In the first hour of the workshop, we will go over general kid-lit rules, discuss the current market, as well as a brief overview of paths to publishing. The last hour of the workshop will be writing to prompts and Q&A.

Bring your story ideas and burning questions!