Writing Program

Second Sunday of every month, 2 to 4pm

Free and open to the public. All levels welcome.

Need a focused space to write?
Join us for Free Write - a relaxed, quiet place to come together to write.
Writers may bring an on-going project to work on or explore something new using many prompts available in the Writing Room.

Enjoy time well spent writing in the company of fellow writers with free tea provided!

Hosted by Marcia Silver

Hoffman Center classes and events are often photographed or filmed, and we love sharing those moments on our social media, website, and newsletter so people can get a feel for what it's like to create and connect here. By registering, you agree to be included in images of the event you have registered for. If you would prefer not to appear in images, please tell a staff member when you arrive.

Thursday, November 19, 2026
5:00-6:00pm
Free to RSVP

Join host Janice Slonecker-Berman as HCA launches a new Book Club that meets quarterly to read and discuss work by a visiting author through the Writing Program.

Our first selection is the best-selling novel TILT by Emma Pattee.
Emma Pattee presents her debut novel at the HCA on Saturday, October 10th, as part of the Manzanita Writers’ Series.

Please arrive with up to three points of discussion after reading TILT.
Janice will facilitate conversation and incorporate points of discussion.
Tea and light refreshments will be served.

Participants are encouraged to purchase their own copy of TILT through Cloud & Leaf Bookstore or check out a copy from the library.

About TILT by Emma Pattee

Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Excellence in Fiction
A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice
A USA TODAY Bestseller
A Best Book of 2025 for Vogue
Named one of Time’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2025
An NPR favorite fiction read of 2025

Set over the course of a single day, TILT is an electrifying debut novel from climate journalist Emma Pattee, following one woman’s journey across a transformed city, carrying the weight of her past and a fervent hope for the future.

“Utterly gripping.” —NPR, All Things Considered

An Evening of Story & Song

Thursday December 3rd: Doors at 6pm / Show at 7pm

Join Juliet Yänko for an immersive evening celebrating her debut solo album. Rather than a traditional concert, this special evening invites listeners into the world behind the music. Experience the album in its entirety alongside a multi-media presentation of stories behind the songs, accompanying imagery, and a special music-video premiere. A live performance of a handful of unreleased songs will also be sprinkled throughout the evening.

Recorded over eight weeks at Paradise Valley Studio in Montana, the album brings together award-winning producers, Howard Steele and Scott Martin, whose work has taken them through studios in Nashville, Los Angeles, and throughout Texas, with credits alongside celebrated artists including Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Diana Ross, Alice Cooper, Carly Simon, and Burt Cummings.

Drawing from years of immersion in jazz, country, blues, and soul, with a distinctly Americana sensibility, the album resists easy categorization. Its richly textured arrangements weave together dobro, guitar, ukulele, pedal steel, trumpet, flugelhorn, B3 organ, piano, fiddle, and mandolin. Throughout, her singular voice and incisive songwriting provide the thread connecting a diverse musical landscape.

Lyrically driven and full of unexpected turns, the songs move between humor and emotional depth, offering fresh, sometimes surprising perspectives on the human condition. The result is a record that is as sonically adventurous as it is deeply personal.

An evening to listen closely, discover the stories behind the songs, and celebrate the release of a record six years in the making.

Merchandise (CDs, download links, and pre-order vinyl) will be available for purchase the evening of. Contact juliet@julietsings.com for more info.