I'd recently moved to Raleigh and was looking for a new writing community, when I enrolled in my first Redbud Writing class, "Writing the Novel". I was blown away by the incredibly supportive environment Emily and Arshia have created in each of these classes. Not only is the community of writers wonderful, Emily's instruction on craft and astute comments on our work has helped me get clearer on my intentions as a writer. I've just signed up for my third six-week session, this one with Arshia, and I have no doubt that she'll bring the same level of attention to her students and her classes. The organization also holds events outside of weekly writing classes. They'll host quarterly readings as a place to share our work with an audience, they have single-day deep dive seminars, they're putting together a chapbook with people's stories and donating the proceeds to charity, and they'll host trivia nights. I truly feel like I hit the jackpot in terms of finding a writing community. Lastly, due to COVID-19, the last six-week class I participated in was online, via ZOOM, and it worked well! While I look forward to meeting in person again, I could see this being a great platform to use if physical distance prohibits you from enrolling in these classes. It's a testament to the instruction that these classes work just as well virtually. It also should be said that I look forward to these classes every week, particularly during these current, uncertain times. They've given my week the structure and accountability it needs. If you're on the fence in enrolling in this community, do it! read more

I am so grateful and thrilled that Arshia and Emily started Redbud! I have been attending informal prompt writing sessions on and off for the last several years in the Triangle and was looking for something more structured. That is exactly what I found in their introductory Fiction Workshop! The requirement to submit completed work (in my case, a short story) made it clear that this class was serious in its commitment to helping me grow as a writer. Redbud's format pushed me to finish a story I'd been toying with for some time. With greater confidence in my ability to complete stories, I am now generating more material and learning about revision (also daunting). Emily and Arshia's concrete suggestions for beginning the revision process, which they go over at the end of the workshop, were very useful in helping me move forward after the class concluded. Finally, the feedback I received from both Emily and Arshia, as well as the other writers in the class, was such a gift. To have a group of people sit down with your work, think thoughtfully about your goals, and then summon a list of questions & suggestions to help you move forward--necessitates devoted readers and time. Arshia and Emily do a remarkable job of modeling and fostering this kind of generosity in the people who take their classes. I look forward to practicing my craft and developing more stories in Fiction II! read more

I am in the midst of my second creative nonfiction class with RedBud, with Emily. I cannot recommend it enough. The level of rigor and attention to detail is frankly more than what I was expecting for a part-time class. We get lots of readings and homework which give me the structure I need to improve. The peer and community aspect is also really special. After a few sessions, the intimacy of the workshop setting means that my peers give me personal feedback, compare it to previous works, know my style of writing, etc. Thanks Emily and Arshia for filling a gap in the market and really putting your heart into this. I really appreciate it! read more

Emily Cataneo is everything you could want in a teacher. In addition to being a talented facilitator, she is also friendly, punctual, thorough, and knowledgeable. I took the Memoir I course with Emily at So & So Books and was impressed by the caliber of instructor and the utility of class discussions. The curriculum was thoughtfully designed to cover a variety of topics. Each class incorporated diverse learning experiences that allowed students to study an element of memoir then practice it in a writing prompt. As a result, my writing improved in just six weeks. I'm excited to enroll in Redbud's next session of classes. read more

I took the Memoir writing class with Emily and absolutely loved it! I have pretty much no writing experience and was so excited when a class was offered that could accommodate people like me as well as folks who have spent more time writing. I was really grateful for Emily and the class for being so open and thoughtful in their approach one another's work (including mine!). I will definitely be taking Memoir/Creative Non-fiction II and think this is such a valuable contribution to the Triangle area. read more

Like so many things, Redbud had to adapt on the fly to the fast-changing social isolation of March, 2020. What were supposed to be in-person classes in Raleigh were moved to an online format. While there are definitely aspects I missed about in-person classes, I have to admit that I both loved not having to drive to Raleigh and I still thoroughly enjoyed the Memoir and Meditation class -- I'm not sure I've ever needed mindfulness and meditation as much as I do right now! read more

I took a 6-week online course with Redbud and it was delightful! Isabel was a knowledgable, confident teacher who still exuded warmth and approachability. My fellow students showed up and shared, each time, demonstrating their commitment not only to the course but to their craft. In just six weeks, I wrote a new short story, got essential feedback, and have a plan for revising. If you're looking for a sign that you should register, here's your sign! read more

Absolutely loved my first foray into a Redbud fiction-writing class, led by Emily Cataneo at Quail Ridge Books. The classes provided excellent structure, stimulating discussions, and thoughtful exercises designed to create confidence while bringing our creativity to the forefront, every step of the way. I appreciated the readings and shared inspiration, and I found the workshopping especially helpful. Kudos to Emily and Redbud! I'll be back! read more

Emily and Arshia are wonderful and engaging teachers. I took the 6 week fiction course late summer/early fall and loved it. I was really impressed with how efficiently they ran the course and their expertise - especially considering that Redbud was recently founded. They ran it like seasoned professionals and I definitely plan to attend another course soon! Thanks so much Emily and Arshia - I got so much out of the course! read more

I took the Fiction I class in Durham. It was a great experience. It was really helpful to break down the writing process with Arshia and Emily, who are super enthusiastic and passionate teachers. I also loved workshopping with a group of talented writers from all over the Triangle. I highly recommend Redbud! read more