About a poetry class:

What was strong was the concentration on imagery. The book we used in class was so helpful in understanding how poetry developed. What stays with me is how we all ended the class with three or four poems.

--Kathleen Torian Taylor, August 2019

**

Gini's classes have taught me so much about writing. The Wired for Story class helped me learn how to put my characters through the wringer and how to set up plot points. Gini is an excellent teacher and the classes are great fun.

--Emily Boyd, July 2019, Elk Grove, CA

Lots of practice writing and sharing what we've written. The writing info is very helpful and will go a long way towards making any future books better.

--Barbara Barrett, July 2019, Elk Grove, CA

I liked reading and learning together, with robust discussions about the book's content. The examples reviewed together and the handouts which capture the main points of each chapter Wired for Story were strong. What stayed with me was "the story is not in what happens; it's in how the characters react to what happens."

--Evangeline Freathy, July 2019, Elk Grove, CA

Thought-provoking. From "Hook the Reader" to "Setup and Payoff," excellent, clear and cognitive secrets to writing success.

--Loy Holder, July 2019, Elk Grove, CA

I liked the book by Lisa Cron, Wired for Story. The handout summaries and the shared readings were strong. I found the following memorable: the (instructor's) efforts to make those handy notes; the fellowship of serious writers; the "Aha" moments--I had one today in class during the free write. and that's how AWA writing is for me.

--Judith Vaughan, July 2019, Elk Grove, CA

I loved Lisa Cron's book. The Introduction and Chapter One were life-changing for me. My writing is transforming as a result of this book; Gini's weekly notes emphasized the key points. What stayed with me was the recognition that tapping into human needs is key to hooking readers.

--Liz Abess, July 2019, Elk Grove, CA

Fascinating introduction to flash fiction--a gentle lead-in to our writing of very different stories which we got to hear and feel...I feel very blessed by the whole day--.

Brady Rubin, September 2018, Ashland Writers Retreat

What I really liked was how quickly our group writing became so intimate. We have opened our hearts and our writing with trust. What was strong was your (Gini's) set-up for the poetry writing. Listening to the music, talking to one another, thinking about the subject matter. Opening into deep conversations and deep writing. The amazing companionship!

Bethany King, September 2018, Ashland Writers Retreat

I love the way you draw me in, step by step, to producing a piece that I did not know was there. Thank you, Gini. I can't wait until you return next year!

Janet Boggia, September 2018, Ashland Writers Retreat

What I liked--writing poetry...the positive feedback encouraged me to move forward to publishing some of my poems. Learning about twists and turns in poetry helped me...finding a twist and emerging into a realization, sometimes about myself.

K.T. Torian, February 2018, Poetry Series

I like that you (Gini) are a professional writer and experienced writing teacher. What stays with me is the continuity of the class and the development of a "library of pieces." I love the mutual friendships and caring, and knowing the others' voices.

Amanda Williams, May 2016

About the Manuscript Critique Class:

I have belonged to various critique groups over sixteen years of writing fiction, but Gini Grossenbacher's "Writers of Elk Grove," an Amherst Writers and Artists Affiliate, has been the most beneficial due to her professionalism and leadership. Each month, my gratitude increases for the honest feedback and guidance I receive from members of this group. Using Gini's own words, "I consider our AWA manuscript review to be the garden where our new plants are tended as they flower."

Margaret Duarte, Independent Writing and Editing Professional,

Elk Grove, California, April 2016

I've been a member of Gini's writing group for three years. She has been extremely helpful and encouraging in memoir, prose and poetry, and currently working on flash fiction. I am now a member of her advanced manuscript group. Before meeting Gini, I did most of my writing alone in my office. I have found that writing with the group gives me instant feedback. Gini has inspired me to move forward toward getting my writing published.

K.T. Torian, Writer, Elk Grove, California, April 2016

***

I consider Gini to be a master of creative writing and recommend her to anyone. She is a natural leader in our manuscript critique group with remarkable resiliency. She hasproven she can communicate smoothly with people from different backgrounds and cultures. She's been a wonderful encouragement to to me as a new writer. Her overall advice has helped to develop my writing craft toward a whole new level. I'm very impressed with her knowledge in writing structure, dialogue exchange and how available she is for writers to network with her online.

Lorna Norisse, Webpage Writing Consultant, 2016

***

My Recent Interview by Cosy Dragon Reviews!