Peggy Simmons

Writer • Group Facilitator • Nonprofit Professional

Santa Cruz, California

Creative Writing Workshops

Prompts + Guidelines → Momentum

I’m starting small as Pen & Signal takes shape — a few online and in-person workshops, with more to come as I learn what you are interested in.

My workshops help you build momentum and confidence. Through clear prompts and guidelines, you’ll write in a welcoming space, share if you choose, hear your work received with thoughtfulness and care, and leave with filled pages and the desire to keep writing.

All Pen & Signal workshops are facilitated by myself, Peggy Simmons, and use the Amherst Artists and Writers workshop methodology.

For over 20 years I've led writing workshops with writers of many ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, helping them have confidence in their own voices and connect in supportive community. To learn more, explore the work I led for twelve years in Oakland: Green Windows: Art of Interchange.

Writers 16+ and of all genres and experience levels are welcome.

Now open for registration:

Please fill out this form if you want to keep in touch but can't make it to upcoming workshops.

3rd Saturdays:
March 21st, April 18th

9am - 12pm

Writing in Community

Tap into uncovered words and learn together in a warm, supportive, generative writing space that you'll leave excited to write more.

This 3-hour workshop offers guided prompts, quiet writing time, and optional sharing. No preparation required. All genres and experience levels welcome.

1. - In person, in Santa Cruz
  - Limited participation.
  - $95 each session
  - Flyer here. Please share!
  - Register here for one or all sessions.

Sunday, March 8th, 5pm - 7:30pm PT

Writing in Community - Online

Tap into uncovered words and learn together in a warm, supportive, generative writing space that you'll leave excited to write more.

This 2.5-hour workshop offers guided prompts, quiet writing time, and optional sharing. No preparation required. All genres and experience levels welcome.

1. - On Zoom
  - Limited participation.
  - $75 (Limited scholarships available to Green Windows writers).
  - Register here.

Pen & Signal Cancellation Policy

Other Santa Cruz Happenings for Writers

If you’d like to participate or hear about future offerings, please use this form. It’s an easy way to sign up, stay in touch, or let me know what kinds of workshops you’re hoping for.

Green Windows Writers!

Annual Reunion Workshop

- - The first Sunday of every December.
  - Sign up to get details in November.

1. - Sliding Scale
  - Limited participation.

Cancellation Policy

Life happens, and plans change — I understand.

If you need to cancel your registration, please reach out as soon as you know.

Cancellations 48 hours or more before the workshop:
You may choose one of the following:
– A refund, minus a $10 administrative fee and any payment-processing fees, or
– 100% credit toward a future workshop.

Cancellations within 48 hours of the workshop:
Refunds aren’t generally available this close to the workshop. In some cases, I may be able to offer credit toward a future workshop. Otherwise, your fee will be used to sponsor another writer who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate.

You’re also welcome to transfer your spot to someone else — just let me know their name.

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