Elana Golden

Lynne H. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Anna D. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Elana was an incredible guide! I truly enjoyed her class!

Kiara R. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Elana is a very skilled and intuitive teacher. Her suggestions were incredibly helpful.

Malcolm G. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Deborah M. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Heidi B. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Sydell W. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Barri F. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Love Elana love her class love the other students. Nothing not to love!

Sharon C. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

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.

Anonymous gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Anonymous gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

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‼️

The teacher is great - no bullshit - she is the real deal. She has great ideas every time I go to class.

It was good but not for me

Christine O. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

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.

Anonymous gave this class 4 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

sheva r. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Karin N. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Anonymous gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

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.

Valerie R. gave this class 1 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Jill I. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Matt W. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

gold m. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Rebecca J. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Jasmine S. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Anonymous gave this class 2 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

Lisa R. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.