Workshops & Classes
Even though you write alone, you don’t have to feel alone with your work. A writing community provides support and camaraderie.
For years, I hosted creative writing workshops in my backyard and then, during COVID, online. My workshops have focused on craft in multiple genres, generative writing, the revision process, how to submit your work, and screenwriting. All of these workshops have bolstered creativity and accountability, honed craft, and strengthened voice among participants. Writers have benefitted from their peers’ feedback, while forging friendships and growing their community.
I also regularly teach Intro. to Screenwriting at UCLA Extension, a course I absolutely love. See below for details about this course and the next time it runs.
To be part of a fun, nurturing, talented community of writers, check out my current offerings and sign up for my newsletter to receive updates on future workshops.
IN-PERSON WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY
Thinking it’s time to gather ‘round the table again…
Before lockdown, I hosted the most special, lovely in-person creative writing workshops at my home in Northeast LA. I’ve been missing them. Those nights gave writers accountability, thoughtful feedback, and real community. People showed up, took risks, and grew their work—together.
I started those workshops nine years ago, in September 2016, six weeks before Trump was first elected. Back then it felt important to meet weekly in a space where we could focus on process and craft, be vulnerable, cry if we wanted to, and laugh our asses off. We wrote through it all. A community of writers feels even more critical now.
So here’s what I’m planning:
An 8-week in-person writing workshop
📍 My home in Eagle Rock, LA
📅 Thursdays, October 23 – December 18 (skipping Thanksgiving)
⏰ 6:30–9:30pm
💰 $480
✍️ Fiction or creative nonfiction
🌟 Intermediate to advanced writers
If at least 6 people sign up, it’s a go.
If this sounds like the kind of space and community you’ve been craving, click below or email me directly at jackheinze@gmail.com
FOR SCREENWRITERS!
Intro to Screenwriting at UCLA Extension
Fall Quarter 2025
Tuesdays, October 14–December 2, 2025
6 meetings; no meetings on 11/11 & 11/25
Time: 6:00pm–9:00pm PT
Where: Zoom
Cost: $485, through UCLA Extension
This is a course I facilitate and absolutely love. The six-week course is perfect for anyone getting started on their path to becoming a screenwriter. Each class offers a broad-strokes introduction to a different writing format, which includes Feature Film, Television Specs, and Television Pilots, as well as a rotating list of specialized forms such as Video Game Writing, Writing for Animation, Sketch Comedy Writing, and/or Script Doctoring. Lectures by guest speakers offer insight and instruction on each topic, followed by guided workshop sessions where students put those theories into action on their own material. The goal of the course is to give new writers a taste of different screenwriting types to help deepen their overall knowledge while sparking their creative energy. At the end of the quarter, students should feel more confident about their skills and be prepared for further study of writing.
Summer 2025 students said:
“This course is worth every penny!”
“This course satisfied my needs both professionally and personally.”
“Jackie is a fantastic teacher!”
More praise submitted anonymously from UCLA Ext. students on their course evals:
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Jackie is an excellent instructor who has excellent insight and boundless enthusiasm for students. I greatly appreciated her input in my work and compassion for me as a person.
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A delight!
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10 Plus! Jackie is incredibly knowledgeable and knows how to break down really big ideas into palatable bits. She's been a pleasure!
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Jackie was the first person who made me feel like [writing] was totally something that I could practically do. She provided a process that has given me the confidence to turn my goals into reality.
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Jackie is not only an engaging instructor with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, but she is inimitably kind, encouraging, and open. Compelling, constructive, but most of all considerate—Jackie took the time to get to know us as people and as writers, and not only did my writing immediately improve from her feedback but my perspective on my writing journey and my outlook on life were transformed by Jackie.
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Jackie created a supportive, open environment for writers to share their work. I was blown away by the level of feedback she provided each student. She was thoughtful, kind and energetic.
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Jackie has been very engaged in the class. She provided genuine and authentic feedback. Out of all of the instructors I've experienced in this program, her accessibility to answer questions in and outside of class has been the most helpful and appreciated.
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Worth her weight in gold.
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Jackie was fantastic! I feel very motivated to keep writing thanks to her support and from her lessons.
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Jackie is pure delight! She was helpful at identifying all the areas I was strong in and areas where I could improve. She is positive and encouraging and led a wonderful class.
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Jackie was a great instructor. She's funny and warm which set everyone at ease and created a great classroom environment.
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Jackie is kind, open minded, and has done an excellent job creating a safe and fun space for the class to learn, grow, and share their work.
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I love Jackie! She is so attentive to our needs and gives the best feedback on our written work.
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She’s the best!
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Jackie is fantastic! All of her feedback on our work in class was incredibly insightful. Always constructive and supportive, and I look forward to taking another course with her.