
I believe that art and writing are skills that anyone can learn. That’s why I teach online classes that you can take at your own pace, giving you time to pick up a new skill and practice it.
Art Classes
I’ve been painting and drawing for about 20 years. I love the instant gratification that comes from making art. I often have to wait months or years to see my next book in print, but I can finish a painting in an afternoon. It’s very satisfying.
I paint in oil, watercolor, and gouache, sometimes with ink. I also fill sketchbooks with drawings from my hometown and my travels. You can read more about my approach to art, and my ideas about creativity, on my blog.
Writing Classes
In my twenty years as a bestselling author, I have taught writing workshops at book festivals, libraries, conferences, and universities. In 2012, I was invited to be the first Tin House Writer-in-Residence, a partnership with Portland State University, where I taught in the MFA program.
Now I’ve taken the most common questions I’m asked by aspiring writers and created short, simple classes online that you can watch anytime. Be sure to post questions in the discussion, because I will be dropping in regularly to chat!
For more about art-making, inspiration, and more, subscribe to my newsletter.