I offer friendly guidance and editing services for your writing projects (short stories, novels, essays, blogs, etc.). Still in the early stages or not sure what your project is yet? I'm happy to offer 'coaching' advice as well. Let's discuss your ideas and get them down on the page. See the CONTACT page and shoot me an email to chat about this.

Photo by Lynnette Lucy Najimy

upcoming workshops and events

R & R at Kripalu Center, Workshop Schedule (see monthly PDF)

ONGOING: R & R Retreat JOURNALING and ARTS Workshops @ Kripalu Center, Stockbridge, MA
Weekly memoir, collage, poetry, nature writing and singing classes offered to registered Kripalu guests.

Private day-long writing retreat: in your home

please send a message via the contact page for details about hosting a private writing retreat in your home for friends. like a house concert with pens.

why and how I teach

As a creative writing adjunct professor at Rutgers University (2002-2010), I taught fiction and non-fiction courses to students with rich stories to tell. I now serve as writing faculty for Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and the Berkshire Festival of Women Writers; the stories I hear continue to hold fascination.

In addition to traditional writing workshops in fiction and non-fiction (in which members read one another's writing over the course of several meetings), I offer non-traditional classes (day, weekend or week-long). Please scroll down for details. I believe in creating a safe, supportive environment in which writers can feel free to be messy and bold. I believe in honest kindness and kind honesty. I like to make jokes. I can't promise they'll be funny. I'll never force you to share words that need to remain private. I consider it my privilege to hold space for your creative efforts.

For more information, please get in touch via the CONTACT page.

Local Authors Day 2014

testimonials

Kind endorsements from class participants:

"I recently took your class, The Traveling Mindset, which was terrific! Your workshop offered me permission to write. Thank you for your kind guidance." -Amy, Kripalu Center

"Your workshop has helped me stay connected to myself—I’m now writing every day. I think I can speak for all of us [in class] when I say you are a great mentor. Thank you for your kindness and care." –Elaine, Kripalu Center

"I like that you’re in the world, Lara Tupper."

"I had a breakthrough, thanks to you-- I truly enjoyed your weekend workshop. It was calming, centering, inspiring and affirming. It was exactly what I needed." - Kathleen, Genesis Center

"Thank you again for your wonderful and evocative workshop on Gratitude Journaling. The freedom and trust with which people wrote and shared their work is a testament to the safe atmosphere that you created. I will remain grateful for the experience and for the inspiration. Many thanks again." -Gloria, Kripalu Center

"Thanks for a great class - it was one of the highlights of the weekend for me. What made it nice was the gentle community building, the short and easy 'go-around-the- room' at the start, and brief meditative centering before the Haiku Walk." -David, Kripalu Center

"Thank you for the workshops you offered today. I appreciate you bringing your gift to others and I resonate with the energy you share in your teaching. Best to you!" - Janel, Kripalu Center

"Everyone was singing your praises! You had a great crowd. You have such a lovely down to earth sincere presence and open manner, it was a pleasure to meet you in person and to be a part of your workshop."

"Lara is tough but tender."

"This instructor is kick-a$$. Love her!"

"Lara is a very focused and compassionate teacher."

"She rocked the house! It was perfect. I just want to see her sing!"

"We loved the collage workshop - in fact, [my wife] has done it a number of times since then with close friends and her sister. Breakthrough stuff. Thanks for opening that door for her!" - Ned Leavitt, founder, The Ned Leavitt Literary Agency

"See what R and R at Kripalu and one hour with you can do? Thanks, Lara, for initiating this first of many writing journeys that will find their way to the world of readers. I hope my story can change the path of even one person with HIV who feels they may not survive. Respectfully, Bill" (William's piece on living with HIV has just been published.)

"Lara created a positive atmosphere and I enjoyed the conversation she facilitated!"

"Lara is a world class writer and teacher."

"[Lara] is an inspirational presenter."

“Lara Tupper is a teacher with the ability to bring forth the very best in her students. In only a two hour session at Kripalu, Lara turned a room full of people (about 72) into confident writers – pros and novices alike. We wrote from the heart, soul and depth of past and present feelings. The sharing of our stories made all of us believe in our own creativity, abilities and in ourselves.” - Berkshire Festival of Women Writers representative Lorrin Krouss

"The writing class was my favorite. She is amazing!"

"Ms. Tupper, who presented the writing workshop on New Year's Eve, ran a fantastic session and stimulated an urge to write fiction that I'm very excited about."

PAST EVENTS

kripalu center retreat: recovering from divorce, reclaiming yourself

september 23 - 26, 2018 (Sunday–Wednesday: 3 nights) - Presenters: Jeff Zimmerman, Lauren Behrman, Lara Tupper, Ken Nelson and Bobby Sweet. Learn how combining mental health practices with journaling, mindful movement, yoga nidra, and soulful music can help you open to pain, find resilience, and develop a sense of healing and stability. In a supportive and understanding environment, take this opportunity to turn the page and create a healthier post-divorce life story. Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge, MA. To register, please call 866.200.5203

international women's day reading

Friday, March 9, 2018, 7:00 pm, Lenox Library, Lenox, MA: celebrate the power of women's words in honor of International Women's Day 2018. Readers will share short excerpts from Writing Fire: An Anthology of Women's Words (Green Fire Press) and new work.

arts night out: Six-Word Memoirs on Love and Heartbreak

Friday, February 9, 2018, 7-9:00 pm @ is183 art school, stockbridge, ma: Less is more, as they say. Perhaps this is why Ernest Hemingway once wrote a story in just six words and called it his best work. In this light-hearted workshop we’ll look at tales from the popular Six-Word Memoirs series and compose our own. Warning: this writing practice is highly addictive! More artful than a tweet; less complicated than a sonnet. In honor of St. Valentine. is183 art school, 13 Willard Hill Road | Stockbridge, MA 01262 Phone (413) 298-5252 | To register e-mail Peter@is183.org

New Year Creativity Retreat at Kripalu Center: 4 nights

January 21–25, 2018, Sunday–Thursday (4 nights): Setting Intention Through Journaling and Creative Expression. While the new year provides a fresh opportunity to initiate change in our lives, many of us could use support and a new way to manifest our desires. Join Kripalu faculty members Lara Tupper and Izzy Lenihan as they open up the creative passion that exists in all of us to better understand—and better act upon—the wishes you have for your life, both large and small. This program explores the catalyzing effect that journaling and other creative exercises can have in moving change and aspirations forward. Discover fun and engaging techniques designed to clear the clutter of the right brain, opening a path to skillful and intuitive action to achieve your goals. Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge, MA. To register: 866.200.5203

Gratitude Journaling: Online

Tuesday, November 7, 2017: On Election Day 2017 (ie: the one year anniversary of Election Day 2016), join me for for a short and painless journaling exercise, completed at your leisure, wherever you happen to be. No writing experience necessary, just a willingness to consider positive intentions on this day. Part of the #ConciousnessAndCoffee movement, I invite you to spread the word and and prepare your favorite hot beverage. I'll post the specific writing prompt on the Facebook event page on November 7.

Saturday, March 11, 2017: Berkshire Festival of Women Writers Workshop- Great Barrington, ma

1:30 - 3:30 pm, Bard College at Simon's Rock, Great Barrington, MA: Child's Play--“Anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days,” said Flannery O’Connor. In this informal writing workshop, we’ll mine childhood details and draft sketches of past feats and foibles. We’ll look at published examples of writing about childhood (both from a child’s perspective and an adult’s perspective) and share our work in a supportive, friendly space. Please bring your writing tools (journal and pen or laptop) and a willingness to reminisce. $35. To register, please visit berkshirewomenwriters.org.

private day-long writing retreat, pittsfield, MA

Sunday, October 23, 2016: Please send a message via the contact page for details about hosting a private writing retreat in your home for friends. like a house concert with pens.

genesis center, westfield, ma: weekend memoir-writing retreat

Friday, September 23- Sunday, September 25, 2016: what's your story? a weekend memoir-writing retreat. complete a series of writing exercises, hear recollections from others and learn tips for sustaining a writing practice at home. no prior writing experience necessary, just a willingness to recall past and present details in a supportive, friendly space. Please call 413-562-3627 for registration details.

Saturday, July 16, 2016: memoir workshop

2:00-4:00 pm. Tell Your Tales: Memoir Workshop. is183 art school of the berkshires, stockbridge, ma

thursday, March 17, 2016, Berkshire festival of Women writers

10:00 am- 1:00 pm: "the traveling mindset," a writing workshop for travelers near and far. Workshop held at the Magic Fluke, 92 S. Main Street, Sheffield, MA. $30 (a portion of the workshop fee supports the festival)

wednesday, march 2, 2016: reading with music

7:00 - 9:00 pm. FREE. prose and songs with the beeline ramblers! lara reads new fiction and sings a few folk/pop favorites, accompanied by fran and lisa mandeville.

Sunday, November 29-Wednesday, December 2, 2015: Yoga and Writing Program at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

Stockbridge, MA: "Opening Up to the Page," co-taught with yoga teacher extraordinaire Cristie Newhart! Please call to register: 866-771-5691

Friday-Sunday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2015: weekend retreat

genesis center, westfield, ma: "What's Your Story?" tel: 413-562-3627 (pre-registration is required)

Saturday, October 17, 2015: writing workshop

10:00 am-12:00 pm, is183 art school, stockbridge, ma: "swift ink." Please call to register: 413- 298-5252 x100

Thursday, august 27, 2015: writers read

5:30 pm, Lee Library, 100 Main St., Lee, MA: Lara reads excerpts from new work with fiction writer Virginia Watkins. $4 suggested donation

Tuesday, July 28, 2015: Marty Lasker Lecture Series

7:30 pm, Becket Arts Center, Becket, MA: excerpts and songs from my novel, A Thousand and One Nights, with Bobby Sweet on guitar (free)

June and July 2015: Weekly writing workshop

Wednesdays, 7:00 -9:00 pm, Spectrum Playhouse, Lee MA

Saturday, May 16: writing workshop

10:00 am- 12:00 pm, is183 art school, stockbridge, ma: "I Remember"- call (413) 298-5252 to register

Sunday, March 29, 2015: Berkshire Festival of Women Writers Book expo

1:00-5:00 pm, Crowne Plaza, Pittsfield, MA. Come say hello! I'll read my essay from the festival anthology, Writing fire, at 4:15 pm.

Saturday, March 7, 2015 writing workshop: Berkshire Festival of Women Writers

3:00-4:30 pm, Lenox Library, Lenox, MA, Welles Gallery: "Going Back," a memoir writing workshop (free)

february 27, 2015: words and melodies

stockbridge coffee and tea, stockbridge, ma, 7:00-9:00 pm: songs and excerpts from my novel, a thousand and one nights, with special musical guests the beeline ramblers

November 15, 2014, 10: am to 12 noon

Local Authors Day, Bushnell-Sage Library, Sheffield, MA

April 2014 weekend program, Genesis center, westfield, ma

(tel: 413-562-3627 pre-registration is required.) April 11-13 (Friday-Sunday), What's Your Story?

March 9, 2014 Class at Genesis Center, westfield, ma

Sunday, March 9, 1:30-4:30 pm: What's Your Story?

winter 2014: Berkshire Festival of Women Writers at Simon's Rock

Thursday, January 16 and Friday, January 17, 9 am – noon

SEPTEMBER 15, 2013: Word Walks at Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center
1:00-4:00 pm
53 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Tel: 413-562-3627

WORD WALKS: 5-day program at Kripalu

JUNE 16-20, 2013: Soak in fresh air and new writing ideas in the scenic Berkshire hills. Just as Henry David Thoreau did his best thinking while sauntering through the Massachusetts woods, this workshop offers the opportunity to be guided by the beauty of Kripalu’s grounds, classic poems and essays on nature, and creative writing exercises designed to cultivate awareness. Thoreau, who walked with little regard for speed or purpose, provides an apt lesson in being present with what is.

MARCH 2013: Berkshire Festival of Women Writers
Writing Workshop, "What's Your Story?" March 28, 2013, 7:30-9:30 pm
Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

DEC. 31, 2012: "Write Your Story for the New Year" 7:30 pm-8:30 pm
An intentional writing workshop for registered guests at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge, MA. Call 413 448 3165 for further details

AUTHORS' DAY: NOV. 17, 2012 The Bushnell-Sage Library in Sheffield, MA will be holding it ninth annual Local Authors' Day on November 17th, 10:00 am- 12:30 pm. 50 local authors will be available to sign books. 48 Main Street, Sheffield, MA Phone: 413- 229-7004

2012 WRITING WORKSHOP- March 26, 2012, 6:00-7:30 pm
Presenter, Berkshire Festival of Women's Writers, Lenox Library, Lenox, MA - FREE

2011 WRITING Classes: Kripalu Center, Stockbridge, MA
"What's Your Story?"- an introduction to creative writing offered to registered Kripalu guests in October, November and December of 2011.

Hi. I like yoga.

2010 READING: February 16, NYC
The Writers Room, 740 Broadway @ Astor Place
12th floor, 7:00 PM. FREE.

my proud Nana in white (right, background)

2009 EVENT: A (RUMPUS/TIN HOUSE) NIGHT AT THE HIGHLINE BALLROOM, NYC
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7:00 PM
Six-Word Memoirists read with Jonathan Ames, Ricky Moody, etc.
431 W 16th St.between 9th and 10th Ave., $10.(212) 414-5994

2009 READING: Wednesday, November 11, NYC
Launch Party/Reading, Epiphany Magazine,"Who's Still Alive" issue
Pianos. 158 Ludlow St., 7-9 PM, $5.

2009 READING: Saturday, November 7, NYC, 9:30 PM
Epiphany Magazine,"Who's Still Alive" issue
Lillian Vernon House, NYU, 58 W. 10th Street, $5
I'll read my short story ("Ting") from the new issue.

2009 EVENT: MAY 30, NYC, HIGHLINE BALLROOM
McSweeney's, Smith Mag, and the Rumpus present
comedy, music and readings with Amy Tan and special guests,
including 6-word memoirists.
431 W 16th St, New York, NY, between 9th and 10th Ave,
(212) 414-5994, 7:00 PM. $12.00

2009 EVENT: February 13, AWP Conference, Chicago
"Approaches to Historical Fiction" : Panel Discussion with authors Varley O'Connor, Vyvyane Loh and James Reed.

2009 EVENT: February 9, NYC, 7:00 PM
Six-Word Memoirs on Love and Heartbreak
McNally Jackson, 52 Prince St. (b/t Lafayette & Mulberry), 212.274.1160

2009 Launch Party: January 31, Southport, MAINE
Come celebrate the Harbor Journal, Volume II, at the Southport Town Hall from 12:00 -3:00 PM.

__________________________________________________________________
2008 MAINE EVENT: July 12
"Books and Blooms." sponsored by the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, Coastal Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, Maine, 12:30-3:30 PM. Join LT and other Maine writers for an afternoon of books and cool plants.

With Mom in Maine

2008 READING: Monday, JUNE 2, Oceanside, NY
Gazebo Reading, Schoolhouse Green on Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, New York (just east of Long Beach Road), 7:00 PM. Free. www.schoolhousegreen.org

2008 READING, NYC: April 15
On Tuesday, April 15, at the Cornelia Street Cafe (29 Cornelia Street b/w 6th and 7th Aves. Subway: West 4), 6:00 PM, with fellow Writers Room Readers. I'll be reading an excerpt from my novel in progress, a fictional account of Paul Gauguin's marriage. ($7, which includes a glass of wine.)
_______________________________________________________________________

2008 EVENT: March 25, 5:00 PM, RUTGERS U., New Brunswick, NJ

Opening reception for the annual celebration of faculty authors:
Archibald S. Alexander Library, Remigio U. Pane Room, 1st Floor
169 College Avenue, New Brunswick

"The Rutgers University Libraries' annual exhibition and reception will shine a spotlight on the superlative scholarship at Rutgers by highlighting the recent publications of university faculty. Publications will be added to the Rutgers University Libraries’ collections when the exhibition closes."

The exhibition will run from March 27 to April 30. To RSVP, call 732-932-7505, or email events@rci.rutgers.edu.

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Good news for Barry fans! 5.4.07
NOVELTOWN interview, complete with Barry Manilow pix!

http://www.nlbelardes.com/blogger/2007/05/lara-tupper-talks-about-her-novel.html

Here's a teaser:
Noveltown: I noticed on your website that you are a member of the Barry Manilow International Fan Club. Was that for professional reasons or are you a true Manilow fan?

Lara: We Fanilows need to stick together! I'm absolutely serious about my BMIFC membership--there's a long, sad tale that follows. I'll try to make it short: My Nana bought my first Barry album when I was five. As a 'tween I had a Barry poster (white jumpsuit, feathered hair, medallion) and actually kissed it every night. I had a bumper sticker (BARRY M. LOVES LARA T.) and somehow convinced myself that he'd sent it personally (again--my Nana). And then, in 1993, I worked at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan and SANG with him! He needed a back up choir for a concert there, the very last verse of "I Write the Songs" at the end of the show. So I sang the song and that was it--I never even met him backstage. I've since been to Vegas to see him with my mom and to Madison Square Garden to see him here in NYC. He's my Myspace friend, which is nice, but I'm still dying to meet him. I've even thought about enlisting Oprah—she has a page on her site called Do You Want To Meet A Hot Celebrity?. (If you apply and have a convincing enough case, she'll help out.) I think Barry would enjoy the book—he was a lounger himself in the early days.

For more:
http://www.nlbelardes.com/blogger/2007/05/lara-tupper-talks-about-her-novel.html
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New short story in "Fivechapters," 4/07.
Please visit www.fivechapters.com (archives, Tupper) or hit the link on the sidebar of my homepage. While you're there, check out stories by Nick Hornby, Rick Moody, Jennifer Egan and Curtis Sittenfeld. (Just remember to read mine first.)
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NOW out from Zone 3: "Glass," a NEW short story by LT (Honorable Mention, Fiction Award 2006, fall 2006 issue).

FROM THE ZONE 3 website, http://www.apsu.edu/zone3/
"Zone 3 is a non-profit journal published by the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. Single issues are $5.00; please address orders to the editors of Zone 3 at Box 4565, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044." Hope you enjoy!
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LITERARY GARDEN PARTY, Camden, Maine, AUGUST 1, 2007, 2-5 PM
Hosted by Jonathan Lethem, Tess Gerritsen, Jennifer Boylan, Richard Russo, Richard Ford and the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance.

BOOK SIGNING: Saturday, July 21, 2007, BOOTHBAY, MAINE, Books and Blooms (sponsored by the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance), Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Barters Island Road, 12:30 to 3:30 PM, (207) 633-4333.

READING: Wednesday, July 18, 2007, BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE, Boothbay Region Memorial Library, 4 Oak Street, 7:00 PM, "Under the Lilac Groves," 207-633-3112.

READING: Wednesday, June 13, 2007, PORTLAND, MAINE, Brown Bag Lecture, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square,12:00 NOON.

READING: Friday, June 8, 2007, PORTLAND, MAINE, Books Etc., 38 Exchange St., 7:00 PM

BOOK SIGNING: Monday, June 4, 2007, BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE - Sherman's Books, 5 Commercial St., 6:00-8:00 PM.

GUEST SPEAKER, ALUMNI BANQUET: SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2007, for graduates of Boothbay Region High School, Fisherman's Wharf, BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE, 6:00 PM. I'd love to see familiar faces from the class of '91!

MAY 23, 2007: RADIO APPEARANCE, The Joey Reynold's Show, LIVE Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. If you’re able to tune in from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM EST (May 23), please do!

Here’s the link for the radio station, WOR New York 710:

http://www.wor710.com/pages/46370.php

READING: Wednesday, May 16, 2007, WASHINGTON DC
Olsson's Books-Dupont Circle, 1307 19th St., NW (one block south of Dupont Circle), 7:00 PM

READING/BOOK SIGNING: Sunday, April 1, 2007, BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE - Townsend Avenue Coffee House and Wine Bar, 53 Townsend Ave., 2:00 PM

READING: Monday, March 26, 2007, WASHINGTON, DC
Chapters A Literary Bookstore, 445 11th St., N.W, 7:00 PM

READING: Tuesday, March 20, 2007, NEW YORK CITY
Writers Room Readers, Cornelia Street Cafe (29 Cornelia Street, between Bleeker and West 4th), 6:00 PM, $6.00 (BUT you get a free glass of wine!)

READING: Wednesday, March 7, 2007, NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY
"Writers from Rutgers" Reading Series, Rutgers University, 169 College Avenue, New Brunswick (Alexander Library, 4th floor), 4:30 PM

READING: Saturday, February 24, 2007, PHILADELPHIA
U. Penn. Bookstore (Barnes and Noble), University Square, 3601 Walnut Street, 2:00 PM

READING: Wednesday, February 21, 2007, NEW YORK CITY
sponsored by Ballyhoo Stories, Think Coffee, 248 Mercer (@3rd Street), 8:00 PM

TV INTERVIEW with Rob Caldwell on "207" WCSH Channel 6, Maine, February 19, 2007, 7:00 PM

Interview on WKCR 89.9 FM NY, Friday 2/16.07, 9-10 PM
www.wkcr.org

Art Waves: An interview with writer Lara Tupper about her debt novel, "A Thousand and One Nights," which follows the adventures of a cabaret duo through cruise ships and hotel lounges around the world. Also included is a reading by the author and music on the theme of the "Arabian Nights." Hosted by Anne Cammon

READING: Wednesday, February 14, 2007, NEW YORK CITY
with David Evanier and Pauls Toutonghi, Happy Ending Reading Series, Happy Ending Bar, 302 Broome St. @ Forsyth, 8:00 PM

READING: Saturday, February 10, 2007, CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA
Books and Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, 7:00 PM

READING: Thursday, February 8, 2007, AVENTURA (N. Miami), FLORIDA
Aventura Barnes and Noble, 18711 NE Biscayne Blvd, 7:00 PM

READING: Tuesday, February 6, 2007, NEW YORK CITY
West Village Barnes and Noble (396 6th Ave at 8th St.), 7:30 PM.

READING: Monday, January 29, 2007, NEW YORK CITY
with the amazing JIM SHEPARD, The Readers Room, Mo Pitkin's House of Satisfaction (34 Ave. A and 3rd Street), 7:00 PM

INTERVIEW: Check out my hometown paper, The Boothbay Register! (November 9, 2006)