I'm Ralph, and I’m an editor, writing coach, and widely published poet and prose writer.
My mission is to help you touch your readers’ hearts with clear, flowing, powerfully expressed writing.
I live in Oakland, California, with my wife, Naomi Rose (writer, artist, and musician), stepson, and beloved feline, Lucinda. Each morning, after my first and only cup of coffee, I sit down on the couch with Lucinda on my lap, and run a special comb through her beautiful fur. She used to wiggle off, but by now she loves it and naps trustingly, a perfect model of surrender.
How I Came to Be a Writer
I knew I wanted to be a writer as early as the age of seven, but I lacked the confidence to begin writing seriously until my early thirties. At that point I wrote prose — stories, essays, and a novel — and wanted to write poetry, as well. But it took me two more decades to develop the emotional openness to begin as a poet, and to learn to write deeply and honestly. Since then, I’ve been able to have much of my poetry and prose published.
I know what it’s like to struggle to become a writer — and get through it — and I would like to provide you with the help you need on your writing journey, just as I’ve been helped on mine by many others.
Where I've been published
I have published over 100 poems in various literary journals. My poetry chapbook Sunday Ritual, chronicling my vivid experiences working in bookstores, won first prize in Nerve Cowboy’s 2000 chapbook contest. I’ve published nine poetry books, including a limited edition letterpress chapbook; one short-story collection; and numerous journalistic articles. Two of my books are featured on this website: A New Life, and At Work on the Garments of Refuge.
click HERE to view my writing portfolio.
If You Choose to Work with Me
If you choose to work with me, there’s a good chance you’ll feel:
More satisfied with your writing.
More aligned with yourself and your readers.
More joy and aliveness.
More connection to Spirit.
I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your writing project.
CONTACT me:
By phone: (510) 465-3935 (Pacific Standard Time)
By email: ralphdranow@yahoo.com
I look forward to hearing from you.
~ Ralph
“I just wanted to tell you, Ralph, that I got into the School of the Arts for their spoken arts program. Thank you so much for your help with my poetry. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”
“Thank you again for the poem about my mom. One of my good friends, who has seen my pain and grief about my mother’s passing, read the poem at my wedding. She did such an amazing job; she gave life and meaning to every word. It was so beautiful and heartfelt. All my guests were deeply touched by the poem.”
“Ralph did more than listen to my oral history. He sensed the thread of meaning in my story, and guided our discussion toward a deeper and more interesting reflection of my experience.”