{"title":"New and Upcoming Nonfiction Classes at WritingWorkshops.com","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover our curated collection of nonfiction writing workshops and resources. Perfect for writers looking to explore creative storytelling, character development, and narrative techniques for their memoir, personal essays, and narrative nonfiction.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"6-week-online-intro-to-personal-essay","title":"Introduction to Personal Essay 6-Week Online Workshop with Diana Spechler, Starting Monday, July 13th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Monday, July 13th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClass meets asynchronously via Wet Ink\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eDiana Spechler \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis the author of the novels \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eWho by Fire\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSkinny\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eNew York Times Opinion\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e series Going Off. Her work has appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eGQ, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Harper's, Esquire, Playboy, National Geographic Traveler, BBC Travel, Washington Post, Ploughshares\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and many other publications. She is the recipient of a number of awards and fellowships, including a Hawthornden Castle Residency, a Yaddo Residency, the Steinbeck Fellowship, and the Orlando Creative Nonfiction Prize from A Room of Her Own Foundation. She is also a seven-time \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eMoth Story Slam\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e winner who has been featured on NPR. She writes personal essays about travel on her Substack, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dianaspechler.substack.com\/\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDispatches From The Road\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eThere is no form more timeless, or more timely, than the personal essay. But without guidance, writing narrative about your own life can be daunting. People often worry, Is it really ok to admit to things I'm not supposed to have done or felt? What if my boss reads it? What if my dad reads it? What if I hurt someone's feelings? What if my memory of events doesn't line up with someone else's memory? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis class will explore those questions and others. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou will get weekly writing prompts, a fun community of fellow essayists, and lots of feedback. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou will read great essays and discuss why they work. Most importantly, you will do plenty of essay writing. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy the end of the course, you will have at least one polished essay. This class is for all writers, whether you've hardly written a word or have been writing for years. All you need is an Internet connection. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo prior nonfiction study or workshop experience is required. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE\u003c\/strong\u003e: Diana will provide links to assigned reading material, so you won't need to buy books for this course.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e What Is A Personal Essay? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2:\u003c\/strong\u003e What Is Truth? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3:\u003c\/strong\u003e Character Development and The Ethics of Writing About Other People \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Description \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 5:\u003c\/strong\u003e Structure \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 6:\u003c\/strong\u003e Breaking Through Writer’s Block\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENT TESTIMONIALS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI just finished my first class, Online Personal Essay with Diana Spechler. I’m happy this introduced me to essays and she was a great instructor. I would take this class again in a heartbeat!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis class exceeded my expectations. I felt at ease writing about personal topics and especially enjoyed the community that Diana created\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis was the most engaging online class I've taken. Diana had the class provide narrative comments as well as mark-ups on our drafts. WOW! I got some really great feedback this way. She also was online commenting on our posts more than I have seen in other classes\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI just finished Diana Spechler's Introduction to Personal Essay. There was so much for me to learn that I decided to take it again one month later! When I began, I had not thought about writing since high school (a long time ago.) This class was both an introduction and an immersion into a writing style that was deeper and more truthful. Diana's choices of essays for us to read and analyze, her responses to our responses, the prompts she offered, and the sense of community she engendered made the sessions both marvelously difficult and simply engaging. And so useful. I was able to find stories I forgot I had, and language to describe them, and a deeper more honest foray into writing. Now, I need to take some grammar and punctuation classes (thank you Diana) and will be back. I recommend this class highly. Just take it!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eDiana's workshop was transformative—I've never felt more confident in sharing my personal stories.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eTaking Diana's personal essay workshop was one of the best decisions I've made for my writing journey. The course material was rich and thought-provoking, and the feedback from Diana and my classmates was incredibly helpful. I learned how to navigate the complexities of writing about my own life with honesty and sensitivity. By the end of the six weeks, I had crafted an essay that I felt truly proud of and ready to share with the world.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI was nervous about writing personal essays, but Diana's guidance and feedback were invaluable. By the end of the course, I had a polished piece I was proud to share\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eDiana Spechler's Introduction to Personal Essay Workshop profoundly impacted my writing. The weekly prompts and readings were both challenging and inspiring, pushing me to dig deeper into my own experiences. I left with not just one polished essay, but a newfound confidence in my ability to tell my story\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI completed my first Writing Workshops class with Diana Spechler and it was actually my first writing class ever! It changed my view on writing\/my writing. Diana was such a positive force for authentically and constructively encouraging the writer in me. I am forever grateful\u003c\/em\u003e.\" Angie S.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis class was incredibly supportive and informative and absolutely exceeded my expectations. The content and exercises were well structured, and Diana's feedback was encouraging but instructive. I found Diana's inline comments so valuable. I also found the topics exploring different themes and conversations surrounding them really helpful\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Kelsie M.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e“\u003cem\u003eI cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed my online class through Writing Workshops with Diana Spechler. I was encouraged, challenged and had a blast; and my writing is finally getting the workshopping it needs. Thank you Diana for creating such an incredible experience! Will definitely be taking more classes ASAP\u003c\/em\u003e!” -Rebecca M.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e“\u003cem\u003eDiana’s personal essay workshop was a very good experience. It provided some good direction and structure for my writing, and that is exactly what I needed. I may want to repeat the course in the not too distant future in hopes of taking the next step with my personal essay writing\u003c\/em\u003e.” -Heidi N.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eDiana's Personal Essay class was incredibly supportive and informative. The content and exercises were well structured, and Diana's feedback was encouraging but instructive. I found Diana's inline comments so valuable. I also found the topics exploring different themes and conversations surrounding them really helpful\u003c\/em\u003e.\" Kelsie M.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is entirely asynchronous which means you complete the weekly assignments on your own schedule. There are no set meeting times in order to allow for greater participation; your cohort will consist of writers from across different time zones, which allows for a wonderful diversity of voices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with your weekly deadlines there is plenty of interaction with Diana and your peers within \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWet Ink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, our dedicated online classroom. Craft materials, lectures, reading assignments, and writing prompts are all available through the online classroom. Students also post work and provide and receive feedback within the online classroom environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can get the work done as you see fit week-to-week, so it is perfect for any schedule. There are discussion questions each week inspired by the assigned readings and topics in the lecture notes. Students are encouraged to take these wherever is most compelling and\/or useful for them. Diana engages with these discussions throughout the week and you will receive feedback from all assigned writing activities. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW DOES WET INK WORK? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWet Ink was built and designed specifically for online writing classes. Wet Ink is private, easy to use, and very interactive. You can learn more about the Wet Ink platform by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/demos\/take-a-class\/get-familiar-with-your-class\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWatching a Class Demo\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $495 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eInstructor: Diana Spechler\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass starts Monday, July 13th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass meets asynchronously via Wet Ink\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCourse is fully ONLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e; students can work according to their own schedule within weekly deadlines. Once you have enrolled the instructor will send you a link to our online classroom, provided via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWet Ink\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $495 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContact us \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Contact\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e if you have any questions about this class.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-51a8238b2f73df2e52ed\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":35143085162661,"sku":"","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/products\/DianaSpechlerAdvanced.png?v=1622553493"},{"product_id":"writing-about-our-two-favorite-things-travel-and-food","title":"Writing Essays About Travel \u0026 Food 4-Week Online Workshop with Diana Spechler, Starting Monday, July 13th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBegins Monday, July 13th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClass meets asynchronously via Wet Ink\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNow Enrolling!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eTaught by Diana Spechler,\u003cspan\u003e author of the novels \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eWho by Fire\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSkinny\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eNew York Times Opinion\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e series Going Off. Her work has appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eGQ, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Harper's, Esquire, Playboy, National Geographic Traveler, BBC Travel, Washington Post, Ploughshares\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and many other publications. She is the recipient of a number of awards and fellowships, including a Hawthornden Castle Residency, a Yaddo Residency, the Steinbeck Fellowship, and the Orlando Creative Nonfiction Prize from A Room of Her Own Foundation. She is also a seven-time \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eMoth Story Slam\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e winner who has been featured on NPR. She writes personal essays about travel on her Substack, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dianaspechler.substack.com\/\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDispatches From The Road\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIf you travel, you have to eat. (Even if you don’t travel, you have to eat.) Many people travel \u003cem\u003eto\u003c\/em\u003e eat. And there's a reason that traveling and eating go hand in hand: Food is never just food--it’s history, it's culture. It's also love, politics, luxury, necessity, art, and science. It is inextricable from both its place of origin and wherever it’s served.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this class, we’ll talk about combining “food” and “place” into compelling stories. The \"places\" you write about can be as accessible as your hometown, or as far-flung as wherever your travels have taken you. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe majority of the writing in here will be in the form of personal essays. Weekly prompts will all you to experiment, and community interaction will give you support and feedback on your work. I will share great published essays for instruction and inspiration. By the end of the class, you will have drafts of four travel-and-food essays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENT TESTIMONIALS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I completed my first Writing Workshops class with Diana Spechler and it was actually my first writing class ever! It changed my view on writing\/my writing. Diana was such a positive force for authentically and constructively encouraging the writer in me. I am forever grateful.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e“\u003cem\u003eI cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed my online class through Writing Workshops with Diana Spechler. I was encouraged, challenged and had a blast; and my writing is finally getting the workshopping it needs. Thank you Blake and Diana for creating such an incredible experience! Will definitely be taking more classes ASAP\u003c\/em\u003e!” -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e“\u003cem\u003eDiana’s workshop was a very good experience. It provided some good direction and structure for my writing, and that is exactly what I needed. I may want to repeat the course in the not too distant future in hopes of taking the next step with my writing\u003c\/em\u003e.” -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis workshop inspired me to explore the rich connections between food and place in my writing\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe Writing Essays About Travel \u0026amp; Food workshop was fantastic. Diana's guidance, combined with the community's feedback, helped me craft essays that truly captured the essence of my culinary and travel experiences\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eDiana Spechler's workshop was an enriching experience. The prompts were thought-provoking, and the class discussions were incredibly supportive. I loved how the course intertwined the elements of food and travel, making each essay more vibrant and engaging. By the end, I had four solid drafts and a newfound appreciation for writing about these intertwined topics\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eDiana Spechler's insights and prompts pushed my creativity in unexpected and delightful directions. The class was fantastic\u003c\/em\u003e!\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is entirely asynchronous which means you complete the weekly assignments on your own schedule. There are no set meeting times in order to allow for greater participation; your cohort will consist of writers from across different time zones, which allows for a wonderful diversity of voices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with your weekly deadlines there is plenty of interaction with Diana and your peers within \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWet Ink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, our dedicated online classroom. Craft materials, lectures, reading assignments, and writing prompts are all available through the online classroom. Students also post work and provide and receive feedback within the online classroom environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can get the work done as you see fit week-to-week, so it is perfect for any schedule. There are discussion questions each week inspired by the assigned readings and topics in the lecture notes. Students are encouraged to take these wherever is most compelling and\/or useful for them. Diana engages with these discussions throughout the week and you will receive feedback from all assigned writing activities. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW DOES WET INK WORK? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWet Ink was built and designed specifically for online writing classes. Wet Ink is private, easy to use, and very interactive. You can learn more about the Wet Ink platform by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/demos\/take-a-class\/get-familiar-with-your-class\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWatching a Class Demo\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $330 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eInstructor: Diana Spechler\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass Starts Monday, March 16th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass meets asynchronously via Wet Ink\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCourse is fully ONLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e; students can work according to their own schedule within weekly deadlines. Once you have enrolled the instructor will send you a link to our online classroom, provided via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWet Ink\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $330 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-51a8238b2f73df2e52ed\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36455249805477,"sku":"","price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/products\/TravelandFoodwithDianaSpechler.png?v=1659003090"},{"product_id":"online-advanced-personal-essay-workshop-with-diana-spechler","title":"Advanced Personal Essay 6-Week Online Workshop with Diana Spechler, Starting Monday, July 13th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Monday, July 13th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClass meets asynchronously via Wet Ink\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiana Spechler is the author of the novels \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eWho by Fire\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSkinny\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eNew York Times Opinion\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e series Going Off. Her work has appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eGQ, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Harper's, Esquire, Playboy, National Geographic Traveler, BBC Travel, Washington Post, Ploughshares\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and many other publications. She is the recipient of a number of awards and fellowships, including a Hawthornden Castle Residency, a Yaddo Residency, the Steinbeck Fellowship, and the Orlando Creative Nonfiction Prize from A Room of Her Own Foundation. She is also a seven-time \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eMoth Story Slam\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e winner who has been featured on NPR. She writes personal essays about travel on her Substack, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003ca class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/dianaspechler.substack.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDispatches From The Road\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eThis class is for writers who have taken a previous nonfiction workshop and want to build on the foundation, work, and momentum created in their writing practice. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eAs an intensive class, members of this workshop will move on from learning the craft to practicing and perfecting it. No lectures, no reading assignments, just writing and feedback with the goal of publishing our work.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach week, Diana will provide four prompts from which you'll pick one. That means that every week, you'll turn in and get feedback on an essay (from both your classmates and Diana).  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn lieu of prompt writing, you're also welcome to turn in revisions or continuations of pieces you've submitted in a previous course.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis workshop is all about writing, revising, accountability, and community and is designed to put your work first with a plan to get it out into the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Intensive peer and instructor feedback on workshop submissions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- More confidence as a writer, on and off the page!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENT TESTIMONIALS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI would take this class again in a heartbeat!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI just finished Diana Spechler's Personal Essay workshop. Her responses to our responses, the prompts she offered, and the sense of community she engendered made the sessions both marvelously difficult and simply engaging. And so useful. I recommend this class highly. Just take it!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eDiana changed my view on writing\/my writing. Diana was such a positive force for authentically and constructively encouraging the writer in me. I am forever grateful\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e“\u003cem\u003eI cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed my online class through Writing Workshops with Diana Spechler. I was encouraged, challenged and had a blast; and my writing is finally getting the workshopping it needs. Thank you Diana for creating such an incredible experience! Will definitely be taking more classes ASAP\u003c\/em\u003e!” -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e“\u003cem\u003eDiana’s personal essay workshop was a very good experience. It provided some good direction and structure for my writing, and that is exactly what I needed. I may want to repeat the course in the not too distant future in hopes of taking the next step with my personal essay writing\u003c\/em\u003e.” -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eTaking Diana Spechler's 6-Week Online Advanced Personal Essay Workshop was a game-changer for me. Diana's prompts were both challenging and inspiring, pushing me to dig deeper into my writing. The intensive feedback from both Diana and my peers was invaluable. I emerged from the workshop with polished pieces ready for submission and a renewed sense of confidence in my abilities. Highly recommend!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"This workshop was exactly what I needed to push my writing to the next level. Diana's expertise and insightful feedback helped me refine my essays and find my unique voice. By the end of the six weeks, I felt more confident in my writing and ready to pursue publication. Diana is a fantastic instructor, and this class is a must for any serious writer\u003c\/em\u003e!\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Diana Spechler's advanced workshop was an absolute pleasure. The focus on writing and feedback without the distraction of lectures or readings allowed me to fully concentrate on honing my craft. The sense of community and the detailed feedback from both Diana and my classmates made a huge difference\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJoining Diana's advanced essay workshop was the best decision I've made for my writing journey. The structure of the class, with its emphasis on writing and feedback, was perfect for someone like me who has already taken introductory courses. Diana's prompts were excellent, and the feedback I received helped me improve my writing significantly. The camaraderie among the participants was wonderful, creating a supportive and motivating environment. I left the class with several strong pieces and a clear path to getting them published\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is entirely asynchronous which means you complete the weekly assignments on your own schedule. There are no set meeting times in order to allow for greater participation; your cohort will consist of writers from across different time zones, which allows for a wonderful diversity of voices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with your weekly deadlines there is plenty of interaction with Diana and your peers within \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWet Ink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, our dedicated online classroom. Craft materials, lectures, reading assignments, and writing prompts are all available through the online classroom. Students also post work and provide and receive feedback within the online classroom environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can get the work done as you see fit week-to-week, so it is perfect for any schedule. There are discussion questions each week inspired by the assigned readings and topics in the lecture notes. Students are encouraged to take these wherever is most compelling and\/or useful for them. Diana engages with these discussions throughout the week and you will receive feedback from all assigned writing activities. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW DOES WET INK WORK? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWet Ink was built and designed specifically for online writing classes. Wet Ink is private, easy to use, and very interactive. You can learn more about the Wet Ink platform by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/demos\/take-a-class\/get-familiar-with-your-class\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWatching a Class Demo\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $495 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Diana Spechler\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass starts Monday, July 13th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass meets asynchronously via Wet Ink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCourse is fully ONLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e; students can work according to their own schedule within weekly deadlines. Once you have enrolled the instructor will send you a link to our online classroom, provided via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWet Ink\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $495 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContact us \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Contact\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e if you have any questions about this class.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-51a8238b2f73df2e52ed\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37882447560869,"sku":"","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/products\/DianaSpechlerphoto_b34c1761-309e-4141-a88d-3fb876b0df2a.png?v=1612920284"},{"product_id":"writing-about-your-ex-essay-workshop-online","title":"Writing About Your Ex 3-Week Zoom Seminar with Elizabeth Teets Starts on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBegins Saturday, May 2nd, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Saturdays, 10:00AM PST - 12:00PM PST.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (BST): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTaught by Elizabeth Teets, an Oregon-born writer, comedian, screenwriter, and fashionista. Her work has appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLos Angeles Times, New York Times, Repeller, Catapult, Reductress\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and more. Elizabeth lives in Los Angeles, where she is waiting for her group chat to respond, and is the editor of the film anthology \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Isn't She Great: Writers on Women Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart by Elizabeth Teets\" href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/18715\/9781960869012\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIsn’t She Great: Writers on Women Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan color=\"#000000\"\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cspan color=\"#000000\"\u003eLearn more about Elizabeth in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-writing-about-your-ex-with-elizabeth-teets\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Writing About Your Ex with Elizabeth Teets\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-md-10 col-md-offset-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis online writing workshop is for writers at all levels who want to turn their past relationships into compelling personal essays. Whether you're processing heartbreak, reflecting on a friendship that ended, or just ready to finally put that story on the page, this class welcomes anyone who's been holding back from writing about the people who shaped them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eLooking to bring out your inner Taylor Swift or Carly Rae Jepsen? Some of our most powerful and consuming emotions revolve around someone we used to know or can't get out of our heads. Romantic and platonic love affairs create formative experiences, but writers often feel like they need to hold back when talking about them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis three-week online writing class teaches writers to break through their fear and take charge of their past experiences. Be it the terror of heartbreak or the horror of having to leave someone at the altar, this creative writing workshop will help you take your inner crazy ex out of the box and your writing from diary entry to a compelling piece of literature that will feel sweeter than revenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClass meetings will be held over video chat, using Zoom accessed from our private class page. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eReceive writing prompts designed to help break through emotional or mental blocks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eParticipate in in-class discussion about the best shape and angle for their stories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHave two chances to have their work critiqued by the group and by Elizabeth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGenerate ideas of where to pitch and submit their finished work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA generative list of story ideas and publications to submit to\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA formula for crafting a great ex-focused pitch (personal essay, reported, or first-person reported)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAn understanding of relationship writing ethics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eThe confidence to unapologetically write about your ex, in your own way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"As a returning student of Elizabeth's, I am a lifelong fan. She assigns thought-provoking readings, crafts the most creative writing prompts, and inspires her students to expand their skills and confidence. Elizabeth's deep knowledge of the literary world is invaluable, but what sets her apart is the care she brings to her feedback. She takes the time to read your work closely, offering thoughtful, insightful guidance tailored to your goals. Receiving her critiques is one of the most rewarding parts of the learning process. I hope every writer has the chance to cross paths with Elizabeth on their journey.\" — Waresa H.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I took the writing about your ex workshop with Elizabeth and was blown away at what I was able to produce after just 3 weeks under her guidance. She immediately had us writing with incredible prompts and offered insightful feedback. From her workshop alone, I was able to produce 5 different pieces that I've now published on my Substack (one of them landing me a surge of paid subscribers!) Thank you Elizabeth - you're the perfect teacher for this class - I'd definitely take it again!\" — Chelsea R.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Taking Elizabeth's class on obsessions and pop culture helped me expand my thinking and writing about the things I love. Elizabeth's thoughtful choices for our weekly reading served as springboards and models for my thinking and writing, and her prompts for in-class writing were generative and helpful. I was incredibly grateful for Elizabeth's line edits and willingness to push me to the next level in my work. I left the class with an essay I felt proud of and the seeds of many more. I highly recommend this class if you're interested in learning how to utilize your obsessions to fuel the writing of entertaining, thoughtful essays and learning more about how to place these essays.\" — Amy E.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $280 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Elizabeth Teets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Saturday, May 2, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $280 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42279378944248,"sku":"","price":280.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Elizabeth_Teets_Headshot_2024_48f31851-10be-40c3-801e-b5f06eb37103.png?v=1717539643"},{"product_id":"the-modern-gothic-making-haunted-fictions-for-the-21st-century-workshop-with-amber-sparks","title":"The Modern Gothic: Making Haunted Fictions for the 21st Century Zoom Seminar with Amber Sparks on Saturday, November 14th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, November 14th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive seminar via Zoom 10AM – 1PM Central\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis class will be recorded if you cannot attend live.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstructor Amber Sparks is the author of the novel, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHappy People Don’t Live Here\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and a forthcoming short story collection, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDid Parents in the Middle Ages Love Their Children? \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(both from Liveright\/W.W. Norton), and four collections of short fiction, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eAnd I Do Not Forgive You: Revenges and other Stories\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Unfinished World\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Her fiction and essays have appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eAmerican Short Fiction, the Paris Review, Slate, Tin House, Granta, The Cut,\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and elsewhere.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone loves a good ghost story. But much like spotting a ghost in the modern world, it's trickier than it seems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow can you use the tricks, conventions, and tools that writers from Henry James to MR James to Shirley Jackson made standard, while writing something that's fresh, new, and thoroughly modern?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll study the conventions of the gothic story, look at modern ghost stories by writers like Brian Evenson and Carmen Maria Machado and others, and use fun prompts and games to get your brain into gothic mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou'll leave with a story draft that's definitely gothic - whether your ghosts are scary, sad, sweet, or funny is up to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAKE THIS CLASS IF\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou're finding the constraints of your current writing practice too limiting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want exposure to a range of new approaches to bring to your writing practice.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want an expanded sense of what is possible in your work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI took Amber's Modern Gothic class on a whim after seeing Amber mention it on Twitter. It exceeded my expectations. I come from a very traditional educational background and found Amber's perspective quite refreshing and very useful for my work in progress. Really this class blew my mind. It as exactly the espresso shot my private writing practice needed. I really appreciated the concrete craft lessons. I am at a stage of writing where this is exactly what I need\u003c\/em\u003e.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eOne of the more creative workshops I have ever taken. Amber Sparks really got me to think in different and creative ways. It was the right class at the right time for me.\u003c\/em\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI really enjoyed Amber Sparks' workshop on Fractured Narrative! Great list of possible approaches to non-linear story-telling with helpful references to specific author's works as examples. Good exercises. Really enjoyed the chat input from other attendees as well. Great value for the price.\u003c\/em\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis class was great. From the powerpoint slides, examples, fun exercises, very short stories to read during class, and Amber's friendly responsiveness in the chat and of course her expertise, I would highly recommend studying with Amber!\u003c\/em\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis was very good. The prompts and the mini-workshop were great. This was my first course. So far, so good. Easy to register and you are very responsive.\u003c\/em\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis class will meet via Zoom on Saturday, November 14th, 2026, from 10AM - 1PM CST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full \u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmber Sparks | Live via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday, November 14th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive seminar via Zoom 10AM – 1PM Central\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99 USD. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43183612297464,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/TheModernGothicMakingHauntedFictionsforthe21stCenturyZoomSeminarwithAmberSparks.png?v=1748029608"},{"product_id":"essay-writing-workshop-online-2026-elizabeth-teets","title":"Jump Start Your Mid-Year: 3-Week Essay Generation Zoom Workshop with Elizabeth Teets Starts on Saturday, June 13th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Saturday, June 13th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Saturdays, 10:00AM PST - 12:00PM PST.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e: Los Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaught by Elizabeth Teets, an Oregon-born writer, comedian, screenwriter, and fashionista. Her work has appeared in \u003cem\u003eLos Angeles Times, New York Times, Repeller, Catapult, Reductress\u003c\/em\u003e, and more. Elizabeth lives in Los Angeles, where she is waiting for her group chat to respond, and is the editor of the film anthology \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/18715\/9781960869012\" title=\"Isn't She Great: Writers on Women Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart by Elizabeth Teets\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIsn’t She Great: Writers on Women Led Comedies from 9 to 5 to Booksmart\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAre you ready to kick off 2026 with a burst of creativity and a clear sense of purpose for your writing? Whether you're new to personal essays or an experienced writer looking for fresh inspiration, this three-week workshop is designed to help you start the year strong and stay on track with your writing goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by Elizabeth Teets—an Oregon-born writer, comedian, and screenwriter whose work has been featured in \u003cem\u003eThe Los Angeles Times, *The New York Times, Catapult\u003c\/em\u003e, and more—this workshop offers a supportive and energizing environment to generate new ideas, refine your voice, and set the tone for your best writing year yet. Elizabeth’s unique blend of humor, insight, and industry experience will guide you through a series of engaging prompts and discussions aimed at sparking creativity and building momentum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat You'll Get:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDedicated Writing Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carve out space each week to focus on generating new material, whether it's a short essay, a pitch for a dream publication, or the first steps of a longer project.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePersonalized Feedback:\u003c\/strong\u003e Receive constructive feedback on your work from Elizabeth and your peers, with two opportunities to share and refine your writing in a supportive setting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoal Setting for 2026:\u003c\/strong\u003e Develop a clear, actionable plan for your writing projects in the year ahead, with guidance on setting realistic and inspiring goals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreative Community:\u003c\/strong\u003e Connect with fellow writers in a dynamic, interactive space where you can share ideas, discuss challenges, and celebrate each other's progress.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspiration \u0026amp; Confidence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leave each session with a renewed sense of purpose and the confidence to tackle your writing ambitions head-on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClass meetings will take place over Zoom, accessed through our private class page. Start the year by investing in your creative potential and join us for this energizing workshop that will jumpstart your writing journey for 2026!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Elizabeth Teets\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Saturday, Saturday, June 13th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCourse is fully ONLINE and will meet weekly via Zoom on Saturdays from 10:00AM PST - 12:00PM PST.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e: Los Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43451497152760,"sku":"","price":280.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Elizabeth_Teets_Headshot_2024_48f31851-10be-40c3-801e-b5f06eb37103.png?v=1717539643"},{"product_id":"when-memoir-becomes-autofiction-6-week-zoom-workshop","title":"When Memoir Becomes Autofiction 6-Week Zoom Workshop with Victoria Costello starts on Thursday, June 4th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" id=\"block-62b681ac90b953325c64\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Thursday, June 4th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis course meets on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. ET on Zoom\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaught by Victoria Costello, an Emmy Award-winning writer, teacher, and the author of six published non-fiction books, including her memoir, \u003cem\u003eA Lethal Inheritance.\u003c\/em\u003e Her debut novel of autobiographical fiction, \u003cem\u003eOrchid Child \u003c\/em\u003e(June 2023). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRead more about Victoria's approach to writing trauma-informed autofiction at her website, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Stories that Heal with Victoria Costello\" href=\"https:\/\/www.victoriacostelloauthor.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSTORIES THAT HEAL\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn more about Victoria in our \u003ca title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: When Memoir Becomes Autofiction with Victoria Costello\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-when-memoir-becomes-autofiction-with-victoria-costello\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series or read her essay, \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/why-autofiction-going-beyond-real-life-in-trauma-informed-memoir-by-victoria-costello\" title=\"Why Autofiction? Going beyond real life in trauma-informed memoir. by Victoria Costello\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhy Autofiction?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, on our blog.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe autobiographical novel or autofiction is an increasingly popular literary form for authors and readers that still doesn’t get much attention from the MFA and literary establishment. This workshop — offered again after a successful first run in the Spring of 2023 (see testimonials)—fills that gap for writers who want to use both their memory and imagination to find and write a deeper truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis workshop is for you if you’re considering fictionalizing important aspects of a story about something that happened to you. That is, you’re writing a true story which—if it didn’t include these departures from memory and known facts—would fit neatly in the category of memoir. In other words, this is a workshop for both memoirists and fiction writers who want to use both genres in a single piece of writing. This workshop will also be useful for memoirists who wish to learn more fiction writing craft to apply to a memoir in progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriters taking this class should begin with a least a tentative idea of their subject and a first draft of minimum ten pages. They should plan on revising this draft, perhaps also their premise, based on constructive feedback received from the instructor and fellow writers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are a variety of practical and creative reasons for a memoirist to go the autofiction route.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou have parents, siblings, or adult children who would be hurt, possibly never speak to you again, if you told a story involving them as straight memoir.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’re missing large parts of your family story and have no choice but to speculate on what happened and why.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour research has led you to ancestors you never knew whose voices you can’t get out of your head.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou want to write a novel featuring a version of you that doesn’t match who you are in real life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Victoria Costello, a published author and teacher of memoir and autofiction, will discuss how and why a writer chooses autofiction over straight memoir. Differences will be discussed, including creative choices, critical conventions, and readers’ expectations for each genre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery class will include a brief lecture covering a single aspect of craft that applies equally to memoir and autofiction, including voice, characterization, point of view, s structure, scene, setting, and dialogue. Each class will also contain a generative writing exercise, such as switching the point of view of your WIP between its main and secondary characters. Selected readings from published authors of autofiction, including the instructor, will be read and discussed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of this class, participants will draft, workshop, and revise a ten to fifteen-page chapter that will serve as the prototype for chapters in a longer work of autofiction. \u003cstrong\u003eYou will learn how to:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a main character who begins as you but then significantly departs from you and your life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePut that character in a situation to tell a story that insists on being told by you.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate a coherent plot with a beginning, middle, and end that tests your main character and brings about significant change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruct a narrator and a point of view that best serves your narrative.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose a piece of this story to write as a ten-page first draft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalance telling and showing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWrite scenes with believable dialogue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRevise these pages to find the deeper truth of your story.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorkshop your story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI have an MFA and I've workshopped with many writers over the years, some quite famous. I feel that Victoria's workshop helped me the most because of her gift of balancing a writer's personal trauma with the craft of writing. And I love how she managed to meet everyone within a diverse group at their own individual pace and level of readiness\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Hannah. PA. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Thank you so much for your encouragement and excellent suggestions and revisions, Victoria!\"  —Diane G.     \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Thank you, Victoria. You have given me the encouragement I needed to feel like this is a worthwhile project.” —Pat S.  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Victoria is dedicated to instructing her students. She offered honest, valuable feedback along with a personal touch. Her insight and sense of humor made the group comfortable and rewarding. I appreciate the encouragement she gave me and others throughout the course.”  —Paul B.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“I had a really monumental class experience. I walked away with a solid start to a first chapter, and, for the first time, concrete ideas on how to plod forward.” —Sonya C.  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“I got so much out of the class. It was informative and so much fun! It really infused some life back into me, which was the hope.\" —Alison L. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI had no idea what to expect from this class and was very pleasantly surprised when it felt like the right fit. The depth of the classes and the feedback from the classmates and your critique was insightful and helpful. Thank you for giving me a pleasing experience on my journey of writing. —Jonette S.     \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThank you so much, Victoria! Your notes have been of great help to me. I also thank you for your warm words at the end. It was a pleasure for me too to be in this class. —Anca P.     \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThank-you for all that you have shared. I have learned a lot and appreciate your time and mentoring. — Cynthia S.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAs the author of an autobiographical novel in process, I've been greatly helped by Victoria's teaching on questions like how to portray living people, how to maintain dramatic tension, and who this story belongs to. She is a perceptive reader whose taste encompasses literary fiction and more popular work. As an instructor, she provides specific constructive suggestions on framing and word choice as well as pacing. She develops an esprit de corps within the class and encourages supportive yet discerning feedback on one another's work\u003c\/em\u003e.  \u003cem\u003e—\u003c\/em\u003eDiane Crothers, Brooklyn, New York\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOur lives hold stories waiting to be told, and Victoria is helping me tell mine. She brings her professional experience as a memoirist and novelist and empathy born of her own life’s experiences to her teaching. With an eye for innovative details and suggestions for new approaches to bring a character to life, Victoria skillfully guides her students through the storytelling process, whether they be seasoned writers or newcomers to the craft\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003e—\u003c\/em\u003eDeborah Rothschild, Talent, Oregon  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVictoria obviously knows her stuff! I found that the space she created in our class, and her guidance, to be supportive, insightful, and very helpful. As an author of memoir trying out new material, the class was invaluable\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cem\u003e—\u003c\/em\u003eDonna M. Thomas, Ashland, Oregon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eIt is not easy to take complex ideas and competing theories about form and create clarity from them, but Victoria Costello has managed to do just that in her course on autofiction. My writing has benefited greatly from her capacity for synthesis, her generous spirit of feedback and sharing of resources, and her belief in the possibility of the work. What a fabulous course\u003c\/em\u003e!” -Patti Digh, author of Life is a Verb and seven other books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eAs a memoirist, this introduction to autofiction inspired me to fictionalize pieces of my book that I had been struggling with writing. I had such a great time learning new techniques that Victoria taught in addition to reviewing some foundations of writing a full length novel. Victoria helped me turn an idea into a well thought out book in an interactive and inspiring way. I highly recommend this course, no matter where you are on your writing journey.\u003c\/em\u003e” -Holly Whiteknight, naturopathic physician and memorist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“I would recommend this class for anyone who wants to bring a memoir to life by turning it into auto-fiction. Victoria is skilled at seeing the possibilities because she has personal experience of turning a memoir into auto-fiction\u003c\/em\u003e.” -Kanu Kogod, diversity consultant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $445 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThis online class will be taught via Zoom and is limited to 12 students. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eBegins Thursday, June 4th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThis course meets on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. ET on Zoom\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $445 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" id=\"block-05adedb12b98e0af7f95\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43500764528888,"sku":"","price":445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/products\/VictoriaCostelloHeadshot.png?v=1672699622"},{"product_id":"writing-through-illness-writing-workshop-online-may-2026","title":"Writing Through Illness 6-Week Zoom Workshop with Jenessa Abrams starts on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eStarts Tuesday, May 5th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 8:00PM ET - 10:00PM ET.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Jenessa Abrams\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is a writer, literary translator, and practitioner of Narrative Medicine. Her fiction, literary criticism, and creative nonfiction have appeared in publications such as \u003cem\u003eThe Atlantic, Electric Literature, Eater, The Los Angeles Review of Books, The Rumpus, BOMB Magazine, The New York Times\u003c\/em\u003e, and anthologies including Off Assignment's \u003cem\u003eLetter to a Stranger\u003c\/em\u003e (Algonquin, 2022). She has been awarded fellowships and grants from the National Book Critics Circle, MacDowell, The New York Public Library, the Ucross Foundation, the Norman Mailer Center, the Vermont Studio Center, and Columbia University, where she earned her MFA in fiction and literary translation. Abrams is a member of the National Book Critics Circle and a 2023 NBCC Emerging Critic Fellow. She serves on the Advisory Board of Off Assignment, a magazine of literary travel writing, and on the Board of Directors of New Neighbors Partnership, a New York-based nonprofit that helps newly arrived refugees connect to local community resources. Following her Master of Fine Arts degree, she earned a Master of Science in Narrative Medicine at Columbia University. She now teaches writing in the program. Currently, she directs the lecture\/performance series, Narrative Medicine Rounds at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more about Jenessa in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-writing-through-illness-with-jenessa-abrams\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Writing Through Illness with Jenessa Abrams\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis online writing workshop is for writers from all backgrounds interested in holding space for their experiences of illness through writing. The course includes craft discussions, close readings, writing exercises, and a writing workshop. Open to all levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWriting Through Illness is a 6-week online writing workshop designed for writers at all stages of their careers to dedicate time and space to writing through illness—whether in a fictional or creative nonfictional exploration of experiences of the mind and the body. Each week, you will engage in the close reading of texts committed to this work, including narratives by Audre Lorde, Melissa Febos, Amy Hempel, Yiyun Li, Leslie Jamison, and others. Through guided discussion, you will explore themes of telling, silence, narrative perspective, the shape of illness on the page, and the power of language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eEach session includes a communal writing exercise based on the selected readings, giving you the opportunity to begin the practice of saying the unsaid and learning to put language to your experiences in fiction or nonfiction. The purpose of this creative writing course is to guide you in the process of writing about illness in a way that honors your experiences and moves you toward self-expression and self-expansion on the page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe course culminates in a writing workshop where students will share work developed during the course to receive in-class feedback from their peers and the instructor. Students will also receive written feedback, line edits, and a longer feedback letter from the instructor. Writers will have brief weekly readings and in-class writing assignments, along with one formal writing assignment: a short piece of fiction or creative nonfiction to present for workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will complete weekly in-class writing exercises and will have an opportunity to submit one piece of writing for workshop, which can then be revised for potential publication. Students will receive instructor feedback during workshop as well as a formal feedback letter and in-line commentary on their marked-up manuscript.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReadings may include excerpts from: \"The Heart-Work: Writing About Trauma as a Subversive Act\" by Melissa Febos in \u003cem\u003ePoets \u0026amp; Writers\u003c\/em\u003e; excerpt from Audre Lorde's The Cancer Journals (Aunt Lute Books); \"In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson Is Buried\" by Amy Hempel; \"Spite\" by Anne Trumbore in \u003cem\u003eBig Ugly Review\u003c\/em\u003e; \"Dear Friend, From My Life I Write to You in Your Life\" by Yiyun Li in \u003cem\u003eA Public Space\u003c\/em\u003e; \"When You Are Waiting To Be Healed\" by June Eric-Udorie in \u003cem\u003eCatapult\u003c\/em\u003e; \"On Telling Ugly Stories: Writing with a Chronic Illness\" by Nafissa Thompson-Spires in \u003cem\u003eThe Paris Review\u003c\/em\u003e; and \"The Empathy Exams\" by Leslie Jamison in \u003cem\u003eThe Believer.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: On the Importance of Telling — Tuesday, May 5, 2026 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDuring the first class, we will discuss the importance of telling as it relates to illness narratives. We will begin by introducing ourselves and sharing our writing goals. Then we will cover workshop expectations and reasons for telling stories about illness. We will continue with a discussion of \"The Heart-Work\" by Melissa Febos. We will close with a communal writing exercise with an opportunity for in-class sharing. Reading: \"The Heart-Work: Writing About Trauma as a Subversive Act\" by Melissa Febos in Poets \u0026amp; Writers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: Saying the Unsayable — Tuesday, May 12, 2026 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDuring the second class, we will discuss the importance of saying the unsayable. We will begin by reflecting on the first writing exercise, then transition into a dialogue about speaking that which many would prefer we left unsaid. Next, we will spend time with Audre Lorde's The Cancer Journals, examining her groundbreaking work and unpacking its craft as it relates to our own writing goals. We will finish with a communal writing exercise with an opportunity for in-class sharing. Reading: Excerpt from Audre Lorde's The Cancer Journals (Aunt Lute Books)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: Who Tells the Story \u0026amp; Round 1 Workshop — Tuesday, May 19, 2026 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDuring the third class, we will explore the question of narrative perspective and power in terms of who tells the story of an illness. We will begin by reflecting on the second writing exercise, then move into a discussion about who has historically had the power to narrate their own stories, first exploring our own work, then transitioning into a conversation about stories told about the illnesses of others. Next, we will conduct our Round 1 Workshop. We will close with a communal writing exercise with an opportunity for in-class sharing. Readings: \"In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson Is Buried\" by Amy Hempel; \"Spite\" by Anne Trumbore in Big Ugly Review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: The Shape of the Illness \u0026amp; Round 2 Workshop — Tuesday, May 26, 2026 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDuring the fourth class, we will explore how the shape of the illness influences the shape of the story we tell about it. We will begin by reflecting on the third writing exercise, then move into a discussion about narrative construction, first through the lens of our work, then incorporating Yiyun Li's \"Dear Friend, From My Life I Write to You in Your Life.\" Next, we will conduct our Round 2 Workshop. We will close with a communal writing exercise with an opportunity for in-class sharing. Reading: Excerpt from \"Dear Friend, From My Life I Write to You in Your Life\" by Yiyun Li in A Public Space\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWeek 5: The Power of Language \u0026amp; Round 3 Workshop — Tuesday, June 2, 2026 \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDuring the fifth class, we will explore the power of language as it relates to naming. We will begin by reflecting on the fourth writing exercise, then move into a discussion about narrative choices in terms of illness. Next, we will conduct our Round 3 Workshop. We will close with a communal writing exercise with an opportunity for in-class sharing. Readings: \"When You Are Waiting To Be Healed\" by June Eric-Udorie in Catapult; \"On Telling Ugly Stories: Writing with a Chronic Illness\" by Nafissa Thompson-Spires in The Paris Review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 6: Crafting Illness Narratives \u0026amp; Round 4 Workshop — Tuesday, June 9, 2026 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDuring the sixth and final class, we will discuss the craft of illness narratives. We will begin by reflecting on the fifth writing exercise, then transition into a conversation about narrative craft, first through our own writing, then focusing on \"The Empathy Exams\" by Leslie Jamison. Next, we will conduct our fourth and final workshop. Then we will have a communal writing exercise with an opportunity for in-class sharing. We will close with a final conversation about writing about illness with time and space for questions. Reading: \"The Empathy Exams\" by Leslie Jamison in The Believer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegin a writing practice to move through illness on the page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLearn to engage with other writers and thinkers on the subject of illness narratives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eExplore craft strategies for writing about experiences of the mind and body in fiction and nonfiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDevelop skills in close reading and applying published models to your own writing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eProduce one polished draft for potential publication with instructor feedback, line edits, and a formal feedback letter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBuild community with fellow writers dedicated to this important work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with Jenessa. I grew tremendously as a writer, and it allowed me space to explore narrative structures and the real impacts they can have on people.\" — Former Columbia University Graduate Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Jenessa knows how to identify the emotional truth of a book… She has an incredible work ethic. She's open-minded, collaborative, intuitive, willing to challenge herself, and always respectful of deadlines. She's worked with my other editorial colleagues at Guernica and the Rumpus — they have all had glowing things to say about her. It's rare we get to work with a writer who is versatile, compassion, unpretentious yet rigorous. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity.\" — Raluca Albu, Online Editor at BOMB Magazine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Jenessa is one of the most thoughtful and generous teachers I have ever worked with. She gently pushed me to go deeper into my writing, to think critically about my practice and who I am as an artist, while simultaneously creating a safe space to meet me exactly where I was. Jenessa provided extremely attentive and helpful feedback; her love of teaching and her enduring respect for her students was always felt.\" — Former Columbia University Graduate Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I have been so grateful to work with and be taught by Jenessa Abrams... I have taken several writing courses in my academic career, however Jenessa has offered the most in-depth, personal, and generative feedback of any writing professor I've had. Her in-line comments on my writing have made me feel incredibly known and I am so grateful for her keen eye to note where prose can be sharpened or deepened. Her presence made me feel immediately comfortable to take risks in my writing both in style and subject matter. I feel I have grown in so much confidence in my voice as a writer and I attribute so much of that to the encouragement and guidance I have received from Jenessa.\" — Former Columbia University Graduate Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Jenessa's unique gift as a teacher is the ability to identify and develop each individual student's talent and interests, even those they did not know they themselves had, and provide them with the skills to develop those very talents and interests. This pedagogy requires deep, careful attention and individualized assessments that meet students where they are; the exact opposite of an overly didactic and stifling one-size-fits-all approach. Having found her to be one of the most effective teachers I have worked with in many years, I have no doubt that any student would benefit immensely from having her as an instructor.\" — Former Rutgers Undergraduate Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Jenessa exhibited genuine care for her students and pushed her students to do better. Throughout [her course], I found myself not only getting better at writing but also finding joy in writing.\" — Former Rutgers Undergraduate Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $445 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Jenessa Abrams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Tuesday, May 5, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $445 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43675415773432,"sku":"","price":445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/JenessaAbramsHeadshot.png?v=1770251435"},{"product_id":"real-people-real-characters-nonfiction-writing-seminar-online","title":"Real People, Real Characters: How To Develop Convincing, Complex Characters in Creative Nonfiction Zoom Seminar with Blaise Allysen Kearsley on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWednesday, May 20th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Los Angeles (PDT): 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlaise Allysen Kearsley is a Black-biracial writer and teacher based in Brooklyn. Her writing has appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatapult\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLongreads, the Boston Globe, Electric Literature's The Nervous Breakdown, Elle, Midnight Breakfast, The Weeklings\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and in the anthologies \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMortified: Real Words. Real People. Real Pathetic\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNonwhite and Woman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eCringe: Teenage Diaries, Journals, Notes, Letters, Poems, And Abandoned Rock Operas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Blaise is a contributing editor at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eVestal Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the oldest flash fiction journal on the planet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis creative nonfiction seminar is open to all writers — whether you're struggling to turn real people into strong, authentic characters in a current project, you want to learn how to reveal yourself as the central figure of your story, or you're just starting out and need a deep dive into character development as a foundation. All levels are welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWriting about real people, ourselves included, comes with its own set of challenges. How do we translate the people in our lives into fully realized characters? What might make them come alive on the page? How do we draw them in a balanced, multi-dimensional way?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this 90-minute online writing seminar, you'll explore a variety of approaches to developing characters in creative nonfiction. Blaise will share craft advice from published writers and lead you through published excerpts by authors like Samantha Irby, Lidia Yuknavitch, Damon Young, Carmen Maria Machado, Eileen Myles, Johanna Adorján, and others. You'll also put ideas into practice in real time with generative prompts and exploratory exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this seminar, students will explore techniques for translating real people into convincing, complex literary characters. Through generative prompts and in-session exercises, you will practice character development strategies and leave with new tools and fresh material to apply to your nonfiction writing projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— Character Development in Creative Nonfiction \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e— Discussion of published excerpts exploring character portrayal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e— Craft advice from published writers on developing real people as characters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e— Generative prompts and exploratory writing exercises\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e— Group discussion and Q\u0026amp;A\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA deeper understanding of how to portray real people as fully realized characters in creative nonfiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePractical strategies for revealing yourself as the central figure of your story in a way that resonates with readers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFamiliarity with a range of published approaches to character development in memoir and personal essay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eNew writing generated from in-session prompts and exercises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCraft tools for drawing balanced, multi-dimensional characters from life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I love the readings we do, and especially that they so often feature writers of color. The written feedback from you is always so helpful and in-depth. The prompts helped me to develop a lot of content. I always look forward to workshop nights — it's a safe space to share.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I felt so often in college, that I was writing against these very confident men who were forthcoming about the problems within my work and style. Working in your group has been restorative and has allowed me to trust myself without fear of being torn apart.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Working with Blaise has made me a more confident writer. She's helped me to see my writing as a larger work, and creates a safe, inclusive, encouraging space to share and connect with other writers.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Blaise is such a skilled reader and editor, and her notes are always valuable. She offers wonderful perspectives, and assembles groups of writers with keen perspectives of their own.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I really loved the class. You treat every question with such a genuine desire to give the best possible answer and it made me happy every time. I admire that you focus on building people up. For someone like me, that means the world.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"During quarantine I had to show up for myself and others who counted on me, even when I felt like all I wanted to do was hide under my couch. Being part of this creative group of writers saved me.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $75 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Blaise Allysen Kearsley\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWednesday, May 20, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Wednesday, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $75 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43833241534712,"sku":"","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/BlaiseAllysenKearsleyHeadshot6.png?v=1772650534"},{"product_id":"dont-quit-your-day-job-creativity-writing-workshop-online-june-2026","title":"Don’t Quit Your Day Job: Creativity When Life Gets in the Way Zoom Seminar with Lillian Stone on Saturday, June 6th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, June 6th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 11:00AM - 1:00PM Eastern \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM \/ Chicago (CDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ London (BST): 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Lillian Stone is an author, humor writer, freelance reporter and perennial day-job keeper. She juggles gainful employment while working as a regular contributor to outlets including \u003cem\u003eSlate, BBC Worklife, The New Yorker, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e The Onion\u003c\/em\u003e. She sold her first book, EVERYBODY’S FAVORITE, to a Big Five publisher (Dey Street Books, a HarperCollins imprint) in 2021; over the next two years, she wrote it while working full-time and enduring the tribulations of beagle ownership. Today, the book has garnered acclaim from P\u003cem\u003eublisher’s Weekly, Glamour, Vulture, the Chicago Reader\u003c\/em\u003e and, weirdly, Bob Odenkirk.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-lillian-stone-dont-quit-your-day-job\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Lillian Stone on Writing the Book While Keeping the Day Job\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLillian Stone on Writing the Book While Keeping the Day Job\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis seminar is open to writers and creatives at all levels who are struggling to maintain a consistent creative practice alongside the demands of a day job, family responsibilities, or life's general chaos. It's especially well-suited to anyone working toward a long-term creative goal — a book, a freelance career, a body of work — who needs practical tools and renewed inspiration to keep moving forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this lively two-hour online writing seminar, humor writer and full-time employee Lillian Stone shares a practical framework for protecting and advancing your creative work — even when life refuses to cooperate. Drawing on her own experience writing her debut book while working full-time, Lillian walks students through a four-part approach: Intention, Discipline, Grace, and Action — a roadmap designed to meet you wherever you are in your creative journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe lecture features a look at artists who maintained day jobs well into their periods of creative success, from Samantha Irby, who kept her position at a veterinary clinic even after a major book deal, to Mark Rothko, who taught art students for over two decades. These stories aren't just inspiring — they're evidence that constraint can fuel creativity. Students will leave with concrete tools: boundary scripts for advocating for their creative time, and a year-long progress tracking template to sustain momentum long after the seminar ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eCan't make it live? No problem — the session will be recorded and available to registered students after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will identify their \"Big One\" — a single, meaningful creative goal to pursue — and build the practical scaffolding to chase it. Students will draft short scripts for setting boundaries and advocating for their creative time with colleagues, family, and friends. Each participant will leave with a personalized progress tracking sheet and year-long time management template to use throughout their project. This single-session seminar emphasizes guided exercises and group discussion rather than manuscript critique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePre-class prep work for students: Visualizing your Big Creative Goal (BCG)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eIntro: Why constraints on creative living can actually be… good!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStep 1: Intention\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStep 2: Discipline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStep 3: Grace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStep 4: Action\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStudents will identify their Big One: a single large creative goal to pursue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStudents will create several short scripts to set boundaries and advocate for their creative time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStudents will create a progress tracking sheet and time management template to update throughout their project.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStudents will leave feeling empowered by the stories of other creatives — Samantha Irby, Mark Rothko, and others — who propelled their art while working day jobs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Lillian Stone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSaturday, June 6, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLive via Zoom from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44098349859064,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/LillianStoneHeadshot.png?v=1773256163"},{"product_id":"literary-magazine-submissions-workshop","title":"Literary Magazine Submissions Workshop 2-Hour Live Seminar with Meg Eden Kuyatt on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTuesday, August 25th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 5.30pm - 7:30pm EST\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eInstructor Meg Eden Kuyatt teaches creative writing at colleges and writing centers. She is the author of the 2021 Towson Prize for Literature-winning poetry collection “Drowning in the Floating World” and the forthcoming “obsolete hill” (Fernwood Press, 2026) and children’s novels, including the Schneider Family Book Award Honor-winning “Good Different,” and “The Girl in the Walls” (Scholastic, 2025). \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRead \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/getting-your-foot-in-the-door-an-interview-with-meg-eden-kuyatt-on-publishing-in-literary-magazines\" title=\"Getting Your Foot in the Door: an Interview with Meg Eden Kuyatt on Publishing in Literary Magazines\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ean Interview with Meg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e on Publishing in Literary Magazines.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to submit your work to magazines but don't know how? In this workshop, we'll talk about what literary magazines are, what editors are looking for in submissions, have a “translation” exercise, tips on how to get the most out of a lit mag, tips for approaching writing a cover letter and contributor bio, as well as how to handle rejections.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe skills you learn in this session can easily apply to other publication realms, including writing to agents and editors of small book presses. All participants will receive a complimentary magazine of their choice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants will have time during the seminar with interactive prompts and will also receive resources to continue writing on their own\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTAKE THIS CLASS IF:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’re writing short stories, essays, or poems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to learn best practices for publishing in \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eliterary\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003emagazines\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou need help honing your submission materials.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderstanding Literary Magazine Submissions\u003c\/strong\u003e: Students will gain a clear understanding of the submission process for literary magazines, including what editors look for in submissions and how to effectively target their work to the right publications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrafting Effective Cover Letters and Contributor Bios\u003c\/strong\u003e: Participants will learn how to write compelling cover letters and contributor bios that make their submissions stand out, enhancing their chances of getting published.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNavigating Rejections and Maximizing Opportunities\u003c\/strong\u003e: Attendees will develop strategies for handling rejections constructively and learn how to maximize the benefits of being published in literary magazines, including building relationships with editors and leveraging published work for further opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass is on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 5.30pm - 7:30pm EST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have questions, please use the Chat Button or contact us via email \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" title=\"Contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44125090775288,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Meg_Eden_Headshot_2024_1.png?v=1724944392"},{"product_id":"flash-nonfiction-and-micro-memoir-4-week-generative-zoom-workshop-with-mira-ptacin","title":"To Catharsis \u0026 Beyond: a Micro-Memoir Flash Nonfiction 4-Week Generative Zoom Workshop with Mira Ptacin, Starts Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom for 2 Hours on Wednesdays, starting at 6:00PM - 8:00PM Eastern \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNow Enrolling!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by Mira Ptacin, the author of the award-winning memoir \u003cem\u003ePoor Your Soul\u003c\/em\u003e (Soho Press, 2016), which was named a best book of the year by Kirkus Books, where it received a rare “starred” review. She’s also the author of the genre-blending book of feminist history, memoir, and ethnography, \u003cem\u003eThe In-Betweens: The Spiritualists, Mediums, and Legends of Camp Etna\u003c\/em\u003e (Liveright-W.W. Norton, 2019), which the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e lauded as the best book to read during a pandemic. Mira’s writing frequently appears in the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times, New York Times Book Review, Vogue, Poets and Writers, Harper’s, Tin House, LitHub\u003c\/em\u003e, and more. She received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, where she was editor-at-large of their literary magazine, LUMINA. Mira lives on Peaks Island, Maine, and is currently working on her next book. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more about Mira in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-micro-memoir-flash-nonfiction-with-mira-ptacin\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Micro-Memoir \u0026amp; Flash Nonfiction with Mira Ptacin\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis four-week generative writing class invites you to explore the emotional power of brevity in creative nonfiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough the art of micro memoir, we’ll examine how small stories--told with clarity, precision, and honesty--can carry profound emotional weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach week, we’ll share compositions from the previous week, read closely, and consider how storytelling can offer catharsis: not just confession, but transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrompts will be revealed during class and are designed to guide you gently and playfully toward moments of discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach week, class will begin with a brief lecture by the instructor, followed by writing prompts, and instructor-led group critiques. The writing prompts and exercises will be intended to liberate attendees\u003cspan\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003ecreativity, provide literary distance and perspective, and open their eyes to possibilities that may not seem immediately obvious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek One: The Shard and the Spark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe begin by tracing the emotional root of our stories: the memory-splinters that lodge themselves in us, the flashbulb images that stay long after the moment has passed. This week centers on learning how to capture the essence of a lived experience through small, specific detail. We’ll consider how memoir can begin not with a full story arc, but with a spark. an image, a phrase, a smell. Together, we’ll read short works by Beth Ann Fennelly and Lia Purpura and use them as touchstones for accessing our own deep reservoirs of feeling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Two: Persona and Mask\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatharsis often requires a kind of shapeshifting, the ability to speak not only from the rawness of the moment, but through a crafted voice. This week, we’ll explore how the self becomes both subject and narrator in memoir, and what it means to choose a particular version of ourselves to speak. Through the playful fragmentation of Jenny Boully’s essays and the narrative intimacy of Jerald Walker’s work, we’ll ask: how does voice influence emotional impact? How does persona allow us to tell difficult truths?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Three: The Unsaid and the Understory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes catharsis comes not from naming the pain outright, but from circling it...letting it echo in the spaces between words. This week, we’ll examine silence, restraint, and implication in memoir. We’ll read the meditative fragments of Sarah Manguso and the curious delights of Ross Gay, studying how they gesture toward meaning without always stating it outright. This session will challenge us to consider how what’s left out of a story can often carry the most emotional charge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Four: Form as Function\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we close the course, we’ll explore how catharsis can be found through structure itself—how choosing the right container for a story can make it both bearable to tell and beautiful to read. We’ll look at hybrid forms, list essays, and unconventional templates, studying the way writers like Ander Monson and Brenda Miller build shape around emotion. In our final class, you’ll experiment with form as a way to surprise both yourself and your reader, giving shape to what once felt uncontainable...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrafting 8 powerful, moving flash nonfiction essays, plus more that can be developed into much longer bodies of work or complete as-is.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA deeper understanding of storytelling dynamics though structure, voice, dialogue, and takeaway.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperience in group critique and editing experience. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn techniques to expand your stories into longer works. A one-on-one zoom conference with your instructor.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eREQUIREMENTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class will be a mixture of lectures, readings, discussions, and critique and will require active engagement in all of the above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eI encourage writers of all levels to take class with Mira. Our class had writers with MFAs and dozens of books as well as writers who simply wanted help trying to find the right words. Mira’s thoughtfully designed coursework, readings and assignments, combined with her warmth, encouragement, and enthusiasm, made our class a place where students felt a sense of belonging, and where everyone could take risks. Our class has ended, but everyone wants to stay together and keep writing. Mira’s magic fosters that sense of community. Her expertise elevates everyone’s work\u003c\/em\u003e.” —Jennie Burke \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI met Mira while taking her Flash Nonfiction class and was immediately taken with her approach. She balanced fun and warmth with soft honesty and thoughtful guidance. She was responsive to one-on-one outreach and was more than happy to meet with me again after class had ended. What's more, she introduced me to some of her publishing contacts. I can't wait for the next opportunity to take one of Mira's classes\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Jennifer C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eMira’s skill at creating a safe and open space for writing and sharing is unlike any class I have taken. She has an arsenal of unique, generative prompts; endless source material; and unlimited inspiration from her own life (and our lives!). I come away from each class with a flowering list of things to write, research, and read. Mira understands how to appreciate and talk about details in writing and to guide the class in sequence with generous and helpful critique. She is an ace at leading discussions which never feel rushed. She manages the class time so that everyone is heard and encouraged. I highly recommend this empathetic and whip smart teacher. Happy bonus: she is as cool as heck. As a professional writer, I was looking for an awakening about my craft and my career. I got more than I bargained for: a gentle nudge, a kick in the pants, and a warm embrace. Writers at any level would be lucky to attend one of Mira’s workshops.\u003c\/em\u003e” —Laura Dower, author of more than 150 children\u003cspan\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es books from Penguin, Capstone, Macmillan, Scholastic, Disney, and other publishers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eMira’s micro-memoir class is powerful and empowering! Mira’s teaching has consistently helped me access my most true creative voice. Her prompts are pitch perfect—just the right balance of open-ended and focused. I come away from my time with her a wiser writer and full of inspiration. Mira’s feedback is encouraging and thoughtful; she’s authentically respectful, erudite, and has an infectious passion for the mot juste\u003c\/em\u003e.\" —Polly Duff Kertis, writer and teacher.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eMira is magical. I’ve taken a number of her workshops, and even had the fabulous good luck to study with her in Paris last year. I continue to be blown away by her effervescence, creativity, and the absolute joy she brings to each workshop. Her prompts are thoughtful and imaginative, and her insights are invaluable. Plus, she is simply the warmest, most encouraging and talented writer and teacher I have ever known. You will walk away from her class with renewed enthusiasm and love for the craft of writing. I cannot wait to take another workshop with her\u003c\/em\u003e!” —Kristin Perpignano, writer and graphic designer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eIt’s rare to come across a short writing class that leaves a long mark on my soul, but Mira’s did. Her prompts during class were unique, ones I’d not heard or written around before. And her gentle invitation for each of us to read aloud (if we wanted) led us to a place of unexpected closeness as a group of otherwise strangers. By the end of two hours, I couldn’t wait to read more of my classmates’ words, to give more time to the essay-lets I generated in class, and to sign up for more Mira. Time and money very, very well spent\u003c\/em\u003e.” —Nikki Campo, writer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eIf you want to improve your writing, follow these steps: sign up for a class with Mira Ptacin, then do what she says. It’s that simple. Before enrolling in Mira’s class, I struggled to write anything personal, whether a short paragraph or a ten-page essay. I was timid, reserved, and uncomfortable sharing in public. Thankfully, Mira’s teaching completely changed my mindset. Through her technical skill, knowledge of the memoir genre, and unyielding empathy, she helped me break from my cocoon and share my story with the world. She is, without a doubt, the best writing teacher I’ve ever had. I can’t recommend her classes highly enough\u003c\/em\u003e.\" —Matt Rocha, journalist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eI will read anything Mira writes. Her words have the same effect as stepping into a hot bath, after standing under a spotlight — she calls attention to what ails us (often before other writers have dared to do so) and then says, here is how I am healing myself; how we can heal ourselves. She is also the rare writer who is as good a teacher (and finds teaching to be a calling) as she is a writer. She will forever be your champion and cheerleader and sounding board, and you will leave her classes feeling seen and invigorated and a little more sure of your creative worth. She’s a gift.\u003c\/em\u003e” —Michelle Koufopoulos, writer and former Riverhead Books editor  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI so enjoyed Mira Ptacin's Writing as Catharsis: Flash Memoir workshop. Mira is a fabulous leader\/teacher\/moderator for the group. The community of writers we had was an amazing group. And Mira's writing prompts were excellent\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eMira Ptacin's Micro-Memoir workshop was great. The readings and the prompts were excellent, and Mira's energy and enthusiasm really added to the class. One of my favorite classes!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class meets weekly via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $330 USD. You can pay for the course in full \u003cem\u003eor\u003c\/em\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Mira Ptacin\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom for 2 Hours on Wednesdays, starting at 6:00PM - 8:00PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $330 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContact us \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e if you have any questions about this class.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44430586380536,"sku":"","price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/MiraPtacinHeadshot2025.png?v=1754507689"},{"product_id":"getting-published-with-limited-clips-zoom-seminar","title":"Getting Published in Magazines \u0026 Newspapers Even with Limited Clips Zoom Seminar with Katie Reilly on Monday, June 1st, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1585167500790_108\" class=\"row sqs-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col sqs-col-7 span-7\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom Monday, June 1st, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 5:00PM - 7:00PM Eastern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col sqs-col-7 span-7\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" id=\"block-9bd4c6c3a222aea2e1f5\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Karla,Tahoma,sans-serif,serif,EmojiFont\" color=\"#495762\"\u003eLed by \u003c\/span\u003eKatie Reilly, a freelance journalist and attorney based in the Bay Area in California. Katie's writing generally focuses on women's health, mental health and parenting. Her articles have appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Elle Magazine, The Boston Globe, Newsweek, USA Today\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHuffPost\u003c\/em\u003e, among other publications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eNoah Michelson, the Director of \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Noah Michelson, Director of HuffPost Personal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/section\/huffpost-personal\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eHuffPost Personal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and co-host of \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"HuffPost's Am I Doing It Wrong? Podcast\" href=\"https:\/\/pod.link\/1707391801\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHuffPost's Am I Doing It Wrong\u003c\/a\u003e? podcast, will join us during the second hour to answer questions about pitching and publishing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"m_-274502357496327375gmail-yui_3_17_2_1_1585167500790_108\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen submitting a pitch or essay to a publication, writers are always asked to send other pieces they've published to show their writing experience. This ask can often feel overwhelming and discouraging for new writers. What do I send if I have no clips? How do I get more essays published with few or limited clips to display my work? How do I keep track of numerous pitches and stay positive in an often discouraging process?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this 2 hour seminar, Katie will discuss different approaches to getting clips early in your career.  By the end of the program students will leave with a better understanding of the pitch process -- how to write captivating pitches, how to find editors, how to find new writing opportunities and how to remain positive! \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd of course, we can’t make any promises, but after this seminar it's likely that you will end up with a new clip too!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eKatie's students have had their work published in the following places so far:      \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e New York Times \u003ca title=\"New York Times Modern Love Student Publication\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/09\/12\/style\/tiny-modern-love-stories-i-know-something-she-doesnt.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eModern Love\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca title=\"Student Maya Golden Published at Salon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.salon.com\/2023\/05\/29\/stanning-fandom-healing-trauma-boybands\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSalon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/workshop-alum-dan-fogel-published-in-huffpost-personal\" title=\"Workshop Alum Dan Fogel's HuffPost Piece Read Over 3 Million Times!\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e HuffPost\u003c\/a\u003e    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eSheKnows    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.insider.com\/wore-tux-instead-dress-family-wedding-queer-2023-5\" title=\"Student Publication at Insider\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eInsider\u003c\/a\u003e    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eToday     \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood Housekeeping    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Independent     \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eWell + Good\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/workshop-alum-elizabeth-kleinfeld-published-in-the-boston-globe\" title=\"The Boston Globe Workshop Alum Publication\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBoston Globe\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Please note there will be a 10 minute break at the end of the first hour). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverview of different paths to publication for new writers \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeneral understanding of the pitch process\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn how to write captivating pitches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn how to determine where to send pitches and how to find editors \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupport through a difficult and often discouraging process that requires patience and persistence\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerate new ideas and turn them into interesting pitches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Katie C. Reilly's writing distills the beauty, fragility, difficulty and wonder of what it means to be alive at this moment in history into clear-eyed, evocative and poignant essays. She tells personal stories that simultaneously feel both intimate and universal and thereby offer the rare gift of allowing the reader to learn about themselves while learning about her.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Noah Michelson \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e Editorial Director at \u003cem\u003eHuffPost\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Katie deftly wove together her personal family history with ALS with that of another woman experiencing a similar diagnosis. She seamlessly alternated between her own story and the other woman’s, while incorporating statistics and important context for readers, resulting in a well-crafted, cohesive, and satisfying read. I admire Katie’s ability to mine such a deeply personal story in her professional writing. Readers will surely benefit from and relate to her important work.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Kayla Adler \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003eDeputy Editor at\u003cem\u003e Elle Magazine\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Katie Reilly has that elusive ability to write about the particulars of her own life in ways that feel universal. Her generosity and openness, combined with journalistic skill, is something all editors wish for in a writer. The idea of Katie passing this rare skill down makes me very happy!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Meaghan O’Connell \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003eFeatures editor at \u003cem\u003eRomper\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Katie Reilly has a generous approach to editing, always searching for ways to strengthen the writer’s voice and the reader’s experience. She has a keen eye for finding the sweet spot where personal essay and research intersect—a skill that makes a writer’s work stand out. As an editor, Katie offers valuable feedback rich with specificity and direction. She is not one to waste words or time and approaches a story with intention, pushing other writers to get to the heartbeat of their story.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Jessica Ciencin Henriquez \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003ewriter and author of the forthcoming memoir IF YOU LOVED ME YOU WOULD KNOW\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Katie asks thoughtful probative questions and provides honest feedback that helps me to effectively focus my writing. She recommends additional nonfiction readings that inspire deeper connections in my own work. Most importantly, as an effective listener she creates a safe writing community that encourages sharing, risk taking and is fun!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-Tara Van de Mark \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003eWriter \u0026amp; editor \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Katie Reilly was a wonderful teacher. She was so responsive to emails and student questions and her feedback on essays was masterful and so specific. I could tell that she really cared about each writer's journey and was committed to helping each student writer be better. She really took time to go above and beyond!\" - former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This class was perfect for me and exceeded my expectations. The readings helped with identifying craft elements that I could use in my writing. The Zoom discussions helped me hear others express opinions and insights about the readings. I identified a few people to share more of writing beyond what we did in the sessions. Katie’s feedback was exceptional and detailed. The two guest speakers changed my approach to publishing my work. I felt energized during the course. Loved the readings, feedback, guest speakers, and discussions with talented participants and Katie.\" -Dan F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This was a great class! The overall structure of the class was set up to encourage, support, and provide opportunities to connect with editors and continue learning after the class was over. Thank you!\" -Maureen C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This is a class I needed. I found the discussions, editor availability, and submission info most valuable. Katie was very friendly, open, and responsive to questions. Appreciated her critiques as well!\" Mary M.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Katie is a very organized, compassionate, wonderful teacher.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I took the Getting Published with Limited Clips seminar with Katie Reilly. It was excellent. The most valuable part of the seminar was the personalization to every attendee, and the guest editor that Katie brought in was golden.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This course lived up to its description. All the pitch examples were great, as were the resources on where to find calls for pitches in different types of magazines. It was especially inspiring\/encouraging to hear from the guest editor, Noah. I know not all editors are as excited to work with first-time writers, but it's great to be able to put a kind face to the word \"editor\" - which can often sound scary, but shouldn't.\" -Ansley S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99. You can pay for the course in full or use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: \u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Karla,Tahoma,sans-serif,serif,EmojiFont\" color=\"#495762\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eKatie Reilly\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom on Monday, June 1st, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet 5:00PM - 7:00PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cscribe-shadow id=\"crxjs-ext\" data-crx=\"okfkdaglfjjjfefdcppliegebpoegaii\" style=\"position: fixed; width: 0px; height: 0px; top: 0px; left: 0px; z-index: 2147483647; overflow: visible; visibility: visible;\"\u003e\u003c\/scribe-shadow\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44431520071928,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/KatieReillyHeadshot2024.png?v=1758141487"},{"product_id":"toying-with-the-truth-nonfiction-writing-workshop-online-september-2026","title":"Toying with The Truth: A Generative Nonfiction 9-Week Zoom Class with Shelby Hinte Starts Sunday, September 13th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBegins on Sunday, September 13th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe class will meet weekly on Sundays via Zoom, 3:00PM - 5:00PM Pacific\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eInstructor Shelby Hinte is Associate Editor of Write or Die Magazine, where she edits essays and interviews. Her work has been featured in BOMB, ZYZZYVA, SmokeLong Quarterly, Hobart, The Rumpus, Witness, Electric Literature, and elsewhere. Her debut novel, HOWLING WOMEN, was published by LEFTOVER Books in 2025.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-shelby-hinte-nonfiction\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Shelby Hinte on Playing with Truth in Creative Nonfiction\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eShelby Hinte on Playing with Truth in Creative Nonfiction\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis 9-week generative nonfiction writing workshop is for writers at all levels who want to explore and shape stories from their own lives. Whether you're new to creative nonfiction or looking to deepen your practice, this class invites you to experiment with a wide range of forms — from memoir and personal essay to braided essays and autofiction. No polished drafts required: just a willingness to write, play, and discover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThere are so many ways to tell a story. In this online writing class, we'll explore what happens when you change the frame — when you choose one detail over another, one form over another — and how those choices transform the story itself. Each week, in-class readings, prompts, and discussion will guide you toward finding the form that best suits the personal story you want to tell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDrawing on work by writers such as Melissa Febos, Chris Kraus, Zadie Smith, Sean Enfield, and Vauhini Vara, students will move through a variety of creative nonfiction containers: memoir, found essays, portrait essays, braided essays, and autofiction. Feedback in this nonfiction writing workshop centers on \"statements of meaning\" — a method designed to spotlight moments in a draft that hold the most potential for deeper exploration, rather than prescriptive correction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn the final two weeks of this creative writing course, students will shift from generation to revision, working toward a more polished second draft of a piece of their choosing. By the end of the course, you'll have generated multiple first drafts, experimented with multiple forms, and revised a single piece into something worth keeping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will write one short creative nonfiction piece each week, inspired by the weekly readings and prompts. Students will generate multiple first drafts across a variety of nonfiction forms and, in the final two weeks, revise a single piece into a more polished second draft. Feedback will be provided by the instructor and peers throughout the course, with an emphasis on statements of meaning rather than line editing. Students will also receive written feedback on their weekly writing assignments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReadings may include works by Melissa Febos, Chris Kraus, Zadie Smith, Sean Enfield, Vauhini Vara, Sennah Yee, Juliet Escoria, Brandon Stosuy, Sarah Rauch, Jane Alison, C Pam Zhang, Timothy Willis Sanders, Lidia Yuknavitch, and Julie Myerson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 1: Who We Are – Introduction to CNF – In our first week together we will consider how we fill our creative wells in order to produce written personal works. Writers will create a list of stories from their own lives they are interested in writing, and we will investigate the creative blocks that are common in writing about the self. Readings for this week include work by Melissa Febos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 2: Filling The Creative Well – Found Essays \u0026amp; Lists – So much of writing is about observing and noticing. Exercises will focus on taking stock, making inventories, and collecting textual material. As such, week one emphasizes creating a practice around taking what we notice and putting it to the page. Readings this week include works by Sennah Yee, Juliet Escoria, and Brandon Stosuy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 3: Write What You Know – Memoir – In week two, we will begin with what we have: ourselves and our stories. Writers will examine the events, ideas, and experiences from their own lives that they feel most compelled to write about. Exercises this week will focus on turning memory into story. Readings this week include works by Sarah Rauch, Jane Alison, and Vauhini Vara.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 4: Developing Images – The Essay as Portrait – How do we make ourselves and the people in our lives become as authentic on the page as they are in real life? How does the frame we choose to present people in impact the way they are perceived? What happens when we change the frame? In week three, writers will create portrait essays of themselves or others. The focus will be on details and perspective. Readings this week include works by Zadie Smith, C Pam Zhang, and Timothy Willis Sanders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 5: Textures – The Braided Essay – In our everyday lives we are exposed to a constant stream of media: music, film, advertisements, headlines, literature, and more. These things can serve as backdrops to our day or be things that filter into how we act and think. In week four, writers will attempt to weave in materials from their lives, to create more textured narratives. Readings for this week include works by Sean Enfield and Lidia Yuknavitch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 6: Tell it Slant – Autofiction – In Mary Karr's book On Memoir, she writes about personal truth through the example of a family telling stories at the dinner table. She remarks how common it is that members of a collective experience can disagree so thoroughly on the details of an event. This week, students will imagine into the events of their lives and explore how intentionally taking creative liberty with the \"facts\" might reveal certain emotional truths of their stories. Readings for this week include works by Julie Myerson and Chris Kraus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 7: Revision – We will reimagine revision. Writers will take stock of what they've written so far and reflect on the forms that felt most authentic to their voice and story. Through creative revision exercises, writers will generate a second draft of a previously completed work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeeks 8 \u0026amp; 9: Revealing the Self – In our final two weeks together, students will share revised drafts of a single piece of writing from an earlier session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLocate and outline events from personal experience that you want to shape into creative nonfiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGenerate multiple first drafts of personal writing across a range of forms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eRevise a single piece into a more polished second draft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBuild knowledge of a variety of creative nonfiction forms, including memoir, found essays, braided essays, and autofiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDevelop craft skills in storytelling, image-building, and narrative perspective\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCultivate curiosity and play as core elements of your ongoing writing practice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"This was my first workshop, and I found the exercise to be incredibly helpful in bringing my work forward. Outside of the workshop, Shelby held really informative and interactive sessions on different types of CNF which helped me have a well-rounded understanding of the type by the end of the class.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Shelby is an excellent teacher. She is knowledgeable, organized, kind, supportive, and has a notable abundance of energy!\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"The in-class prompts were helpful and pushed me in ways that I needed.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Shelby does an excellent job of facilitating a space that helps writers to reach into their own creativity and find out what is important to them. Her astute feedback is also invaluable and pushes writers to their next level.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Shelby was incredible! She is very experienced in teaching, literature, and writing — and it showed. She exceeded my every expectation, and I learned a tremendous amount.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Shelby Hinte ran great classes each week — perfect mix of structure and freedom and always well organized and on time. Excellent communication before, during, and after class. I highly recommend her Toying with the Truth Generative Nonfiction class.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"The best part about Shelby Hinte's Toying with the Truth class is how she facilitated a supportive community of writers. I learned so much, and enjoyed each week!\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I would definitely recommend Toying with the Truth with Shelby Hinte. I have already recommended her upcoming classes to others. I think she is not only a good writer, but an excellent teacher. She knows how to encourage, deliver, and inspire. Loved the exercises\/warmups, Shelby's off-script advice, and the workshops.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"In Toying with the Truth, Shelby covered so much — nothing left to be desired. What did I find most valuable? The community, workshop, and generative exercises.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Toying with the Truth is one of the best classes I've taken. Everything seemed to work so well together: the prompts, reading aloud in class, and Shelby's ability to teach so well. This is a very comprehensive class.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $575 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Shelby Hinte\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Sunday, September 13, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Sundays, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $575 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44496372367608,"sku":null,"price":575.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Courtney_Kocak_Headshot_3.png?v=1733506217"},{"product_id":"how-to-build-a-platform-for-writers-who-shudder-at-the-thought-zoom-seminar","title":"How to Build a “Platform” for Writers Who Shudder at the Thought Zoom Seminar with Courtney Kocak on Saturday, May 30th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, May 30th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 11:00AM - 2:00PM PST \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNow Enrolling! \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Courtney Kocak is a writer, podcaster, and comedian based in Los Angeles. She wrote for Amazon’s Emmy-winning animated series \u003cem\u003eDanger \u0026amp; Eggs\u003c\/em\u003e and Netflix’s \u003cem\u003eKnow It All podcast\u003c\/em\u003e. She’s produced a slew of highly-ranked podcasts—including \u003cem\u003eThe Bellas Podcast\u003c\/em\u003e, which debuted at #1 on Apple Podcasts, PayPal’s \u003cem\u003eNever Stand Still\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eGirlboss Radio\u003c\/em\u003e—and currently hosts three of her own with over two million downloads to date: \u003cem\u003ePrivate Parts Unknown\u003c\/em\u003e, about love and sexuality around the world, \u003cem\u003eThe Bleeders\u003c\/em\u003e, about book writing and publishing, and \u003cem\u003ePodcast Bestie\u003c\/em\u003e, a best friend to podcasters trying to grow and monetize their shows (and a popular Substack). As a writer, her bylines include \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Cosmopolitan, BUST, Bustle, InsideHook\u003c\/em\u003e, and more. She’s currently working on a coming-of-age memoir in essays. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCourtney Kocak will help you build a platform through newsletters, podcasts, social media, and more. And no, you don’t need to start your own podcast!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe word \"platform\" as a noun necessary to have a writing career used to send me into a spiral. I wanted to be a writer, not an influencer, but book deals are often BYOP—Bring Your Own Platform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI resented the idea of having to be both as a prerequisite for success. It seemed like an insurmountable roadblock. I was envious of famous writers who didn't have to bother trotting out whimsical Instagram flat lays of their favorite books or trying to make their lunch a hilariously poetic moment on Twitter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI still have a love\/hate (mostly hate) relationship with social media, but in writing my recent book proposals and landing a dream agent, I realized I'd managed to build a decent platform in spite of myself. In this workshop, I'm sharing everything I've learned to help get you started and\/or optimized for the choose-your-own-adventure of building a writer platform.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn this workshop, we'll cover newsletters, podcasting, social media, and other options for platform building. By the end of the 3 hours, you'll have a solid plan for building your writer platform by leaning into your joys and strengths.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI'll present inspiration from my favorite writer accounts and help you find a sustainable social media strategy that doesn't make you want to walk into the ocean.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI will also share my tips for growing an audience on Substack without spending a ton of time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt seems like everyone has a podcast these days, but I will help you use podcasts to build a platform, even if you don't want to start your own.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlus, I'll share some other platform-building ideas you might not have considered. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't make the live event? No problem. You can submit questions beforehand, and the workshop will be recorded and available for 60 days afterward. Afterward, you'll receive a PDF containing a recap and resources to help you execute your new strategy for building a platform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Just a few weeks back, I took this phenomenal workshop! Courtney Kocak was an absolute gem, sharing many practical tips and providing an amazing PDF follow-up!\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"If you find this platform-building thing mystifying, scary, or just need encouragement, you should sign up.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Some of the best cash I've spent this year.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe class is on Saturday, May 30th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 11:00AM - 2:00PM PST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have questions, please use the Chat Button or contact us via email \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" title=\"Contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44600879644920,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Courtney_Kocak_Headshot_1.png?v=1753734544"},{"product_id":"column-writing-workshop-get-bylines","title":"Land Big Bylines by Writing for Columns Zoom Seminar with Courtney Kocak on Saturday, June 27th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, June 27th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 11:00AM - 1:00PM PST \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.courtneykocak.com\/\" title=\"Courtney Kocak's Author Website\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCourtney Kocak\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a writer, podcaster, and comedian who splits time between Austin and Los Angeles. She wrote for Amazon’s Emmy-winning animated series\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDanger \u0026amp; Eggs\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eand Netflix’s\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eKnow It All\u003c\/em\u003e. She’s produced a slew of highly-ranked podcasts—including\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Bellas Podcast\u003c\/em\u003e, which debuted at #1 on Apple Podcasts, PayPal’s Never Stand Still, and Girlboss Radio—and currently hosts three of her own with over two million downloads to date:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrivate Parts Unknown\u003c\/em\u003e, about love and sexuality around the world,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Bleeders\u003c\/em\u003e, about book writing and publishing, and\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePodcast Bestie\u003c\/em\u003e, a best friend to podcasters trying to grow and monetize their shows (and a popular Substack). Her bylines include\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, The Washington Post, LA Times, Cosmopolitan, Slate, HuffPost, Business Insider, InsideHook\u003c\/em\u003e, and more. Her debut memoir,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eGirl Gone Wild\u003c\/em\u003e, with Trio House Press, is coming in March 2026!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRead \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Read an Interveiw with Courtney About Teaching This Class\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/mastering-the-media-an-interview-with-courtney-kocak-on-writing-podcasting-success\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ean interview with Courtney\u003c\/a\u003e about teaching this class.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriter\/instructor Courtney Kocak has gotten her best bylines by placing essays in popular columns. To help you take your publishing game to the next level, she will give you ten targets and generative prompts, along with a brief lesson on pitching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCourtney will explain the crux of popular columns for top publications. You'll do a brainstorming and drafting exercise for each, and there will be an opportunity to workshop your ideas and ask questions. You'll receive a list of potential columns and editor contact information for each. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring class, we'll review example essays from popular columns, and by the end, you'll have a game plan for landing your best bylines yet!  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you can't attend this class live, it will be recorded! Students will receive a recording the day after the class, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA strategy for landing bylines at top publications by writing for popular columns.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecoding the premise and angle of popular columns and identifying ideas that would be a good fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePitching best practices.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis workshop will be recorded and available for 60 days afterward.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This was such a great experience. Thank you for your time and insights. :)\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Love this! Just wrote a draft! It is terrible, but there is a nugget in here to rewrite, so thank you!!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This was an amazing class, thank you so much!!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Just a few weeks back, I took this phenomenal workshop! Courtney Kocak was an absolute gem, sharing many practical tips and providing an amazing PDF follow-up!\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"If you find this platform-building thing mystifying, scary, or just need encouragement, you should sign up.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Some of the best cash I've spent this year.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe class is on Saturday, June 27th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 11:00AM - 1:00PM PST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have questions, please use the Chat Button or contact us via email \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" title=\"Contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44987475788024,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Courtney_Kocak_Headshot_1.png?v=1753734544"},{"product_id":"funny-thing-about-memory-memoir-writing-workshop-online-june-2026","title":"The Funny Thing About Memory: A 5-Week Memoir Writing Workshop with Shonda Buchanan starts on Saturday, June 6th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-62b681ac90b953325c64\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBegins Saturday, June 6, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Google Meet on Saturdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Los Angeles (PDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (BST): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eNow Enrolling! Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eInstructor Shonda Buchanan is a PEN Emerging Voices Fellow and PEN America Mentor. An Associate Professor in the Department of English at Western Michigan University and Alma College's MFA Program in Creative Writing, Shonda is editor of two poetry anthologies, author of three collections of poetry, \u003cem\u003eThe Lost Songs of Nina Simone, Who's Afraid of Black Indians?, Equipoise: Poems from Goddess Country\u003c\/em\u003e, as well as the award-winning memoir, \u003cem\u003eBlack Indian\u003c\/em\u003e, chosen by PBS NewsHour as a \"Top 20 books to read to learn about institutional racism.\" Shonda has published in \u003cem\u003eThe Mississippi Review, TAB Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the LA Weekly, LA Times Magazine, AWP's The Writer's Chronicle, Indian Country Today, Red Ink Journal, LA Parents Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e and freelanced for \u003cem\u003eThe International Review of African American Art, Westways, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the Daily Press and Sisters of AARP\u003c\/em\u003e. Shonda's forthcoming essay collection, \u003cem\u003eChildren of the Mixed Blood Trail\u003c\/em\u003e, explores mixed-race migration in North America. A descendant of the African Mende nation of Sierra Leone, and in North America, the Coharie, Choctaw and Eastern Band Cherokee, and Europeans, Shonda writes on Chumash\/Tongva lands in Los Angeles and in the Midwest on Ojibwe\/Anishinaabe, Ottawa and Potawatomi lands. Shonda has taught creative writing, research and BIPOC\/American literature for the past 27 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis course is for budding and intermediate memoirists interested in exploring new ways to tell their personal stories. Whether you're just beginning to shape a memoir or looking to deepen an existing project, this online writing class is open to all levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWhat happens when you want to write a memoir but you don't know how to choose the right memory? Or you don't know how to incorporate someone else's memory or are unsure how to use memory as plot? Memory is tricky, but crafting memory can be learned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"That's not the way I remember it.\" How many times have writers described an incident in their lives only to have that memory be challenged by friends and family members? That's the nature of the memoir beast, and this nonfiction writing workshop will help you deal with temporal transitions, accessing and recovering memory, how to use memory to propel your narratives forward, and how to craft your story in a way that leaves no doubt that it's your story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReading narrative nonfiction, literary and mainstream essays, and memoir excerpts, students in this online writing class will analyze the work of authors who have successfully used memory as a tool in various ways. Over six weeks, you will explore the genre in its multifaceted forms while discerning cultural perspectives such as gender, identity, and ethnicity. Instructor Buchanan will teach you to find and hone in on your story, motif, and plot points, and you will develop several chapters by the time the class ends. This creative writing workshop fosters a warm, interactive environment—feel free to munch, drink wine or sparkling water, and have a gourmet snack while you talk, craft, draft, workshop, and polish your work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will write 2–5 pages or 4–6 scenes per class to generate new material. The instructor provides verbal and written feedback every class, ensuring each writer receives guidance and support throughout the workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReadings may include excerpts from Mary Karr's \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Memoir, Crying in H Mart\u003c\/em\u003e by Michelle Zauner, \u003cem\u003eThe Liar's Club\u003c\/em\u003e by Mary Karr, \u003cem\u003eCrazy Brave\u003c\/em\u003e by Joy Harjo, and \u003cem\u003eHeavy\u003c\/em\u003e by Kiese Laymon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 1: Introductions \/ Recovering Earliest Memories \/ Finding Your Story\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 2: Writing Temporal Transitions and Shifts in Time \/ In the Telling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 3: Falsehoods and Realities We Forget to Remember\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 4: Writing the Hard and Scary Memories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 5: Writing the Mother \/ Father \/ Teacher or Society Wound \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHow to choose and use memory as plot points to propel the narrative forward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHow to craft the memory of others, even if you weren't born\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHow to find and use your memories to tell your authentic story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTechniques for navigating temporal transitions and shifts in time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eStrategies for writing difficult, hard, and scary memories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDevelopment of several memoir chapters with instructor feedback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Working in the nonfiction cohort with Shonda Buchanan allowed me to step back from chapter one of my manuscript and view it with a critical eye. As nonfiction writers, we have a unique ability to focus on the details of everyday life. Yet, this focus can also be a weakness because we are often blind to our forest while we write about the trees. Shonda guided the participants in my writing group to study how the details in our writing were effectively or ineffectively creating the bigger picture. While guiding with her adept talents as an instructor of creative writing, she offered insights from her experience as a writer of memoirs, essays, poetry, and fiction. Ms. Buchanan doesn't solely bring her wealth of artistic and intellectual talent to the creative writing table; she also shares her woman's wisdom gained from a multicultural lifestyle and extensive travel. She encourages us to read our work, the work of our group members, and to offer supportive opinions. And she, in turn, listens, meditates on what she hears, and offers much-needed, sound advice that pushes us steps further in our development as creative writers.\" — Audrey Shipp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Shonda Buchanan was my workshop leader at PEN America's Emerging Voices workshop, and she is a stellar teacher and presence. It's clear that she has honed her craft over many years, and in the classroom, she skillfully lends this insight. Her marketing expertise is equally as strong as her literary knowledge, and I fully recommend her as a guiding force behind any manuscript from conception to publication.\" — Jessica\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"As a participant in Shonda's PEN America Emerging Voices workshop, I witnessed firsthand her extraordinary ability to pinpoint themes and provide transformative solutions for any piece of writing. Her generous spirit and deep wisdom make her an invaluable mentor who truly elevates every writer she teaches.\" — Yvonne L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $395 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Shonda Buchanan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Saturday, June 6, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Google Meet on Saturdays, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $395 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45130259333368,"sku":"","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/ShondaBuchananHeadshot_bb70e97b-16f8-47b2-8e4f-b65bf59c4579.png?v=1772659924"},{"product_id":"get-unstuck-start-writing-again-4-week-zoom-seminar","title":"Get Unstuck, Start Writing Again 4-Week Zoom Seminar with Jennifer Mattson starts on Thursday, May 7th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBegins Thursday, May 7th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Thursdays, 6:30PM ET - 8:00PM ET.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNow Enrolling! \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Jennifer Mattson teaches creative writing at New York University's School of Professional Studies. She is a writer, editor, journalist, and former network news producer for CNN, CNN International, and National Public Radio, and the former managing editor of Asia Society. Jennifer’s writing and reporting have appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe Atlantic, Salon, USA TODAY, The Boston Globe, CBS News, GlobalPost.com, The Women’s Review of Books, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Kripalu Center for Yoga \u0026amp; Health\u003c\/em\u003e. She writes an online column for Psychology Today and reports on wellness, news, yoga, healthy living and mindfulness, books, arts, and culture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou love to write, or perhaps you find it torture. Either way, you wish you were doing more of it. This is a great time to get back to work on your own writing and reaffirm your intention to write more.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this generative writing class, we'll get you writing again through tools, exercises, and discussions from famous creativity and writing experts such as Natalie Goldberg, author of \u003cem\u003eWriting Down the Bones\u003c\/em\u003e, and Julia Cameron's \u003cem\u003eThe Artist's Way\u003c\/em\u003e. Those include exercises in class that will get you writing no matter what, how to write a messy first draft, and the five writing rules. You will also create a writing practice tailored to your own habits and schedule.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is for anyone who wants to write or write more. It's part experiential writing, part lecture, and part getting to know yourself (to get the blocks out of the way.)  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBring a pen and paper or a laptop. We will be writing by hand at first, but you can bring your laptop if you prefer it. You'll be glad you took the plunge.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek One: \u003c\/strong\u003ePractical Tools to Get Your Pen Moving    \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Two: \u003c\/strong\u003eWhat Kind of Writer Are You? Creating A Writing Practice      \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Three: \u003c\/strong\u003eArt of the Idea: How To Figure Out What You are Meant to Write About   \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Four:\u003c\/strong\u003e Creating That Messy First Draft \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA few takeaways include exercises to help you get unstuck, learning about your writing habits, and breaking free of what is blocking you.    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou'll come to know what kind of writer you are and how to create a writing practice tailored to you.    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJoin a community of other like minded writers -- you are not alone! \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Jennifer Mattson's Get Unstuck, Start Writing Again seminar was by far the best workshop I’ve attended. Jennifer is smart, supportive, empathetic, and experienced as a writer and teacher. Thank you for a great session. By the way, the first exercise resulted in a very good draft for me. Writers need this workshop.” -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The hands-on practice using writing rules to establish a writing practice is something I'll take with me. Jennifer is a great instructor! If you're looking to get unstuck in your writing practice, take this class.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Jennifer Mattson's class exceeded my expectations. She covered so much material and was very informative. I found the exercises and the information shared very valuable! I also greatly appreciated hearing about Jennifer’s experiences with subjects that were brought up during class. I would definitely recommend this class to other writers. Thank you!\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I loved the Get Unstuck seminar with Jennifer Mattson. I found the prompts extremely valuable and enjoyed hearing her perspective and examples. It opened up my mind to the variety of ways a person can be a writer and helped me tune in more clearly to what I need to help me be productive. It was surprising how much I gained from just two hours. More than some multi-week courses I’ve taken!\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $330 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThis 4-week class begins Thursday, May 7th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Wednesdays, 6:30PM ET - 8:00PM ET.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $330 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have questions, please use the Chat Button or contact us via email \u003ca title=\"Contact\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45375438913784,"sku":"","price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/JenniferMattsonHeadshot.png?v=1708614425"},{"product_id":"creating-a-sense-of-place-in-fiction-nonfiction-or-memoir-one-night-zoom-seminar","title":"Creating a Sense of Place in Fiction, Nonfiction, or Memoir: One-Night Zoom Seminar with James Sturz on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1585167500790_108\" class=\"row sqs-row\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWednesday, April 15th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom, 7:00PM - 9:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOpen to All writers!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col sqs-col-7 span-7\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" id=\"block-9bd4c6c3a222aea2e1f5\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOW ENROLLING \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Karla,Tahoma,sans-serif,serif,EmojiFont\" color=\"#495762\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLed by \u003c\/span\u003eJames Sturz, author of the novels UNDERJUNGLE, set entirely underwater, and SASSO, set in the cave homes of Basilicata, Italy. His magazine and newspaper articles have run in more than 90 publications in the U.S. and abroad, including in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Outside, Men’s Journal, National Geographic Adventure, New York Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Playboy, Afar, Saveur, Organic Spa, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Yoga Journal\u003c\/em\u003e, among many others. Sturz's work has been published in 18 countries, translated into nine languages, and been anthologized in ITALY: THE BEST TRAVEL WRITING FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES and BEST FOOD WRITING 2007, among others.\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThink of the settings in your stories as catalysts for your characters and engines for your plot. Learn to craft settings so they come alive and give your writing new depth.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eCreating a sense of place means treating your settings as characters themselves—not as backdrops, but as catalysts and engines for change. Have you ever felt about a book, story, or film that the location was as important as any of its characters?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCreating a compelling sense of place involves far more than a simple description of the location’s physical attributes. It can include unusual or unique occurrences that could have only happened there, the sounds and smells that tell you unmistakably where you are, the history that gave rise to the characters’ personalities even without their knowledge, and the way the characters transform as they move from place to place over time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOver the course of this two-hour Zoom, you’ll learn to create settings that are multidimensional and that bring your writing new depth. James Sturz learned his craft writing travel articles for the U.S.’s top publications, and then began applying what he developed to essays and fiction, including two novels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe class will consist of a 90-minute lecture, followed by 30 minutes for questions and answers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row sqs-row\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a class about craft. Students will:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1) Learn techniques for creating complex settings that come alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2) Develop tight narratives that make use of their settings’ most important features, while eliminating superfluous description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3) Recognize how settings will shape your characters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4) Understand the importance of never just saying what places are, but always what they are like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJames was definitely more than qualified to teach this course, in terms of his vast experience and industry knowledge. He also made himself available outside the class by email.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJames is an excellent instructor. He has the ability to size up a pitch immediately and identify its strengths and faults. He is also rigorous in his criticism, and he tailors his comments to the particular student's\/pitch's needs very well. He also gives students a good idea of how editors will view pitches - what questions they'll ask, the kind of information they will want to know, what will grab their attention, etc. And he was open to questions throughout\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eWhat I liked most was James' willingness to be completely candid. If an idea was lousy or a query off he just gave it to you straight and then helped you fix it\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJames Sturz was a great combination of low-key and wildly helpful. During the break I asked him a question and he gave me a suggestion of where to pitch an idea. I liked the way Sturz described the difference between magazine stories and books involving travel. He also demystified the travel part of travel writing, and got me out of the amateur mindset of vacation vs. writerly travel thinking. Thank you! When I have more time, I'd happily consider taking Sturz' longer course\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe class with James Sturz is the most helpful Mediabistro event I have attended. It is clear that James really takes his duty seriously to educate students and that he cares about helping fellow journalists. He was very patient with questions. I have recommended one-night classes to people in the past, but not longer classes. I did not get as much out of my 12-week memoir class as I did with one night of listening to James Sturz.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJames was great! He had valuable information and presented it in a very straightforward way. He was motivating and I'm so glad that I signed up for this class\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI really liked James Sturz; he came across as smart, caring, and soft-spoken. He respected all questions and questioners and was clearly well versed and experienced in the subject\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJames’ class was excellent. His material was perfect, he has a charming and pleasant manner, is certainly smart and accomplished and has great experience with which he is generous\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJames' presentation was both interesting and informative. His delivery was very professional\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe teacher was very professional and knowledgeable. He had great comments on our work. James Sturz was a consummate professional and I did get value out of the class\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI thought James' talk was enlightening; he is a thoughtful instructor; he made good points about travel writing\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe class was inspiring. I got a lot of great tips on how to approach travel-writing\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI was very pleased with the seminar. James's presentation was pithy, frank, humorous and sprinkled with memorable anecdotes\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJames was a great instructor - I appreciated his honest, straightforward delivery and really valued the experience of listening to a well-respected and talented writer speak\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eYou are an amazing writer and teacher, and I’m so glad our paths crossed\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThank you for your guidance and inspiration\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJames, many thanks for your expertise and guidance\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: \u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Karla,Tahoma,sans-serif,serif,EmojiFont\" color=\"#495762\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJames Sturz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWednesday, April 15th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet via Zoom, 7PM - 9PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Instructor James Sturz\u003c\/strong\u003e is the author of the novels UNDERJUNGLE, set entirely underwater, and SASSO, set in the cave homes of Basilicata, Italy. His magazine and newspaper articles have run in more than 90 publications in the U.S. and abroad, including in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Outside, Men’s Journal, National Geographic Adventure, New York Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Playboy, Afar, Saveur, Organic Spa, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Yoga Journal\u003c\/em\u003e, among many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom 2015 to 2018, he wrote a biweekly column for \u003cem\u003eCoastal Living\u003c\/em\u003e about building a house in Hawaii, and he is the contributing koan editor for Fathomaway.com. Sturz's work has been published in 18 countries, translated into nine languages, and been anthologized in ITALY: THE BEST TRAVEL WRITING FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES and BEST FOOD WRITING 2007, among others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis many awards include Winner, Destination Canada Award for Excellence for Adventure Writing 2017 and honorable mention in THE BEST AMERICAN SPORTS WRITING, 2010 and 2012.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRaised in New York City and now based in Hawaii, Sturz is also a PADI Divemaster, ice diver, free diver, and Explorers Club fellow. From 2002 to 2015, he was Mediabistro’s travel-writing instructor in New York City, teaching introductory-level seminars, workshops, and master classes, as well as workshops and seminars on the mechanics of freelancing and pitching. Sturz graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from Cornell University, where he studied creative writing with Alison Lurie, Robert Morgan, and Stephanie Vaughn.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45391463678200,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/JamesSturzHeadshot_38140eac-a600-428a-9399-c9e5635f414c.png?v=1705712791"},{"product_id":"social-media-for-authors-writing-seminar-online","title":"Think Like a Content Creator: Social Media for Authors Zoom Seminar with Sanibel Lazar on Sunday, June 7th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSunday, June 7th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eLive Zoom Seminar from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Los Angeles (PDT): 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM \/ Chicago (CDT): 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ London (BST): 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes. The recording will be available for 30 days (and you can download it and watch whenever, but you need to download within 30 days).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eInstructor Sanibel Lazar's self-published debut, \u003cem\u003eTo Have and Have More\u003c\/em\u003e, achieved bestseller status thanks to relentless social media campaigning. Her second book, \u003cem\u003eDoes This Make Me Look Rich?\u003c\/em\u003e, is forthcoming from Union Square (2027). Sanibel's writing appears in \u003cem\u003eNYmag, ELLE, Air Mail, Literary Hub\u003c\/em\u003e, and more. You can find Sanibel on TikTok, Instagram, and Sad Rich Girls (via Bindery).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/triptych_sanibel.webp?v=1772657933\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn the Writer's Studio: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-tiktok-for-authors-with-sanibel-lazar\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"In the Writer's Studio: Sanibel Lazar on Transforming Literary Talent into Digital Currency\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSanibel Lazar on Transforming Literary Talent into Digital Currency\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis online writing seminar is for authors at any stage — debut or established — who want to build an audience on social media but don't know where to start (or have started and feel stuck). Whether you have a book coming out, a manuscript in progress, or a backlist that deserves more attention, this class will give you a practical framework for creating content that actually works. No prior social media experience required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBeing a brilliant writer doesn't automatically make you a social media natural. Why does creating a social media post feel Sisyphean when you're capable of writing an entire book? Because catering to ultra-short attention spans and writing great prose are not quite the same skill. Success on social media requires a combination of brand building, self-promotion, and a clearly defined product — your book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this live Zoom seminar, Sanibel Lazar will spend roughly 60% of the session covering the basics of video content (Reels, TikTok, YouTube). You'll discuss how the algorithm works, what's considered a \"good\" amount of views, the best time to post, how to engage with followers — and you'll get the tools to make your first videos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe remaining 40% will focus on how to develop a content strategy that aligns with the book or collection you're selling. The most common mistake Sanibel sees writers committing on social media — including bestselling authors far more established in their careers — is making ads for their book. If you're a fledgling writer, you most likely won't build an audience if all you're talking about is yourself and your writing. To get eyeballs on your content and to amass followers, you need to provide what people scroll for: entertainment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this seminar, students will come away with a working content strategy tailored to their book, the practical skills to film and edit their first video posts, and a clear understanding of how to translate their writing into engaging social media content. Sanibel will provide real-time feedback on strategy questions throughout the session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis is a single three-hour session covering both practical skills and big-picture strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart 1 — Practical Skills: \u003c\/em\u003eYou'll discuss the categories of video content (writer life \/ educational \/ trends \/ montage) and how to turn your book into digestible, compelling content. Sanibel will share her best practices for engagement (the art of strategic reduction: making complex themes and ideas graspable), the traps she fell into, and the differences between posting on TikTok and Instagram. She'll also describe what she's learned about how social media followers translate beyond the app (pre-sales, podcasts).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePart 2 — Big-Picture Strategy: \u003c\/em\u003eThe session will shift to how to approach social media with the same clarity and intention you bring to your writing. You'll discuss how to think like an editorial director, treating your content as a mini publication dedicated exclusively to featuring you and your book. Sanibel will break down the difference between video and static posts (and how to use both effectively), plus how to create engaging content that doesn't rely on the same tired milestone posts. You'll also cover the parasocial dynamic — what to share, what to withhold, and how to maintain boundaries while keeping potential readers invested. Finally, you'll analyze why bestseller status doesn't necessarily translate to success on social media.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eThink like a product marketer: positioning yourself and your work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eEstablishing name and book recognition (without being repetitive)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDifferentiating yourself from the sea of other authors online\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eAnalyzing performance: what's working, what's not, and how to adjust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLogistics of content: best practices for filming, how to edit efficiently, how often to post\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWhat to avoid: common writer content mistakes and why bestselling authors don't automatically succeed on TikTok\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHow to use \"clickbait principles\" to make content that \"stops the scroll\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWrite catchy headlines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes. The recording will be available for 30 days (and you can download it and watch whenever, but you need to download within 30 days).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Sanibel Lazar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSunday, June 7th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLive Zoom Seminar from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSeminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eThe session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes. The recording will be available for 30 days (and you can download it and watch whenever, but you need to download within 30 days).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"shopify-section-template--16524040667384__related-articles\" class=\"shopify-section section-product-related-articles\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45546130931960,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/SanibelLazarHeadshot_5b82fcc0-8768-4ecb-88f8-7d6edff54cbf.png?v=1759864176"},{"product_id":"get-to-know-the-editors-magazines-newspapers-publishing-panel","title":"Publishing Panel: Get to Know The Editors of Magazines and Newspapers with Katie Reilly on Monday, May 4th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonday, May 4th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom, \u003cspan\u003e2:00-4:00pm PST\/5:00-7:00pm EST\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"\u003eLed by Katie Reilly, a freelance journalist and attorney based in the Bay Area in California. Katie's writing generally focuses on women's health, mental health and parenting. Her articles have appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Elle Magazine, The Boston Globe, Newsweek, USA Today\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHuffPost\u003c\/em\u003e, among other publications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGetting published is often a daunting process for writers. It’s hard to determine what the right publication or editor for your story is, and there is not enough information online. It can feel like there is a great divide between you and the editors that you hope to work with. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this two-hour publishing panel, led by journalist Katie Reilly, we’re hoping to change that dynamic. In two separate forty-minute sessions, we’ll hear from two editors in each session\u003cem\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e There will also be a ten-minute break at the end of the hour and a brief recap after each editor panel. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuest Editors will include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/rheanamurray?lang=en\" title=\"Rheana Murray, essays editor at Newsweek\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRheana Murray\u003c\/a\u003e, essays editor at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.newsweek.com\/\" title=\"Newsweek Magazine website\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNewsweek\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eEmily McCombs, Deputy Editor at \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Huff Post Personal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/section\/huffpost-personal\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHuffPost Personal\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eShannon Palus, features editor at \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Slate online magazine\" href=\"https:\/\/slate.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSlate\u003c\/a\u003e  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConz Preti, Deputy Editor health + parenting at \u003cem\u003eBusiness Insider \u003c\/em\u003eand author of\u003cem\u003e \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Too Pregnant To Move: A Pregnancy Journal by Conz Preti\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barnesandnoble.com\/w\/too-pregnant-to-move-conz-preti\/1134089847\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eToo Pregnant to Move: A Pregnancy Journal\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe editors will talk about the types of stories they’re looking for, what makes a compelling pitch and article, and what makes them want to work with writers again. We’ll also learn more about their writing process and insight into the media landscape. I’ll lead the panels with questions, but students are welcome to ask questions as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note: We will not discuss the details of a pitch or how to write one. If you'd like additional information on that, you may want to consider taking \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/mailtrack.io\/l\/5e4abe53cc5db3084ab709579a019885559c0c8d?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwritingworkshops.com%2Fproducts%2Fgetting-published-with-limited-clips-zoom-seminar%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoodbENL80AwaVhGbRaSc1u_a5G30zOF59H4pW6kyf5RqpuAl-Z8\u0026amp;u=9779192\u0026amp;signature=d2b1d101fe61ddc8\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eGetting Publishing in Magazines \u0026amp; Newspapers Even With Limited Clips\u003c\/a\u003e first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatie's students have had their work published in the following places so far:      \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew York Times \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/09\/12\/style\/tiny-modern-love-stories-i-know-something-she-doesnt.html\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eModern Love\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.salon.com\/2023\/05\/29\/stanning-fandom-healing-trauma-boybands\/\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eSalon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/workshop-alum-dan-fogel-published-in-huffpost-personal\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eHuffPost\u003c\/a\u003e    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eSheKnows    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.insider.com\/wore-tux-instead-dress-family-wedding-queer-2023-5\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eInsider\u003c\/a\u003e    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eToday     \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood Housekeeping    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Independent     \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eWell + Good\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/workshop-alum-elizabeth-kleinfeld-published-in-the-boston-globe\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eBoston Globe\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Today's editor panel was amazing, Katie! Thank you for putting it together and moderating it. This was one of the most valuable two-hour sessions I have spent in a writing course. Thank you!\" -former student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis seminar will meet via Zoom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstructor: Katie Reilly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClass Starts Monday, May 4th, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom at 2:00-4:00pm PST\/5:00-7:00pm EST\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTuition is $99.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContact us\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHERE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e if you have any questions about this class.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45868753125624,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/GettoKnowTheEditorsMagazines_Newspapers_7d24ad43-5940-40c3-a358-fce9d1b4a9c8.png?v=1774460461"},{"product_id":"writing-goals-zoom-seminar-with-tawny-lara","title":"Set and Slay Your End of Year Writing Goals with Tawny Lara (Zoom) on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuesday, November 10th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom 6:00PM – 8:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by Tawny Lara, author of \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Dry Humping  A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze By Tawny Lara\" href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/730665\/dry-humping-by-tawny-lara\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Sobriety Deck: Practical Practices for a Booze-Free Lifestyle\u003c\/i\u003e, and co-founder of the vinegar-based botanical beverage, (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.drinkparentheses.com\/\" title=\"Parentheses Beverage\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eparentheses\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis class helps writers identify specific writing goals and provides actionable steps to actually accomplishing them in the new year. Whether you're working on something big, like a book proposal, or trying to find your voice as a writer, \u003cstrong\u003eSet and Slay Your End of Year Writing Goals\u003c\/strong\u003e is the course for you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParticipants will emerge from this seminar with clear, written instructions on how to identify and accomplish their end of year writing goals—plus tangible tips on how to use the rest of December to set yourself (and your writing!) up for success.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTawny Lara shares from personal experience as an author, co-founder of a drink brand, and tired Millennial with a business degree. She’ll share how her past obsession with goal setting didn’t work and how setting realistic, controllable goals improved her writing (and her sanity!)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEMINAR TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan id=\"m_8714549223821452038gmail-docs-internal-guid-7cf8a93a-7fff-7da3-eef1-640436f07aa1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdentify\/Revisit Your Writing Goals: \u003c\/strong\u003eIt's tough to accomplish writing goals if you don’t know what your goals are. Tawny will guide you through a series of writing exercises designed to help you both identify your writing goals and create a path toward achieving them. This is also a great time to revisit your New Year's Resolutions, setting your writing goals up for success.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan id=\"m_8714549223821452038gmail-docs-internal-guid-7cf8a93a-7fff-7da3-eef1-640436f07aa1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGet Specific: \u003c\/strong\u003eWhether you’re working on a book proposal or trying to create a writing routine, Tawny will help you get specific and strategic with your goal setting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan id=\"m_8714549223821452038gmail-docs-internal-guid-7cf8a93a-7fff-7da3-eef1-640436f07aa1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTake Control: \u003c\/strong\u003eAccomplishing big goals is all about taking small actions. Tawny will help you break your writing goals down into actionable items by identifying what’s in your control vs what’s out of your control.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan id=\"m_8714549223821452038gmail-docs-internal-guid-7cf8a93a-7fff-7da3-eef1-640436f07aa1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e15 Minute Q\u0026amp;A: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAsk Tawny anything about publishing, DIY publicity, entrepreneurship, marketing, professional goals and more.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cspan id=\"m_8714549223821452038gmail-docs-internal-guid-7cf8a93a-7fff-7da3-eef1-640436f07aa1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoin us if you:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeel overwhelmed by your writing routine (or lack thereof).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWant to feel more empowered as a writer.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave an idea of your writing goals but need help breaking those goals into bite-sized chunks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNeed practical tips for life as a writer in the digital age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“When it comes to non-fiction, a big part of an agent’s job is wrangling a book proposal together with their author. Digging into the why of the project, discussing platform, and the like. It only benefits you to be more prepared. The more you have in there, the better. When Tawny’s proposal arrived in my agent inbox and I opened it, it was like that scene in Pulp Fiction when they open the briefcase and all golden light shines out. It was perfect. And I called her the same day asking to work on the project. You’ll learn a lot from her, absolutely” -Eric Smith, author \u0026amp; Tawny’s agent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The publishing world is a minefield, and Tawny is a Bloodhound. Over the past decade, she's learned how to navigate this clusterfuck of this industry, cutting through the BS, so you can actually get published and your voice heard.” -Zachary Zane, Author of \u003cem\u003eBoyslut, A Memoir and Manifesto\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny is such an excellent resource for someone navigating publishing and proposals for the first time. I am a DIY-type who usually just uses Google to teach me everything, but having Tawny's help saved me weeks if not months of research and helped me feel extremely clear and prepared as I began the process. Very grateful for her expertise!” -Mariana Louis, archetypal tarotist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny Lara's class on writing non-fiction book proposals is a lighthouse for anyone eager to explore mental health topics with depth and empathy. Her expertise not only helps writers to craft impactful narratives but also to navigate the complexities of mental health with sensitivity and insight.\" - Sophie Saint Thomas, author of \u003cem\u003eReproductive Rites\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny is not only an experienced journalist and writer, but she’s also a marketing wiz who can bring that extra special sauce to your book proposal. If you want to actually sell your book, there’s no one else that I’d rely on to teach me the 101.” - Irina Gonzalez, editor, journalist, and author of the\u003cem\u003e Raising Gen Alpha\u003c\/em\u003e newsletter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny is a master when it comes to marketing yourself as a writer. She will help you focus your vision and tap into insider knowledge of the publishing world.\" -Gemma Hartley, author of \u003cem\u003eFed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny will help you sell your book proposal. She knows the game, and she will teach you how to play it.” -Paulina Pinsky, co-author of\u003cem\u003e It Doesn’t Have to be Awkward\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eTawny, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for what was a chock-full-of-info book proposal seminar yesterday. I am so glad I came; it was worth my time in all respects! Thank you for being so generous and forthcoming and giving us so much knowledge about the book proposal process in such a clear and seamless way. I feel like every minute had something valuable to offer. My kind of seminar!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full \u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor: Tawny Lara\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuesday, November 10th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom 6:00PM – 8:00PM Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99 USD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45951957893368,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Tawny_Lara_Headshot_3.png?v=1722440751"},{"product_id":"get-to-know-the-editors-literary-journal-publishing-panel","title":"Get to Know The Editors: Literary Journal Publishing Panel with Katie Reilly on Monday, April 13th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonday, April 13th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom, \u003cspan\u003e2:00-4:00pm PST\/5:00-7:00pm EST\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"\u003eLed by Katie Reilly, a freelance journalist and attorney based in the Bay Area in California. Katie's writing generally focuses on women's health, mental health and parenting. Her articles have appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Elle Magazine, The Boston Globe, Newsweek, USA Today\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHuffPost\u003c\/em\u003e, among other publications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGetting published is a challenging process for writers. It’s hard to determine where your story would be a good fit and there is often minimal guidance online. It can feel like there is a great divide between you and the editors that you hope to work with. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this two-hour publishing panel, led by journalist Katie Reilly, we’re hoping to change that dynamic. In two separate forty-minute sessions, we’ll hear from editors from \u003cem\u003eBrevity, Bellevue Literary Review\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003ci\u003eBlack Fox Literary Magazine, \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e ONLY POEMS\u003c\/i\u003e. There will also be a ten-minute break at the end of the hour and a brief recap after each editor panel. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe are very lucky that the following editors are scheduled to join us: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZoë Bossiere (she\/they), managing editor at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/brevitymag.com\/\" title=\"Brevity Literary Magazine Homepage\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBrevity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/p\/books\/cactus-country-a-boyhood-memoir-zo-bossiere\/6fe1e7d7f5421085?ean=9781419773181\u0026amp;next=t\u0026amp;\" title=\"Cactus Country A Boyhood Memoir Zoë Bossiere (Author)\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCactus Country: A Boyhood Memoir\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlanna Weissman, Assistant Nonfiction Editor, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/blreview.org\/\" title=\"Bellevue Literary Review Homepage\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBellevue Literary Review \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSvetlana Litvinchuk, Managing Editor, \u003ca title=\"ONLY POEMS website\" href=\"https:\/\/www.onlypoems.net\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eONLY POEMS \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRacquel Henry, Editor in Chief of \u003ca title=\"Black Fox Literary Magazine website\" href=\"https:\/\/blackfoxlitmag.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBlack Fox Literary Magazine \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe editors will talk about the types of stories they’re looking for, what should be included in your cover letter and what makes a story stand out to them. We’ll also learn more about their writing process and insight into the literary magazine landscape. I’ll lead the panels with questions, but students are welcome to ask questions as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatie's students have had their work published in the following places so far:      \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew York Times \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/09\/12\/style\/tiny-modern-love-stories-i-know-something-she-doesnt.html\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eModern Love\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.salon.com\/2023\/05\/29\/stanning-fandom-healing-trauma-boybands\/\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eSalon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/workshop-alum-dan-fogel-published-in-huffpost-personal\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eHuffPost\u003c\/a\u003e    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eSheKnows    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.insider.com\/wore-tux-instead-dress-family-wedding-queer-2023-5\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eInsider\u003c\/a\u003e    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eToday     \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood Housekeeping    \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Independent     \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003eWell + Good\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/workshop-alum-elizabeth-kleinfeld-published-in-the-boston-globe\" class=\"ProsemirrorEditor-link\"\u003eBoston Globe\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis seminar will meet via Zoom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstructor: Katie Reilly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003eMonday, April 13th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom, 2:00-4:00pm PST\/5:00-7:00pm EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContact us\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHERE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e if you have any questions about this class.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45952716472568,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/GettoKnowTheEditorsLiteraryJournalPublishingPanel_74095e85-7743-424e-a2e2-07aff667edfe.png?v=1765983197"},{"product_id":"mine-your-life-for-funny-ideas-generative-zoom-seminar-with-caitlin-kunkel","title":"Mine Your Life for Funny Ideas Generative Zoom Seminar with Caitlin Kunkel on Saturday, June 6th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, June 6th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (BST): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Caitlin Kunkel's writing has been featured in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, The New Yorker, McSweeney's\u003c\/em\u003e, and on public radio. She co-founded the comedy site \u003cem\u003eThe Belladonna\u003c\/em\u003e, created the online satire writing program for The Second City, and co-created the Satire and Humor Festival. Her first co-written book, NEW EROTICA FOR FEMINISTS, was published by Penguin Random House and named one of the 10 best comedy books of the year by \u003cem\u003eVulture\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eNY Mag\u003c\/em\u003e). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eINSIDE JOKES, a humor writing craft book, co-written with Elissa Bassist, is forthcoming from Grand Central Publishing in 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eQ: How do you come up with a wealth of ideas for funny parodies, satires, essays, novels, memoirs, or out-of-office replies? \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA: You mine absurdities, specifics, images, and more from your everyday life, then use comedic tools to spin them into premises for pieces.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this two-hour interactive and generative workshop, satirist and comedy craft book author Caitlin Kunkel will lead students through a series of lists and brainstorming prompts to gather specifics and interesting ideas hidden in plain sight. Come to class ready to write and get weird.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter generating the raw material, students will experiment with comedic foundations and tools like exaggeration, templates, and twists to create premises and titles for future funny writing. Everyone will leave class with a clear, repeatable process on how to mine and refine comedic ideas into publishable writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe end of class will focus on creative work strategies to draft, get feedback on, rewrite, and submit work on a (reasonable) schedule–because we’re funny, yes, but also professional.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical, repeatable method to identify and develop humorous material from your daily life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrategies for pushing everyday observations into surprising, laugh-out-loud premises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTechniques for testing and refining comedic angles, from parody and satire to personal essays.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTips for balancing bold comedic choices with clarity and structure in your writing process.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA roadmap for turning rough comedic ideas into polished drafts ready for submission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAKE THIS CLASS IF:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’re ready to unlock unconventional sources of inspiration to spark comedic ideas.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to move beyond clichéd humor and discover fresh twists on familiar topics.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou seek a supportive environment to experiment with comedic voice, style, and format.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’d like to learn how to juggle humor-writing projects alongside other professional commitments.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’re excited to workshop your comedic premises and hone them into shareable, publishable pieces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENTS LOVE CAITLIN:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Caitlin is an outstanding teacher. The time FLEW by because I was so engaged. So much amazing information and I feel energized to go write.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Caitlin Kunkel will teach you humor beats, how to do a writing sprint, and which kinds of 'babies' to kill in your jokes! All humor aside, I took her Comedy Writing for Non-Comedians workshop last year and left enamored by both the content and her teaching style. I've had bad experiences with online workshops that feel like a live session of what could've been a YouTube video. Caitlin and her workshops are the real deal. As a novelist, I've now taken her Comedy Writing, How to Write Like an Athlete, and How to Write a Short Humor Piece workshops, and they were all brilliant. Highly recommend it!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"I took Caitlin Kunkel's Mine Your Life for Funny Ideas seminar hoping to build a more intentional foundation for my comedy writing, and the class far exceeded my expectations! The level of engagement was incredibly helpful. Forming ideas firsthand in the workshop gave me a solid grasp of her tools and processes, and a sense of confidence I previously lacked. I can’t wait to continue future training and workshops with Caitlin!” \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Such a great class! \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt was helpful, fun, and pitched at a really accessible level for experienced writers and novice writers.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Thanks so much for the amazing class, Caitlin! I really learned a lot about humor in general, as well as what interests me specifically. I only recently started writing humor, and your focus on premise and format were insanely helpful. So thank you, seriously, for such an informative and fun class; I'll be taking so much of what you taught us into my future work!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e“Caitlin’s an excellent teacher. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her experience broad, and her generosity appreciated. I always look forward to a class with her.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Thank you so much Caitlin! You packed a huge amount of information into a very compact period. I’m very impressed with your follow-up as well. Way above and beyond.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"I thought Caitlin was amazing. She packed a lot of knowledge into the two hours, and I highly recommend it. The discussion of the impact of comedy writing across all types of industries was super interesting, and I loved the reading and website suggestions. I can't say enough great things about Caitlin.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"You are a gifted teacher – a lot of energy, insight and expertise come through. I am the one who teaches Creative Thinking at Harvard (and other places) and I was struck by how aligned your techniques are with the ones we teach in our class. Kinda’ cool. But we don’t follow up with materials half as well as you do.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003e\"Caitlin\u003c\/span\u003e was engaging, entertaining, and provided an excellent intro into comedy writing.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"I loved the parallels between my writing life and my experience as an athlete. I found the \"warmup\" routine idea very useful and I'm eager to implement this. I also thought it was helpful to frame my writing life in terms of seasons or quarters.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"The entire approach of applying sports preparation and performance techniques to developing the skill of writing. Caitlin was generous with her examples without having them take over the entire course. Very well done.It was jam-packed with content, but the fast pace and depth of information was part of what was so good about it.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eSaturday, June 6th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have questions, please use the Chat Button or contact us via email \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" title=\"Contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46066888212728,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/CaitlinKunkelHeadshot2025.png?v=1757622903"},{"product_id":"personal-essays-for-non-writers-and-newbies-zoom-workshop-with-natalie-serianni","title":"Personal Essays for Non-Writers and Newbies 4-Week Zoom Workshop with Natalie Serianni Starts on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eStarts Tuesday, September 8th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe class will meet weekly via Zoom on\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e Tuesdays, \u003c\/span\u003e7 PM - 9 PM Eastern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatalie Serianni is a Seattle-based writer, instructor, and mother of two with work at \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, Huffpost, Insider, Scary Mommy, ParentMap, Jenny Mag, Motherwell, The Keepthings, The Manifest Station\u003c\/em\u003e, and other publications. Her essay \"Subtle Shifts,\" was in the recent anthology, \u003cem\u003eThe Pandemic Midlife Crisis: Gen X Women on the Brink\u003c\/em\u003e. Her writing focuses on midlife parenting, nostalgia, and long-held grief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more about Natalie in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-personal-essays-for-non-writers-and-newbies-with-natalie-serianni\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Personal Essays for Non-Writers and Newbies with Natalie Serianni\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/natalie-serianni-on-writing-your-personal-essay\" title=\"Read: 5 Questions that Can Guide You Deeper into Writing a Personal Essay\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e5 Questions that Can Guide You Deeper into Writing a Personal Essay\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis course will invite would-be writers into the landscape of personal essay writing. Through reading, discussion, craft, and care, students will be guided to write a polished personal essay to submit to publications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you consider yourself a non-writer but want to write? Are you new to writing and want to learn more about personal essays? This introductory-level class will share the elements of the personal essay, its various forms, and how an idea becomes an extended piece. We'll read and discuss personal essays, write to small prompts, and share our work. Students will leave the class with a personal essay, feedback from peers and instructor, and confidence that they, too, are writers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCourse texts include Putsata Reang: \"At Sea and Seeking a Safe Harbor;\" CJ Hauser: \"The Crane Wife;\" Michelle Zauner: \"Crying in Hmart;\" and many more by Melissa Febos, Joann Beard, Elissa Washuta, Angela Garbes, and Christina Rivera Cogswell\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSEMINAR OUTLINE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek one:\u003c\/strong\u003e Introductions and agreements; laying the course foundation; What is a personal essay?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek two: \u003c\/strong\u003eopenings and ideas; getting started and writing to prompts that get to your essay's beating heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek three: \u003c\/strong\u003eStructure and Endings; Organizing your essay, and elements of scene, summary, and reflection; (optional peer review this week (grounded in antiracist writing workshop principles), and instructor coffee chats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek four: \u003c\/strong\u003ePitching your work and paths to publication; sharing our learning and optional celebratory reading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudents will be invited into a comfortable writing community, and will engage in writing discussions on a variety of personal essays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey will learn the details of story, scene, summary, and reflection, and will produce a personal essay that deeply reflects \"what they've come to say.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLastly, students will learn about pitching, and how to find a publishing home for their work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Natalie did an excellent job giving us all a soft and gentle introduction to our writing processes. She facilitated excellent discussions on a wide diversity of essay types and authors, giving us insight onto a whole spectrum of possible avenues to take our craft.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThank you so much for kicking the door open on 'the essay', introducing us to its many forms and allowing us to usher in a new understanding while practicing sharing our stories in this new form. I cannot underline enough how your generosity impressed me deeply. In spirit, yes absolutely, but also in the exceptional selection of what pieces were discussed and shared. I have much to work on, I will work hard, and work on it all, but I don’t feel afraid of the form anymore. I will be grateful to you always\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis seminar will meet via Zoom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $330 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eInstructor: Natalie Serianni \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStarts Tuesday, September 8th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe class will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 7 PM - 9 PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTuition is $330 USD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact us\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e HERE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e if you have any questions about this class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cscribe-shadow id=\"crxjs-ext\" data-crx=\"okfkdaglfjjjfefdcppliegebpoegaii\" style=\"position: fixed; width: 0px; height: 0px; top: 0px; left: 0px; z-index: 2147483647; overflow: visible; visibility: visible;\"\u003e\u003c\/scribe-shadow\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46158623768824,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/NatalieSerianniHeadshot.png?v=1738766018"},{"product_id":"making-your-characters-physically-present-on-the-page-zoom-seminar","title":"Making Your Characters Physically Present on the Page: A Two-Hour Multigenre Craft Talk with Robert Anthony Siegel on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom Wednesday, August 12th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 7PM - 9PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Robert Anthony Siegel \u003c\/strong\u003eis the author of a memoir, \u003ci\u003eCriminals\u003c\/i\u003e, and two novels, \u003ci\u003eAll Will Be Revealed \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e All the Money in the World\u003c\/i\u003e. His work has appeared in \u003ci\u003eThe New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian Magazine, The Paris Review, The Drift, The Oxford American, and Ploughshares\u003c\/i\u003e, and has been anthologized in \u003ci\u003eBest American Essays 2023, O. Henry Stories 2014, \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Pushcart Prize XXXVI\u003c\/i\u003e. He has been a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan, a Mombukagakusho Fellow in Japan, a Writing Fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, and a Paul Engle Fellow at the Iowa Writers Workshop. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers Workshop.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn real life, we observe the people around us to understand what they are thinking and feeling. Facial expression, body language, clothing and other forms of adornment—all convey deep and meaningful information about the person in front of us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut what comes naturally in real life can be maddeningly hard to reproduce on the page. How do you make your characters vividly, physically present in your writing? How do you use their looks to reveal their personalities? This two-hour craft talk is designed to help.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough a mixture of lecture, discussion and creative exercises, this multigenre craft talk will show you how to capture a character’s physical presence on the page, using all aspects of appearance to convey the thought and emotion underneath. We will start by reading outstanding examples from published work and discussing the many ways people in real life reveal themselves through their looks. Afterwards, we will do a series of descriptive exercises that can be utilized in an ongoing project or can become the basis of a new one\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen to all levels of experience and all genres. No preparation needed. Just come to class ready to write, explore, and share.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTake-Aways:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-Techniques for making your characters physically present on the page\u003cbr\u003e-A series of short character descriptions that can be utilized in an ongoing project, or can become the basis of a new one\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Full of richly drawn characters and jolting plot twists—Glasser’s time behind bars is especially chilling—Siegel’s debut novel works both as a parable of how quickly the high and mighty can fall, and as gripping drama. 'Money' well spent.\" -NEW YORK POST on ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Early in this novel, there is a wonderful scene—rich with embarrassment—in which Louis Glasser, the altogether unlikely hero, helps his Harvard-educated son buy a new suit. The son’s fortunes founder, but that’s nothing compared to the perils that overwhelm his father—a lawyer who operates on the margins and becomes the target of a criminal investigation. Siegel’s … portraits (loving and otherwise) of the Glassers, New York prosecutors, and various lowlifes are right on the money.\" -THE NEW YORKER on ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"...Well-turned and elegant...Gloriously complex...\" -ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION on ALL WILL BE REVEALED\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"...A richly detailed and seedily seductive narrative.\" -PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on ALL WILL BE REVEALED\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Robert's unique skill as a teacher comes from his enthusiasm not only for talking, which is present in many talented professors, but for listening... He has a reputation for being the best kind of teacher: generous, knowledgeable, demanding, and always at the ready with excellent advice.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The level of discourse was challenging and interesting and I think part of the reason for that was the casual atmosphere of discussion, fostered by Robert. When people are allowed to speak in an open, non-threatening environment, wonderful things happen.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. These options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor: Robert Anthony Siegel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom Wednesday, August 12th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClass will meet 7PM - 9PM Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $99.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContact us \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" title=\"Contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e if you have any questions about this seminar.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" id=\"block-51a8238b2f73df2e52ed\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46165690908920,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/robertsiegelHeadshot_f9b51221-fdf3-4fd7-8a44-d32238b06d75.png?v=1703195669"},{"product_id":"how-to-write-a-short-humor-piece-zoom-seminar-with-caitlin-kunkel","title":"How to Write a Short Humor Piece Zoom Seminar with Caitlin Kunkel on Saturday, July 11th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, July 11th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (BST): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Caitlin Kunkel's writing has been featured in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, The New Yorker, McSweeney's\u003c\/em\u003e, and on public radio. She co-founded the comedy site \u003cem\u003eThe Belladonna\u003c\/em\u003e, created the online satire writing program for The Second City, and co-created the Satire and Humor Festival. Her first co-written book, NEW EROTICA FOR FEMINISTS, was published by Penguin Random House and named one of the 10 best comedy books of the year by \u003cem\u003eVulture\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eNY Mag\u003c\/em\u003e). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eINSIDE JOKES, a humor writing craft book, co-written with Elissa Bassist, is forthcoming from Grand Central Publishing in 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo you want to write funny in 750 words or less? Do you have something to say on a topic you know well? Do you crave fun, need an outlet for your creativity, and hunger for more bylines? Then, short humor is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this two-hour class, writer and creator of The Second City’s online satire writing program, Caitlin Kunkel, will teach a repeatable process for writing a short humor piece in the style of \u003cem\u003eMcSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The Belladonna, Points in Case\u003c\/em\u003e, and other online sites (note: we will not cover satirical news like \u003cem\u003eThe Onion \u003c\/em\u003eor\u003cem\u003e Reductress\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll learn how to brainstorm, find a structure for your piece, craft a strong comedic premise and title, and use the two-list system of joke writing to fast draft a humor piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCome ready to write and leave with a new piece and a set process to write even more in the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSTUDENTS LOVE CAITLIN:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e“Caitlin is an outstanding teacher. The time FLEW by because I was so engaged. So much amazing information and I feel energized to go write.”\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\"First of all, I can't thank you enough for the amazing class. I'm not kidding when I say it's the best online writing course I've ever taken. You packed so much information into two hours. Just incredible!!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\"Caitlin Kunkel will teach you humor beats, how to do a writing sprint, and which kinds of 'babies' to kill in your jokes! All humor aside, I took her Comedy Writing for Non-Comedians workshop last year and left enamored by both the content and her teaching style. I've had bad experiences with online workshops that feel like a live session of what could've been a YouTube video. Caitlin and her workshops are the real deal. As a novelist, I've now taken her Comedy Writing, How to Write Like an Athlete, and How to Write a Short Humor Piece workshops, and they were all brilliant. Highly recommend it!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"I took Caitlin Kunkel's Mine Your Life for Funny Ideas seminar hoping to build a more intentional foundation for my comedy writing, and the class far exceeded my expectations! The level of engagement was incredibly helpful. Forming ideas firsthand in the workshop gave me a solid grasp of her tools and processes, and a sense of confidence I previously lacked. I can’t wait to continue future training and workshops with Caitlin!” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\"Thanks so much for the amazing class, Caitlin! I really learned a lot about humor in general, as well as what interests me specifically. I only recently started writing humor, and your focus on premise and format were insanely helpful. So thank you, seriously, for such an informative and fun class; I'll be taking so much of what you taught us into my future work!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Caitlin’s an excellent teacher. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her experience broad, and her generosity appreciated. I always look forward to a class with her.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"Thank you so much Caitlin! You packed a huge amount of information into a very compact period. I’m very impressed with your follow-up as well. Way above and beyond.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"I thought Caitlin was amazing. She packed a lot of knowledge into the two hours, and I highly recommend it. The discussion of the impact of comedy writing across all types of industries was super interesting, and I loved the reading and website suggestions. I can't say enough great things about Caitlin.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\"You are a gifted teacher – a lot of energy, insight and expertise come through. I am the one who teaches Creative Thinking at Harvard (and other places) and I was struck by how aligned your techniques are with the ones we teach in our class. Kinda’ cool. But we don’t follow up with materials half as well as you do.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003e\"Caitlin\u003c\/span\u003e was engaging, entertaining, and provided an excellent intro into comedy writing.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass is on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, via Zoom from 1:00PM ET - 3:00PM ET \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded. All enrolled students will receive a link to watch the recording, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46180804428024,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/CaitlinKunkelHeadshot2025.png?v=1757622903"},{"product_id":"the-multi-passionate-writers-life-zoom-seminar-with-courtney-kocak","title":"The Multi-Passionate Writer's Life Zoom Seminar with Courtney Kocak on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eSaturday, May 2nd\u003c\/span\u003e, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 11:00AM - 1:00PM PST \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/London (GMT): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIAL GIFT:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA copy of Courtney’s debut memoir,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eGirl Gone Wild\u003c\/em\u003e, is included in the price of this course and will be mailed to you shortly after the book’s release in April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Courtney Kocak is a writer, podcaster, and comedian based in Los Angeles. She wrote for Amazon’s Emmy-winning animated series \u003cem\u003eDanger \u0026amp; Eggs\u003c\/em\u003e and Netflix’s \u003cem\u003eKnow It All podcast\u003c\/em\u003e. She’s produced a slew of highly-ranked podcasts—including \u003cem\u003eThe Bellas Podcast\u003c\/em\u003e, which debuted at #1 on Apple Podcasts, PayPal’s \u003cem\u003eNever Stand Still\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eGirlboss Radio\u003c\/em\u003e—and currently hosts three of her own with over two million downloads to date: \u003cem\u003ePrivate Parts Unknown\u003c\/em\u003e, about love and sexuality around the world, \u003cem\u003eThe Bleeders\u003c\/em\u003e, about book writing and publishing, and \u003cem\u003ePodcast Bestie\u003c\/em\u003e, a best friend to podcasters trying to grow and monetize their shows (and a popular Substack). As a writer, her bylines include \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Cosmopolitan, BUST, Bustle, InsideHook\u003c\/em\u003e, and more. She’s currently working on a coming-of-age memoir in essays. \u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eYour blueprint for developing and adapting a story or concept across multiple mediums.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAre you a writer with big ideas and a passion for storytelling that won’t be confined to just one format? The Multi-Passionate Writer’s Life is designed to help you take a concept or story idea and successfully adapt it across multiple mediums—whether that’s essays, books, podcasts, newsletters, scripts, or beyond.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll learn how to identify the core themes of your work, play to your strengths as a writer and preferred mediums, and strategically expand your reach. Instructor Courtney Kocak—writer, podcaster, and multi-hyphenate creator—will share real-world examples from her own career, along with hard-earned best practices for navigating different formats.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll also dive into the business side: how to pitch your ideas, repurpose content effectively, and maximize your productivity without burnout. Whether you’re a journalist looking to break into podcasting, a memoirist dreaming of making a short film, or a newsletter writer aiming for a book deal, this course will give you the tools to evolve your ideas and build a sustainable, multi-platform writing career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you can't attend this class live, it will be recorded! Students will receive a recording the day after the class, which will be available for 30 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscover the art of adaptation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how to take a single concept and reshape it for various mediums, from personal essays to scripted content. Build a cohesive creative ecosystem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDevelop a strategy for cross-pollination between projects, so your work builds upon itself instead of competing for your attention.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstand the business of multi-format storytelling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain insights into pitching, selling, and monetizing your work across different industries. Repurpose like a pro.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscover how to repurpose content in fresh and compelling ways without feeling redundant. Avoid creative burnout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn time management and workflow strategies to sustain your energy while juggling multiple projects. Expand your audience \u0026amp; opportunities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdentify new ways to grow your audience and create new professional opportunities by diversifying your creative output.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This was such a great experience. Thank you for your time and insights. :)\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Love this! Just wrote a draft! It is terrible, but there is a nugget in here to rewrite, so thank you!!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This was an amazing class, thank you so much!!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Just a few weeks back, I took this phenomenal workshop! Courtney Kocak was an absolute gem, sharing many practical tips and providing an amazing PDF follow-up!\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"If you find this platform-building thing mystifying, scary, or just need encouragement, you should sign up.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Some of the best cash I've spent this year.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe class is on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 11:00AM - 1:00PM PST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/London (GMT): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46202622148856,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Courtney_Kocak_Headshot_2.png?v=1773259273"},{"product_id":"pitch-perfect-crafting-a-compelling-nonfiction-book-proposal-zoom-seminar-with-literary-agent-mark-owen-gottlieb","title":"Pitch Perfect: Crafting a Compelling Nonfiction Book Proposal Zoom Seminar with Literary Agent Mark Owen Gottlieb on Saturday, May 16th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSaturday, May 16th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStarts at 1PM EST\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*A recording of this seminar will be made available to enrollees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by an industry-leading literary agent at Trident Media Group, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tridentmediagroup.com\/agents\/mark-gottlieb\/\" title=\"Trident Media Group\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA well-crafted book proposal is the key to securing a literary agent and landing a publishing deal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this workshop, you'll learn how to structure a compelling nonfiction book proposal that highlights your book’s marketability, audience, and unique selling points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll break down the essential components—hook, overview, competitive analysis, chapter outline, and author platform—while exploring what agents and publishers look for in a winning pitch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're refining an existing proposal or starting from scratch, this session will equip you with the tools to make your book stand out in the competitive publishing landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb\u003c\/strong\u003e is a highly-ranked literary agent in overall deals and other categories. He is actively building his client list of authors using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. At Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb has represented numerous \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling and award-winning authors. He has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. He previously ran the agency’s audiobook department and worked in foreign rights. Mark Gottlieb is actively seeking submissions in all categories and genres and looking forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Captivate Readers and Agents From the Start: \u003c\/strong\u003eLearn to craft an irresistible hook and clear overview that immediately conveys why your nonfiction book idea is timely, relevant, and impossible to ignore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuilding a Strong Market Case for Your Book: \u003c\/strong\u003eExplore techniques for conducting a thoughtful competitive analysis and articulating your book’s unique position, ensuring agents and publishers see its commercial potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStructuring an Engaging Chapter Outline: \u003c\/strong\u003eDiscover how to create an outline that not only organizes your content in a logical manner but also showcases the forward momentum and depth of your story or argument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarnessing the Power of Your Author Platform: \u003c\/strong\u003eUnderstand how to present your credentials, professional network, and following to demonstrate your ability to drive interest and sales in today’s competitive market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefining Your Proposal for Publication Success: \u003c\/strong\u003eGain practical insights into polishing every element—style, voice, clarity, and marketability—so your pitch stands out and resonates with agents and publishers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUTHOR TESTIMONIALS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“To find someone in the publishing world these days who possesses such style and grace…a throwback. Crown moldings and brass door knocker in a world of prefab housing. —\u003cstrong\u003eLesley Kagen, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“He is professional, knowledgeable, and deeply cares about the careers of his clients. …I'm lucky to have Mark in my corner!” —\u003cstrong\u003eAlan Hlad, \u003cem\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“My writing career never would have advanced as fast or as far without Mark's help.” —\u003cstrong\u003eJames Breakwell, bestselling author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“He goes above and beyond his work expectations by cultivating caring relationships with his clients, always expressing empathy and patience. He is kind, supportive and knows what he's doing.” —\u003cstrong\u003eRuby Karp, author of \u003cem\u003eEarth Hates Me\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENT TESTIMONIALS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I wanted to thank you for your time this weekend for the Hook and Query writing seminar. It's hard to know from reading articles alone what a query letter or pitch should look like.\" -\u003cstrong\u003eJed H., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"It was my absolute pleasure to meet you virtually on Saturday! Thank you for the wealth of detailed information and on-the-spot, yet carefully crafted critiques you shared with each of us— the experience is treasured, and invaluable.\" -\u003cstrong\u003eMica K., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Saturday’s class opened my eyes to the mistakes of my query submissions, which boil down to two crucial elements: word count \u0026amp; comps. Soliciting a bloated manuscript with no comps outside of a couple of 20+ year-old movie references advertised a novice understanding of the publishing industry, making me a rightful candidate for the rejection pile.\" -\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam W., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Thank you, Mark, for this wonderful workshop!\" -\u003cstrong\u003eDiane G., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan color=\"#000000\"\u003e“You gave me enough writing technique and marketing information to feel like I can get started with confidence. Thank you!” \u003cstrong\u003e— Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Thank you for being so diligent, so focused and so professional in your approach to the class. I found the whole experience exceeded my most optimistic expectations.” \u003cstrong\u003e— Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Workshop will meet via Zoom on Saturday, May 16th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession 1 will be 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM EST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15-minute Break Between Sessions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession 2 will be 1:55 PM – 3:00 PM EST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Recordings of all sessions will be made available to everyone who enrolls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb | Live via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday, May 16th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46276902027512,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Crafting_a_Compelling_Nonfiction_Book_Proposal_Mark_Owen_Gottlieb.png?v=1755014142"},{"product_id":"the-art-of-the-first-page-hooking-agents-and-readers-zoom-seminar-with-literary-agent-mark-owen-gottlieb","title":"The Art of the First Page: Hooking Agents and Readers Zoom Seminar with Literary Agent Mark Owen Gottlieb on Saturday, April 18th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSaturday, April 18th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*A recording of this seminar will be made available to enrollees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by an industry-leading literary agent at Trident Media Group, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tridentmediagroup.com\/agents\/mark-gottlieb\/\" title=\"Trident Media Group\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour first page is your first impression—and in today’s competitive publishing landscape, it has to be unforgettable. Whether you're querying agents, submitting to editors, or enticing readers to keep turning pages, your opening must captivate, intrigue, and compel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn The Art of the First Page, we’ll explore what makes a compelling opening, from crafting an irresistible hook to establishing character, voice, and tension right from the start. We’ll analyze successful first pages, discuss common pitfalls, and workshop participants’ openings to ensure they grab attention for all the right reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of this session, you’ll have a sharpened understanding of how to make your first page impossible to ignore—and the tools to revise with confidence. Bring your opening paragraphs for live feedback or come ready to absorb insights that will transform your writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb\u003c\/strong\u003e is a highly-ranked literary agent in overall deals and other categories. He is actively building his client list of authors using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. At Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb has represented numerous \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling and award-winning authors. He has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. He previously ran the agency’s audiobook department and worked in foreign rights. Mark Gottlieb is actively seeking submissions in all categories and genres and looking forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCraft an Unforgettable Hook: \u003c\/strong\u003eLearn how to shape your opening sentences so they instantly grab agents, editors, and readers—creating a compelling gateway into your story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablish Character and Voice Right Away: \u003c\/strong\u003eDiscover techniques to anchor your protagonist’s perspective and personality from the very first page, setting the tone for the entire manuscript.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInfuse Immediate Tension and Intrigue: \u003c\/strong\u003eUnderstand how to generate page-turning suspense in your opening, ensuring that readers are invested before they’ve even turned to page two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpot and Avoid Common Pitfalls: \u003c\/strong\u003eIdentify the missteps that can derail an otherwise promising beginning, and learn how to sidestep clichés or overly familiar tropes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevise with Confidence: \u003c\/strong\u003eGain actionable feedback on your own work and walk away with a toolkit for refining first pages, empowering you to make each draft stronger than the last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUTHOR TESTIMONIALS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“To find someone in the publishing world these days who possesses such style and grace…a throwback. Crown moldings and brass door knocker in a world of prefab housing. —\u003cstrong\u003eLesley Kagen, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“He is professional, knowledgeable, and deeply cares about the careers of his clients. …I'm lucky to have Mark in my corner!” —\u003cstrong\u003eAlan Hlad, \u003cem\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“My writing career never would have advanced as fast or as far without Mark's help.” —\u003cstrong\u003eJames Breakwell, bestselling author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“He goes above and beyond his work expectations by cultivating caring relationships with his clients, always expressing empathy and patience. He is kind, supportive and knows what he's doing.” —\u003cstrong\u003eRuby Karp, author of \u003cem\u003eEarth Hates Me\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENT TESTIMONIALS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I wanted to thank you for your time this weekend for the Hook and Query writing seminar. It's hard to know from reading articles alone what a query letter or pitch should look like.\" -\u003cstrong\u003eJed H., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"It was my absolute pleasure to meet you virtually on Saturday! Thank you for the wealth of detailed information and on-the-spot, yet carefully crafted critiques you shared with each of us— the experience is treasured, and invaluable.\" -\u003cstrong\u003eMica K., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Saturday’s class opened my eyes to the mistakes of my query submissions, which boil down to two crucial elements: word count \u0026amp; comps. Soliciting a bloated manuscript with no comps outside of a couple of 20+ year-old movie references advertised a novice understanding of the publishing industry, making me a rightful candidate for the rejection pile.\" -\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam W., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Thank you, Mark, for this wonderful workshop!\" -\u003cstrong\u003eDiane G., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan color=\"#000000\"\u003e“You gave me enough writing technique and marketing information to feel like I can get started with confidence. Thank you!” \u003cstrong\u003e— Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Thank you for being so diligent, so focused and so professional in your approach to the class. I found the whole experience exceeded my most optimistic expectations.” \u003cstrong\u003e— Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Workshop will meet via Zoom on Saturday, April 18th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession 1 will be 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM EST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15-minute Break Between Sessions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession 2 will be 1:55 PM – 3:00 PM EST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Recordings of all sessions will be made available to everyone who enrolls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb | Live via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday, April 18th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46276928176376,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/The_Art_of_the_First_Page_Mark_Owen_Gottlieb.png?v=1755014179"},{"product_id":"indie-vs-traditional-publishing-which-path-is-right-for-you-zoom-seminar-with-literary-agent-mark-owen-gottlieb","title":"Indie vs. Traditional Publishing: Which Path is Right for You? Zoom Seminar with Literary Agent Mark Owen Gottlieb on Saturday, June 13th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSaturday, June 13th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStarts at 1PM EST\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*A recording of this seminar will be made available to enrollees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by an industry-leading literary agent at Trident Media Group, \u003ca title=\"Trident Media Group\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tridentmediagroup.com\/agents\/mark-gottlieb\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn today’s evolving publishing landscape, authors have more options than ever when it comes to bringing their books to market. But how do you determine which path—independent or traditional publishing—is the best fit for your goals?\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis seminar will provide an in-depth comparison of indie and traditional publishing, covering key topics such as creative control, financial considerations, distribution, marketing, and the role of agents and publishers. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe’ll discuss the pros and cons of each approach, debunk common myths, and explore real-world success stories from both paths. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether you’re an aspiring author or an industry professional looking to guide clients, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your publishing journey.\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin us for an engaging discussion and Q\u0026amp;A session that will help you navigate the opportunities and challenges of today’s publishing industry!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb\u003c\/strong\u003e is a highly-ranked literary agent in overall deals and other categories. He is actively building his client list of authors using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. At Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb has represented numerous New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors. He has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. He previously ran the agency’s audiobook department and worked in foreign rights. Mark Gottlieb is actively seeking submissions in all categories and genres and looking forward to bringing new and established authors to the curious minds of their future readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComprehensive Understanding of Publishing Options: \u003c\/strong\u003eAttendees will gain a clear overview of both indie and traditional publishing models, their processes, and the types of authors and projects each route typically serves best. This big-picture knowledge empowers you to choose the publishing path that aligns with your specific goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Factors for Decision-Making: \u003c\/strong\u003eYou’ll learn how crucial elements—like creative control, financial risks and rewards, distribution channels, marketing resources, and timing—differ between indie and traditional publishing. Armed with these insights, you can weigh the pros and cons to determine which option is the right fit for you or your clients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDebunking Myths and Misconceptions: \u003c\/strong\u003eThrough real-world examples and expert insights, the seminar will address common myths—such as believing traditional publishing always equals greater financial success or that indie publishing is inherently “lesser.” You’ll come away with a more nuanced perspective that helps you avoid pitfalls or oversimplifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInsider Tips from a Literary Agent’s Perspective: \u003c\/strong\u003eAs a seasoned literary agent, Mark Owen Gottlieb will share insider knowledge on how agents and publishers operate within the traditional model—giving you a candid look behind the scenes. You’ll discover how to navigate agent-author relationships and what it really takes to stand out in a competitive market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActionable Strategies for Your Next Steps: \u003c\/strong\u003eFinally, you’ll walk away with practical advice for whichever route you choose. From evaluating upfront costs and managing your own distribution to approaching agents and assembling a strong query, the session offers concrete strategies to launch—or level up—your publishing journey with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUTHOR TESTIMONIALS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“To find someone in the publishing world these days who possesses such style and grace…a throwback. Crown moldings and brass door knocker in a world of prefab housing. —\u003cstrong\u003eLesley Kagen, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“He is professional, knowledgeable, and deeply cares about the careers of his clients. …I'm lucky to have Mark in my corner!” —\u003cstrong\u003eAlan Hlad, \u003cem\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“My writing career never would have advanced as fast or as far without Mark's help.” —\u003cstrong\u003eJames Breakwell, bestselling author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“He goes above and beyond his work expectations by cultivating caring relationships with his clients, always expressing empathy and patience. He is kind, supportive and knows what he's doing.” —\u003cstrong\u003eRuby Karp, author of \u003cem\u003eEarth Hates Me\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENT TESTIMONIALS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I wanted to thank you for your time this weekend for the Hook and Query writing seminar. It's hard to know from reading articles alone what a query letter or pitch should look like.\" -\u003cstrong\u003eJed H., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"It was my absolute pleasure to meet you virtually on Saturday! Thank you for the wealth of detailed information and on-the-spot, yet carefully crafted critiques you shared with each of us— the experience is treasured, and invaluable.\" -\u003cstrong\u003eMica K., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Saturday’s class opened my eyes to the mistakes of my query submissions, which boil down to two crucial elements: word count \u0026amp; comps. Soliciting a bloated manuscript with no comps outside of a couple of 20+ year-old movie references advertised a novice understanding of the publishing industry, making me a rightful candidate for the rejection pile.\" -\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam W., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Thank you, Mark, for this wonderful workshop!\" -\u003cstrong\u003eDiane G., Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan color=\"#000000\"\u003e“You gave me enough writing technique and marketing information to feel like I can get started with confidence. Thank you!” \u003cstrong\u003e— Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Thank you for being so diligent, so focused and so professional in your approach to the class. I found the whole experience exceeded my most optimistic expectations.” \u003cstrong\u003e— Workshop Student\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Workshop will meet via Zoom on Saturday, June 13th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession 1 will be 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM EST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15-minute Break Between Sessions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession 2 will be 1:55 PM – 3:00 PM EST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Recordings of all sessions will be made available to everyone who enrolls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb | Live via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday, June 13th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46276954652920,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Indie_vs_Traditional_Publishing_with_Mark_Owen_Gottlieb_72f37f9d-5f7b-49ab-b151-e9511d9509b4.png?v=1755014073"},{"product_id":"grief-writing-workshop-online-flash-nonfiction","title":"Paper, Memory, and Light: Writing Through Grief in Flash Nonfiction 4-Week Generative Zoom Workshop with Mira Ptacin, Starts Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom for 2 Hours on Wednesdays, starting at 1:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e Los Angeles (PDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (BST): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNow Enrolling!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by Mira Ptacin, the author of the award-winning memoir \u003cem\u003ePoor Your Soul\u003c\/em\u003e (Soho Press, 2016), which was named a best book of the year by Kirkus Books, where it received a rare “starred” review. She’s also the author of the genre-blending book of feminist history, memoir, and ethnography, \u003cem\u003eThe In-Betweens: The Spiritualists, Mediums, and Legends of Camp Etna\u003c\/em\u003e (Liveright-W.W. Norton, 2019), which the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e lauded as the best book to read during a pandemic. Mira’s writing frequently appears in the \u003cem\u003eNew York Times, New York Times Book Review, Vogue, Poets and Writers, Harper’s, Tin House, LitHub\u003c\/em\u003e, and more. She received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, where she was editor-at-large of their literary magazine, LUMINA. Mira lives on Peaks Island, Maine, and is currently working on her next book. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRead \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"The Geography of Loss: Mira Ptacin on Writing Through Grief's Terrain\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/the-geography-of-loss-mira-ptacin-on-writing-through-griefs-terrain\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ean Interview with Mira\u003c\/a\u003e on The Geography of Loss and Writing Through Grief's Terrain.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrief is a journey without a map. It shifts and changes shape, often defying words—but writing can help us navigate its terrain. Through storytelling, we can honor what we have lost, hold space for our emotions, and begin to understand the many ways love and longing intertwine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis four-week workshop is a space for those carrying grief, whether from the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another life-altering transition. Guided by Mira Ptacin, we will use creative expression to explore memory, absence, and healing. There is no right or wrong way to write about grief—only a willingness to put thoughts to paper in whatever form feels true.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach week, we will read a short nonfiction piece that explores loss from a unique perspective, followed by discussions and flash nonfiction writing prompts. Each session will center around a distinct theme, focusing on both craft techniques and emotional depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: Finding Words for What We Carry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grief is deeply personal, yet universally felt. This week, we will explore how writers have captured the intangible weight of loss and reflect on our own experiences through writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading: \"The Fourth State of Matter\" by Jo Ann Beard, \"Letter from Home\" by Kiese Laymon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: The Shape of Absence: \u003c\/strong\u003eWhat remains when something—or someone—is gone? This week, we will examine how grief reshapes our lives, memories, and identities, and how writing can give form to what feels like a giant blobfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading: \"Now We Are Five\" by David Sedaris,  \"Kindness and Sorrow\"  by Laurie Easter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: Conversations with the Past: \u003c\/strong\u003eGrief is not only about endings—it is also about the continuing presence of what has been lost. This week, we will explore how memory, reflection, and even imagined conversations can help us connect with our past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading: excerpt from \"Time is a Mother\" by Ocean Vuong,\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: Writing Toward Healing: \u003c\/strong\u003eWhile grief never fully leaves us, creative expression can help us move forward with greater understanding and compassion. This final week, we will reflect on the role of storytelling in healing and transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading: \"The Limit\" by Christian Wiman\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn our final week, we will gather everything we’ve worked on and take stock of where it has brought us. This is a time to reflect on what we’ve written, what we’ve discovered, and what still feels unresolved. We’ll talk about revision**how to return to a draft with fresh eyes and shape rough material without losing its original spark**and we’ll discuss what comes after this workshop: whether that means publication, performance, personal writing practice, or simply weaving a sustainable routine into everyday life. The week will close with a celebration of everyone’s work, as each participant shares a short excerpt of something they’re proud of. Together, we’ll affirm each writer’s voice, recognize the growth that has taken place, and set intentions for what comes next.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of our time together, you will have written up to four flash nonfiction pieces on grief and memory, gained insight from others who have walked a similar path, and discovered how writing can serve as both a vessel for sorrow and a source of solace. This workshop is not about fixing or moving on—it’s about honoring what we feel, giving it space, words, and meaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eREQUIREMENTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class will be a mixture of lectures, readings, discussions, and critique and will require active engagement in all of the above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eI encourage writers of all levels to take class with Mira. Our class had writers with MFAs and dozens of books as well as writers who simply wanted help trying to find the right words. Mira’s thoughtfully designed coursework, readings and assignments, combined with her warmth, encouragement, and enthusiasm, made our class a place where students felt a sense of belonging, and where everyone could take risks. Our class has ended, but everyone wants to stay together and keep writing. Mira’s magic fosters that sense of community. Her expertise elevates everyone’s work\u003c\/em\u003e.” —Jennie Burke \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI met Mira while taking her Flash Nonfiction class and was immediately taken with her approach. She balanced fun and warmth with soft honesty and thoughtful guidance. She was responsive to one-on-one outreach and was more than happy to meet with me again after class had ended. What's more, she introduced me to some of her publishing contacts. I can't wait for the next opportunity to take one of Mira's classes\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Jennifer C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eMira’s skill at creating a safe and open space for writing and sharing is unlike any class I have taken. She has an arsenal of unique, generative prompts; endless source material; and unlimited inspiration from her own life (and our lives!). I come away from each class with a flowering list of things to write, research, and read. Mira understands how to appreciate and talk about details in writing and to guide the class in sequence with generous and helpful critique. She is an ace at leading discussions which never feel rushed. She manages the class time so that everyone is heard and encouraged. I highly recommend this empathetic and whip smart teacher. Happy bonus: she is as cool as heck. As a professional writer, I was looking for an awakening about my craft and my career. I got more than I bargained for: a gentle nudge, a kick in the pants, and a warm embrace. Writers at any level would be lucky to attend one of Mira’s workshops.\u003c\/em\u003e” —Laura Dower, author of more than 150 children\u003cspan\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es books from Penguin, Capstone, Macmillan, Scholastic, Disney, and other publishers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eMira’s micro-memoir class is powerful and empowering! Mira’s teaching has consistently helped me access my most true creative voice. Her prompts are pitch perfect—just the right balance of open-ended and focused. I come away from my time with her a wiser writer and full of inspiration. Mira’s feedback is encouraging and thoughtful; she’s authentically respectful, erudite, and has an infectious passion for the mot juste\u003c\/em\u003e.\" —Polly Duff Kertis, writer and teacher.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eMira is magical. I’ve taken a number of her workshops, and even had the fabulous good luck to study with her in Paris last year. I continue to be blown away by her effervescence, creativity, and the absolute joy she brings to each workshop. Her prompts are thoughtful and imaginative, and her insights are invaluable. Plus, she is simply the warmest, most encouraging and talented writer and teacher I have ever known. You will walk away from her class with renewed enthusiasm and love for the craft of writing. I cannot wait to take another workshop with her\u003c\/em\u003e!” —Kristin Perpignano, writer and graphic designer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eIt’s rare to come across a short writing class that leaves a long mark on my soul, but Mira’s did. Her prompts during class were unique, ones I’d not heard or written around before. And her gentle invitation for each of us to read aloud (if we wanted) led us to a place of unexpected closeness as a group of otherwise strangers. By the end of two hours, I couldn’t wait to read more of my classmates’ words, to give more time to the essay-lets I generated in class, and to sign up for more Mira. Time and money very, very well spent\u003c\/em\u003e.” —Nikki Campo, writer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eIf you want to improve your writing, follow these steps: sign up for a class with Mira Ptacin, then do what she says. It’s that simple. Before enrolling in Mira’s class, I struggled to write anything personal, whether a short paragraph or a ten-page essay. I was timid, reserved, and uncomfortable sharing in public. Thankfully, Mira’s teaching completely changed my mindset. Through her technical skill, knowledge of the memoir genre, and unyielding empathy, she helped me break from my cocoon and share my story with the world. She is, without a doubt, the best writing teacher I’ve ever had. I can’t recommend her classes highly enough\u003c\/em\u003e.\" —Matt Rocha, journalist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eI will read anything Mira writes. Her words have the same effect as stepping into a hot bath, after standing under a spotlight — she calls attention to what ails us (often before other writers have dared to do so) and then says, here is how I am healing myself; how we can heal ourselves. She is also the rare writer who is as good a teacher (and finds teaching to be a calling) as she is a writer. She will forever be your champion and cheerleader and sounding board, and you will leave her classes feeling seen and invigorated and a little more sure of your creative worth. She’s a gift.\u003c\/em\u003e” —Michelle Koufopoulos, writer and former Riverhead Books editor  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI so enjoyed Mira Ptacin's Writing as Catharsis: Flash Memoir workshop. Mira is a fabulous leader\/teacher\/moderator for the group. The community of writers we had was an amazing group. And Mira's writing prompts were excellent\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eMira Ptacin's Micro-Memoir workshop was great. The readings and the prompts were excellent, and Mira's energy and enthusiasm really added to the class. One of my favorite classes!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class meets weekly via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $330 USD. You can pay for the course in full \u003cem\u003eor\u003c\/em\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Mira Ptacin\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom for 2 Hours on Wednesdays, starting at 1:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46280097988856,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/MiraPtacinHeadshot2025.png?v=1754507689"},{"product_id":"the-list-making-method-transform-your-fiction-poetry-and-essays-a-zoom-seminar-with-ethan-joella","title":"The List-Making Method: Transform Your Fiction, Poetry and Essays, a Zoom Seminar with Ethan Joella on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" id=\"block-689061bb302a5b82a1ea\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWednesday, July 22nd, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eus.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthan Joella i\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003es the author of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enovels \u003ci\u003eA Little Hope\u003c\/i\u003e (Scribner, 2021), which was a Read \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewith Jenna Bonus Selection, \u003ci\u003eA Quiet Life\u003c\/i\u003e (Scribner, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2022), \u003ci\u003eThe Same Bright Stars\u003c\/i\u003e (Scribner, 2024), and \u003cem\u003eThe Top of the World\u003c\/em\u003e (Scribner, 2026). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis books have been featured in \u003ci\u003eThe New York Times, People, \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Good Housekeeping\u003c\/i\u003e.  Ethan teaches English and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epsychology at the University of Delaware and specializes in community writing workshops. He lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewith his family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRead \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Master the Art of List-Making: Ethan Joella's Proven Techniques for Breaking Writer's Block\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/master-the-art-of-list-making-ethan-joellas-proven-techniques-for-breaking-writers-block\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ean Interview with Ethan \u003c\/a\u003eon Mastering the List-Making Method.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn this class, students will learn how lists can enhance fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writing.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAre you struggling to make your characters feel authentic or your settings come alive? Finding it difficult to structure your stories, essays or poems in a way that resonates with readers? Most writers hit creative roadblocks that standard writing advice simply doesn't solve.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat if you're overlooking one of the most powerful techniques used by literary legends like Susan Sontag, Ray Bradbury, Kim Addonizio, and Elizabeth Strout?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe List-Making Method is a transformative approach that accomplished writers have quietly relied on for decades to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReveal complex character psychology in a single paragraph.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate immersive settings that readers can't forget.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStructure poems and essays with unexpected resonance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreak through creative blocks when you're stuck.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this intimate, interactive Zoom workshop, celebrated author Ethan Joella reveals the exact list-making techniques that have revolutionized his own writing process and those of his most successful students.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat you'll experience:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalyze rarely-discussed list techniques from contemporary masterworks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate your own transformative lists through guided exercises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReceive personalized feedback in a supportive environment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply these methods immediately to your current projects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're developing existing work or starting something new, join us to unlock a technique that can instantly elevate your writing across all genres.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReserve your spot now before this session fills – and bring a current project that's ready for transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEthan will share examples of lists in various genres.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents will discuss lists and do response exercises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents will come away with new ideas to enhance character or setting, try different structures, or add conflict or resolution via lists.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI really appreciated how the weekly feedback that was specific to my work. I would recommend this to any writer looking to take their work to the next level.\u003c\/em\u003e\" - Tara K.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis class exceeded my expectations. The assignments were well-defined, and Ethan's thoughtful feedback pushed me out of my comfort zone. I felt that the class was really well-scoped. I'd love to take further classes with Ethan, especially anything around character interiority and expressing a character's needs\/wants\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Lizz H.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eEthan is such a thoughtful teacher. I really enjoyed this class and hope he teaches more classes soon\u003c\/em\u003e!\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis class exceeded my expectations and now I have a new tool in my writing toolbox!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou can pay for the course in full \u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $99 USD. This class will meet live via Zoom. If you can't attend live, a recording will be provided.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eInstructor: Ethan Joella\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWednesday, July 22nd, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" id=\"block-3d8366dec4183f93ceae\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46325811052792,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/EthanJoellaUpdatedHeadshot2026.png?v=1772561669"},{"product_id":"summer-camp-for-writers-8-week-session-with-sarah-mccoll","title":"Summer Camp for Writers 8-Week Online Session with Sarah McColl starts on Saturday, June 20th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBegins Saturday, June 20, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis 8-week generative online writing workshop is delivered asynchronously via Wet Ink.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZoom Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e At the midpoint of our work together, we will meet for one hour of silent cowriting via Zoom. The last thirty minutes will be time for a casual chat to check in and see how the writing is going. This meeting is optional but encouraged. It helps forge connections and confirm that we are, indeed, real people behind our profile pics. Our lone Zoom Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 9:30–11:00 AM Pacific.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eInstructor Sarah McColl is the author of the debut memoir and Belletrist Book Club Selection JOY ENOUGH (Liveright\/W.W. Norton \u0026amp; Company, 2019). For five years, she published LOST ART, Substack bestseller about the creative work of (mostly) dead women and a 2023 finalist for the Andy Warhol Arts Writers Grant. In 2026, she launched PAPER CHOIR, a quarterly mail art and zine publishing experiment with artist LK James. Her essays have appeared in McSweeney's, the Paris Review, and StoryQuarterly. The recipient of fellowship awards from MacDowell, Millay Arts, Ucross, and Vermont Studio Center, McColl holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and lives in Northern California with her family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/summer-camp-for-adult-writers-an-interview-with-sarah-mccoll-on-the-pleasures-of-unstructured-creative-play\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Summer Camp for Adult Writers: an Interview with Sarah McColl on the Pleasures of Unstructured Creative Play\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSummer Camp for Adult Writers: an Interview with Sarah McColl on the Pleasures of Unstructured Creative Play\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSummer Camp for Writers is for anyone looking at a summer calendar of travel and disrupted routines and wondering how on earth they will find time to write. This 8-week generative writing workshop provides scaffolding to nurture your writing life during the loosey-goosey summer months. Open to all levels and all genres—fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writers are welcome. Expect creative experiments, inspiring readings, lots of prompts for generative writing, and a supportive community of fellow writers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePart of summer's beauty is its undoneness. Our schedules fall apart (ideally replaced by shady hammocks and sandy sandwiches). In this lovely looseness, our artistic practice can suffer. Don't lose your art this summer! Come to Summer Camp for Writers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSummer Camp for Writers is time to practice—an invitation to mess around, generate new material, and talk about writing in a low-stakes environment with other folks who want to keep the flame of their creativity lit through a season that tends to throw routines by the wayside. Less grinding it out, more delighting in the creative act. No victors or finish lines, just staying close to your work and voice. Through weekly invitations to creative experiments, generative writing prompts, and asynchronous togetherness via our online writing class on Wet Ink, writers in Summer Camp collaboratively invent and imagine ways to nurture their creative lives that don't require logging hours at a laptop. Because the sun's out, the mountains call, the ice cream is melting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis creative writing workshop grows from the steadfast belief that creating the conditions for pleasure—for awe and play, connection and feeling good—positively impacts our writing life. If you feel good about your writing life, you will want to return there. Our goals are two-fold: to bring lightness and liveliness to our creative lives during a season when they might otherwise get short shrift and to gather with a writing community who shares that desire. The instructor will comment on each piece of work writers post to Wet Ink. This feedback is intended to be supportive and encourage further generativity through questions and suggested opportunities present in the work. Writers are also encouraged to comment on each other's work to contribute to a community of mutual encouragement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will bring lightness and liveliness to their creative lives during a season when they might otherwise get short shrift and gather with a writing community who shares that desire. Writers who actively participate will generate at least eight pieces based on prompts. The instructor will provide supportive written feedback on each piece posted to Wet Ink, encouraging further generativity through questions and suggested opportunities present in the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReadings may include excerpts, essays, stories, and poems by Kate Chopin, Chris Dennis, Elaine Dundy, Betty Smith, Emily Dickinson, Kim Addonizio, Gretel Ehrlich, Heather Christle, Sybille Bedford, Eula Biss, Susan Sontag, Rebecca Solnit, E.B. White, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 1: Welcome to Summer Camp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 2: Time\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 3: Sand, Splinters, and Other Irritants\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 4: The Seriousness of Frivolity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 5: Ripe to Bursting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 6: Salt\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 7: Field Trip\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 8: The Talent Show\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eConnect with a community of like-minded writers through ongoing discussions and shared learnings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eReceive 8 Summer Camp newsletters full of writing prompts, reframes, readings, and radical ideas to encourage a sustainable (and joyful!) writing practice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eReframe your writing practice as a source of play, delight, and fun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDiscover new ideas and experiment with creative approaches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGenerate a mass of wild, fresh, urgent writing nourished by sun and salt air\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePreserve time for your vital, inner relationship with self, art, and creativity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Sarah McColl's workshop was an experience I will neither regret nor forget. Her remote workshop sessions guided us gently through intense and important journeys, and her genuine interest in each and every one of us was clear in both her approach and style. In addition to remote workshop classes, thought-provoking newsletters which included themed writing prompts encouraged me to push past my comfort zone into a territory I'd not explored in many years, and the Group Diary we all shared helped me realize that both my successes and my shortcomings were not unfounded nor uncommon. It was the perfect mix of cherishable challenges. I would recommend Sarah McColl's workshops to anyone and everyone who wants to not only improve their writing and\/or write more often, but to learn more about themselves and their part in the process of furthering their art. This experience was the indisputable highlight of my summer. Highly recommended.\" — Marnie M.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"The prompts really pushed me creatively, and the instructor's feedback and enthusiasm were much appreciated. I loved just having time to experiment in the class and hear others' responses. Sarah was great.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"This generative writing camp with Sarah was exactly what I was looking for at exactly the right time. Sarah did a great job facilitating this class, and I really appreciated the time she took with the feedback I received from her.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I wanted a space where I could experiment without too much pressure. I liked that we didn't analyze the experience of the writing exercise too much, we just kept moving along. It made it all feel less important somehow, which made it less stressful, which made it more fun, which made for better writing. At least, for me. I also commend you, Sarah, for setting the tone of the workshop as a collaborative and supportive and curious space.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"From the readings to the generative prompts and lively discussions, I came away feeling refreshed and invigorated not only to write and read, but to make writing an important part of my daily routine. I'm grateful to you for helping me to feel alive and curious again.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I felt like I was in really compassionate orchestrating hands. The experience, wisdom and energy provided at such a high level makes it really easy to just let go and go for the ride and see what you can mine from yourself. Okay....I don't want to get weird and whip out a pan flute but it's a really special blend of pragmatism, craft, inspiration, and magic. There's a feeling of it being spiritual if you want it to be without it having to be group therapy. I felt lucky to be there and definitely don't really know how to explain it's more than a writing workshop to people.\" — Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an 8-week online class\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSarah has designed a weekly email newsletter that includes prompts, readings, and ideas. Wet Ink will be used for online discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is entirely asynchronous which means you complete the weekly assignments on your own schedule. There are no set meeting times in order to allow for greater participation; your cohort will consist of writers from across different time zones, which allows for a wonderful diversity of voices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with your weekly deadlines there is plenty of interaction with Sarah and your peers within\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWet Ink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, our dedicated online classroom. Craft materials, lectures, reading assignments, and writing prompts are all available through the online classroom. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can get the work done as you see fit week-to-week, so it is perfect for any schedule. There are discussion questions each week inspired by the assigned readings and topics in the lecture notes. Students are encouraged to take these wherever is most compelling and\/or useful for them. Sarah engages with these discussions throughout the week and you will receive feedback from all assigned writing activities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW DOES WET INK WORK?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWet Ink was built and designed specifically for online writing classes. Wet Ink is private, easy to use, and very interactive. You can learn more about the Wet Ink platform by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/demos\/take-a-class\/get-familiar-with-your-class\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eWatching a Class Demo\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $545 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Sarah McColl\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Saturday, June 20, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eThis 8-week generative writing workshop is delivered asynchronously via Wet Ink, with one optional Zoom cowriting session on Wednesday, July 22, 9:30–11:00 AM Pacific\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $545 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46325899034872,"sku":"","price":545.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/SarahMcCollSummerCampforWriters2026.png?v=1772672020"},{"product_id":"writing-flash-nonfiction-a-one-day-zoom-intensive-with-robert-anthony-siegel","title":"Writing Flash Nonfiction: A One-Day Zoom Intensive with Robert Anthony Siegel on Saturday, May 30th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\" id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom Saturday, May 30th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 12PM - 5:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM \/ London (BST): 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Robert Anthony Siegel \u003c\/strong\u003eis the author of a memoir, \u003ci\u003eCriminals\u003c\/i\u003e, and two novels, \u003ci\u003eAll Will Be Revealed \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e All the Money in the World\u003c\/i\u003e. His work has appeared in \u003ci\u003eThe New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian Magazine, The Paris Review, The Drift, The Oxford American, and Ploughshares\u003c\/i\u003e, and has been anthologized in \u003ci\u003eBest American Essays 2023, O. Henry Stories 2014, \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Pushcart Prize XXXVI\u003c\/i\u003e. He has been a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan, a Mombukagakusho Fellow in Japan, a Writing Fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, and a Paul Engle Fellow at the Iowa Writers Workshop. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers Workshop.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe all know flash fiction, the super-short story form that leans on voice and image to capture a moment of imaginitive inspiration. But what about flash’s nonfiction counterpart, sometimes called the micro-essay or the micro-memoir? Just a page or two in length, flash nonfiction is quick and easy to learn, yet endlessly rich and challenging to practice, perfect for the memoirist looking to capture a telling moment of lived experience, or the essayist bent on making a point in the most concentrated form possible. They can stand alone, be lined up to form longer narratives, or grouped together around theme or subject matter. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one-day online intensive course is designed for writers who want to start exploring the creative possibilities of flash nonfiction. We will talk about how the genre works, read a variety of published examples displaying different approaches to form, and generate work of our own through in-class exercises, sharing our writing with the group as time permits. We will also discuss further reading and publishing opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you will do over the five hours:  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eRead published examples of flash nonfiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eWrite in-class exercises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eShare work with the group\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you will learn:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eThe importance of voice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eThe power of image and metaphor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eThe relationship between text and subtext\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you will take away:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eAt least four in-class exercises to take home and revise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eA list of ideas for ten others\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eInformation about further reading and publishing opportunities\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCourse Expectations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eOpen to all levels of experience, no preparation needed. Come ready to talk, ask questions, write short in-class exercises, and share with the group.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Full of richly drawn characters and jolting plot twists—Glasser’s time behind bars is especially chilling—Siegel’s debut novel works both as a parable of how quickly the high and mighty can fall, and as gripping drama. 'Money' well spent.\" -NEW YORK POST on ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Early in this novel, there is a wonderful scene—rich with embarrassment—in which Louis Glasser, the altogether unlikely hero, helps his Harvard-educated son buy a new suit. The son’s fortunes founder, but that’s nothing compared to the perils that overwhelm his father—a lawyer who operates on the margins and becomes the target of a criminal investigation. Siegel’s … portraits (loving and otherwise) of the Glassers, New York prosecutors, and various lowlifes are right on the money.\" -THE NEW YORKER on ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"...Well-turned and elegant...Gloriously complex...\" -ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION on ALL WILL BE REVEALED\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"...A richly detailed and seedily seductive narrative.\" -PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on ALL WILL BE REVEALED\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Robert's unique skill as a teacher comes from his enthusiasm not only for talking, which is present in many talented professors, but for listening... He has a reputation for being the best kind of teacher: generous, knowledgeable, demanding, and always at the ready with excellent advice.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The level of discourse was challenging and interesting and I think part of the reason for that was the casual atmosphere of discussion, fostered by Robert. When people are allowed to speak in an open, non-threatening environment, wonderful things happen.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $150. You can pay for the course in full \u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. These options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Robert Anthony Siegel\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom Saturday, May 30th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet 12PM - 5:00PM Eastern.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $150.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46349597638904,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/robertsiegelHeadshot_f9b51221-fdf3-4fd7-8a44-d32238b06d75.png?v=1703195669"},{"product_id":"writing-with-vulnerability-and-creative-courage-zoom-seminar-with-gg-renee-hill","title":"Writing with Vulnerability and Creative Courage Zoom Seminar with GG Renee Hill on Sunday, June 7th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunday, June 7th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 3:00PM - 6:00PM ET\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e Los Angeles (PDT): 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM \/ London (BST): 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eInstructor GG Renee Hill is the author of \u003cem\u003eSelf-Care Check In: A Guided Journal to Build Healthy Habits and Devote Time to You\u003c\/em\u003e (Rockridge, 2020) and \u003cem\u003eA Year of Self-Reflection Journal: 365 Days of Guided Prompts to Slow Down, Tune In, and Grow\u003c\/em\u003e (Rockridge, 2021). Her debut book of essays, \u003cem\u003eStory Work: Field Notes on Self-Discovery and Reclaiming Your Narrative, \u003c\/em\u003eis available from Broadleaf Books (2025). Her books center writing as a tool for healing, self-discovery, and creative courage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"3450eee6-13ca-4328-920f-cb6a6b1bfd1f\" class=\"min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start gap-3 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLay the foundation to become the impactful storyteller you want to be in a healthy, intuitive, and sustainable way. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting presents us with the opportunity to examine our lived experiences to find meaning and wisdom that we can transform into art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also presents us with the challenge of taking care of ourselves through the vulnerability of exploring, strengthening, and sharing our voices to become more fully expressed. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis three-hour session helps writers find the courage to be vulnerable and write about sensitive subjects. In this workshop, you learn how to view creative vulnerability as an act of generosity and how to offer up your humanity through story as a gift to yourself and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will come away from this workshop with perspective on your unique storyteller type and how this understanding builds courage. You will also learn best practices for taking care of yourself as you do this introspective work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis workshop is designed for beginning and intermediate nonfiction writers.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp title=\"Page 1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to turn the fear of vulnerability into creative material to write about\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdentify the sources of your creative motivation as the foundation of your why\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe difference between examination and exposure when it comes to personal storytelling.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTechniques to tell your story and maintain your anonymity\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to ethically approach writing about other people\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to turn a raw journal entry into a piece for publication\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWriters will come away with ideas for writing projects and notes for a rough draft.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEMINAR OUTLINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a one-session, three-hour workshop that starts with an interactive Truth\/Fiction warm-up exercise followed by seven sections:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFear as creative material. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe motivation to share.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExamination vs. Exposure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom Embarrassed to Enlightened.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom Journal to Publication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResponsibility to Others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreativity, Self-Care, and Resilience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAKE THIS CLASS IF\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou're finding the constraints of your current writing practice too limiting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want exposure to a range of new approaches to bring to your writing practice.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want an expanded sense of what is possible in your work in 2025 and beyond!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Renee was a gem to work with. She was so attentive to all of the participants, and really helped me feel more empowered in my writing process and coming out of the fear of telling my story. I appreciated this class!\" - former participant\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I loved your style of teaching. It was very honest and super insightful. Thank you for helping me rediscover my spark again for writing.\" - former participant\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"GG was such a warm and welcoming instructor! She conveyed her genuine passion for the craft and its many gifts. If anyone present wasn’t convinced they wanted to write, I bet that they are now. GG clearly cares about each student who shows up to learn from her. She shared a wealth of resources with us - during and after the class. I would happily take more of her workshops, and direct other writers to do the same!\" - former participant\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"GG is a talented facilitator who skillfully created a container for us to explore our vulnerability. The workshop inspired me to write more and practice embracing the imperfection. Would love workshops or classes that touch on the themes of today’s session.\" - former participant\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"GG was a wonderful, confident instructor. I hope to take another with her again.\" - former participant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor: GG Renee Hill\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunday, June 7th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 3:00PM - 6:00PM ET\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNote: If you can't attend live, this class will be recorded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Tuition is $99 USD. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46441677717752,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/GGReneeHillHeadshot.png?v=1746826064"},{"product_id":"writing-from-the-body-a-fiction-and-nonfiction-class","title":"Writing From the Body: A Fiction and Nonfiction 2-Week Class (Zoom) with Shze-Hui Tjoa, on Sunday, March 15th and 22nd, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eClass is on Sundays, July 12th \u0026amp; 19th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet on consecutive Sundays via Zoom for 2 Hours at 10AM - 12PM Eastern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM \/ Chicago (CDT): 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM \/ New York (EDT): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ London (BST): 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Shze-Hui Tjoa is a Singaporean writer who lives in Edinburgh, UK. Her debut, \u003cem\u003eThe Story Game: A Memoir\u003c\/em\u003e (Tin House Books, 2024), is a genre-bending work about storytelling, sisterhood, the body\/mind divide of c-PTSD, having been raised as a child musician, and deconstructing\/finding the self. T\u003cem\u003ehe New York Times, The Boston Globe, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Book Riot\u003c\/em\u003e recognized it as a notable book of its release season. Shze-Hui is a Nonfiction Editor at \u003cem\u003eGuernica\u003c\/em\u003e and a Commissioning Fiction\/Nonfiction Editor at \u003cem\u003eAdi Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e. Her career has been supported by various global arts organizations, including AWP and VONA\/Voices (US), Disquiet International (Portugal), Green Olive Arts (Morocco), and the National Arts Council of Singapore. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave you ever wondered what knowledge your body holds that your mind doesn’t -- yet? In this two-part class, we will explore this question together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn our first week, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003ewe will do a close reading of several fiction and nonfiction texts written from a bodily perspective -- covering themes including food, movement, sex, and pain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, we will learn about the strategies that writers across genres have used to successfully tap into the body’s point-of-view -- inhabiting the particular ways in which the body perceives sensation, time, and space, so as to bring the fullness and materiality of its experiences into their writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn our second week, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003ewe will pivot towards generative writing -- while incorporating the theoretical knowledge we gained in week one. Shze-Hui will lead students through a writing ritual designed to help them find the unique voice of their own body -- tapping into its memories and unconscious desires to help it \"speak\" more clearly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aim is for students to leave equipped with a long-form writing exercise that they can utilize independently, in whichever genre they usually work with (e.g. as part of character design in fiction, or to explore the self more deeply in memoir).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TEXTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will read short excerpts from the following books:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eButter\u003c\/em\u003e by Asako Yuzuki, \u003cem\u003eLittle Scratch\u003c\/em\u003e by Rebecca Watson, \u003cem\u003eHurricane Season\u003c\/em\u003e by Fernando Melchor, \u003cem\u003ethere are more things\u003c\/em\u003e by Yara Rodrigues Fowler, \u003cem\u003eThe Archer \u003c\/em\u003eby Shruti Swamy, \u003cem\u003eParadise Rot \u003c\/em\u003eby Jenny Hval, \u003cem\u003eMaps of Our Spectacular Bodies \u003c\/em\u003eby Maddie Mortimer, \u003cem\u003eSplit Tooth\u003c\/em\u003e by Tanya Tagaq, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: \u003c\/strong\u003eClose-reading of nonfiction and fiction texts, as well as short writing exercises to learn from the literary techniques that writers are deploying in order to capture the body’s voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: \u003c\/strong\u003eLong-form generative writing ritual to help writers find the unique voice of their own body, so as to help it “speak\" more clearly on the page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, students will leave with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperience analyzing literary texts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA syllabus of body-centric writing and books\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA toolkit of exercises that they can use to “drop down” from their minds into their bodies at any given time in their personal writing practices.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd several pieces of experimental\/generative writing that we will produce together in class\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class meets weekly via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $180 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Shze-Hui Tjoa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass is on Sundays, July 12th and 19th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet on consecutive Sundays via Zoom for 2 Hours at 10AM - 12PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $180 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cscribe-shadow id=\"crxjs-ext\" data-crx=\"okfkdaglfjjjfefdcppliegebpoegaii\" style=\"position: fixed; width: 0px; height: 0px; top: 0px; left: 0px; z-index: 2147483647; overflow: visible; visibility: visible;\"\u003e\u003c\/scribe-shadow\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46496849756408,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Shze-HuiTjoaHeadshot2025.png?v=1748633059"},{"product_id":"the-art-of-completion-how-to-finish-a-start-stop-writing-project","title":"The Art of Completion: How to Finish a Start \u0026 Stop Writing Project 3-Week Zoom Intensive with Albert Flynn DeSilver starts on Saturday, September 12th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBegins Saturday, September 12, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PT\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PT): 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM \/ Chicago (CT): 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM \/ New York (ET): 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM \/ London (BST): 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Bio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlbert Flynn DeSilver is the author of several books of poems, the memoir \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeamish Boy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (one of KIRKUS Reviews Best Books of 2013) and the popular nonfiction book for writers \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWriting as a Path to Awakening\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from Sounds True\/Macmillan, which \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBUSTLE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e magazine called “A Must Read!,” and  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoets \u0026amp; Writers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e magazine chose as one of their “Best Books for Writers” in 2018. Albert has published work in more than 100 literary journals and magazines, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZYZZYVA, Chicago Review, New American Writing, Hanging Loose\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Writer’s Digest, Adventure Journal, and elsewhere. Albert has taught and shared the stage with many bestselling authors, including Cheryl Strayed, Elizabeth Gilbert, Maxine Hong Kingston, and many others. He has taught at various Colleges, Universities, institutes, and writing conferences nationally for more than 25 years. \u003cem\u003ePhoto Credit: Beowulf Sheehan.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Art of Finishing: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/the-art-of-finishing-albert-flynn-desilver-on-conquering-creative-procrastination\" title=\"The Art of Finishing: Albert Flynn DeSilver on Conquering Creative Procrastination\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAlbert Flynn DeSilver on Conquering Creative Procrastination\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis online writing workshop is perfect for busy professionals, fidgety skeptics, the easily distracted, the great procrastinator, the eternal dreamer, and the epically distractible — as well as journalers, poets, memoirists, and fiction writers of all kinds who are ready to break the cycles of incompletion and actually finish their writing projects. All levels welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eJoin us for a supportive and dynamic writing workshop on going from start-and-stop and epic procrastination around your writing to a finished book. You will explore actionable techniques to drum up the discipline to stay the course.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eHow do we actually finish a book? How do we get over start-and-stop syndrome? What are the secrets to discipline and consistency? What are the steps we can take toward a satisfying completion of our creative writing projects? We will answer all these questions and more in this online writing class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eYou will learn insights and techniques for overcoming writer's block, finding the time to write where there is none, transcending distractions, and completing your writing project or book. Albert's approach blends mindfulness exercises with practical writing strategies, creating a warm and supportive environment for writers at every stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Albert Flynn DeSilver is a gem, a joy to work with, and puts together amazing workshops.\" — Cheryl Strayed, Best Selling Author of WILD \u0026amp; TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn this course, students will identify their personal hindrances to completion and develop actionable strategies to overcome them. Through a combination of writing exercises, mindfulness practices, and group discussion, students will build a sustainable writing practice and learn the steps to completing their current writing project or book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eRecommended reading: \u003cem\u003eWriting as a Path to Awakening: A Year to Becoming an Excellent Writer \u0026amp; Living the Awakened Life\u003c\/em\u003e by Albert Flynn DeSilver (Sounds True\/MacMillan, 2017)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 1: Welcome and Introductions. Identifying the hindrances and challenges. Discussions around common hindrances: procrastination\/avoidance, writer's block, inspiration addiction, \"not enough time,\" fear of success\/exposure\/completion. Writing exercise to transcend general resistance. Mindfulness exercise as rooted practice before ALL writing sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 2: Dissolving hindrance #1: Discussion \u0026amp; lecture. \"Dismantling the illusion.\" Exercises for transcendence. Writing process\/sharing Q\u0026amp;A.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWeek 3: Dissolving hindrance #2: Discussion \u0026amp; lecture. \"Dismantling the illusion.\" Exercises for transcendence. Writing process\/sharing Q\u0026amp;A, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eand closing words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTime Permitting: Dissolving Hindrance #3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0. Steps to completion. Heroic examples of completion, published books, and resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHow to overcome creative blocks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eHow to transcend start-and-stop syndrome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePractices for sustained, consistent action\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eThe 10 not-so-secret secret steps to completion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAlbert helped me discover words and stories in me that I never knew existed. I am both having fun and enjoying my writing. I now consider myself to be a writer! — N.W., Kansas City, MO\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eYou helped me feel free to write with no expectations. I am now finally going to write my memoir! I am forever grateful for your kindness, love and compassion! — C.S., Black Hills, South Dakota\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAlbert Flynn DeSilver is a wonderful teacher. He is a warm and gentle presence and the blend of mindfulness lessons and writing exercises was an amazing mix! — M.W., Florida\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eI felt my spirit lifted and supported in countless ways in this great gift of a class! — M.H., Wisconsin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThank you for providing such a calm and supportive environment in which to write and share our work. The weekend was an incredible experience and you definitely inspired me to write more and, hopefully, better. Thanks again for an unforgettable workshop! — H.L., Bergen, New Jersey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTHANK YOU, Albert, for four enlightening, educational, and fun writing classes. I learned more about the craft and how to improve mindfulness, too. — D.C., San Francisco\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eI learned new positive attitudes toward poetry and prose, which greatly expanded my knowledge of both. — J.M., New York\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $280 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Albert Flynn DeSilver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Saturday, September 12, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $280 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Full Tuition","offer_id":46548696203512,"sku":"","price":280.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/AlbertHeadshotHeadshot2026.png?v=1772669681"},{"product_id":"over-come-writers-block-with-tawny-lara","title":"Just F*%#ing Write: Get Words Out of Your Head and Onto the Page Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Saturday, July 11th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, July 11th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom 1:00PM – 3:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by Tawny Lara, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/730665\/dry-humping-by-tawny-lara\/\" title=\"Dry Humping  A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze By Tawny Lara\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Sobriety Deck: Practical Practices for a Booze-Free Lifestyle\u003c\/i\u003e, and co-founder of the vinegar-based botanical beverage, (parentheses).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis seminar offers a mix of writing prompts and practical advice to help writers write. Whether you’re a professional author or you’re still trying to convince yourself that you’re a “real writer,” this workshop is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants will emerge from this seminar with fresh ideas, several pages of writing, and clarity on the next step of their writing journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEMINAR TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMastery over the elements of a book proposal, including:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWriting Time: \u003c\/strong\u003eTawny guides you through a series of writing prompts to get the creative juices flowing. There’s also space to read selected writings aloud and get feedback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTake Your Writing Practice on a Date: \u003c\/strong\u003eWhen is the last time you romanced yourself, let alone your writing? This seminar includes Tawny’s tips for setting up a writing space that makes you actually want to sit still and write.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQ\u0026amp;A: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe last 20 minutes of class is wide open for you to ask Tawny anything about publishing, freelancing, pitching, book proposals, book marketing, entrepreneurship, newsletters, and more.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHO SHOULD ATTEND:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis seminar welcomes a diverse audience, from seasoned writers seeking to refine their writing skills to curious beginners eager to embark on their writing journey. Regardless of your experience level, this seminar promises to equip you with the insights, tools, and inspiration needed to get back into your writing flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Tawny Lara's guidance, you'll shift your perspective on the writing process. Prepare to feel empowered, inspired, and fully equipped to tackle a blank page with confidence and enthusiasm. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“When it comes to non-fiction, a big part of an agent’s job is wrangling a book proposal together with their author. Digging into the why of the project, discussing platform, and the like. It only benefits you to be more prepared. The more you have in there, the better. When Tawny’s proposal arrived in my agent inbox and I opened it, it was like that scene in Pulp Fiction when they open the briefcase and all golden light shines out. It was perfect. And I called her the same day asking to work on the project. You’ll learn a lot from her, absolutely” -Eric Smith, author \u0026amp; Tawny’s agent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The publishing world is a minefield, and Tawny is a Bloodhound. Over the past decade, she's learned how to navigate this clusterfuck of this industry, cutting through the BS, so you can actually get published and your voice heard.” -Zachary Zane, Author of \u003cem\u003eBoyslut, A Memoir and Manifesto\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny is such an excellent resource for someone navigating publishing and proposals for the first time. I am a DIY-type who usually just uses Google to teach me everything, but having Tawny's help saved me weeks if not months of research and helped me feel extremely clear and prepared as I began the process. Very grateful for her expertise!” -Mariana Louis, archetypal tarotist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny Lara's class on writing non-fiction book proposals is a lighthouse for anyone eager to explore mental health topics with depth and empathy. Her expertise not only helps writers to craft impactful narratives but also to navigate the complexities of mental health with sensitivity and insight.\" - Sophie Saint Thomas, author of \u003cem\u003eReproductive Rites\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny is not only an experienced journalist and writer, but she’s also a marketing wiz who can bring that extra special sauce to your book proposal. If you want to actually sell your book, there’s no one else that I’d rely on to teach me the 101.” - Irina Gonzalez, editor, journalist, and author of the\u003cem\u003e Raising Gen Alpha\u003c\/em\u003e newsletter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny is a master when it comes to marketing yourself as a writer. She will help you focus your vision and tap into insider knowledge of the publishing world.\" -Gemma Hartley, author of \u003cem\u003eFed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny will help you sell your book proposal. She knows the game, and she will teach you how to play it.” -Paulina Pinsky, co-author of\u003cem\u003e It Doesn’t Have to be Awkward\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for what was a chock-full-of-info book proposal seminar yesterday. I am so glad I came; it was worth my time in all respects! Thank you for being so generous and forthcoming and giving us so much knowledge about the book proposal process in such a clear and seamless way. I feel like every minute had something valuable to offer. My kind of seminar!\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This seminar got me excited to explore and think about how I might take what I already do and turn it into a card deck and if so...what would that look like. Tawny was knowledgeable and open and kept on time with things, which I always appreciate. It was well worth the investment.\" -former student.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This seminar exceeded my expectations! It was super helpful and informative about an emerging area of publishing. The most helpful part: Tawny's slide deck; the comparison between self-publishing and traditional; talking about how publishers have different imprints for paper products. Thank you!\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou can pay for the course in full \u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor: Tawny Lara\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaturday, July 11th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom 1:00PM – 3:00PM Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA recording will be provided if you cannot attend live\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46550139273464,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Tawny_Lara_Headshot_5_6b6d9b3b-0112-4e8d-993c-9542c016dce4.png?v=1761327740"},{"product_id":"the-ethics-of-memoir-a-two-hour-multigenre-craft-talk-seminar-with-robert-anthony-siegel","title":"The Ethics of Memoir: A Two-Hour Multigenre Craft Talk with Robert Anthony Siegel (Zoom) on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom Wednesday, May 6th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 7PM - 9PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThis class will be recorded if you cannot attend live. \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Robert Anthony Siegel \u003c\/strong\u003eis the author of a memoir, \u003ci\u003eCriminals\u003c\/i\u003e, and two novels, \u003ci\u003eAll Will Be Revealed \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e All the Money in the World\u003c\/i\u003e. His work has appeared in \u003ci\u003eThe New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian Magazine, The Paris Review, The Drift, The Oxford American, and Ploughshares\u003c\/i\u003e, and has been anthologized in \u003ci\u003eBest American Essays 2023, O. Henry Stories 2014, \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Pushcart Prize XXXVI\u003c\/i\u003e. He has been a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan, a Mombukagakusho Fellow in Japan, a Writing Fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, and a Paul Engle Fellow at the Iowa Writers Workshop. He holds an MFA from the Iowa Writers Workshop.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery memoirist knows that honesty is the great force that powers memoir. But what if that honesty causes distress to family and friends? What does the writer owe to others who appear in their story? And what does the writer owe to the story itself?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this two-hour Zoom seminar, we will explore these and other questions around the ethics of memoir, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen is it reasonable to protect the privacy of people who appear in your story? Is it okay to change names? Alter other kinds of identifying details? Create composite characters? At what point do changes undermine the integrity of the story?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow should you talk to the people in your story about these issues? \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow should you negotiate conflicting memories, conflicting interpretations of events?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes anyone have a right to see the manuscript? \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat if they ask for changes?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs there ever a reason to consult with a lawyer? When?\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough at first glance the ethics of memoir can feel fraught, even intimidating, the truth is that thinking about the people in your story is always a positive step, a way of adding richness and complexity to your understanding of your memoir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately, this seminar will help you write the story you need to write with greater confidence and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCourse Expectations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eOpen to all levels of experience and all genres. No preparation needed. Just come to class ready to write, explore, and share.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Full of richly drawn characters and jolting plot twists—Glasser’s time behind bars is especially chilling—Siegel’s debut novel works both as a parable of how quickly the high and mighty can fall, and as gripping drama. 'Money' well spent.\" -NEW YORK POST on ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Early in this novel, there is a wonderful scene—rich with embarrassment—in which Louis Glasser, the altogether unlikely hero, helps his Harvard-educated son buy a new suit. The son’s fortunes founder, but that’s nothing compared to the perils that overwhelm his father—a lawyer who operates on the margins and becomes the target of a criminal investigation. Siegel’s … portraits (loving and otherwise) of the Glassers, New York prosecutors, and various lowlifes are right on the money.\" -THE NEW YORKER on ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"...Well-turned and elegant...Gloriously complex...\" -ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION on ALL WILL BE REVEALED\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"...A richly detailed and seedily seductive narrative.\" -PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on ALL WILL BE REVEALED\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Robert's unique skill as a teacher comes from his enthusiasm not only for talking, which is present in many talented professors, but for listening... He has a reputation for being the best kind of teacher: generous, knowledgeable, demanding, and always at the ready with excellent advice.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The level of discourse was challenging and interesting and I think part of the reason for that was the casual atmosphere of discussion, fostered by Robert. When people are allowed to speak in an open, non-threatening environment, wonderful things happen.\" -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. These options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor: Robert Anthony Siegel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom Wednesday, May 6th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClass will meet 7PM - 9PM Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-51a8238b2f73df2e52ed\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46572798443768,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/robertsiegelHeadshot_f9b51221-fdf3-4fd7-8a44-d32238b06d75.png?v=1703195669"},{"product_id":"intermediate-autofiction-nail-your-protagonist-to-find-your-plot-12-week-zoom-workshop","title":"Intermediate Autofiction: Nail Your Protagonist To Find Your Plot 12-Week Zoom Workshop with Victoria Costello, Starts Tuesday, September 8th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-62b681ac90b953325c64\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBegins Tuesday, September 8th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWriters in this class meet twice a month for the duration of the program. We will meet bi-monthly (2x each month), once with the whole class of eight, and a second monthly meeting dedicated to a smaller group workshop. Meetings will take place on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, from 6 to 8pm ET.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e🌍 Class Times by Time Zone: Los Angeles (PDT): 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTaught by Victoria Costello, an Emmy Award-winning writer, teacher, and the author of six published non-fiction books, including her memoir, \u003cem\u003eA Lethal Inheritance\u003c\/em\u003e. Her debut novel of autobiographical fiction is \u003cem\u003eOrchid Child\u003c\/em\u003e (June 2023). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA 12-week course for intermediate and advanced writers: transform your raw life experiences into a masterful work of autofiction that captivates readers while honoring your truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat You'll Achieve in 12 Weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBy the end of this intensive workshop, you'll have:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA Crystal-Clear Protagonist: You'll move beyond writing \"yourself\" to crafting a compelling fictional character based on your experiences, one with distinct motivations, flaws, and a unique voice that draws readers in from page one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA Plot That Drives Forward: Your story will no longer meander through memories. Instead, you'll have a tightly constructed narrative with rising tension, meaningful complications, and a satisfying resolution that feels both inevitable and surprising.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eMastery of the Autofiction Balance: You'll confidently navigate the delicate line between truth and fiction, knowing exactly when to stick to facts and when to invent details that serve your story's deeper emotional truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA Complete Story Arc: Your protagonist will face a problem that truly matters, struggle with both surface desires and deeper needs, and emerge transformed, taking your readers on an unforgettable journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eProfessional-Level Craft Skills: You'll command advanced narrative techniques that elevate your writing from personal testimony to universal storytelling that resonates with any reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho This Workshop Transforms\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis intensive 12-week program is designed for writers who are ready to take their personal stories to the next level. You're perfect for this workshop if you have 5-10 pages of a work in progress featuring a protagonist based on yourself, facing a significant problem or life-changing event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWhether you're a memoirist wanting to explore fiction techniques or a fiction writer drawing from personal experience, you'll learn to craft stories that transcend the personal to become universally compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYour Expert Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eVictoria Costello brings Emmy Award-winning storytelling expertise and six published books to guide your transformation. Her debut autofiction novel Orchid Child and memoir A Lethal Inheritance demonstrate her mastery of trauma-informed storytelling that heals both writer and reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Workshop Experience\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIntimate Learning Environment: Limited to just eight writers for personalized attention and meaningful feedback\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBi-Monthly Structure: Two meetings per month—full group sessions and smaller workshop groups—ensuring both community learning and individual focus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFlexible Scheduling: First and third Tuesdays, 6–8pm ET, designed for working writers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eNo Intimidating Applications: Start immediately with your existing pages—no lengthy application process required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYour Story Deserves to Be Told Powerfully\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eStop struggling with memories that feel too important to fictionalize and too complex for straight memoir. In 12 weeks, you'll have the skills and confidence to tell your story in a way that honors your experience while creating art that moves others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eReady to transform your personal story into compelling fiction?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWriters in this class meet twice a month during the program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe whole group of eight writers attends the monthly lectures and discussions. Workshops consist of four writers each, with these subgroups meeting once a month to give and receive feedback on class exercises and chapters from their works-in-progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEPTEMBER 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSeptember 8th, 2026: WELCOME — Introductions, Schedule, Workshop Process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eLecture 1: Three Essential Steps to Nail Your Protagonist in Chapter One\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eExercise for Workshop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWorkshop A (09\/15) \u0026amp; Workshop B (09\/22): Writers give and receive feedback on first chapters and workshop exercise responses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSeptember 29th, 2026, Lecture 2: Going Deeper into Your Protagonist Using a Trauma Perspective\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eExercise for Workshop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWorkshop A (10\/06) \u0026amp; B (10\/13): Writers give and receive feedback on second chapters and character arc exercise responses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOCTOBER 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eOctober 27th, 2026, Lecture 3: Protagonist Break Point as Story Climax\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eExercise for Workshop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWorkshop A (11\/03) \u0026amp; B (11\/10): Writers give and receive feedback on a chapter from their WIP that contains scenes involving the protagonist's key ally and\/or primary antagonist, in light of exercise responses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOVEMBER 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eNovember 24th, 2026, Lecture 4: Twelve Ways to Revise Your Manuscript\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eExercise for Workshop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWorkshop A (12\/01) \u0026amp; B (12\/08): Writers give and receive feedback on their opening and closing pages in light of their response to the story question exercise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDECEMBER 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDecember 15th, 2026, Lecture 5: How to Discover your Readers and Choose a Publishing Strategy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I have an MFA and I've workshopped with many writers over the years, some quite famous. I feel that Victoria's workshop helped me the most because of her gift of balancing a writer's personal trauma with the craft of writing. And I love how she managed to meet everyone within a diverse group at their own individual pace and level of readiness.\" — Hannah, PA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Thank you so much for your encouragement and excellent suggestions and revisions, Victoria!\" — Diane G.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Thank you, Victoria. You have given me the encouragement I needed to feel like this is a worthwhile project.\" — Pat S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Victoria is dedicated to instructing her students. She offered honest, valuable feedback along with a personal touch. Her insight and sense of humor made the group comfortable and rewarding. I appreciate the encouragement she gave me and others throughout the course.\" — Paul B.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I had a really monumental class experience. I walked away with a solid start to a first chapter, and, for the first time, concrete ideas on how to plod forward.\" — Sonya C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I got so much out of the class. It was informative and so much fun! It really infused some life back into me, which was the hope.\" — Alison L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eI had no idea what to expect from this class and was very pleasantly surprised when it felt like the right fit. The depth of the classes and the feedback from the classmates and your critique was insightful and helpful. Thank you for giving me a pleasing experience on my journey of writing. — Jonette S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThank you so much, Victoria! Your notes have been of great help to me. I also thank you for your warm words at the end. It was a pleasure for me too to be in this class. — Anca P.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThank you for all that you have shared. I have learned a lot and appreciate your time and mentoring. — Cynthia S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAs the author of an autobiographical novel in process, I've been greatly helped by Victoria's teaching on questions like how to portray living people, how to maintain dramatic tension, and who this story belongs to. She is a perceptive reader whose taste encompasses literary fiction and more popular work. As an instructor, she provides specific constructive suggestions on framing and word choice as well as pacing. She develops an esprit de corps within the class and encourages supportive yet discerning feedback on one another's work. — Diane Crothers, Brooklyn, New York\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eOur lives hold stories waiting to be told, and Victoria is helping me tell mine. She brings her professional experience as a memoirist and novelist and empathy born of her own life's experiences to her teaching. With an eye for innovative details and suggestions for new approaches to bring a character to life, Victoria skillfully guides her students through the storytelling process, whether they be seasoned writers or newcomers to the craft. — Deborah Rothschild, Talent, Oregon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eVictoria obviously knows her stuff! I found that the space she created in our class, and her guidance, to be supportive, insightful, and very helpful. As an author of memoir trying out new material, the class was invaluable. — Donna M. Thomas, Ashland, Oregon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"It is not easy to take complex ideas and competing theories about form and create clarity from them, but Victoria Costello has managed to do just that in her course on autofiction. My writing has benefited greatly from her capacity for synthesis, her generous spirit of feedback and sharing of resources, and her belief in the possibility of the work. What a fabulous course!\" — Patti Digh, author of Life is a Verb and seven other books\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"As a memoirist, this introduction to autofiction inspired me to fictionalize pieces of my book that I had been struggling with writing. I had such a great time learning new techniques that Victoria taught in addition to reviewing some foundations of writing a full length novel. Victoria helped me turn an idea into a well thought out book in an interactive and inspiring way. I highly recommend this course, no matter where you are on your writing journey.\" — Holly Whiteknight, naturopathic physician and memoirist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I would recommend this class for anyone who wants to bring a memoir to life by turning it into auto-fiction. Victoria is skilled at seeing the possibilities because she has personal experience of turning a memoir into auto-fiction.\" — Kanu Kogod, diversity consultant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTuition is $950 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eWriters in this class meet twice a month from September 8 through December 15, 2026. We will meet bi-monthly (2x each month), once with the whole class of eight, and a second monthly meeting dedicated to a smaller group workshop. Meetings will take place on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, from 6 to 8pm ET. This online class will be taught via Zoom and is limited to 8 students. Tuition is $950 USD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46590397219064,"sku":null,"price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/products\/VictoriaCostelloHeadshot.png?v=1672699622"},{"product_id":"everyday-drama-shaping-memoir-from-diaries-notes-and-journals-4-week-zoom-workshop-with-rebecca-van-laer","title":"Everyday Drama: Shaping Memoir from Diaries, Notes, and Journals 4-Week Zoom Workshop with Rebecca van Laer starts Monday, July 6th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Monday, July 6th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Mondays, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNow Enrolling!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Rebecca van Laer is the author of two books: HOW TO ADJUST TO THE DARK (novella, Long Day Press, 2022), and CAT (memoir, Bloomsbury's Object Lessons series, forthcoming). Her fiction and essays appear in the \u003cem\u003eNew England Review, Joyland, TriQuarterly, Electric Literature\u003c\/em\u003e, and elsewhere. She holds a Ph.D. in English from Brown University, where she studied queer and feminist autobiography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more about Rebecca in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/mining-the-mundane-rebecca-van-laer-on-finding-drama-in-daily-life\" title=\"Rebecca van Laer on Finding Drama in Daily Life\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eMemoir doesn’t always need to center around a life-changing turning point — sometimes, it’s a record of the everyday dramas of life and the way they accrue meaning. In this generative workshop, we’ll look at recent diaristic works as we mine our mundane experiences for narrative material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eNatalie Goldberg reminds us that memoir is not “a chronological pronouncement of the facts of your life,” but rather “the study of memory … an examination of the zigzag nature of how our mind works.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eOver the course of four weeks, we’ll consider how nonfiction can depart from conventional narrative, especially by embracing forms that unspool through fragments, juxtaposition, and dilated moments from everyday life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eTogether, we’ll examine how writers from Jamaica Kincaid to Sheila Heti excavate everyday experience for pathos and shape it into compelling forms. In response, we’ll use material from our personal archives (diary entries, marginalia, text messages, emails, missives in the Notes app, etc.) as well as generate new material through generative writing exercises and homework assignments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eStudents will have the opportunity to workshop resulting short essays in a supportive environment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWhile our readings are focused on memoir, writers working on projects of all prose genres and lengths will gain new tools for finding inspiration from the everyday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings may include\u003c\/strong\u003e excerpts from Victoria Chang, \u003cem\u003eDear Memory\u003c\/em\u003e; Lydia Davis, \u003cem\u003eThe Cows;\u003c\/em\u003e Sheila Heti, \u003cem\u003eAlphabetical Diaries\u003c\/em\u003e; Heidi Julavits, \u003cem\u003eThe Folded Clock\u003c\/em\u003e; Jamaica Kincaid, \u003cem\u003eMy Garden\u003c\/em\u003e (Book); Naomi Washer, \u003cem\u003eMarginalia\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: \u003c\/strong\u003eAttention\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: \u003c\/strong\u003eJuxtaposition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: \u003c\/strong\u003eConversations \u0026amp; Missives\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: \u003c\/strong\u003ePatterns and Repetition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnhanced attention to the everyday: Writers will learn to find the kernel for a longer piece in short observations and offhand writing. We’ll also work to develop the skill of close observation and description.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTools to dilate short pieces: Students will come away with a list of practical exercises for expanding a short piece of writing through association and juxtaposition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe ability to develop tension outside of conventional narratives: We’ll move away from the Hero’s Journey and other conventional three-act structures to consider how tension can develop at the sentence and paragraph level.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInsight into contemporary experimental nonfiction: By closely reading writers working outside of conventional memoir structures, students will learn how to pitch their own nonfiction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe ability to workshop writing in its early stages: This generative workshop will focus on collaborative, inquisitive workshopping that seeks to support works-in-progress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe first draft of an essay focused on the everyday: Students will write at least one full essay and will have the beginnings of several more.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eThis class meets weekly via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $330 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Rebecca van Laer\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Monday, July 6th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Mondays, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $330 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContact us \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Contact\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e if you have any questions about this class.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46590804099320,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/RebeccavanLaerHeadshot2025.png?v=1751635321"},{"product_id":"writing-past-the-page-6-week-generative-zoom-intensive-with-josh-krigman","title":"Writing Past The Page 6-Week Generative Zoom Intensive with Josh Krigman, Starts Monday, September 14th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins  Monday, September 14th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Mondays, 7PM - 9PM EST \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNow Enrolling!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Josh Krigman (he\/him) is a writer, teacher, and facilitator in New York City. He has taught creative writing at Hunter College, the United Nations International School, Center for Fiction, National Geographic Expeditions, and more. He has been awarded residencies from Vermont Studio Center, and his work has appeared in the \u003cem\u003eSummerset Review, Akashic Books, Necessary Fiction\u003c\/em\u003e, and elsewhere. He received his MFA in fiction from Hunter College. He is also the co-founder and New York host of Club Motte, an international storytelling series that hosts live events in New York and Berlin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more about Josh in our \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"How to Stay Warmed Up as a Writer: An Interview with Josh Krigman\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/how-to-stay-warmed-up-as-a-writer-an-interview-with-josh-krigman\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWriting Past The Page uses observation-based exercises to keep you in a writing frame of mind more frequently, making it easier to find and stay in the rhythm when you finally have the time. All prompts are designed for writers at every level of experience and introduce new ways to make your relationship to writing more productive, more fun, and more you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eIt’s often hard to make time for your writing, and even harder to feel like you’re using that time well. Too often, once you’ve finally warmed up, you have to stop and return to the rest of your life. But what if you could stay warmed up all the time?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eIn this six-week, generative course, we’ll explore ways of taking your writing practice beyond your desk, starting with building your own writing sketchbook. Unlike a notebook, a sketchbook isn’t for ideas to be used and developed later, but a place where you can practice writing for its own sake. Your writing sketchbook is a space for you to observe the world through language, and a tool that encourages you to stay open to those observations more often.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThrough in-class prompts and ongoing assignments, we’ll slowly build our sketchbooks, expanding your relationship to writing from the status of your current project to the way you interact with the world and producing plenty of new pages in the process. Then, when it is time for your project, you’ll be warmed up and ready to go. All genres are welcome, no experience is necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eReadings may include 'May' by Ali Smith, 'Teaching A Stone To Talk' by Annie Dillard, and other PDF material that Josh will distribute via email each week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e Introductions, unpacking our writing biases and unconscious rules, and an exercise to shake the dust off and get to know one another’s practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: \u003c\/strong\u003eAli Smith’s ‘May’ and new approaches to observational writing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: \u003c\/strong\u003eDistinguishing an observation from an assumption, and playing with the relationship between the two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: \u003c\/strong\u003eDiscussing Annie Dillard’s ‘Teaching A Stone To Talk’ and using our observations to write a poem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 5: \u003c\/strong\u003eInventing observations and using found objects to inspire new characters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 6: \u003c\/strong\u003eSharing our collected observations and using our own and each others to build new work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDevelop a personal writing sketchbook practice\u003c\/strong\u003e - Create a dedicated space for observing the world through language and practicing writing for its own sake, separate from project-focused work.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaster observation-based writing techniques\u003c\/strong\u003e - Learn to distinguish observations from assumptions and use daily collected observations to fuel your creative process and generate new material.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuild sustainable daily writing habits\u003c\/strong\u003e - Establish a consistent practice that keeps you \"warmed up\" and in a writing mindset more frequently, making it easier to transition into productive writing sessions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenerate new stories and characters from everyday life\u003c\/strong\u003e - Use found objects, collected colors, and shared observations to inspire fresh narratives and develop compelling characters across all genres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eJosh’s workshops and one-on-one sessions have been invaluable to my growth as a writer. His approach to the craft is refreshingly fun and thorough, and his feedback on my writing sample directly contributed to my acceptance to Hunter’s MFA program. I really can’t recommend him enough!\u003c\/em\u003e\" — Alisa P.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Josh Krigman fostered a non-judgmental sense of community within our class. The writing exercises were fun and low-pressure, and Josh kept the focus on how to keep your writing brain turned on even when it's not your main focus. I think it will be easy to continue to use the methods shared to keep my writing practice going.\" \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— Former Student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Writing Past the Page with Josh really helped me to establish a writing practice that is fluid - meaning that I feel constantly engaged with the writer in me and feel less anxious about sitting down to write, staring at a blank screen. The paralysis of writer's block has been banished! I now have a 'writer's sketchbook' and a structure for collecting ideas, information, and material in my sketchbook that will keep writer's block at bay!\" \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e— Former Student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Josh is a patient, communicative, and inspiring writing instructor who guides without imposing. After taking two writing workshops with Josh, I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to dive deeper into their narratives, flesh out their characters, and receive thoughtful, constructive criticism on their work.\" — Liz L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eThis class meets weekly via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $445 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Josh Krigman\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Monday, September 14th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Mondays, 7PM - 9PM EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $445 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46590838866168,"sku":null,"price":445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/WritingPastthePagewithJoshKrigmanSeptember2026.png?v=1773433160"},{"product_id":"self-promo-without-the-cringe-platform-pitching-and-press-releases-4-week-zoom-intensive-with-tawny-lara","title":"Self-Promo Without the Cringe: Platform, Pitching, and Press Releases 4-Week Zoom Intensive with Tawny Lara, Starts Tuesday, June 30th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Starts on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe class will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 6:00PM - 8:00PM Eastern.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis course is designed for writers ready to prioritize their platform. Tawny Lara, Quirk and Penguin Random House author of \u003ci\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/730665\/dry-humping-by-tawny-lara\/\" title=\"Dry Humping  A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze By Tawny Lara\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDry Humping: A Guide to Dating Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, and the forthcoming card deck, \u003ci\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/750832\/the-sobriety-deck-by-tawny-lara-and-lisa-smith\/\" title=\"The Sobriety Deck  Simple Practices for a Booze-Free Lifestyle By Tawny Lara and Lisa Smith\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Sobriety Deck\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003c\/i\u003edesigned this intensive as the DIY PR Intensive she needed in the early stages of her publishing career. Tawny also has a Business degree, and she's the CMO of a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.drinkparentheses.com\/\" title=\"(parentheses) is a vinegar-based botanical beverage created by sober entrepreneurs, Tawny Lara (author) and Nick Mechak (former sommelier).\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edrink brand\u003c\/a\u003e. She approaches DIY PR the same way she approaches business. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHiring a publicist can be expensive AF, while learning how to do your own outreach can feel like one more thing on an already overwhelming to-do list. You want to get the word out about your work but have no clue where to start. That's where DIY PR comes in. This course is designed to help you promote your work (books, essays, expertise, business, products) by learning Tawny's scrappy approach to DIY publicity and platform building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin author and entrepreneur Tawny Lara for a five-week intensive filled with tangible advice on getting quoted as an expert on your subject, being a podcast guest, and creating a public persona with solid boundaries. You'll also learn whether to hire a publicist or try DIY.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTawny's a self-help author who likes to keep it real, so she'll facilitate frank discussions about the finances of working with publicists and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/hiring-virtual-assistant-overwhelmed-work-improved-productivity-2024-10\" title=\"I hired a virtual assistant after I realized how overwhelmed I was with work. Asking for help was hard, but it's been so worth it.\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003evirtual assistants\u003c\/a\u003e. This course concludes with therapy-informed tips on managing the emotions that come with rejection, imposter syndrome, and the myriad emotions associated with writer life and media outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest Speakers Include:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/substack.com\/@rachelkramerbussel\" title=\"Rachel Kramer Bussel Substack\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eRachel Kramer Bussel\u003c\/a\u003e, a journalist, copywriter, anthology editor, erotica writing teacher, consultant, and event organizer. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sarina-appel\/\" title=\"Sarina Appel LinkedIn page\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSarina Appel\u003c\/a\u003e, a seasoned Media Relations, Marketing, and Events professional.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: Platform + Persona \u003c\/strong\u003e- Identify what makes you, you by exploring your “why me, why now.” Learn Tawny’s experience creating \"The Sober Sexpert\" persona that landed her a book deal and hear what she’d do differently if she started today. You’ll also learn how to set boundaries while honing a public persona so you can prioritize your privacy. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWeek 2: Find Your Target Audience(s)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Tawny leads a series of exercises to help you identify your target audience(s). Then, you’ll learn how to pitch the gatekeepers (editors, reporters, podcast hosts, etc…) who publish the content your target audience consumes. Getting eyes and ears on your expertise is essential for platform building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: Essay Pitches\u003c\/strong\u003e - Writing for traditional or new media outlets can be a great way to establish yourself as an expert while also getting more eyes on existing work. Tawny shares examples of her essay pitches that got her in writing in Men’s Health, Playboy, LitHub, and more. Students will practice writing their own pitches and receive feedback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: Press Pitches\u003c\/strong\u003e - While week 3 is all about collecting bylines, week 4 covers “alerting the press” about your expertise. Learn the basics of a press release and personalized media pitch. You’ll also review Tawny's media pitches that landed her expertise as “The Sober Sexpert” on NPR, Men’s Health, Dan Savage's Savage Love, and more. Students will write their own media pitches and receive feedback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSPECIFIC COURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents will learn how to define (or refine) their public persona—rooted in their personal “why me, why now”—while still maintaining healthy boundaries to protect their privacy. By the end of Week 1, they’ll have clarity on what sets them apart and how to leverage that uniqueness to stand out in a saturated market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrough guided exercises, students will pinpoint the exact audiences most likely to connect with their work. They’ll also learn practical outreach tactics—pitching editors, podcast hosts, and other “gatekeepers”—to effectively reach those audiences and build a genuine platform.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOver Weeks 3 and 4, students will develop and refine their own essay pitches and press releases. They’ll see real examples from Tawny’s successful placements (in outlets like Men’s Health, Playboy, LitHub, NPR) and receive personalized feedback to help them position their writing and expertise for maximum impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe course culminates in candid discussions on the realities of rejection, imposter syndrome, and the mental toll of doing your own publicity. Students will leave with therapy-informed strategies to navigate emotional roadblocks, plus insights on whether to DIY or hire professional help—all grounded in an honest look at the finances and logistics of PR for writers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“When it comes to non-fiction, a big part of an agent’s job is wrangling a book proposal together with their author. Digging into the why of the project, discussing platform, and the like. It only benefits you to be more prepared. The more you have in there, the better. When Tawny’s proposal arrived in my agent inbox and I opened it, it was like that scene in Pulp Fiction when they open the briefcase and all golden light shines out. It was perfect. And I called her the same day asking to work on the project. You’ll learn a lot from her, absolutely” -Eric Smith, author \u0026amp; Tawny’s agent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The publishing world is a minefield, and Tawny is a Bloodhound. Over the past decade, she's learned how to navigate this clusterfuck of this industry, cutting through the BS, so you can actually get published and your voice heard.” -Zachary Zane, Author of \u003cem\u003eBoyslut, A Memoir and Manifesto\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny is such an excellent resource for someone navigating publishing and proposals for the first time. I am a DIY-type who usually just uses Google to teach me everything, but having Tawny's help saved me weeks if not months of research and helped me feel extremely clear and prepared as I began the process. Very grateful for her expertise!” -Mariana Louis, archetypal tarotist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny Lara's class on writing non-fiction book proposals is a lighthouse for anyone eager to explore mental health topics with depth and empathy. Her expertise not only helps writers to craft impactful narratives but also to navigate the complexities of mental health with sensitivity and insight.\" - Sophie Saint Thomas, author of \u003cem\u003eReproductive Rites\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny is not only an experienced journalist and writer, but she’s also a marketing wiz who can bring that extra special sauce to your book proposal. If you want to actually sell your book, there’s no one else that I’d rely on to teach me the 101.” - Irina Gonzalez, editor, journalist, and author of the\u003cem\u003e Raising Gen Alpha\u003c\/em\u003e newsletter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny is a master when it comes to marketing yourself as a writer. She will help you focus your vision and tap into insider knowledge of the publishing world.\" -Gemma Hartley, author of \u003cem\u003eFed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny will help you sell your book proposal. She knows the game, and she will teach you how to play it.” -Paulina Pinsky, co-author of\u003cem\u003e It Doesn’t Have to be Awkward\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $330 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Tawny Lara\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass Starts on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe class will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 6:00PM - 8:00PM Eastern.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited to 20 students.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46608347824376,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Tawny_Lara_Headshot_5.png?v=1737474635"},{"product_id":"push-through-writers-block-zoom-seminar-with-tawny-lara","title":"Push Through Writer's Block Zoom Seminar with Tawny Lara on Sunday, May 17th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunday, May 17th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom 1:00PM – 3:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by Tawny Lara, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/730665\/dry-humping-by-tawny-lara\/\" title=\"Dry Humping  A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze By Tawny Lara\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating, and Hooking Up Without the Booze\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Sobriety Deck: Practical Practices for a Booze-Free Lifestyle\u003c\/i\u003e, and co-founder of the vinegar-based botanical beverage, (parentheses).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis seminar provides an in-depth examination of four hurdles that writers often put in their own way. Tawny’s experience as a journalist, author, teacher, and coach helped her identify four recurring blocks that writers often struggle to overcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTawny’s teaching approach is a mix of tangible tips, actionable advice, and real-life experience. Whether you’re a professional author or you’re still trying to convince yourself that you’re a “real writer,” this workshop is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants will emerge from this seminar with fresh ideas, tools to use when feeling blocked, and clarity on the next step of their writing journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEMINAR TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmbrace Rejection: \u003c\/strong\u003eLearn how Tawny kept pitching her book and freelance writing, despite consistent rejection. Also, hear how she still deals with rejection regularly. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDance with Perfectionism: \u003c\/strong\u003eTawny echoes Anne Lammott’s famous advice of writing “shitty” drafts. Learn tips on how to quiet the perfectionism so you can get words on the page.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIgnore Impostor Syndrome: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis section is for the voice in your head that thinks this class isn’t for you because it’s for “real” writers. Hear Tawny’s moments of impostor syndrome and how she still pushes through them, one day at a time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSet Realistic Goals: \u003c\/strong\u003eIdentify your writing goals, then learn Tawny’s actionable advice on setting realistic goals to make those dreams happen.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHO SHOULD ATTEND:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis seminar welcomes a diverse audience, from seasoned writers seeking to refine their writing skills to curious beginners eager to embark on their writing journey. Regardless of your experience level, this seminar promises to equip you with the insights, tools, and inspiration needed to get back into your writing flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Tawny Lara's guidance, you'll learn how to push through writer’s block while actually getting new words on the page. Prepare to feel empowered, inspired, and fully equipped to tackle a blank page with confidence and enthusiasm. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“When it comes to non-fiction, a big part of an agent’s job is wrangling a book proposal together with their author. Digging into the why of the project, discussing platform, and the like. It only benefits you to be more prepared. The more you have in there, the better. When Tawny’s proposal arrived in my agent inbox and I opened it, it was like that scene in Pulp Fiction when they open the briefcase and all golden light shines out. It was perfect. And I called her the same day asking to work on the project. You’ll learn a lot from her, absolutely” -Eric Smith, author \u0026amp; Tawny’s agent\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The publishing world is a minefield, and Tawny is a Bloodhound. Over the past decade, she's learned how to navigate this clusterfuck of this industry, cutting through the BS, so you can actually get published and your voice heard.” -Zachary Zane, Author of \u003cem\u003eBoyslut, A Memoir and Manifesto\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny is such an excellent resource for someone navigating publishing and proposals for the first time. I am a DIY-type who usually just uses Google to teach me everything, but having Tawny's help saved me weeks if not months of research and helped me feel extremely clear and prepared as I began the process. Very grateful for her expertise!” -Mariana Louis, archetypal tarotist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny Lara's class on writing non-fiction book proposals is a lighthouse for anyone eager to explore mental health topics with depth and empathy. Her expertise not only helps writers to craft impactful narratives but also to navigate the complexities of mental health with sensitivity and insight.\" - Sophie Saint Thomas, author of \u003cem\u003eReproductive Rites\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny is not only an experienced journalist and writer, but she’s also a marketing wiz who can bring that extra special sauce to your book proposal. If you want to actually sell your book, there’s no one else that I’d rely on to teach me the 101.” - Irina Gonzalez, editor, journalist, and author of the\u003cem\u003e Raising Gen Alpha\u003c\/em\u003e newsletter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny is a master when it comes to marketing yourself as a writer. She will help you focus your vision and tap into insider knowledge of the publishing world.\" -Gemma Hartley, author of \u003cem\u003eFed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tawny will help you sell your book proposal. She knows the game, and she will teach you how to play it.” -Paulina Pinsky, co-author of\u003cem\u003e It Doesn’t Have to be Awkward\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tawny, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for what was a chock-full-of-info book proposal seminar yesterday. I am so glad I came; it was worth my time in all respects! Thank you for being so generous and forthcoming and giving us so much knowledge about the book proposal process in such a clear and seamless way. I feel like every minute had something valuable to offer. My kind of seminar!\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This seminar got me excited to explore and think about how I might take what I already do and turn it into a card deck and if so...what would that look like. Tawny was knowledgeable and open and kept on time with things, which I always appreciate. It was well worth the investment.\" -former student.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This seminar exceeded my expectations! It was super helpful and informative about an emerging area of publishing. The most helpful part: Tawny's slide deck; the comparison between self-publishing and traditional; talking about how publishers have different imprints for paper products. Thank you!\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full \u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor: Tawny Lara\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunday, May 17th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom 1:00PM – 3:00PM Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99 USD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46608401105144,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Tawny_Lara_Headshot_4.png?v=1737474635"},{"product_id":"memoir-workshop-voice-structure-story-leila-c-nadir","title":"Memoir Workshop: Voice, Structure, and Story 6-Week Zoom Intensive with Leila C. Nadir starts Monday, June 29th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBegins Monday, June 29th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Mondays, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: Class will not meet the week of July 20th.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Leila C. Nadir is an award-winning writer, community-engaged artist, creative-critical educator, and academic and creative writing editor. She is a 2023 MacDowell Fellow in Literature, 2023 Hedgebrook Fellow, 2023 de Groot Foundation Courage-to-Write grantee, 2023 Tin House Scholar, and 2024 VCCA 50th Anniversary Fellow. Her work appears in literary and scholarly journals, in museums and galleries, and in forests, classrooms, and kitchens, and she is the founder of one of the first Environmental Humanities academic programs in the nation. She holds a PhD in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University and regularly works with writers and academics around the world on developing their research and literary projects. She is an editor for \u003cem\u003eLos Angeles Review of Books\u003c\/em\u003e and is represented by Ayesha Pande of Ayesha Pande Literary in NYC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the teaching artist:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Master Memoir Craft: An Interview with Leila Nadir\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/leila-nadir-memoir-craft-interview\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMaster Memoir Craft: An Interview with Leila Nadir\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis workshop, limited to 12 writers, will deepen understandings of the craft of life writing for memoirists of all levels.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat is most precious because it is lost,\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ewhat is lost because it is most precious\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e– Amiri Baraka\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe write memoir because we are carrying an intense experience or memory that won’t allow itself to be left in the past, remain buried in the unconscious, or be turned into fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this workshop, limited to 12 writers, you will gain tips and strategies for how to excavate these precious memories and transform them into prose. In each of our five class meetings, we will study key elements of memoir craft in a way that is beneficial to both beginner and advanced writers, deepening what we already know, or what we think we know, about voice, character, time, narrative structure, and more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere will also be space to explore common emotional roadblocks faced by memoirists, such as self-doubt, public exposure, responses from loved ones, and gaps in memories in the face of cultural, political, or familial erasures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeetings will include brief in-class readings, craft discussions, generative exercises, and weekly workshops where students share 2000-word excerpts of their works-in-progress and receive feedback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will approach workshopping and craft not as a set of rules and practices used to discipline our writing but rather as reparative openings to feeling how our stories want to be told after being suppressed for so long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanned assigned texts: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eVivian Gornick, Saeed Jones, Cheryl Strayed, Alejandro Zambra, Javier Marias, T. Kira Madden, and Nadia Owusu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Situation and the Story\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: \u003c\/strong\u003eNarrative Distance and Proximity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: \u003c\/strong\u003eBeginning the Journey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: \u003c\/strong\u003ePast \u0026amp; Present Selves;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 5: \u003c\/strong\u003eVoice\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 6: \u003c\/strong\u003eEndings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractical Revision Strategies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenerative Exercises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLanguage for How to Understand and Deconstruct Memoir (and to articulate what writers are doing on the page)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeedback from Students During Workshop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Leila brought both depth of knowledge and broad examples to the workshop, drawing on her academic training and her wide-ranging reading life. I especially appreciated that she shaped the course around the needs and preferences of the participants, creating a safe space that valued our varied experiences and backgrounds. Her clearly explained craft lectures on ending structures were coupled with supporting examples that demonstrated how theme and recurring motifs strengthen a powerful conclusion. Overall, the course gave me new confidence in approaching rewrites and revisions for my nearly finished novel. This workshop was exactly the combination of expertise and thoughtful guidance I sought.\" – Kathy, 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“I would definitely recommend Leila C. Nadir class, and her as a creative writing instructor in any capacity. This was a really excellent workshop, with a focus on collaborative and uplifting critiques interspersed with well-structured craft lectures. I was impressed with the care Leila used to construct each session's lecture on craft, focusing on a connective theme within the pieces to be workshopped that same day: this was a really eye-opening way of looking at writing. Leila's classes carried a high level of empathy and caring as we workshopped objectively difficult, always very personal subject matter, and I left every class feeling that we, as a whole, had achieved only a high level of learning and success. Leila welcomed challenges with patience. An all-around great workshop experience.” – Johan, 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“The class I took with Leila Nadir was excellent. I have taken a number of memoir classes over the past few years and I found her to be very personable and well read. In addition to a short reading\/lesson on memoir each week, attendees shared their feedback on each other’s submissions. What I enjoyed so much in the sharing was Leila's guidance for us to only present feedback in a supportive and positive way—what works in a piece, what could be expanded, what else we might want to read for examples—rather than critiquing in negatives. Additionally Leila gave each of us specific notes on our submitted work, something to take away and refer to as we continue our writing. Throughout the course she referred to published memoirists’ work for future reference. I sensed that I could easily spend a semester improving my writing and my voice with Leila’s encouragement. She is very approachable and really made each one of us feel seen.” – Meredith, 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Leila's course was one of the most enriching, productive writing workshops I have ever participated in. She provided a great balance of instruction, writing exercises, and discussion. Each week she incorporated relevant lessons and themes that we then applied to our reading and writing exercises. In addition to that, she facilitated interesting and rich discussions among the attendees so that each workshopped piece was a learning experience for all of us. I was really impressed with the way she encouraged and inspired participation by creating a safe and comfortable workshop environment. I learned so much from her over a short period of time.” – Katie, 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“My recent workshop with Leila Nadir, was excellent. I found the in-class readings, craft discussion, generative exercises and weekly workshops beneficial and appropriate for both my skill level and that of others much further along with their own memoirs. They allowed me to make good progress on my memoir and to develop a clear understanding of the craft of memoir writing. Leila was an excellent facilitator, infusing writing critiques with craft lessons appropriate to the issues being raised in student memoir excerpts being workshopped. She was affirming, yet candid, in her own comments on student writing, an approach I find most helpful. Her personality and skill as an educator helped create a collegial and collaborative spirit among members of the class. I can say without hesitation that this workshop was one of the best I’ve attended.” – Judy, 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eThis workshop meets weekly via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $495 USD. You can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeila C. Nadir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Monday, June 29th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Mondays, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNote: Class will not meet the week of July 20th.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $495 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe workshop is limited to 12 writers. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContact us \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Contact\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHERE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e if you have any questions about this class.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46608718397688,"sku":null,"price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/LeilaNadirHeadshot2025.png?v=1752236321"},{"product_id":"no-place-like-home-how-to-write-the-domestic-but-make-it-weird-zoom-seminar-with-amber-sparks","title":"No Place Like Home: How to Write  the Domestic, But Make It Weird Zoom Seminar with Amber Sparks on Saturday, August 1st, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, August 1st, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom 10AM – 1PM Central\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis class will be recorded if you cannot attend live.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstructor Amber Sparks is the author of the novel, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHappy People Don’t Live Here\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and a forthcoming short story collection, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDid Parents in the Middle Ages Love Their Children? \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(both from Liveright\/W.W. Norton), and four collections of short fiction, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eAnd I Do Not Forgive You: Revenges and other Stories\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Unfinished World\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Her fiction and essays have appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eAmerican Short Fiction, the Paris Review, Slate, Tin House, Granta, The Cut,\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and elsewhere.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFabulist fiction tends toward the exotic, the historical, the once-upon-a-time, the far-flung. Saramago and Rushdie have created worlds where the unthinkable has happened; Dinesen reports back from centuries and countries ago, from castles, counts and courtiers; Angela Carter gives us new-old fairy tales from long ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut domestic fabulism takes the elements of fabulism — the animals that talk, the weather that wills itself into being, the people who can fly — and pulls them in tight, bringing them home. Domestic fabulism uses elements like a magnifying glass, or rather, a funhouse mirror. It simultaneously distorts and reveals the true nature of the home, the family, the place of belonging or, in many cases, not belonging at all. Steven Millhauser, Kelly Link, Can Xue, and Joy Williams all write this kind of un-homely, or unheimlich, Freud’s word for it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this seminar, we’ll go through examples and rules of domestic fabulism, read a few pieces of fiction that fit the description, and use the rules to weird up a piece of your writing that needs a little edge. And we’ll work together through several generative writing exercises that will leave you with a couple of different solid pieces of writing to take home and work on. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is This Class For? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is designed for fiction writers who want to explore magical realism and fabulist techniques within familiar, domestic settings. It's perfect for authors seeking to add supernatural edge and deeper meaning to stories about home, family, and everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAKE THIS CLASS IF\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou're finding the constraints of your current writing practice too limiting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want exposure to a range of new approaches to bring to your writing practice.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want an expanded sense of what is possible in your work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEMINAR TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Master the principles and techniques of domestic fabulism, learning how to infuse ordinary home and family settings with fantastical elements that reveal deeper truths about belonging and identity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Develop skills to transform mundane domestic scenes using fabulist tools like talking animals, sentient weather, and characters with supernatural abilities as a \"funhouse mirror\" to distort and illuminate reality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Analyze exemplary works by Steven Millhauser, Kelly Link, Can Xue, and Joy Williams to understand how successful authors create the \"unheimlich\" or uncanny atmosphere in familiar settings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Complete multiple generative writing exercises and receive guidance on revising existing work, leaving with several polished pieces that effectively blend the domestic with the weird.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI took Amber's Modern Gothic class on a whim after seeing Amber mention it on Twitter. It exceeded my expectations. I come from a very traditional educational background and found Amber's perspective quite refreshing and very useful for my work in progress. Really this class blew my mind. It as exactly the espresso shot my private writing practice needed. I really appreciated the concrete craft lessons. I am at a stage of writing where this is exactly what I need\u003c\/em\u003e.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eOne of the more creative workshops I have ever taken. Amber Sparks really got me to think in different and creative ways. It was the right class at the right time for me.\u003c\/em\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI really enjoyed Amber Sparks' workshop on Fractured Narrative! Great list of possible approaches to non-linear story-telling with helpful references to specific author's works as examples. Good exercises. Really enjoyed the chat input from other attendees as well. Great value for the price.\u003c\/em\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis class was great. From the powerpoint slides, examples, fun exercises, very short stories to read during class, and Amber's friendly responsiveness in the chat and of course her expertise, I would highly recommend studying with Amber!\u003c\/em\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis was very good. The prompts and the mini-workshop were great. This was my first course. So far, so good. Easy to register and you are very responsive.\u003c\/em\u003e\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis class will meet via Zoom on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, from 10AM - 1PM CST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full \u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmber Sparks | Live via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday, August 1st, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom 10AM – 1PM Central\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eSeminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46636185813240,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/TheModernGothicMakingHauntedFictionsforthe21stCenturyZoomSeminarwithAmberSparks.png?v=1748029608"},{"product_id":"the-haunted-muse-memory-trauma-desire-and-the-art-of-ghosts-4-week-generative-zoom-class","title":"The Haunted Muse: Memory, Trauma, Desire, and the Art of Ghosts 4-Week Generative Zoom Class, Starts Sunday, April 26th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Sunday, April 26th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Zoom Sessions will meet on Sundays from 12PM - 2PM EST\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM \/ Chicago (CST): 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by Dr. Erica Anzalone, author of the award-winning collection, \u003cem\u003eSamsara\u003c\/em\u003e. Erica holds an MFA in poetry from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and a doctorate in English from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, where she was awarded a Schaeffer fellowship. With over eighteen years of teaching experience at the college level, Erica's work has appeared or is forthcoming in \u003cem\u003eAutofocus Literary Magazine, The Colorado Review, Hotel Amerika, Cream City Review, Juked, Pangyrus, Denver Quarterly, The Literary Review, The Offending Adam, Pleiades, Sentence, UCity Review\u003c\/em\u003e, and elsewhere.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat haunts you – and how can you transform it into art?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this generative creative writing course led by Dr. Erica Anzalone, we’ll explore ghosts not only as supernatural beings, but as potent metaphors for trauma, memory, and desire. Whether drawn from personal or collective experience, ghosts shape the stories we carry—and the ones we long to tell.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough fiction, poetry, and hybrid forms, we’ll examine the ghost as muse—not just as inspiration, but as witness, antagonist, and embodiment of the unspeakable. We’ll study how writers use ghosts to navigate grief, challenge dominant narratives, and defamiliarize the familiar to captivate readers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll reimagine myths, folklore, and true crime through a contemporary lens, using techniques like surrealism and humor to amplify emotional resonance. Engaging all five senses, we’ll create carnal ghosts and richly textured, atmospheric settings that feel uncanny and alive. In this approach, setting becomes a character in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy exploring what your characters want—and how those desires collide—you’ll deepen motivation, heighten narrative urgency, and uncover the hidden heart of your story.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this course for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Haunted Muse is a generative creative writing course for writers of all levels and genres, exploring ghosts as metaphors for memory, trauma, and desire. Through fiction, poetry, and hybrid forms, you’ll channel what haunts you—personally or culturally—into vivid, emotionally resonant narratives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduce four original pieces (essays, stories, or poems) that explore themes of memory, trauma, and desire.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperiment with varied approaches to ghosts in literature: humorous, surreal, political, mythic, and erotic.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefine your craft through focused exercises on setting, imagery, ambiguity, character, and point of view.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReceive thoughtful, supportive feedback from Dr. Erica Anzalone and fellow writers\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the end of the course, you’ll have a portfolio of work that channels personal and cultural hauntings into compelling, unforgettable narratives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin us as we conjure the spectral, write from what lingers, and find inspiration in the shadows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*All course readings can be found online and listed in the course outline\/syllabus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEEK ONE: \u003c\/strong\u003eLAUGH OR CRY: HAUNTED BY GRIEF \u0026amp; THE ABSURD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEEK TWO: \u003c\/strong\u003eCHOOSE YOUR HAUNT STYLE (\u0026amp; SETTING)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEEK THREE: \u003c\/strong\u003eRETELLING MYTH, FOLKLORE, \u0026amp; TRUE CRIME\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEEK FOUR: \u003c\/strong\u003eHUNGRY GHOSTS: THE BODY, POLITICS, \u0026amp; POWER\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Thank you, Erica, for a fabulous class! I've learned so much about the writing process and relished the texts. Each class has helped awaken long-slumbering skills of analysis and muscles of creativity that I haven't exercised in some time. I'm especially grateful for the workshop portion, both for my own piece and for others. I've always been insecure about my writing style, but these classes have really boosted my confidence and filled my well of creativity. The workshop notes I received validated my process and helped magnify the paths to take next. I'm so grateful to Erica and the writing coven that is forming through these classes.” — Kristilyn Ink\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“With Erica’s mentorship, I am now attending the MFA program of my choice and have published several of my poems. She saw potential where I did not, and she pushed me out of my comfort zone by encouraging me to write creative non-fiction. She taught me to trust in my own writing and the fact that my stories are valuable on their own. I fell in love with creative non-fiction because of her. Not only did Erica spend an ample amount of time with me (more than she had to!), she provided me with pages of written feedback that helped me revise and assist in the publication process. I am a much stronger, more confident writer since working with Erica, and am successfully pursuing a career in the field of creative writing.” — Kerri Vasilakos (Kerri’s poetry has appeared in Black Moon Magazine, The Ekphrastic Review, The Penman Review, and Crow and Cross Keys)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Erica helped me with my applications to MFA programs in Creative Writing. With her assistance, I was accepted or waitlisted to every place I applied, and I'm now a student in my top-choice program. Throughout our work together, Erica was empathetic, challenging, and generous. She helped me to present myself with confidence and clarity. Her feedback was always specific and extensive, and I know the advice she gave me was critical to the success of my applications. I'm sure these skills transfer over to her classes together. I can't recommend working with Erica enough! — Lizzie Fox, Writer\/Translator\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBegins Sunday, April 26th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLive Zoom Sessions will meet on Sundays from 12PM - 2PM EST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou can pay for the course in full \u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Dr. Erica Anzalone \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Sunday, April 26th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Zoom Sessions will meet on Sundays from 12PM - 2PM EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM \/ Chicago (CST): 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46658608791800,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/EricaAnzaloneHeadshot.png?v=1698093631"},{"product_id":"idea-generators-discovering-new-direction-in-your-writing-a-zoom-seminar-with-ethan-joella","title":"Idea Generators: Discovering New Direction in Your Writing, a Cross-Genre Zoom Seminar with Ethan Joella on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-689061bb302a5b82a1ea\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWednesday, May 6th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with\u003c\/strong\u003e us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthan Joella i\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003es the author of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enovels \u003ci\u003eA Little Hope\u003c\/i\u003e (Scribner, 2021), which was a Read \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewith Jenna Bonus Selection, \u003ci\u003eA Quiet Life\u003c\/i\u003e (Scribner, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2022), \u003ci\u003eThe Same Bright Stars\u003c\/i\u003e (Scribner, 2024), and \u003cem\u003eThe Top of the World\u003c\/em\u003e (Scribner, 2026). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis books have been featured in \u003ci\u003eThe New York Times, People, \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Good Housekeeping\u003c\/i\u003e.  Ethan teaches English and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epsychology at the University of Delaware and specializes in community writing workshops. He lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewith his family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave you been poring over the same piece nonstop and need a break? Do you have a new idea but aren’t sure how to get started with it? Are you just generally looking for new approaches or inspiration? Then this one-day workshop is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this class, we’ll do a series of prompts to help you get out of your groove and get started on something fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll discuss issues such as where to begin and end the piece and how to achieve transparency and momentum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriters will be invited (not required) to share work and exchange ideas. All genres welcome!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEthan will share examples in various genres.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents will discuss idea generation and do response exercises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents will come away with new ideas to enhance character or setting, try different structures, or add conflict or resolution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI really appreciated how the weekly feedback that was specific to my work. I would recommend this to any writer looking to take their work to the next level.\u003c\/em\u003e\" - Tara K.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis class exceeded my expectations. The assignments were well-defined, and Ethan's thoughtful feedback pushed me out of my comfort zone. I felt that the class was really well-scoped. I'd love to take further classes with Ethan, especially anything around character interiority and expressing a character's needs\/wants\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Lizz H.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eEthan is such a thoughtful teacher. I really enjoyed this class and hope he teaches more classes soon\u003c\/em\u003e!\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis class exceeded my expectations and now I have a new tool in my writing toolbox!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou can pay for the course in full \u003ci\u003e or\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $99 USD. This class will meet live via Zoom. If you can't attend live, a recording will be provided.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eInstructor: Ethan Joella\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWednesday, May 6th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-3d8366dec4183f93ceae\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46679845110008,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/EthanJoellaUpdatedHeadshot2026.png?v=1772561669"},{"product_id":"the-road-to-getting-published-from-rejection-to-read-with-jenna-a-zoom-seminar-with-ethan-joella","title":"The Road to Getting Published: From Rejection to Read with Jenna, a Zoom Seminar with Ethan Joella on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-689061bb302a5b82a1ea\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWednesday, August 5th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eus.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Master Class with Acclaimed Novelist Ethan Joella\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin Scribner-published novelist Ethan Joella for an actionable seminar that reveals the exact strategies he used to break through years of rejection and land a dream publishing deal with one of literature's most prestigious houses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eYour Instructor's Journey: From 100+ Rejections to Literary Success\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore becoming a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CplvvJsr53Z\/?hl=en\u0026amp;img_index=1\" title=\"Ethan Joella's Novel is a Read with Jenna Bonus Pick author\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead with Jenna Bonus Pick author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e featured in \u003cem\u003eThe New York Times\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePeople\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eGood Housekeeping\u003c\/em\u003e, Ethan Joella queried nearly every literary agent in the country. Today, his novels—\u003cem\u003eA Little Hope\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eA Quiet Life\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Same Bright Stars, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e The Top of the World\u003c\/em\u003e—\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.simonandschuster.com\/authors\/Ethan-Joella\/178936526\" title=\"Ethan Joella Author Page at Scribner\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eare published by Scribner.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a WritingWorkshops.com alum who attended our 2019 Writing Workshop in Paris, France, as a student, Ethan understands precisely where you are in your writing journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, as one of our most beloved instructors leading workshops in Dublin, Paris, and Tuscany, Ethan plans to share the insider knowledge that changed everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho Should Attend:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiction writers\u003c\/strong\u003e with completed manuscripts ready for the next step\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmerging authors\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking their first traditional publishing deal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWriters facing rejection\u003c\/strong\u003e who need proven strategies to break through\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerious writers\u003c\/strong\u003e committed to understanding the business side of publishing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone who's wondered: \u003cem\u003e\"My writing is strong—why aren't agents responding?\"\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Learn from Ethan Joella:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthan's journey is recent, relevant, and replicable. He secured his agent in 2019 and has published three acclaimed novels in rapid succession—all while teaching and raising a family. His approach is practical, tested, and designed for today's hypercompetitive publishing landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs both a University of Delaware professor and a working novelist, Ethan brings a unique dual perspective: the analytical precision of an educator and the hard-won wisdom of someone who's navigated every stage of the publishing process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFormat:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1:45 minutes\u003c\/strong\u003e of concentrated, actionable instruction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e15 minutes\u003c\/strong\u003e of Q\u0026amp;A to address your specific publishing questions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccess\u003c\/strong\u003e to the recording for enrolled participants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBonus\u003c\/strong\u003e: Sample query letter template based on Ethan's successful approach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI would recommend this to any writer looking to take their work to the next level.\u003c\/em\u003e\" - Tara K.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eEthan is such a thoughtful teacher. I really enjoyed this class and hope he teaches more classes soon\u003c\/em\u003e!\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis class exceeded my expectations and now I have a new tool in my writing toolbox!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eYou can pay for the course in full\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $99 USD. This class will meet live via Zoom. If you can't attend live, a recording will be provided.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor: Ethan Joella\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWednesday, August 5th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom, 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99 USD. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-3d8366dec4183f93ceae\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46684293759224,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/EthanJoellaUpdatedHeadshot2026.png?v=1772561669"}],"url":"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/en-es\/collections\/new-and-upcoming-nonfiction-classes-at-writing-workshops.oembed?page=5","provider":"Writing Workshops","version":"1.0","type":"link"}