Writing is many things, sometimes joyful and exhilarating, sometimes brooding and painful. Sometimes immersed and pages of lyrical prose emerge, sometimes it's like Jack Nicholson staring and pretending that pages and pages of brilliant work is being created but really it's blank pages, that's all. Working with Mary R. is one of those transcendent experiences where you begin to love language, both the "handsome" words and the value of simple language to tell a direct story, emotions revealed in the spare and the flourishes, a dance of perfection that under her brilliant guidance takes shape, and may come as a surprise. Mary R. is generous and gentle; in that nourishing space your writing becomes essential and is precisely what you want and need to say. My Tuesdays with Mary R. let me dig deeper and write more honestly, coming to understand the layers of truth and disguise of the process, and perhaps become more humane, more compassionate, even in the real world. Writing is craft and discipline and Mary R. is an extraordinary teacher. My Tuesdays with Mary R. became memorable and necessary, and my deepest understanding of how to write. For me that was stripping to the essential and allowing the story to grow organically, not exactly what I'd done on my own. Madeleine Gallay read more

For three years, I had the privilege of being a member of Mary Rakow's workshop in the Los Angeles area. At the first meeting, I knew that it was going to be an extraordinary experience, one that I would never have again. From the beginning, Mary conveyed the same intensity and focus of her own writing to her students' work. Whether it was a short story, memoir, or novel, she possessed rare insight into the true DNA of the work. Her method of approaching the critique process was one of encouragement while, at the same time, elevating the writing to the highest possible level. Mary created an atmosphere of respect and trust in which our work could flourish. Being a part of her workshop affected my writing in an incredible way. She instilled in us the sacredness of language and the importance of each word choice. The standards she set were high, and I try to meet them each time I sit down to write. I still look back on those years of working with her as the most fully engaged I've ever been in the writing process. It was an invaluable experience. read more

I'm a beginner who decided at last minute to take an introductory writing workshop by Mary Rakow this past fall. I so enjoyed the experience that I decided to continue with her weekly workshops. My writing (and confidence) has greatly improved as a result. Mary has obvious passion for writing and that enthusiasm rubs off on her students. Consequently, her workshops have an energy that is highly motivational. Additionally, she creates a supportive environment in which a writer can feel safe. If your writing is not working, she'll let you know, but in a way that feels more like gentle redirection than admonition. She is perceptive, with an endlessly creative mind, and one of my favorite things about workshop is listening to her mind's contemplations as she reviews writing samples. Her effectiveness is demonstrated by obvious, incremental improvements in every student. Regardless of your skill level or particular motivations for writing, your experience will be enhanced under Mary's tutelage. read more

I worked with Mary Rakow for over two years in the earlier version of this workshop, which she taught in the Los Angeles area. I started out with a few stories published in the genres of mystery-suspense, science fiction, and horror but wanting to move into the more rarefied terrain of literary writing, and I ended up with my feet firmly planted there. In my many years in education, both as a student and a professor, I never encountered anyone with Mary's keen insight into her students' work, its weaknesses and strengths. Even more remarkable was the respect she showed for our writing styles while she gently yet firmly suggested ways to polish it, pump it up, make it more effective. I remain forever grateful to her for giving me the gift of the craft of literary writing. G.M. Scott Lakewood, California read more

I came across Mary's workshops through a lucky turn of chance, and am so glad that I did! She is uniquely capable of creating a learning environment that is nurturing in a way that allows writers' voices to emerge. Her critique is thoughtful and always constructive, and I really appreciate her patience in meeting people where they are, at whatever stage of mastery that might be. I could tell that everyone in the group grew as a result of Mary's teaching, and I am sure to return. I would recommend Mary to anyone who wants to explore what they are capable of and seeks a wise hand to guide them in that process. Mary's style is marked by both compassion and precise, invaluable insight, and I believe anyone would be lucky to have the chance to take one of her classes. read more

As a veteran of numerous writing workshops and classes, my experience with Mary Rakow was utterly unique and unparalleled. Her deep attention to language, to rhythm and meaning, is a testament to her extensive study of literature and poetry. No word goes unexamined. No detail is left unattended. Mary's sharp focus elevates not only the written work, but the individual behind it. The small class size fosters an atmosphere of intensity and trust. The experience will leave you feeling as if you've all experienced something important and sacred together. It will leave you changed as writer and human being. There is no higher praise. read more

No matter where you are are in the writing process, virtuoso or novice, you could do no better than to have Mary Rakow's inspired and inspiring eyes and ears fall on your work. As friend and colleague, I have shared work with her for years and am always amazed at her ability to pinpoint both what's working (and what's not) on the page and also beyond that, to the story I'm trying to tell at an unconscious level. Her concentration is uncanny, her perceptions half-Delphi, half-master locksmith. With Mary, you get it all--mechanics and poetics, meaning and originality, the truth of the writing and the deeper truth of the soul. read more

I was asked to give a eulogy and wanted to do justice to my lovely friend. But I'm not a writer or a public speaker. I put together a rough draft then contacted Mary for help. I was so pleased. Soon I had something that felt right to me and I felt good about giving. They were my thoughts but made more articulate and moving thanks to Mary's constructive suggestions to expand here or offer details there. Mary's thoughtful advice on content, tone and length were invaluable. Going forward I will use Mary's services for any important writing I might do whether to be read or heard by others. read more

Mary has been a phenomenal help to me in writing my memoir, How Sweet the Bitter Soup. She has done both surface level and deeper edits of my manuscript, and although she's in San Francisco, and I'm in Guangzhou, China, we have been able to connect deeply about my writing. She has the heart, and the right eye, to truly see the nuances and potential, as well as the essence of a piece of writing. I will forever be so grateful that I met her at the San Francisco Writer's Conference. I cannot recommend her editing and mentoring services more highly. Mary is fantastic! read more

Mary has been helping me with my writing efforts for over a year now, and has read and commented on one of my more extensive manuscripts. Her feedback and insight is always clear and concise, and has helped me realize my writing's full potential. I unhesitatingly recommend her to any writer - be they aspiring or established - as they will absolutely benefit from Mary's genius for the English language! read more

Mary Rakow is one of the most interesting fiction writers I know. She is fearless in her willingness to explore emotional depths and the expressive capabilities of language on the page. I've had the good fortune to be in a peer group with Mary and to benefit from her laser-focus insight, knowledge and generosity. Her students are equally fortunate to receive that same inspired commitment. read more

Mary Rakow is an excellent writing teacher. She undrestands your purpose, your framwork, your language, and provides lucid and contructive criticism within the context of your writing. She will guide you and inspire you to keep writing and writing well. Her workshops have been an inspiration and a joy. i highly recommend Mary's workshops for any writer, starting out or ready to publish. read more

Mary Rakow is the smartest, most stimulating person I know. No novel I've read in recent years equals her award-winning "Memory Room" for its sheer brilliance of language and form within a searing, transcendent narrative of struggle and forgiveness. Anyone fortunate enough to have Mary Rakow as a mentor will grow as a writer and as a person. Jeremy Foss Cape Neddick, Maine read more

Mary Rakow is that rare master writer who pens sentences and paragraphs of such beauty that they form a world of beauty, a critical yet seemingly impossible task in THE MEMORY ROOM given the protagonist's circumstance. Rakow's novel is the only one I've so far read aloud, slowly, twice. I will do so again. Andrew Tertes Author of JACOB'S RETURN read more

I am working on my first novel and Mary has been incredible help. She has a wonderful understanding of both the mechanical and artistic workings in a piece of writing and her excitement is contagious. I strongly suggest her to anyone,at any stage of writing, looking to improve their craft. read more

Mary Rakow is a fabulous, insightful, deeply intelligent writing teacher. If you listen to her, your work will get better! She reads every line with careful attention, while also addressing major issues like story, voice, point of view, etc. Mary is the best, sign up for this workshop! read more

Mary Rakow is that rare wonderful writer who is also an amazing teacher. She is a superb critic and has helped me over the years with my manuscript for my novel. I would highly recommend her to anyone wishing to seriously study the craft of writing. read more

I have trusted Mary with my writing for years, and I can't imagine a more discerning, supportive, and brilliant teacher and reader. This class will improve your writing, whatever your level, whether writing is your hobby or your profession. read more