Read what some past Tomales Bay Workshops participants have to say
"My time at The Tomales Bay Workshops was transformational. Sharing critiques with twelve other talented writers and receiving useful, thoughtful feedback from them—and from our group leader, Dorothy Allison—gave me a clearer view of what works in my writing and what needs more work. The atmosphere was very collegial, with students and faculty relating as peers, exploring ideas and sharing past experiences.
Dorothy Allison is a remarkable writer and a gifted teacher and guide. She gave us a structure for positively and frankly critiquing a work, and for receiving and accepting criticism. The workshops changed my life, or at least the way I see my life. I came away with the realization that, yes, writing fiction is a clear, possible and even straightforward path for me. I got to know people who do it for a living, and hey, they're really just people!"
–Wallace "Jim" Coats, editor, UC ANR Publications, Fiction/Nonficton Writer
"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for a great writer's weekend. I've attended several other conferences but never have I left one feeling so inspired. T.M. McNally was an amazing instructor, and I left workshop every day with a contented feeling and a full brain. Then I spent my afternoons thinking and talking about writing. I was astonished that every member of the faculty was not only an amazing artist but also articulate and able to teach his or her craft so well. Never have I met so many writers I respected so much all in one place. And of course the place…the world doesn't get any prettier than Tomales Bay. And if all this wasn't enough, I also met with an editor who took my manuscript home with her. It's rare and so important for us writers to break out of our isolation and connect with our community. For me, this workshop was heaven. Thank you for helping make this happen, and please keep up the good work."
–Katherine Ellis, Fiction Writer
"I want to tell you what a truly exemplary conference the Tomales Bay Workshops is. The organization was superb. I got the class I wanted, and the roommate I requested. I felt well-tended to, by Kate Asche and by Pam Houston, every step of the way. The staff at the Marconi Center was also wonderful—helpful, friendly and responsive. The food was great. Best of all, the writers assembled to teach and inspire us were the best I've encountered. They were collegial, smart and skillful in pushing our writing to a new level. And the readings were exquisite. You can see I've thrown every superlative I can think of into this, but I want you to know what an unusual and wonderful experience this is, and to thank you for the best workshop I've ever attended."
–Patricia Smith, Fiction Writer
"The Tomales Bay Workshops is a very special conference in many ways—the setting, the program (run by Pam Houston) and the faculty. The conference far exceeded my expectations and offered me a rare opportunity to work in a special community of writers. I thought the 'glow' of the experience would have worn off by now, but I'm feeling this was one of the more meaningful experiences in my life, and the best writing workshop experience I've ever had, hands down. I don't know anyone who didn't feel the same way."
–Susan Arick, Fiction Writer
"The workshop with Jane [Miller] was fantastic, and curiously on-target for what I needed from this experience, which was a sense of deep retreat. Other especially wonderful things, in no particular order: the fog, those wild turkeys foraging in the pine needles, the deer, the view of the bay, the port, the cheese, the oysters, sea glass, the readings and lectures (all genres), my roommates! And I’m inspired daily by Carl’s [Phillips] admission, during a Q & A, that he reads from 7 to 1 every night. Bonus points: all of the poems I brought up to work on have been accepted for publication. Thanks again for everything!"
–Sarah Maclay, poet and author of Whore (winner of the Tampa Review Prize for Poetry)
"The Tomales Bay Workshops delivered exactly what I was looking for, a place replete with talent and creativity, where excellent food, great conversations about writing, and professional guidance merged before a spectacular backdrop. I had the opportunity to make great friends and work closely with established literary figures, all in an intimate, unpretentious environment. I would recommend this conference to anybody serious about improving his or her writing."
–Adam Scott, Fiction Writer
"I was so impressed by the caliber of both the faculty and students at Tomales Bay. The class sizes were intimate, and the instruction was relevant and hands-on, both in the classrooms and at the panel presentations. I left with concrete ways to improve my work, advice on how to best approach agents and editors, and a reading list three pages long! Plus, if you're going to attend a writers' conference why not go to one held in one of the most beautiful and inspirational settings in the world?"
–Tami Anderson, Fiction Writer
"I’m happy to say that Kim Barnes has taken my writing to the next level. I thank you both [Pam Houston and Kate Asche] for the incredible work you put into making The Tomales Bay Workshops one of the greatest experiences of my adult life. It was magical to be among writers who willingly shared their passions and their craft—my journey on the page has just begun! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
–Julie Cole-Marie, Fiction Writer
"I really just want to say what a great event Pam Houston put together. Everyone felt at home, kind of like we were all at her house, with some oysters and drinks."
–Jane Miller, faculty 2005 Tomales Bay Workshops
