About The Practice of Writing
At The Practice of Writing, we believe writing is for everyone—whether you’re just starting out or you've been crafting stories for years. Our workshops are designed to be fun, hands-on, and flexible, offering a wide range of courses that help you explore different genres, build your skills, and connect with other writers. We focus on creating a supportive, community-driven environment where experimentation is encouraged and personalized feedback is at the heart of what we do.
Whether you're curious about flash fiction, poetry, or anything in between, we’ve got a workshop for you. Our approach combines practical writing exercises with interactive discussions, all designed to help you find your voice and refine your craft at your own pace. With our focus on flexibility and accessibility, The Practice of Writing offers a refreshing alternative to traditional writing programs—one that meets you wherever you are on your writing journey.
Meet Nina Barufaldi
🌸 Nina Barufaldi knows her name can be a mouthful, so she prefers to be just plain Nina or Nina from Maine—like the friend sitting next to you on a swing at the playground, sharing ideas and stories. Nina holds an MFA in creative writing, was longlisted for the American Short(er) Story Prize in 2021 and the First Pages Prize for non-fiction in 2023, and was recently accepted into the Chateau D’Orquevaux Artist Residency in France.A multi-genre writer, Nina finds that in fiction and non-fiction, she’s often obscuring or skirting the truth—or downright lying. But poetry? Poetry is where she goes to confront the truths her other writing hides. 🌿 This delicate volley between truth and storytelling is something she brings into her teaching, guiding students to explore the blurred lines of their own creative process. 💡
Meet Leah Scott-Kirby
🌟 Meet Leah Scott-Kirby, an adventurous writer and instructor for The Practice of Writing. Growing up in a small Californian suburb, Leah always longed for adventure, leading her to earn a BA in Literature from UC Santa Barbara before traveling the globe. From New Zealand to Scotland, she rekindled her passion for storytelling and discovered the richness of the human experience.Now settled in beautiful South Lake Tahoe with her fiancé, their 9-year-old human, and a lively crew of furry (and slithery) friends, Leah recently completed her MFA in Creative Writing from Stonecoast at the University of Southern Maine. Eager to keep the creative fire alive, she and her colleague Nina decided to offer writing classes, inspiring students to unlock their unique voices and harness the transformative power of storytelling. When she’s not teaching, writing, slingin’ spro, or creating stellar marketing campaigns, you can find Leah running through the mountains or kayaking on serene waters. Join her in exploring the art of writing and embracing the incredible journeys that come with it!