A Home for Writers Since 1999
We Believe in the Power of 4Cs
We Believe in the Power of 4Cs
Creativity
Many of us need a little coaxing to unleash our creativity. The Writing Salon is happy to provide that special spark for you. We’ll give you the prompts, instruction, and homework. You make the magic.
Community
We’re here to strengthen your writing and your writing life. Whether you’re making new acquaintances in our classes or meeting up with friends at a reading, think of our school as your community resource.
Craft
For many people, writing is rewriting. We believe an understanding of craft will empower you as an artist and storyteller, as well as bolster your communication skills in all walks of life.
Critique
While giving and getting feedback is essential to a writer’s growth, we realize our students have varying needs and desires around critique, so we offer classes with gentle, intensive, or even no critique.
Watch Our Community’s Experience
If we trust our own creative process, there will be no limit to the joy we get out of our writing.
“The Writing Salon has offered creative writing classes in the Bay Area since 1999…”
“Along with empowerment, the Writing Salon also provides constructive guidance in the craft and art of writing.”
“Whether you’re an aspiring novelist who needs the structure of fixed deadlines or just a dabbler looking to broaden your creative horizons, The Writing Salon has something for you…”
“The Writing Salon has offered creative writing classes in the Bay Area since 1999…”
“Everyone looked as if they were having the best time, all flickering in candlelight…”
“Whether you’re an aspiring novelist who needs the structure of fixed deadlines or just a dabbler looking to broaden your creative horizons, The Writing Salon has something for you…”
Our Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
The Writing Salon is founded in 1999 by Jane Underwood. Classes are run out of Jane’s home in Bernal Heights.
The Writing Salon opens its Berkeley location at the Strawberry Creek Design Center.
The San Francisco location moves from Jane’s Bernal Heights home to the York Street loft in the Mission District.
The Writing Salon wins San Francisco’s Best of the Bay Adult Education from SF Bay Guardian.
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The Writing Salon wins the East Bay’s Best Place to Feed Your Muse from East Bay Express.
The Writing Salon wins San Francisco’s Best of the Bay Adult Education from SF Bay Guardian.
The Saturday Night Writer’s Special Reading Series runs at Progressive Grounds in San Francisco.
Jane Underwood passes away in February. Ben Jackson takes over as director.
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The York Street loft closes in the Mission District. The Writing Salon offers classes only in Berkeley.
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The Salon Reading Series makes its debut.
A new San Francisco location opens at 2042 Balboa Street in the Richmond district.
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The Writing Salon launches the 1st annual Jane Underwood Poetry Prize.
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The Friends of the Salon Reading Series makes its debut.
The Writing Salon starts a Scholarship program for writers with financial need.
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The Writing Salon celebrates its 20th anniversary!