Elizabeth Stark

Elizabeth was our fearless leader who really had to step up her leadership presence as Ellen stepped back due to health concerns. As a workshop leader, that would have rattled me. And I mean, yes, the show must go on, but it was a lot, and she stepped up in a way that was seamless, as if this was the way it was supposed to be. So huge kudos for that.

I loved the material that Elizabeth presented. It was concrete, useful and rendered immediate results. My ONLY complaint is that the pace felt super rushed. But does one scale back all the juicy material one wants to offer, or does one proceed at breakneck speed? The dilemma of probably every presenter under time constraints, I would imagine. I'm grateful for all the material covered and the handouts were super helpful. I'm glad I had handouts to take with me to study again after the retreat. AND I'm looking forward to taking additional classes with Elizabeth in the Berkeley area in the near future. Elizabeth is a writing instructor with keen insights into your writing and she asks the right questions to ensure you're on a fruitful path with your writing project. She left me wanting more of that.

Elizabeth Stark teaches writing workshops and classes in which writers are offered prompts to cue off of for deepening the scenes of their stories. Elizabeth shares techniques she's identified in the work of published writers, breaks them down, and gives writers a chance to try them out for their projects. The right questions trigger writing experiences that improve with each practice, and then they add up. Elizabeth's teaching is valuable for new and experienced writers alike.

Elizabeth is a dynamic and astute teacher whose craft sessions help students generate good writing. I had a wonderful retreat with her, and was able to get a lot of writing done while improving my work. I highly recommend her!

Dear Elizabeth,

I didn't really want to go. I had overworked myself to be able to get away and was exhausted. I didn't want to make the long, tricky drive. I didn't want to get into "catch-up mode" after a week away. . .

Of course I wanted to go and understood that the moment I arrived, the moment I saw you and the light in your eyes and great smile. Thank you for your wisdom and humor, your energy and commitment to us. Thank you for all your support and for all you shared with and taught us. Thank you for classes and side conversations that moved me forward in my current writing.

Thank you for hosting your camp at the stunning Ratna Ling, for giving us the whole of this epic, life-changing and writing-elevating experience. Thank you for caring so much. Thank you for you.

Love, Lisa