A new batch of writing classes, on topics from culinary writing to creative non-fiction, are about to begin at Oakland library branches all over town.

The mostly month-long workshops begins March 13 at 3 p.m. with a student reading at César E. Chávez Branch, 3301 East 12th St., Suite 271. (Some of the classes last just one day.)

The classes are part of Oakland Word, a series of free creative writing workshops designed to provoke dialogue and encourage creativity among underrepresented youths and adults. The project is funded by a grant from the California State Library. This is its second, and final, session at the Oakland Public Library.

A new offering, not included last session is "Food and Words," a culinary and writing workshop for teens, ages 15 to 18. The five-week course runs March 25 through April 22. In it, youth will "explore the creative process in both cooking and writing." According to the course description, "While learning fundamental concepts and skills, students will gain insight into the psychological, emotional, social, and cultural forces that shape what we eat and the stories we tell." This course will be held in the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, upstairs from the Asian Branch, 388 9th St., Suite 290. Register before March 22.

A variety of Oakland Word workshops will be available at four locations:

Asian Branch, 388 9th St. (238-3400)

• Intro to Writing Short Fiction: What is a Story? (Saturdays, 4–5:30 pm, 3/20–4/17)
• Food and Words: A Youth Culinary Writing Workshop (Thursdays, 4–5:30 pm, 3/25–4/22)
• I Could Not Tell: Life Stories and Creative Non-Fiction (Fridays, 4–5:30 pm, 3/19–4/16, bilingual English/Cantonese)

• Blogging 101: Starting and Writing Your Own Blog for teens and adults (One day only: Saturday 4/10, 12:30-3:30 pm)

Cesar E. Chavez Branch, 3301 East 12th St., Suite 271 (535-5620)

• Urban Fiction: Elements of Short Story Writing (Saturdays, 2:15–3:45 pm, 3/20–4/17, bilingual English/Spanish)
• “You’re Not Going to Believe This”: Writing Your Life Story (Saturdays, 4–5:30 pm, 3/20–4/17, In Spanish)
• Usted no lo va a creer: Escribiendo cuentos de su vida (Sabados, 4–5:30 pm, 3/20–4/17, En español)

Main Library, 125 145th St. (238-3134)

• Life Stories in Poetry and Prose (Thursdays, 6–7:30 pm, 3/18–4/15)
• Writing and Speaking Word: Poetry and Spoken Word (Saturdays, 3:30–5 pm, 3/20–4/17)
• Soul Song: Song Writing Seminar (One day only: Sunday, 4/11, 2–5 pm)
• Literature of Oakland: Writing Poetry and Stories Inspired by Oakland (Wednesdays, 6–7:30 pm, 3/17–4/14)
• Women’s Poetry Seminar (One day only: Saturday, 3/27, 2–5 pm)

West Oakland Branch/Second Start Adult Literacy Program, 1801 Adeline St.

• Poetry in Our Lives (For Second Start Students only: Thursdays, 6–7:30 pm, 3/18–4/15)

Courses at Chávez Branch will be taught by bilingual (fluent in Spanish and English) instructors, and “You’re Not Going to Believe This” will be taught in Spanish. Students must be proficient in Spanish to attend, although they can write in English. The course “I Could Not Tell” at the Asian Branch will be taught by an instructor fluent in English and Cantonese.

Anyone interested in participating in the Oakland Word writing workshops will need to register in advance. For information, call 510-238-6572 or e-mail theoaklandword@gmail.com. Information is also available online at http://www.oaklandword.org. For information in Spanish, call the Chávez Branch, 510-535-5620.

About Emilie Raguso

Emilie Raguso is a multimedia reporter in Oakland who focuses on issues of criminal justice, food and Oakland culture. She is passionate about social media, documentary photography and sustainable living. Her work has appeared on Salon and NPR, as well as in The Modesto Bee, Greater Good magazine and the East Bay Express. Write her at eraguso@gmail.com, follow her on Twitter (@emraguso) and see more of her work at http://raguso.us.