Donna Levin
Donna Levin is the author of Extraordinary Means, California Street, There’s More Than One Way Home, and He Could Be Another Bill Gates.
In April 2024, Skyhorse published her latest novel, The Talking Stick.
In addition to novels, Donna has published two books about writing, Get that Novel Started and Get that Novel Written.
Donna has taught fiction writing for three decades, most notably at the University of California Extension at Berkeley, where she led the Novel-Writing Workshop. She has also been a frequent guest at writers’ conferences, including the San Francisco Writers’ Conference and the Squaw Valley Community of Writers.
Donna’s work is included in Boston University’s 20th Century Archives and in the California State Library’s collection of California novels. She lives in San Francisco. More at donnalevin.com.
Student Feedback for Donna
Donna is a force! She is funny, brilliant, and encouraging. This was such a remarkable experience, it far exceeded my expectations. Michelle Matiyow
I really appreciated the Zoom calls that Donna mediated in this class—we could share ideas and feedback in real time and in a more personal way. Donna was always quick with feedback that was both constructive and encouraging. Having weekly deadlines made all the difference for moving my book forward. Andrea Gust
I had a great experience. Donna is a great listener. The objective of the class was accomplished as I am back to writing consistently. Shari Weefur
Donna Levin is a gifted teacher. As funny as she is smart, she will captivate and keep you going. One of my favorite writing instructors, I credit her with helping me finish my first novel and for encouraging me in those that followed. Take her class! Terry Gamble, author of The Water Dancers, Good Family, and The Eulogist
Donna’s Introduction to Fiction course was excellent, being enjoyable, practical, and educational. She provided valuable and detailed individual feedback as well as helping us all to learn the techniques of evaluating ours and each other’s writing. I was so pleased with the course that I’ve already recommended it to several other new fiction writers, and will continue to do so. Phil Rainey
This was my first online writing course and it exceeded my expectations. Donna was knowledgable and highly responsive. She was very encouraging and my classmates were very engaged. I had a great experience. Lisa Hamidi
Donna’s teaching style is down to earth, personal, and full of humor. She draws you in and makes it easy to submit assignments for feedback. Of course putting your writing “out there” is somewhat nerve-racking, but Donna has a way of making the process easy. I wrote more, was inspired more, and wrote some of my best writing in her course. Participation in her class was a wonderful experience. April Cross
Donna is an experienced and engaging teacher. Her lectures are concise and to the point. Her feedback on assignments are detailed and thoughtful. She goes above and beyond the online platform to organize weekly Zoom meetings to check in, and invites everyone to share their writing practices, their progress and challenges. Dung-Chi Tran
Donna is inspiring and knowledgeable about writing craft. This class will fulfill its promise! Carol Park
I took several classes from Donna while writing my first novel, a book that was ultimately selected for three best of the year lists. She was instrumental in the development of a publishable manuscript, helping me with characterization, plot and pacing. Her critiques are sensitive, insightful—and motivating. If you are high-centered on the rocky road to finishing your novel, you can do no better than to study with Donna. Mark Coggins, award-winning author of the August Riordan series
