Workshops: Creativity and Writing
New York Times bestselling author Ellen Sussman will present ways in which you can tap into your creative energy through writing. We’ll explore new forms of expression that will engage your imagination and enrich your life. These workshops will work for those of you who are experienced writers as well as those of you who have always dreamed of writing but never dared to try it. Ellen brings energy and humor to her classes – you’ll discover the fun of writing as well as learning a few new tricks of the trade.
Creativity, Passion and a Writer’s Life
Ellen Sussman decided to become a writer at age 6 but didn’t have real success until she was 49. Now she’s published 6 books (including a New York Times bestseller) with a new novel underway. As we age, we can choose to become more creative and we can bring deeper passion to our work. Ellen will share the stories about her own career, with an examination of the fine line between truth and fiction. How do we shape our own stories into fiction and memoir? Let’s talk about the creative process! (and how she met her husband at the Ranch!).
Ellen Sussman is the New York Times bestselling author of four novels, A Wedding in Provence, The Paradise Guest House, French Lessons, and On a Night Like This. She is the editor of two critically acclaimed anthologies, Bad Girls: 26 Writers Misbehave and Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex. She teaches through Stanford Continuing Studies and in private classes and she is the co-founder and co-director of Sonoma County Writers Camp. www.ellensussman.com
Nancy Cetel, MD, is an engaging and passionate physician, author and professional speaker. Following her graduation from the New York University School of Medicine, she obtained her postgraduate training in Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of California, San Diego, and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Southern California. Her pioneering research in hormonal issues led to numerous publications and awards. Dr. Cetel is often referenced in books and journals, and is a frequently invited lecturer nationally and internationally. Live appearances and interviews have brought her acclaim as an accomplished communicator and advocate for an informed public. She is the author of Double Menopause: What to Do When Both You and Your Mate Go through Hormonal Changes Together. Her passions include her family, vegetarian cooking, dancing, and the joys of being a grandparent.
A former National Aerobic Champion, star of the iconic Abs of Steel videos, and creator of the over 1-million selling Discover Tai Chi series, Scott Cole has lectured in over 30 countries and been a guest on LIVE with Regis and Kelly, The View, CNN, The Early Show, The Doctors, and more. He has trained Hollywood elite (Christian Bale, Barry Manilow, Stefanie Powers, Gena Lee Nolin), and was featured in The Wall Street Journal for his unique blending of the martial and healing arts. After 5 years of Clinical Pain Management, Scott is poised to help RLP guests improve balance, strength, mobility, and flexibility, AND reduce stress.
Lyricism, complexity, and dissonance characterize the musical interests of pianist Kyle Adam Blair. A contemporary music specialist, his major pianistic focuses include the performance of new works in collaboration with composers, and the performance of works from the American art music repertory of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, particularly music of Elliott Carter, Aaron Copland, George Crumb, and Stuart Saunders Smith.
Shirley Buccieri is the creator of Shirleyfest: living one month every year in a different city in the world. She goes to her new city alone, rents an apartment and fully embraces the city as a local. Everyone who learns of the concept loves the idea, but most have no idea where to begin. Her acclaimed blog, shirleyfest.com, has been read in 91 countries and featured on various radio stations across the globe. Shirleyfest was born out of transitions in her life. Shirley is uniquely qualified to provide insights, tips, and enthusiasm to those interested in turning any transition into a transformation.
Karl Anthony is an award-winning singer/songwriter and a proud member of NOAH (National Organization of Arts in Health), dedicated to advocating for the healing power of music in healthcare. For nearly twenty years, he has served as a healing-arts professional at the San Diego Rady Children’s Hospital, infusing his work and music with a message of hope for children and families. Leading drum circles in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at the hospital as a REMO Certified Health Rhythms Facilitator, Anthony promotes the scientifically researched benefits of community drumming as a tool for equalizing and building communities. Each year, Karl and his wife Noi lead travel service trips to Thailand, where they have a home and reside part of the year. These trips support musical instruments for local schools and orphanages. Karl has forged his own unique path in the music industry, earning multiple Gandhi/King Season for Non-Violence Peace Hero awards for his innovative art-focused wellness programs, music performances, and humanitarian efforts. Through his music, Karl Anthony opens doors to connect with people and shares his passion for the healing potential of music.
One year after graduating from the ‘FAME’ school (LaGuardia) as a theatre major, Galit Friedlander moved to Los Angeles to pursue a degree from the University of Southern California.
Shortly after graduating college, Galit found that her drive gained her the opportunity to work as an assistant choreographer for Prince in the Los Angeles leg of his Welcome 2 America Tour. She has worked on projects for Pharrell and MC Lyte. She has toured China and the U.S. with groundbreaking artists, choreographed for short film, works for the WNBA’S LA Sparks as a head choreographer, and has been the SparKids head choreographer since 2017.
Anjali Austin is a distinguished Specialized Master Trainer in GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® methodology with over 35 years of experience in the system. Trained by Juliu Horvath and Hilary Cartwright, she taught in the New York City studios, and was among the first group of teachers certified as Master Trainers.
Gay Gasper began her fitness career on Fit Tour, completing nine tours teaching fitness workshops in the United States. Additionally, Gay has shared her expertise by teaching at various Fitness Conventions around the world. Gay is the choreographer of over 40 fitness videos, has worked at QVC and HSN. She currently works full-time at a (CCRC) Continuing Care Resident Community as the Director of Fitness and teaches at numerous fitness facilities around Charlotte, NC. Gay continues to travel and teach, presenting fitness education for Interactive Fitness Trainers of America.