TWO KINDS OF WRITING WORKSHOPS:

about Off-Leash Writing

Off-Leash Writing is a joyful, liberating process, in which we put pen to paper and cut loose. I give prompts, and we write in exuberant ten to fifteen-minute bursts, saying yes to what's coming, pen never leaving the page. We write fast to get ahead of our inner critics and burn through to first thoughts.

In crafting the prompts, I draw from poetry, memoir, fiction, music and visual art. Each prompt is carefully chosen to spark memory, emotion and reflection. They are doorways, opening onto the limitless field of experience and imagination.

At the end of each writing burst, we read aloud what we’ve written, bearing witness to the power of each individual voice. Over the course of an eight- or ten-week-session, we develop intimacy and trust within our circle. This intimacy helps our work to grow and deepen.

For newcomers and experienced writers alike, Off-Leash Writing is an astonishingly effective tool for quieting the noise and discovering—or re-discovering—your authentic voice.

"I Wanna See You Be Brave" 

- Sara Bareilles

These two-hour workshops take place in real time over Zoom and are limited to eight participants each. In each session, you’ll have the opportunity to write and share from the comfort of your home, with an intimate cohort of kindred spirits from across the globe. Installment payments and/or sliding scale available upon request. Email me to discuss options.

Spring Off-Leash Writing Workshops—In Person & Online

Email me with questions, to get on the waiting list for a full class,

or to discuss sliding scale or installment payments.

I’m always happy to hear from you.

memoir, fiction, & personal essay workshop

This workshop helps you polish your raw, gorgeous nuggets into finished work. Each two-hour session includes discussion of craft, some free-writing, and constructive feedback on your work from me and fellow participants. I tailor the craft exercises and discussion to the particular desires and interests of the group. Areas of discussion have included voice, narrative arc, narrative distance, the lyric essay, and more.

In discussing work, we adhere to the Amherst Writers and Artists guidelines, in which we give rigorous, constructive feedback that honors the beauty and integrity of each individual voice.

This workshop requires an out-of-class commitment to submit your work for review and to read others’ work. Each participant will have the opportunity to submit work 2-3 times during the ten-week session. You will receive both written and verbal feedback from me for each submission.

Email me with questions, to get on the waiting list for a full class,

or to discuss sliding scale or installment payments.

I’m always happy to hear from you.

Don’t see a time that works for you?

Get on my email list to be notified of future sessions!

Cancellation policy

Off-Leash Writing supports Black Lives Matter and all movements that work for equality and justice. My mission as a writing workshop leader is to affirm, uplift, and celebrate the beauty and dignity of each individual voice. Writers of all experience levels, nationalities, ethnicities, class backgrounds, gender identities, mental and physical health statuses and sexual orientations are welcomed and embraced. 

Off-Leash Writing Testimonials

These testimonials are for Off-Leash Writing Workshops

Click here for testimonials about the Memoir/Fiction/Personal Essay Workshop and private writing coaching.

Tanya's Off-Leash writing workshops gave me everything I needed to break free from the years-long writer's block I'd been suffering from. In our weekly small group workshops, Tanya's prompts unlocked my deep creativity and allowed me to explore new methods and writing techniques. The atmosphere in our virtual group was playful, emotional, experimental, and incredibly supportive. Sharing our work with one another created a sense of safety and vulnerability that is not easy to generate in a virtual workshop. I've been in dozens of writing groups over the past twenty years, and Tanya's was the most inspiring and transformative one I've ever had the privilege to be a part of. 

- Nicole Morris, Santa Fe, NM

Tanya is a wildly creative, deeply compassionate writer and human being. She is bold and courageous on the page and off, and is a solid guide for anyone wanting to go deeper into their own writing. I'm thrilled for anyone who gets to work with her. 

-       Laurie Wagner, Alameda, CA

Taking Tanya's class has been one of the best decisions I've made for myself in a long time. This experience is amazing and I keep coming back for more. It has made me believe in myself and to have trust in the words that want to come out.  I am a new writer and without Tanya, my stories would still be pulling at my heart, aching to breathe.  I highly recommend giving Off-Leash Writing a chance!

-       Aaron Schmaltz, Saline, MI

If you have a chance to write with Tanya, do it! She creates a space where you can unleash your creativity in an unconditional & nurturing environment.  We all flourished in her class & it was FUN! I cannot recommend her enough!

-       Kathy Benson, Las Vegas, NV

Tanya's Off-Leash Writing is for the whole self—from the heart, no judgment, within a supportive community. I have been writing off leash continually for two years now—I find it helps me to connect in an authentic way with others in my writing and my life.

-       Carol Moeller, Allentown, PA

A common mantra for me has been:  “I can't write. I wanna write.  I don't have time to write.  I long to write.” And on and on. Then I met Tanya and somehow her look, her words, her spirit interrupted my mantra long enough for me to try it.  And so, once a week for many months, I now write with her and others.  My inner critic takes a much-needed rest, while my inner writer rejoices at being freed. Tanya has this exquisite ability to offer a range of poems and prompts that stir my fingers to release words—some hidden, some ripe, but all longing to meet the blank page.  I have highly recommended Tanya's writing workshop to many of my friends who recited the same mantra. They now join me in singing her praises.  Change your mantra and just write.  Lean forward when she says to you, "Janice, would you read please?" 

-       Janice Fialka, Huntington Woods, MI

I studied writing and have written for work but over the years it became a chore, looming on my to-do list like changing the oil, flossing my teeth or putting together Ikea furniture, virtuous and important, satisfying to complete, but mostly to be dreaded. I probably would not have signed up for Tanya’s Off-Leash Writing Workshop except the pandemic was here, the walls were closing in, my grief was rising and I had run out of distractions, so I was willing to try just about anything. Tanya read us poetry, beautiful poetry and we played with the words. There was so much permission. Permission to let the words come out crowded and fast without editing, permission to not take myself so seriously or to take myself ridiculously seriously, permission to try to catch meanings with my words and permission to miss the mark completely. I remembered being 9 and 10 and loving the words I wrote because they were mine and wanting to share them, not because they were good but because they came from me. Thank you Tanya for reminding me that I started writing not to make something practical or beautiful but because the act itself brought me unabashed self-involved joy. Thank you again because this year I needed that joy.

-       Elena Felder, San Francisco, CA

This is such a wonderful, safe place to write as deeply, as shallowly, as thoughtfully, as crazily as the spirit moves you. Tanya chooses wonderful, accessible poems to jump-start your creative process. You know you're never going to be judged, you're just going to let loose and have fun. I think of it as a special treat—you don't have to accomplish anything at all, but you get to write.

-       Jean Schiffman, San Francisco, CA

Tanya as a writing teacher is a gift I gave myself. I was deep in transition, healing from significant losses and embarking on a whole new life in to Eastern Europe. I have always used the modalities of painting and writing for self-growth and healing. Tanya creates a safe accepting environment to write from the recesses of your soul and heart. I loved her prompts and go back to her suggestions and teachings for springboards in my artistic journeys. If you have a chance to take a class with her I would highly suggest it. I have taken a few and they have been incredible, including the writers within the group. I am so grateful for Tanya's classes and teaching methods. Joyful!

- Donna Alena Hrabcakova. An Ohioan moving to Slovakia

Even on mornings when I woke up thinking I had nothing in me to write that day, Tanya's process helped me express what was on my mind and what was lurking underneath waiting to get out. A welcoming environment that was both motivating and inspirational.

-       Scot Kleinman, Hilo, Hawaii

I first discovered Off-Leash Writing workshops and their agile, grace-filled leader Tanya Shaffer two and a half years ago, and I immediately fell in love with the process.  Since then I’ve continued, and I anticipate with delight as workshop day nears, mid-morning once a week. Usually, I’m a perfectionist, but Tanya has created a place of trust where I can take creative risk.  She doesn’t let me get stuck in judge-land. Instead, with her encouragement, I put pen to page and keep going, even when I don’t know what to say or how to say it.

-       Gwynneth VanLaven, Ann Arbor, MI

It's a gift to myself to write with Tanya. During this time of isolation, I am so grateful to her for offering the consistent space not only to create but to connect. Sometimes the process of free association overlaps with the other writers' choices, resulting in a collective magic. 

-       Mark Solomons, Fairfax, CA

I have taken Tanya's class for several years. She is an excellent teacher. She has introduced me to so many poems and poets I would have likely never known had I not been a participant. These poems,  and the prompts she extracts from them, spark my creativity and have led me to write many pieces I would have never have written on my own.   Sometimes Tanya plays us recording of songs or shows us a piece of art.  She utilizes so many ways to evoke a memory, a feeling, or an idea.  I look forward each week to seeing what she has prepared to ignite us. I am especially grateful to have Tanya's guidance now,  during this cloistered and difficult time. She has provided a safe, intimate, and fun zoom class where we all come together from different parts of the country to write in a supportive and compassionate community. 

-       Margery Kreitman, San Rafael, CA

Tanya cultivates a welcoming space for seasoned and novice writers to write with abandon. Off-Leash Writing was my first foray into a structured writing program. I absolutely loved it, and I keep coming back for more!

-       Emily Heersink, Dothan, AL

I am so grateful for Tanya's workshops. They have provided an inspiring, nurturing, and encouraging environment to expand and explore my writing palette, where the process of writing is respected and imagination is welcome! They have kept me moving forward during these challenging times.

-       Linda Ayres-Frederick, San Francisco, CA

Tanya is a gifted artist who creates safe learning spaces to share one's writing. She encourages her class to quiet the critic and to wield every thought as a raw, essential, and universal tool for storytelling. I enjoyed being in the company of other writers, who inspired me with their courage and confidence. Taking Tanya's class was not only an exercise in strong writing technique, but in honesty, empathy, and self-acceptance. 

-       Karen Shih, Los Angeles, CA

I cannot recommend Tanya’s workshops enough. Working with her has been a life-changing experience. It has also helped me immensely in my own teaching. She is a wonderful, thoughtful, creative, and inspirational teacher. 

-       Shira Flowers Eckett, Simsbury, CT

Tanya creates such an intimate, warm atmosphere and trusting group for writing. The Wild way she teaches has improved my thinking and writing, and I'm much less censored now. The workshop is a must for people who want to express their voices, empower their minds, and connect with their truth. 

-       Nina Rubin, Los Angeles, CA

I didn’t anticipate how such spontaneous writing could be so rich and revelatory. It is truly off-leash! The insights I receive from hearing others’ reflective writing are so enriching as well. Along with stimulating my writing impulses, it provokes creativity and insights about living. 

-       Barbara Cherem, Ann Arbor, MI

Tanya creates a safe space within a bubble of creativity. Through honest connection, trust, openness, and encouragement I learned a way to access my heart and mind in her Off-Leash Writing workshops. Over a period of weeks online, with group support and Tanya's guidance, I poked a hole through my veil of shyness and shame to accept myself in a way I hadn't expected but continue to appreciate. Thank you, Tanya. 

-       Gigi Dornfest, Berkeley, CA

I've taken two of Tanya's workshops, and I'd like keep signing up for the rest of my life!  Off-Leash workshops give me the power to reflect deeply on my own life experiences. Many of us move swiftly and determinedly through our days, ticking off our to-do lists. I’m not a journaler, a reflector, a walker, a yogi, or any of those pastimes that force you to pause, listen, and be calm. These workshops forced me to make a sharp turn off my speeding highway. They are encounters with the act of listening and writing, really writing, free form, letting what comes come. I've been moved to tears both by my writing my own story and by listening to others. If you can set aside time for an Off-Leash workshop, you won't regret it. 

-       Bethany Steinberg, Salt Lake City, UT

I've been a part of three of Tanya's classes and have loved each one. Tanya brings a fun, fluid and earnest presence to each class, while at the same honoring the integrity of the muse and the process of writing. Her prompts are thoughtfully chosen and always useful. I feel I have  learned much about myself as a writer. I love hearing what others are thinking and writing about. I'm grateful to have been a part of these groups of interesting and thoughtful writers. Thank you Tanya!  

-       Elise M, Ann Arbor, MI

I very much enjoyed the class, both Tanya's way of conducting it and listening to and sharing writing with other participants. 

-       Elias Baumgarten, Ann Arbor, MI

Besides being a joyful experience - and who couldn't use some joy right now! - writing with Tanya gives me a sense of freedom that has translated into other parts of my life. The process has re-energized my love and commitment for writing.

-       Ellen Unruh, Delmar, NY

Tanya’s teaching is equal to her soulful writing. She draws deep layers of truth from students, readers, and audiences alike.

-       J Suzama Crail, El Cerrito, CA

For me, Off-Leash Writing is not a class.  In experience it is sometimes storytelling, sometimes therapy, sometimes deep exploration of hopes or fears.  It is often intimate, almost always creating a stronger sense of community.  I've found more pleasure, and more of myself, when I write for whatever purpose, during and after my off-leash writing sessions.  It is a joyful personal time each week for me, being in communion with myself and others.  

 - Kersti Rose, Oakland, CA

The climate of supportive encouragement, combined with Tanya’s thoughtful prompts made this workshop both enjoyable and very useful. I’m reminded of my dog’s good cheer after the freedom of an off-leash adventure!

-       Dori Appel, Ashland, OR

Testimonials

for the Memoir/Fiction/Personal Essay Workshop

and Private Writing Coaching

Tanya is a fantastic editor and reviewer. Her comments on my work have been incredibly valuable. She also has given me great advice about the path to publication. If you have a piece of work that needs a keen eye, a published writer's input and honest feedback delivered with a generous heart, don't pass up the opportunity to join this workshop!

-        Cecilia Brady, Washington, DC

Tanya is an excellent teacher/guide…She provides a comfortable environment for us to delve deep inside ourselves with our emotions as well as with our intellect...The last piece I wrote was the hardest and most naked I have ever written and, again, she gave me the confidence to expose the day that changed my life… Additionally, I have been very impressed with the pieces from the other participants and have learned a lot about people I would never have met and shared such stories with...I have also learned about myself. 

-        Anne Bartley, San Francisco, CA

I worked with Tanya for several months on a writing project. Her guidance and insight improved my writing, and her copy editing skills saved me.  She is smart and creative and did more than coach me; she supported me every step of the way and never hesitated to lend a helping hand.  

 - Hope Hutman, Oakland, CA

Tanya is an enthusiastic, creative and supportive teacher who provides a welcoming and inclusive space. She is generous with her constructive and actionable feedback. I first worked with her in the small group memoir class and based on that experience, chose her to review my entire manuscript. Her feedback has been invaluable in moving my project forward towards completion. This was my first foray into publishers and agents, and I wouldn't be ready if it wasn't for the work I did with Tanya. It's a coherent narrative and I feel so much more confident having revised based on her feedback. Knowledgeable, responsive and professional, Tanya is also fun to work with! 

 - Jane Buyers, Fernandina Beach, FL *

*Jane’s manuscript won first prize in the unpublished memoir category for the Florida Writers Association’s Royal Palms Literary Awards and has already received an offer of publication!

Tanya read two of my plays. She solved problems with the characters and narrative arcs that I had been grappling with unsuccessfully for years. She identified the troublesome spots—a few of which I wasn’t aware of—asked productive and supportive questions, and then helped me come up with strategies for addressing them. Working with Tanya is a delightful and creatively invigorating experience. She always deepens my work.

- Lisa Rothman, Oakland, CA

Tanya is the most helpful writing instructor I’ve worked with. I deeply appreciate her observations and suggestions and have put them to use. She took the time to make a paragraph by paragraph summary of one of my pieces to track the flow, which was extremely useful. It was also very affirming to feel and hear the energy from the other participants when they talked about my piece. Tanya’s comments, and those of the group, helped me decide how to proceed with my next project.

- Richard Kesler, Mount Prospect, IL

Tanya Shaffer’s a great writer. But great writers don’t always make great teachers. Tanya has the talent and temperament to be both. Her talent is evident in her incisive feedback, and her temperament -- one of empathy and inclusiveness -- guides each and every group discussion. Sign up for her Memoir/Fiction/Personal Essay class now! Oops, too late. Get on the waiting list now.

- Kate Verhoef, El Cerrito, CA

Tanya's workshop provides a space to create new work, revisit previous work, and learn!  The writing prompts became a sacred and favorite time in my week…I appreciate the care with which our group shared their praise, questions and quibbles on our prepared pieces, and treasure the insights that Tanya provided as our gentle and supportive leader. 

- Lori Rosolowsky, Bozeman, MT

Tanya is a wonderful listener and reader and gives heartfelt, helpful feedback while creating a space for play. I'm grateful for the time I got to spend in her classes.

- Mara Lethem, Barcelona, Spain