Write Up The Coast Presents “Writing In Our Times”

New Write Up The Coast Workshop

March 11 and 12

Attention all writers, from novice to novelist! Mark Sanford Gross, creator of the Write Up The Coast series, presents a new 2-day writing workshop titled “Writing in Our Times”. The workshop is set for Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12, from 9 am to 11 am. Registration must be completed no later than Saturday, March 4, 2023. The cost of the class is $100 for Gualala Arts members, $125 for non-members. Online registration is available.

Led by renowned local writing coach and creator of KGUA Writers, Mark Sanford Gross, this workshop is designed to help you find your own stories and take your writing to the next level.  Sanford Gross adds, “During the workshop, you will learn how to develop your story and create stand-alone pieces or the foundation for a longer work in progress. But that’s not all. This groundbreaking workshop will also include collaborating with AI, specifically Chat GPT,* to unleash your full writing potential.”

With a blended coaching process this new Write Up the Coast workshop help you take away the blank page and create your own personal story in your own unique voice. You will also share your work and receive response from the intimate group These discussions are non-judgmental and designed to encourage each writer with insight and reaction to each other’s writing. This WORKSHOP is the perfect chance to improve your writing skills, collaborate with AI, and learn from one of the best in the business. And with a limited small space group, you’ll experience a new energy and confidence in writing from the start of the workshop with unique introduction exercises.

All materials will be included, and you are welcome to bring your laptop or tech device. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to take your writing to new heights. Contact Mark Sanford Gross at writeupthecoast@gmail.com for more information or to reserve your spot. Please note that the workshop will be held in person and masks and proof of vaccination will be required for all attendees in accordance with local health guidelines.

“1/3 NY, 1/3 Washington, DC and 1/3 San Francisco.”  For the past 8 years Mark calls the Mendonoma Coast home where he lives with his husband Billy, their two Hungarian shepherds, Woof! and Ruf? in Anchor Bay. “I didn’t realize the hidden metaphor of Anchor Bay until I was here for a few years. Our home now is truly my anchor.”

Growing up in New York, Mark always says that New York is a great place to be from.  “You learn a street sense and a way of living in diverse crowds that is not taught but lived.”  He moved to Washington DC to work in radio where he sold advertising for ABC radio’s first FM Rock station, WRQX.  During that time he earned his MBA in Management from Marymount University. He moved on to two other radio stations learning radio formats and audience behavior.  The Washington Post took Mark out of radio and into the world of newspaper in the nation’s capitol. It was during that time mark was accepted into part-time creative writing at John Hopkins University where he earned his MA over three years of full time work and full time writing fit into part time structure. After 12 years at the Post’s “DC mothership” he was asked to start an experimental remote home office in San Francisco to be the brand ambassador representing The Washington Post and Washington DC.  “It was the first time of blending opposite ways of thinking. Silicon Valley was becoming the center of innovation and Washington, DC was the center of policy and regulation.  Often one didn’t understand the language of the other”. Over the next fifteen years Mark developed his relationship skills learning how to bring together groups and teams of individuals with all their differences. In 2013, Mark was awarded the Washington Post prestigious Eugene Meyer Award named after Katharine Grahams father for his career contributions and principles.

He retired in 2015 when they moved to Anchor Bay. On his first day living in Gualala, he stopped at The Sea Trader. The woman welcomed him and could tell he was new. She offered the best advice, “You need to give it at least two years.  It will take that time for you to realize who you are and how to fit in here and how all our surroundings work. Too many people give up.  Don’t.  I promise you magic.”