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Elana Golden

Teaches at The Writing Studio

ELANA GOLDEN, MA, screenwriter, director, educator, founded the Writing Studio™ in 2000, and has taught since then over 4000 classes and workshops in the US and abroad to hundreds of new and experienced writers from diverse backgrounds and cultures. A student of eastern philosophy and meditation, peace and human-rights activist, Elana creates workshops that nurture the soul and are an exceptional educational experience in the art of creative writing. Elana holds a BFA in film from New York University and an MA in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica.

Reviews of Elana Golden

(49 Reviews)
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Eric W. on 12/21/2023
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Lynne H. on 2/8/2023
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Anna D. on 1/13/2022
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by RICK CHERTOFF on 9/23/2021
    Beyond learning skills I needed somebody who "gets" what I write, what I'm interested in, and Then gives the kind of feedback that "feeds" my desire to write. I have a life of my own stories I want to tell and Elana at the Writing Studio consistently, actually without fail, is ready to help me birth those stories.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Sina on 9/16/2021
    I have been taking creative writing class with Elana for the past two years, both in person and on Zoom. I especially like that the class is on Zoom, because I can still benefit from receiving invaluable writing instructions and writing experiences that Elana provides, in the comfort of my own home. I highly recommend this class for those who are looking for a small class setting with personalized instruction and feedback, and looking to transform stories into works of art.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Heather Sioux on 9/13/2021
    I came to Elana's class through a gift certificate my cousin had given me for my Birthday and I must say this is the most serendipitous birthday gift yet! I initially attended a one day workshop where I was able to begin cultivating my ability and discover my voice, and I enjoyed it so much I've continued with weekly sessions. It's been ten months now! Elana leads the classes with intention, kindness and mutual respect, throughout the course of our time tougher so far I feel I've been able to further hone my creativity and expression. I attend class via zoom from the east coast and although I have never met Elana or any of my writing cohort in person they have all become an important community to me during this pandemic. I'm so grateful to have met Elana and for my experiences in our weekly sessions! Elana thank you so much for your wisdom, commitment and light. I truly hope we can meet in person one day.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Rochelle Caplan on 9/10/2021
    I have been taking creative writing lessons with Elana Golden from January 2020. Prior to the COVID epidemic I attended in-person classes and since the onset of the epidemic I have participated in weekly classes via Zoom. Irrespective of the venue, whether in-person or virtual, Elana's classes are excellent. The feedback she provides on my writing samples and on those of other students has helped me to begin to understand the nuts and bolts and do's and don'ts of writing a novel. Elana is devoted to her students' work and often comes up with additional thoughts and insights about their writing during the week after class and before the next lesson. I highly recommend these classes to anyone who wants to learn creative writing.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Deborah Myers on 9/10/2021
    I have been participating in Elana’s classes, at first in person, now on zoom, for over a year and a half. To say I enjoy them is an understatement. She creates an environment that allows and encourages you to write deeply from your heart. The three hours each week I spend with Elana and the others in the group are a time of exploration and self-knowing I would not experience were I writing on my own. She teaches technique organically, and gives you the insight to see your writing more deeply as it and you evolve. Classes with Elana have become a priority activity in my week that I cherish.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Gwen Hummel on 9/10/2021
    I've taken classes with Elana Golden both in her home (pre-pandemic) and on Zoom during the pandemic - she is definitely a teacher of substance and never fails to have substantial and valuable things to say - she is equally good in person and on Zoom - I've been doing her three-hour classes weekly for about two years now and I consider this to be one of the best things I do each week. She never disappoints. I would mourn terribly if she ever went away.
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Joi W. on 4/20/2020
    Elana was an incredible guide! I truly enjoyed her class!
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Kiara R. on 2/19/2020
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by David B. on 1/24/2020
    Elana is a very skilled and intuitive teacher. Her suggestions were incredibly helpful.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Malcolm G. on 1/17/2020
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Deborah M. on 1/9/2020
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Heidi B. on 11/18/2019
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Sydell W. on 8/28/2019
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Barri F. on 8/13/2019
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Jesse N. on 6/27/2019
    Love Elana love her class love the other students. Nothing not to love!
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Sharon C. on 6/16/2019
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Phoebe P. on 5/30/2019
    I was looking for something casual and welcoming in a class. I’ve had trouble even journaling, but Elena offers just enough guidance and her non-judgmental attitude relaxes me. It’s not a classroom setting, but there is some serious creativity from others, and I leave feeling lighter, inspired, and excited to write.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Anonymous review on 5/8/2019
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Anonymous review on 4/26/2019
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Rhonda W. on 3/24/2019
    Elana and all of the writing participants felt like an extension of myself! I thoroughly enjoyed everyone’s style of writing. Really appreciated the well-planned flow of the entire day with Elana’s precise and careful feedback after each writing segments! I did not have any fixed expectations as my first writing workshop and truly walked away more in love with my literary potential! SPECIAL THANKS TO ELANA‼️
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Gwen H. on 1/26/2019
    The teacher is great - no bullshit - she is the real deal. She has great ideas every time I go to class.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Donald S. on 8/3/2018
    It was good but not for me
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Christine O. on 7/29/2018
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Barbara K. on 7/3/2018
    I have been looking for a writing course that had more personal focus, time to write, and time for feedback. I love the reflection time as well. Feedback is supportive, expansive, opening and encouraging. Going back to continue, as I had been stalled for awhile. This course has me reinspired and excited about writing and discovering what arises from our creative well.
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Anonymous review on 6/30/2018
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by sheva r. on 5/25/2018
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Karin N. on 4/29/2018
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Anonymous review on 3/25/2018
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Nataliya D. on 2/3/2018
    Elana is a great teacher. I found her meditations and short readings inspirational. She pushed me to keep going with my writing and gave me some ideas for a plot and main characters development.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Valerie R. on 1/24/2018
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Jill I. on 5/4/2017
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Matt W. on 4/23/2017
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Nikole Severance on 9/17/2016
    I have worked with Elana in her Writing Studio for several years, My writing skills have flourished under Elana's gentle, encouraging and inspired tutelage. She is a truly talented writer, editor, mentor and writing coach. Going to one of her writing classes or spending a day in a private session is like going away to a spiritual retreat. I cannot recommend her highly enough and would give her ten stars is that was available!
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Kristen Leahy on 9/16/2016
    Elana creates a space of sacred freedom where the creative soul inside of you cannot help but come alive. Her words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration have helped me get in touch with the writer and creative being that I always wanted to be, but didn’t believe that I could be. I have written in Elana’s presence hundreds of times in the past 11 years, and every time I am surprised by what comes out. With Elana’s help I have learned to trust my own creative process, to find and love my own unique voice, and to tell the stories that want to be told. These stories have been sometimes painful, sometimes joyful, sometimes difficult, and always healing.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Michael Glock Ph.D. on 9/14/2016
    Elana has a rare talent to connect you to your own myths. In a strange and magical way she holds a still space in her place that allows you to plumb the depths of your own life, revealing, perhaps for the first time, a rich tapestry, with characters, heroes and heroines and story arcs. Suddenly, it seems you are writing literature! Elana is a gift, see her, work with her.
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Sherry McCoy on 9/13/2016
    I thoroughly enjoyed Elana's Creative Writing Workshop! I was able to dive deep and write from my heart because of the encouragement I received in the workshop. This support and guidance was provided by Elana to all the students taking the class. At the end of the day, I was delighted at what I had achieved, and touched by what others had shared in their writings. I came away realizing how much we all have in common, despite having come from very diverse backgrounds. I highly recommend Elana's Creative Writing Workshop! Five stars!
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Erik Liberman on 9/13/2016
    Phenomenal storywriting odyssey - from conception to birth - over the course of a deeply fulfilling day. I love and highly recommend Elana's classes to everyone hungry to share the unsung stories of their heart.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Diane Del Valle Propster on 9/9/2016
    I began taking this class after the death of my stepmother, an event that exposed secrets that could never be completely understood or explained. I felt I needed to explore the feeling involved in this complex, painful relationship. Elana provided a warm, welcoming, accepting atmosphere that eliminated any anxiety or writers block. After writing extensively about my stepmother, Elana guided me into other early facets of my life. After extensive exploration of my relationships, both early and later in my life, I became interested in a historic figure and decided I wanted to try my hand at writing a historic novel. Again Elana provided the encouragement, positive feedback and perceptive observations about my writing that allowed me to attempt this complex task. I am reaching the end of this draft and hoping to have the novel in finished form soon. I owe this all to Elana's skillful guidance. I highly recommend this class for autobiographic explorations or working on creative projects like screen plays or novels. She is extremely knowledgeable having work for many years in the film industry. Her extensive experience in all facets of the industry makes her an excellent teacher.
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Syd Yang on 9/8/2016
    What a great class! I really appreciate the space that Elana holds for her students, always encouraging us to journey further along the edges and deeper into the undergrowth of the stories we are calling into being. The other writers in the space were incredibly welcoming and helped me tap into new facets of confidence as well. The loving energy that Elana nurtures in her classes is a powerful writing elixir!
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Kim Clark on 9/8/2016
    Elana is my muse. Being new to creative writing and thus needing guidance, inspiration and encouragement, I was thrilled to discover this personal Calliope who provides all this and more in a beautiful serene and supportive environment. As they say, when the student is ready the teacher will come. Her commitment to her students is full and unending and she provides a safe place to dive deep and reveal the story that must be told. I am discovering new worlds through Elana's brilliant mastery of coaxing creativity to flourish and shine through my words. Who knew I had it in me? She did!
  • Saturday Creative Writing Workshop

    Reviewed by Karine Armen on 9/8/2016
    I need structure to write. It's challenging to be self-disciplined. During the last few years I have taken many Saturday workshops from Elana. She starts with a positive attitude and mediation. After each break we read our writing pieces and she gives feedback encouraging us to add more detail. Elana has encouraged me to go deep and write about many issues. She was the one who told me to write about my grandmother's experience during the Armenian Genocide. I published that story in a self-help book to bring understanding of my mother's writings and my background how I went to social work, photography, and teaching. Elana is a catalyst to bring out our life stories. I really enjoy going to her writing workshops. Also, she cooks wonderful vegetarian dishes. Her apartment is cozy and inviting.
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by gold m. on 9/29/2015
  • Creative Writing Weekly via Zoom

    Reviewed by Rebecca J. on 5/26/2015
  • Creative Writing: Memoir & Fiction Weekends

    Reviewed by Jasmine S. on 3/21/2015
  • Creative Writing: Memoir & Fiction Weekends

    Anonymous review on 12/29/2014
  • Creative Writing: Memoir & Fiction Weekends

    Reviewed by Lisa R. on 12/28/2014

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