A mobile story booth — or sometimes just a mic in hand — inviting people to share their voices in the moment, wherever they are.
Step-In!
From Write Up The Coast, connecting stories through conversation, writing, and the shared act of listening — capturing voices in many forms, shaped by place, time, and community.
NEXT UP: Write Now! Saturday 11/08. 3P-5P The Sea Ranch Lodge Redwood Room
all welcome. this is a community event offered at no charge.
STEP-IN!
Step-In! grew from the same impulse that shaped Write Up The Coast — to listen more deeply and build community through stories. It began as a mobile recording booth, a quiet space where people could pause in the middle of daily life to reflect, share, and be heard. Today, Step-In! is booth, a hand-held mic on the run and a state of mind — a reminder that conversation, like community, begins when we listen and when we have our own story heard.
ABOUT — WRITE UP THE COAST
It began with a few people around a table — anxious, self-conscious, unsure why they had shown up for a small writing group at The Sea Ranch Lodge called Write Now!
What happened next was simple and unexpected. Through on-the-spot responses to prompts — writing, sharing, and listening — the group connected. They began uncovering the next layers of their own stories and, in doing so, discovered one another.
I realized then that writing — the act of it, the vulnerability of it, the courage to be heard — is itself a form of connection. That understanding became Write Up The Coast, a network of projects that carry the same impulse forward: to build community one voice, one story, one moment at a time.
We live in a time when face-to-face storytelling is disappearing, replaced by quick posts and endless scrolling. Yet when people gather, listen, and speak openly, something essential returns — the comfort of realizing that everyone’s story echoes someone else’s. That trust in one another is the quiet rule behind every Write Up The Coast project: from Write Now! to ruf? draft to Ulysses in 80 to Step-In!, each creates a space where stories can be shared, heard, and remembered.
And now — by bringing our voices together in person, on podcast, and in print — we continue to build our community, one voice at a time.
write now!/ruf? draft
Write Now! / ruf?draft
Monthly at The Sea Ranch Lodge, Write Now! welcomes anyone curious about writing — no experience needed.
Surrounded by the coastal landscape that inspires our minds, we gather around simple prompts, put fingers to keyboard or pen to paper, and share what surfaces — face to face, voice to voice.
Again and again, we discover the magic of connection: your story becoming someone else’s story, our stories weaving into community.
As a community offering, Write Now! is free and open to all.
And because our gentle Hungarian herding dog, ruf?, is always nearby, we affectionately call these sessions ruf?draft — a playful reminder that every draft, like every voice, deserves to be heard. His gaze finds your story, waits for it, and somehow knows when you’ve finally let it out.
Always free to attend — if you’d like to “toss a treat in ruf?’s bowl,” donations help keep our stories being told and shared.
ABOUT MARK SANFORD GROSS
Mark Sanford Gross is a writer, host, and community builder who believes stories bridge what divides us. A former brand ambassador at The Washington Post, he worked under the Graham family during a time when truth, trust, and community defined the paper’s mission. Once, while driving with Katharine Graham, she told him that integrity, truth, and community are not just ideals, but the foundations people need to stay connected — words he’s carried into every project since.
Mark founded Write Up The Coast to strengthen community through shared storytelling — from the page to the microphone, from small tables to the airwaves. During the early days of the pandemic, he picked up a microphone for the first time and, with the guidance and patience of Peggy Berryhill, became the co-host of KGUA Writers, a live radio program created to keep people talking and connected. Working from a remote studio, they collected stories by email and produced more than two thousand pieces over five years — words carried across the airwaves so that even in isolation, people could still feel part of a community.
At The Sea Ranch Lodge, Mark leads Write Now!, inviting people to gather in person and rediscover the power of writing together. His newest project, Step-In!, carries that same spirit into public space — a mobile recording booth and podcast capturing real voices in real moments. In a time when authentic conversation often fades behind screens, Mark continues to create spaces where listening and storytelling rebuild the human connection.
He lives on the Northern California coast with his husband, b — his constant believer and quiet builder of ideas — and their dogs, who keep his pace and spirit alive. His children and grandchildren remain a steady source of joy and inspiration, reminding him to keep reinventing himself with each passing decade — and to stay mindful of the aches along the way — while continuing to encourage folks to tell the stories that bring us closer together and bring these voices to the public connecting us all and knowing someone elses story may be another's story. Thisis connection.
In Their Words
Voices from those who’ve stepped in, written, and shared — reflections on connection, creativity, and trust.
"The role of public media is to connect our community more deeply together to allow us to debate, criticize, analyze, and understand our community. Mark's work signals that connectivity and helps deepen it, bringing joy and inspiration to people, even in the most difficult of times."
Meliisa Bell, CEO Chicago Public Media
I facilitate multiple Peer Recovery Support Groups each week. These groups are designed to empower and encourage individuals who are in various stages of recovery from substance use disorder. Mark has volunteered his time for nearly two years, during our Friday groups. “Mark’s Writer’s Workshop” has resulted in the most poignant, beautiful and raw expressions I have ever been privileged to witness. Mark suggests various “prompts” to the Friday group attendees. His innate ability to connect with people on a very real level and his default setting of kindness has resulted in a very safe place for my clients to write about some of their most personal and profound life experiences and challenges. These often times dark, always vulnerable life experiences being gently brought into the light during has resulted in profound growth and healing. I can’t thank you enough, Mark!”
-Jake Petrykowski-Mendonoma Health Alliance, Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
“One sunny afternoon, as fear kept people apart during COVID, Mark called out, ‘Peggy, I have an idea.’ Standing beneath the redwoods, he shared his vision for a writing show to keep our community connected. Within minutes, we were on the air — and KGUA Writers was born. Over the next years, thousands of stories came from people near and far, each finding connection through their words. The program proved what we both believed from the start: that writing and radio together could keep a community’s spirit alive.”
Peggy Berryhill, Founder and Executive Chairwoman, KGUA - FM, Gualala California, Executive Director, Native Media Resource Center
Since the beginning of COVID-19, I have been a contributor to KGUA Writers, which was based in and broadcast from Guala, CA. Mark made it possible for me to participate remotely from New Jersey. My repetitive contributions to Mark’s program enabled me to come out of “Covid” and continue writing with exceptional inspiration based on the creative prompts from Mark over the years. Now that Mark is leading “write up the coast” and creating an opportunity for new people to come together in a creative wave in their writing, it will only add to the richness of what can be expected if you take part both for yourself and other people’s writing. No judgment… just write!
-barry hollritt.-photosbybarry.com
Mark Sanford Gross’s “Write up the Coast” writing sessions take place in a small group, in a comfortable setting, and he gets us to write. There is no time to stare at the blank page; we just start writing. The sessions are always insightful, and we are often surprised by what comes out in our writing. I return to Write Up the Coast sessions not only because I want to write and gain insight but also because my ability to write often rides on the "wings of Mark's enthusiasm.”
Shari Goforth-Registered Veterinary Technician
We have featured Mark Sanford Gross at several retreats at Mar Vista and have been very happy with what he offers. He is a unique and uncommon personality that brings out the best in people. His way of prompting creativity and engaging with our guests has been a wonderful addition to our offerings. We’re hosting our second writing lab with Mark this winter and look forward to Mark creating such a wonderful space for writers and creative folks to engage here at Mar Vista. Thanks, Mark!
Cab and Deanna Boettcher-owners and hosts. mar vista farm and cottages
press and media and partners
Be Part of The Story
Every voice adds to the story. Whether you write, listen, or simply care about connection, there’s a place for you here.
Step-In! and Write Up The Coast continue to grow through the people who show up, speak out, and share what matters most. Reach out, say hello, or tell us your story — in person, by email, or through the podcast.
📧 [email protected]
🎙️ Listen on Buzzsprout
📸 Follow on Instagram
📘 Join the community on Facebook
Step In! Write up. Be heard.
"So much of my life drifts across screens now, words appearing but rarely spoken, voices lost in the static. I notice how easy it is to feel apart, even in constant connection. Yet each time I hear a story spoken aloud, something shifts. The weight eases. A thread appears. I remember I am not alone. And that is why I gather with others—because our voices, shared, carry hope, carry meaning, carry us back to one another."
write-up-the-coast writer
we give you the option. you bring your energy
ruf? draft
Monthly at The Sea Ranch Lodge, Write Now! is for anyone curious about writing—no experience needed. Surrounded by a magical coastal landscape that inspires our minds, we gather around simple prompts, put fingers to device or pen to paper, and share what surfaces—face to face, voice to voice. Again and again, we discover the magic of connection: your story becoming someone else's story, our stories weaving into community. As a community service, Write Now! is a free to all.
And because our gentle Hungarian herding dog ruf? is always nearby, we affectionately call these sessions ruf?draft—a playful reminder that every draft, like every voice, deserves to be heard.
*🐾 Always free to attend — if you’d like to “toss a treat in ruf?’s bowl,” donations help keep our stories being told and shared.
NEW!!!!!! STEP IN! STORY BOOTH
Look for This!!!
Pop-ups occur without a specific schedule and may have little to no advance notice. Look for the "White Here" flag or tabletop sign from Write Up the Coast. During these fun events, we will share on-the-spot writing, which can either stand alone or provide an opportunity for participants to present their pieces at larger, planned events. For updates, check out or join the Write Up the Coast Writers Facebook page and follow us on Instagram at Write Up the Coast. If you would like to host a pop-up, please contact: [email protected]. a pop-up,
building community through writing
Invite your friends, neighbors, and visitors to a neighborhood open house. Organize a block party where everyone can come together. Consider hosting a "Hike and Write" event, or gathering after a community function. You could also meet at a coffee shop for a casual writing session. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other and share the stories we all carry.
write-up-the-coast writers
Write one story. Come to one space. You are a Write-Up-the-Coast Writer! A growing coalition of writers. Invitations to write, share, be heard, and participate come your way. No obligation.
Get your patch, notebook, and pen at the next writing gathering.
write-up -the-coast blog and podcast
Not every story needs a headline — sometimes it’s just a passing thought, a local moment, or a piece of writing worth sharing. The Write Up the Coast Blog is our space for those random stories, views, and written chats that give a glimpse of life on and beyond the coast. The Write Up the Coast Podcast complements it by giving those stories a voice — conversations, interviews, and collaborations that carry the spirit of our region to listeners near and far.
write-up -the-coast for you!
At Write Up The Coast, our work is rooted in community, creativity, and connection. Our offerings include the Step In Story Booth, perfect for festivals, gatherings, and celebrations, where multiple stories are recorded and later woven together to reflect the organic spirit of the event. We also host pop-up story sessions in unexpected places, design custom writing workshops and gatherings for your group or community, organize public readings that bring original voices to the stage, and create podcast collaborations that share stories from our region and beyond. For details or to explore a custom collaboration, email [email protected].
custom events
Write Up the Coast offers a variety of custom events, including ice-breakers, entertainment, and writing-focused retreats. If you're hosting visitors, planning a function, or looking for a unique ice-breaker, Write Up the Coast can help! Whether it's a fundraiser, an unusual home party, or a dinner gathering with a twist, writing among friends, acquaintances, and even strangers can create a powerful and enjoyable experience. Add something extra to your next event.
readings
.At all our gatherings, we enjoy reading to each other. However, we will also host larger public readings as part of Write Up the Coast, which will feature our extended writers. From events at local venues to larger planned gatherings, Write Up the Coast is committed to providing public forums for our writers to share their original stories created during our meetings. If you are interested in hosting a public reading, please contact [email protected].
Photo: Steve Saroff at Four-Eyed Frog event.t
Write-Up-the-Coast on-site
Team Building, Community Associations, Support Groups, Classrooms
Travel can be challenging for many people, which is why Write Up the Coast offers educational groups and solutions for business or employee conference meetings and team building. Write-Up-the-Coast is here to facilitate gatherings where everyone can participate in writing activities in safe and comfortable environments.
Sharing stories from members of our communities, business and personal, especially those we may not often have the chance to meet, can provide some of the most heartwarming and important narratives for everyone to hear and write about.
For further discussion, please contact [email protected].
About Mark Sanford Gross (MSG)
Hi, I’m Mark Sanford Gross—yes, MSG like Madison Square Garden and monosodium glutamate. Growing up in New York City, my name made me an easy target: “gross” jokes, nicknames, and endless teasing. Even my middle name, Sanford, got its turn—tossed around with references to Sanford the monkey or Sanford and Son. What started as labels that left me out eventually became something I reclaimed, turning my name into a symbol of resilience, humor, and pride.
I’ve been fortunate to know love in different ways at different times in my life—each holding its own truth, each leaving me with lasting gifts. Two marriages, each different and meaningful, reflect that. The first shaped my early adulthood and family life, bringing me the gift of two amazing daughters. The second came years later, after the self-discovery that led me to embrace my authentic self, and after marriage equality finally became law. That’s when I was able to marry my husband, billy. Together with our dogs, woof! and ruf?, we’ve built a life on the Mendonoma coast grounded in love, community, and connection.
Those experiences of love and discovery anchor my passion for storytelling. Because when we discover and tell our stories, we do more than reflect on our lives—we open doors for others to see themselves, too.
We live in a time when face-to-face conversation has been thinned by screens, replaced with skepticism and a constant hum of worry. But when we gather to share our stories, something shifts: silence breaks open, we recognize ourselves in each other, and connection comes back to life.
That’s why I founded Write Up the Coast. Through projects like KGUA Writers and Write Now! at The Sea Ranch Lodge, I’ve seen storytelling transform strangers into community. Stories are more than creative expression—they’re bridges. They heal, they connect, and they remind us of our shared humanity.
So welcome. Pull up a chair, share your voice, and listen in. Together, word by word, we can build the connections that matter most.
Reach Out Today
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