{"title":"New and Upcoming Fiction Classes at WritingWorkshops.com","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover our curated collection of fiction writing workshops and resources. Perfect for writers looking to explore creative storytelling, character development, and narrative techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"writing-about-family-online-creative-writing-workshop","title":"Writing Our Family: A Multi-Genre Memoir, Fiction \u0026 Poetry Workshop with Kate Hill Cantrill starts on Wednesday, October 7th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClass Starts Wednesday, October 7th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly on Wednesday Nights via Zoom, 7PM - 9PM Eastern \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNow Enrolling! Open to All Genres \u0026amp; Levels.\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*This course will have an online classroom in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWet Ink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e with weekly \u003cstrong\u003eZoom\u003c\/strong\u003e meetings. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLed by Kate Hill Cantrill, author of the short story collection \u003cem\u003eWalk Back From Monkey School\u003c\/em\u003e. She holds an MFA from The Michener Center For Writers, and her stories, essays, and poetry have appeared in literary journals such as: \u003cem\u003eStory Quarterly, The Believer, Mississippi Review, Texas Observer, Blackbird, Salt Hill, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.shortstoryproject.com\/writers\/kate-hill-cantrill\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Short Story Project\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e, and others. She has received fellowships from The Corporation of Yaddo, The Virginia Center for Creative Arts, Jentel Artists’ Residency, and The James A. Michener Fund.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eRead \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Writing Our Family: an Interview with Kate Hill Cantrill\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/writing-our-family-an-interview-with-kate-hill-cantrill\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ean Interview with Kate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e about Writing Our Family and get to know Kate in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-writing-about-family-with-kate-hill-cantrill\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Writing About Family with Kate Hill Cantrill\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“…our knowledge is historical, flowing and flown.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e -Elizabeth Bishop, At The Fishhouses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e“We were afraid of the dead because we never could tell when they might show up again.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e -Jamaica Kincaid\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eThis course is open to all levels, and is for those who want to dig deep into their writing voice and experiment with form and shed some preconceptions about exactly how a story should be told.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eThis is an instructor-facilitated, peer-driven writing class in which we will investigate the complexities of writing family--the benefits, hindrances and difficulties of writing about those we are most entangled with. We’ll be working in different genres and, using Wet Ink as our classroom, we’ll read published work and hold Zoom discussions of our own written assignments based on weekly prompts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eBy learning various craft techniques, such as voice, tone, point of view, psychic distance, metaphor, allusion, etc., we will free ourselves up to explore some territories that we never thought we'd have the confidence to explore in the forms of flash memoir, fiction, poetry, and epistolary stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eThis class will be a safe and supportive space where we can ask questions and try to answer them through our own creations and engagement with our peers. By the end of the 6 weeks, you should have 4-5 drafts of stories in varied genres to be revised to stand alone as finished pieces or to be the beginning of a longer work. Open to all levels, but please be advised that we will be covering craft concepts and not the basic mechanics of writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome authors whose works we will be reading\/discussing:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJamaica Kincaid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmy Hempel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJohn Edgar Wideman\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrace Paley\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaymond Carver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeg Pokgrass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePia Z. Erhardt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdwidge Dandicat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZ.Z.Packer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElizabeth Bishop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLucille Clifton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaomi Shihab Nye\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeorge Saunders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLydia Davis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnder Monson\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSandra Cisneros\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE DETAILS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen to all levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeets Wednesday evenings, 7p-9p EST (on Zoom, with Wet Ink for sharing our work) 6 sessions (Final session to be a presentation reading\/discussion of future writing intentions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents should expect to complete a weekly writing assignment based on a prompt (1-3 pages per assignment), as well as read the work of their peers and the weekly assigned short published reading (provided in a PDF packet at the start of the course.)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENTS LOVE KATE: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\"I am writing review as recipient of a gift from my husband to participate in this course. What a lovely course I experienced with Kate Hill Cantrill. I was a newbie to a formal writing course and also busy with regular life in the meantime. Kate was gracious, passionate, and kind. She was supportive and inspiring in her guidance and feedback. I appreciated the well prepared content and writing prompts, and loved the idea that we could be honest and open about the difficult topics we approached in writing about family. I felt Kate was also particularly patient and encouraging to newcomers to the process. I would recommend her course highly, and also hope to take a future course with her when I have the time.\" -Richard J.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\"I appreciated the ability to experiment with writing genres I would not have ordinarily have had the courage (\u0026amp; maybe even interest) to play around with, e.g., poetry, but surprisingly I really enjoyed writing a freeform piece. The class was life-changing for me because it provided an environment to explore how some of my childhood experiences affected me in a creative way; I am strongly considering sharing these with others.\" -Sonya C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\"I would recommend Kate's class very highly. The class FAR exceeded my expectations! Kate is a fabulous teacher. She provided excellent input and a reading list of suggested authors that has been inspirational. Kate's feedback was so helpful for my personal growth as was her reading list, positive attitude, and her knowledge about writing was exceptional.\" -Ellen G.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\"Kate Hill Cantrill's class Writing Our Family was excellent! The group of students worked well together, Kate's comments were precise and helpful and I learned a lot. I would do it again!\" -V.S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class will have a weekly Zoom meeting, weekly deadlines, and plenty of interaction with Kate and your peers with the addition of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wet.ink\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWet Ink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, a 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. You 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. Each writer will have the opportunity to submit their work, receiving detailed feedback from their peers as well as Kate; follow-up questions and conversations often occur. Kate engages with these discussions throughout the week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWORKSHOP DETAILS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eInstructor: Kate Hill Cantrill\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass size limited to 8 writers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass starts Wednesday, October 7th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eZoom meetings are scheduled weekly on Wednesday Nights, 7-9 Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCourse is fully ONLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e; students will have a weekly Zoom meeting and can work according to their own schedule within weekly deadlines in Wet Ink. 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 $445 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":37365307867301,"sku":"","price":445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/KateHillCantrillHeadshot2026.png?v=1782425661"},{"product_id":"writing-an-effective-query-letter-zoom-seminar","title":"Literary Agent Series: Writing an Effective Query Letter Zoom Seminar with Mark Owen Gottlieb on Saturday, January 23rd, 2027","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, January 23rd, 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\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 (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\/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\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\u003eLearn more about Mark in our \u003ca title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Literary Agent Seminar Series with Mark Gottlieb\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-literary-agent-series-with-mark-gottlieb\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark’s class is an intensive on query letter writing. The class will lend participants a feel for comfortable query letter writing in the fashion of selling a book idea to an agent, editor or publisher.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely is such an industry insider craft shared and this is a great opportunity to get one’s work in front of a literary agent’s eyes.\u003cbr\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 \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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession 1: 1:00 PM EST - 1:45 PM EST via Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lighthearted explanation that demonstrates strong query letter examples and the construction of good query letters for presenting book ideas. The nuts and bolts of what makes for a great query letter will be explained in thumbnail. This portion of the class is intended as an ice-breaking exercise whereby students begin to feel comfortable with the rhetoric and starkness of query letter writing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will afford breaktime mid-session for students to quietly draft or edit their own pre-existing query letters, based on the examples provided. Mark will be closely available to students during this portion of the class, quietly providing them with instructor feedback and notes, via direct Zoom chat, for improving upon their pitches.pitches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10-minute BREAK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession 2: 1:55 PM EST - 3:00 PM EST via Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe next portion of the class is a constructive critique where students will be invited to present their query letters to the classroom. The instructor will time presentations, and presenters will not only speak before the class, but will also place the text of their query letter in the group chat for workshopping. (This style of sharing query letters will also give the feel for what it is like for agents and editors to receive query letters in their inboxes). Afterwards, the presenters will be able to collect general class opinions, but should hold their own responses to the critiques until all comments have been delivered.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to get a literary agent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWriting a great query letter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to pitch a book in-person\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHoning in on just the right book pitch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnowing what goes into an author bio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding pre-publication endorsements or blurbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to approach competitive or comparative book titles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstanding the querying process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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, December 6th, 2025\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, January 23rd, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\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\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42462243422456,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/WritinganEffectiveQueryLetterZoomSeminarwithMarkGottlieb_ed6bb9e8-b3d4-4ca0-8303-77037986b6ce.png?v=1756417438"},{"product_id":"mastering-the-submissions-process-to-get-a-literary-agent","title":"Mastering the Submissions Process to Get a Literary Agent Zoom Seminar with Mark Owen Gottlieb on Saturday, March 6th, 2027","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, March 6th, 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis class will meet live via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\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 (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\/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\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn more about Mark in our \u003ca title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Literary Agent Seminar Series with Mark Gottlieb\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-literary-agent-series-with-mark-gottlieb\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany new writers hoping to become published authors often ask themselves, I’ve written a book…now what? Chances are, \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e first thing they need is a literary agent. (Publishing houses do not accept unsolicited submissions from writers unless \u003cspan\u003ethey\u003c\/span\u003e come by way of a literary agent). So, how to go about querying literary agencies? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are so many wrong ways to go about \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e process, with just a very small list of how to go about it in \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e right way. This class focuses on \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e correct methods of obtaining a literary agent and helps simplify the process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession 1: Assembling the Perfect Pitch Package \u0026amp; Understanding the Submissions Process\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1:00 PM EST - 1:45 PM EST via Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis first section focuses on how writers can assemble their dream team of literary agents and editors for query letter \u003cspan\u003esubmissions\u003c\/span\u003e. This section will provide exact models for success, including a mock “ideal” submission in \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e eyes of agents and editors. \u003cspan\u003eThe\u003c\/span\u003e importance of selecting \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e right title and\/or subtitles will be explored. How to perfect one’s pitch and a fiction and nonfiction proposal will be explained. \u003cspan\u003eThe\u003c\/span\u003e value of having good readers and a team of writers in a group will be discussed. Lastly, this section will go into \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e exact preparation of \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e pitch package when in readiness for liftoff. What it means to send one’s book directly to publishers will be explored, along with what it is like to work with micropublishers and how to go direct to one’s readers. Time for further questions and comments will be afforded toward \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e end of \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10-minute BREAK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession 2: Finding, Attracting, and Getting the Right Agent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e 1:55 PM EST - 3:00 PM EST via Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe\u003c\/span\u003e second session will follow with an exploration as to why every writer really needs to have a literary agent. \u003cspan\u003eThe\u003c\/span\u003e process for locating a literary agent will be explained. Next, this class segment will shift to an explanation of how to lure \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e right literary agent. Lastly, how to land a desired literary agent will be revealed to students. Then, what it means to sign an agency agreement and what to expect next from an agent will be detailed. This will then follow with a description of how to properly conduct relations with literary agents by avoiding mistakes and properly addressing periods of silence. What it means to send one’s book out into the world will be discussed. How to handle interest from literary agents—especially when it can result in agony or ecstasy—is a deeper understanding participants will gain. Time for further questions and comments will be afforded toward \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e end of \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to assemble \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e perfect pitch package for submission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLocate, lure and land \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e right literary agent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain a better understanding of \u003cspan\u003ethe\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003esubmissions\u003c\/span\u003e process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProperly manage rejections or potentially avoid them altogether\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb\u003c\/strong\u003e is a highly-ranked literary agent in overall deals and other categories. Using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers, he is actively building his own client list of authors. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources that are available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. During his time at Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb has represented numerous \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling authors, as well as award-winning authors, and has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. He previously ran the agency’s audiobook department in addition to working 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS: \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.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e—\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!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e—\u003cstrong\u003eAlan Hlad, \u003cem\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“My writing career would never have advanced as fast or as far without Mark's help.” —\u003cstrong\u003eJames Breakwell, bestselling author\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\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.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e—\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“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\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Workshop will meet via Zoom on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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 Gottlieb | Live via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday, March 6th, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet live via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA recording will be provided if you cannot attend live.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe seminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42800600580344,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Mastering_the_Submissions_Process_Mark_Gottlieb.png?v=1755014114"},{"product_id":"journaling-for-writers-craft-writing-workshop-online","title":"Journaling for Writers: A 4-Week Online Workshop with Holly Lyn Walrath starts Monday, December 7th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col sqs-col-7 span-7\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-9bd4c6c3a222aea2e1f5\" 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\"\u003eBegins Monday, December 7th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThis class is asynchronous and meets via Wet Ink. Complete your weekly assignments on your own schedule — there are no set meeting times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThis Class is Open to All Writers. 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\"\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\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLed by Holly Lyn Walrath, a writer, editor, and publisher. Her poetry and short fiction have appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eStrange Horizons, Fireside Fiction, Analog,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFlash Fiction Online\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. She is the author of several books of poetry, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eGlimmerglass Girl\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (2018), \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNuminose Lapidi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (2020), and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Smallest of Bones\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (2021). She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing from the University of Denver. In 2019, she launched Interstellar Flight Press, an indie SFF publisher dedicated to publishing underrepresented genres and voices.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\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\"\u003eThis online writing workshop is for writers of all genres and all levels who want to build a more intentional, organized writing life. If you feel out of sorts or disorganized in your creative practice, this class will help you find a journaling method that works for you. All Levels welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\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\"\u003eJournaling is proven to boost mental health and help focus your thoughts — and for writers, it can be so much more than that. In this creative writing workshop, you'll learn a range of journaling techniques geared specifically toward the writing life, exploring journaling not just as a way to process and track your thoughts, but as a method for improving your craft and building a sustainable career as a writer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eWriters are observers, and one of the best ways to keep track of your observations and ideas is through a dedicated writing journal. Over four weeks, we'll cover the fundamentals of journaling for writers: tracking your writing, managing large ideas and projects, tracking submissions, setting goals, revising in a journal, and more. Along the way, you'll experiment with popular journaling methods — from bullet journaling to morning pages — to discover the approach that fits your life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThis is a hands-on online writing class. You'll be asked to share one journaling exercise each week and to give and receive feedback on each other's work within our Wet Ink classroom. You may also want to pick up a simple notebook to try the techniques on your own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\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\"\u003eIn this course, students will complete one journaling exercise per week, sharing their work and exchanging feedback with peers in the online classroom. By the end of the four weeks, students will have established a personalized journaling practice, tried multiple journaling methods, and set up a journal structure to carry their writing life into the new year. You'll receive feedback from the instructor on all assigned writing activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\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\"\u003eRecommended (but not required) reading: \u003cem\u003eThe Bullet Journal Method\u003c\/em\u003e by Ryder Carroll and \u003cem\u003eThe Artist's Way\u003c\/em\u003e by Julia Cameron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eWeek 1: Bullet Journaling and the Basics of Journaling\u003cbr\u003eWeek 2: Morning Pages and Daily Writing\u003cbr\u003eWeek 3: Observational Journaling\u003cbr\u003eWeek 4: Digital Journaling \u0026amp; Prepping for the New Year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\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=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSet up and prepare your 2027 journal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLearn journaling techniques from mind mapping to morning pages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eExplore how to create a structure for your writing life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eEnrich your writing by cultivating awareness and observation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThis class is asynchronous, meaning you complete the weekly assignments on your own schedule. 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Students are encouraged to take these wherever they find most compelling and\/or useful. The instructor engages with these discussions throughout the week, and you will receive feedback on all assigned writing activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW DOES WET INK WORK?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eWet Ink was built and designed specifically for online writing classes. Wet Ink is private, easy to use, and very interactive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\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\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43139145171192,"sku":"","price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/HollyWalrathHeadshot2_2_d4de727e-7709-4fcc-982e-1a61658a09e8.png?v=1703204097"},{"product_id":"literary-agent-series-rising-above-the-competition-with-comp-titles","title":"Literary Agent Series: Rising Above the Competition with Comp Titles Zoom Seminar with Mark Owen Gottlieb on February 20th, 2027","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, February 20th, 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\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 (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\/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\u003cp\u003e*A recording of this seminar will be made available to enrollees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by industry-leading literary agent at Trident Media Group \u003ca title=\"Trident Media Group\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tridentmediagroup.com\/agents\/mark-gottlieb\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“It’s all about the comps”\u003c\/em\u003e is a phrase commonly tossed around book publishing, but why is that so important, and what does that really mean?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt's important for authors to hold themselves in high esteem, by making comparisons of their writing to success stories. That is why literary agent Mark Gottlieb of book publishing's leading literary agency Trident Media Group likes to sit down with the writers he works with and nail down what the comparative or competitive book titles to their manuscript might be, before making a submission to editors at publishing houses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose in the publishing industry casually refer to this as asking what the \"comps\" are (short for comparative or competitive book titles). These are books in the current publishing marketplace that are similar and successful. It's not just about simply saying that a book or author is not unique—it's about celebrating how great a potential publication could be...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA literary agency receiving a query letter or submission from an author, or an editor at a publishing house receiving a pitch and manuscript from a literary agent, will need to know what the comps are. The literary agent and the editor will be trying to figure out where that particular book\/author would fit within their list of authors. A literary agent or book editor will also ask themselves where the book\/author would be shelved in a bookstore. Most important of all, an agent or editor will be asking themselves how well that book\/author would perform in the marketplace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSo, how to go about assembling the comps for one’s own book? It’s a lot more complicated than simply saying something like: my work is this meets that. There are so many wrong ways to go about the comp title process, with just a very small list of how to go about it in the right way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class focuses on the correct methods of assembling comp titles, while understanding current industry needs, and will help make the comp title process simple. An author that has assembled a good list of two to three comp titles will be miles ahead in the publishing process. The process of assembling comp titles may seem small or insignificant at first glance, but it is actually a huge part of the publishing process and a key player in a book's success. The comp process ultimately helps readers find their way to an author's book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMark Gottlieb is a highly ranked literary agent both in overall deals and other individual categories. Using that same initiative and insight for identifying talented writers, he is actively building his own client list of authors. Mark Gottlieb is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources that are available at book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. During his time at Trident Media Group, Mark Gottlieb has represented numerous New York Times bestselling authors, as well as award-winning authors, and has optioned and sold books to film and TV production companies. He previously ran the agency’s audiobook department, in addition to working 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\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession 1: What Good Comp Titles Are \u0026amp; Why They Are Important\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1:00 PM EST - 1:45 PM EST via Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis first section focuses on defining what competitive\/comparative (comp) titles are and how the book publishing industry uses comp titles to evaluate an author’s work. How to correctly search out comp titles out and how to correctly apply comp titles to one’s work will also be explored. The importance of being accurate in the comp title process will be emphasized, for in fully comparing apples to apples, a book editor at a publishing house will try to base their potential offer to publish on the sales performance of the comp titles. Having the comps handy can therefore help the book publisher in the actual publication process, by raising a book publisher’s expectations. As much as possible, an author should make literary agents and editors think that their book has a good-looking, smart and athletic \"twin\" in each of its comps. Time for questions and comments will be afforded toward the end of the session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10-minute BREAK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession 2: Correctly Assembling Comp Titles \u0026amp; Utilizing Them\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e 1:55 PM EST - 3:00 PM EST via Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second session will follow with an opportunity for class participants to share what their book is about, and they may share what they feel might be good comps for their book. Whether class participants do or do not come prepared with comps, every participant will have an opportunity to have their work evaluated and workshopped in such a way that the class will help come up with strong and correctly applied comps for the work presented. In using the information provided, the class leader and class participants will evaluate the comps provided and try to further strengthen the existing comps, or seek out better examples in order to help with everyone’s presentation. This is a great opportunity to get one’s work in front of a literary agent from book publishing’s leading literary agency, Trident Media Group. Most of all, participants will learn how to meld their work to the current needs of the marketplace. Time for further questions and comments will be afforded toward the end of the session.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to describe one’s own work concisely\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstanding the needs of the marketplace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMethods to attract agents \u0026amp; editors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to write to an existing audience\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeveraging prior success to hold one’s work in high esteem\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS: \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.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e—\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!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e—\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 \u003cbr\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.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e—\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“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\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Workshop will meet via Zoom on February 20th, 2027\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession 1 will be 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM Eastern\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10-minute Break Between Sessions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession 2 will be 1:55 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern\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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43139315532024,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/CompTitlesMarkGottlieb_f55aa39f-4277-48c3-8d8e-8694dc79d135.png?v=1756417833"},{"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. 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Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaught by Lynne Golodner, the author of twelve books and thousands of articles and a marketing entrepreneur, writing coach, and host of the Make Meaning Podcast. After working as a journalist in New York and Washington, D.C., Lynne returned to Detroit. She helps authors create writing careers, book marketing strategies and finish book projects. In 2023, Lynne founded \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Scotia Road Books\" href=\"https:\/\/scotiaroadbooks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eScotia Road Books\u003c\/a\u003e, an independent publishing imprint for women over 40. Lynne’s writing has appeared in \u003cem\u003e45\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Parallel, Moment Magazine, Great Lakes Review, Saveur\u003c\/em\u003e, the \u003cem\u003eChicago Tribune\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBetter Homes and Gardens\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMidwest Living\u003c\/em\u003e, the \u003cem\u003eDetroit Free Press\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePorridge Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e, the \u003cem\u003eJewish Literary Journal\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Good Life Review\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHadassah Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Forward\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eValiant Scribe\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eStory Unlikely\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Dillydoun Review\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eQuibbleLit, bioStories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eYourTango\u003c\/em\u003e, among many more publications. Plus, one of her essays was a finalist in the Annie Dillard Creative Nonfiction contest at \u003cem\u003eBellingham Review\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Hemingway may have been a misogynist mired in his own misery, his writing leaves us with important lessons about how to tell a story beautifully, simply, and well. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this three-hour webinar, long-time writing coach, author of twelve books and Hemingway fan Lynne Golodner will lead writers through an exploration of how Hemingway wrote such crisp, flowing fiction and how to employ his techniques to make your writing come alive. This webinar is perfect for writers of both fiction and nonfiction! \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\"\u003eWe’ll look at the art of word choice, the power of verbs, and how to be selective in your descriptions. We’ll come to understand why simplifying writing makes it more powerful, more universally relatable, and more compelling. We’ll break down the practice of writing to understand how to strategically amplify your stories during the revision process so that they draw readers in – and make it easier to get published!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\"\u003eThis webinar is a lesson on craft, but also a deep dive into why we write and what we hope to accomplish by putting words on the page. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-block-type=\"2\"\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\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\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\u003eLearn to simplify your writing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain tools for tightening your writing as a way of connecting with your reader.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperiment with simplicity toward paring down stories to their essentials.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplore powerful verbs as descriptive tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBecome judicious about your descriptions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreakup with adverbs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmerge a more powerful and focused writer whose prose draws readers!\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENTS LOVE LYNNE\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"review-full-text\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\"I really enjoyed my first Writing Workshop! I was surprised to find a class so perfectly geared toward what I needed and my skill and comfort level. I had no idea though of the inspiration, community, and support I would get from taking it. Lynne created an incredibly safe space for the class to come together, feel inspired, learn about ourselves and the craft of writing, and most importantly, to get us writing. I enjoyed the readings, and haven't felt this inspired to write in a long time. Well worth the cost and the risk of trying something new.\" -Ali S.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"review-full-text\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\"Lynne Golodner offered an experience that improved my understanding of and skill with literary nonfiction writing. She offered responsive, insightful, and detailed suggestions that gave me ways to improve my writing. I am a beginner in this genre and her patience, expertise, and positive attitude motivated me to keep going. She was specific when saying 'show, don't tell, by suggesting action verbs, dialogue, using scenes, include sensory details, and more. Her \"Finding Your Voice\" class also offered a range of topics including suggestions of where to publish, how to publish, and ways to maintain on-going enthusiasm as I went deeper into my ideas, point of view, and reasons for creating essays. The class was an all-you-can-eat buffet!\" -Dan F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“This class has become the best part of my week.” -Olivet J.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I have loved being with you and the other students, and the assignments have been great. You are a fabulous teacher.” -R.C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"This was the finest writing\/self-care combo I've done so far and I am truly grateful. I felt freed up; there was a flow that truly excited me and inspired me to continue the writing. You are a terrific teacher.” -Beth L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"If you ever wanted motivation and input on your writing, this is a great workshop! Has helped me tremendously! I never considered myself as a writer but maybe just maybe I am becoming one!\" -Beth M.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Lynne’s writing workshop develops a writers resilience and creativity. Lynne challenged me to go deeper in my writing - to think beyond the words to the roots of experience. My writing is becoming stronger and more purposeful, and I have a renewed sense of confidence as I write my first book.\" -AB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The writers workshop helped me explore a part of my personality and interests that I hadn't yet allowed myself to dig into. I feel more connected to who I am as a writer as well as all the other wonderful writers who participated. One of my favorite aspects of the workshop was being in a safe space, sharing a variety of pieces with people of different backgrounds and perspectives. Not only have I learned more about myself and others, but I have been exposed to so many new genres and writing topics. Thanks, Lynne!\" -JR\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This was my first experience with a writing workshop and writing all together. I had such a wonderful experience that I signed up for Lynne's next workshop. I did not expect to come away with so much confidence! Lynne and the group were nurturing and wonderful. This workshop is for all levels of writers\" -SA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Lynne is changing my life. She keeps me accountable to my vision, and her confidence in me makes a huge difference.\" -Noreen E.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Thank you so much for the opportunity to be surrounded by such inspiring women with exquisite instruction.” -Emily P.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Thank you for being so encouraging.” -Betsy C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Lynne's workshop has provided me with the opportunity to receive quality feedback and editorial expertise in response to the work that I have chosen to share with this great group of ladies\" -MN\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\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\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=\"\"\u003eSunday, October 25th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 6:00PM ET - 9:00PM ET\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have questions, please us 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":43457064501496,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/HemingwayandTheArtoftheSentenceZoomSeminarwithLynneGolodner.png?v=1777053325"},{"product_id":"literary-agent-series-hook-line-sinker-the-art-of-the-elevator-pitch-zoom-seminar","title":"Literary Agent Series: Hook, Line \u0026 Sinker \u0026 The Art of the Elevator Pitch Zoom Seminar with Mark Owen Gottlieb on Saturday, September 18th, 2027","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSaturday, September 18th, 2027\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\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\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\u003eLearn more about Mark in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-literary-agent-series-with-mark-gottlieb\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Literary Agent Seminar Series with Mark Gottlieb\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark’s class is an intensive on hook writing, also known as the elevator pitch. The class will lend participants a feel for comfortable writing and easy public speaking in the fashion of selling a book idea to an agent, editor or publisher. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRarely is such an industry insider craft shared and this is a great opportunity to get one’s work in front of a literary agent’s eyes.\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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession 1: 1:00 PM EST - 1:45 PM EST via Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lighthearted explanation that demonstrates hook examples and the construction of good pitches for presenting book ideas. The nuts and bolts of what makes for a great hook will be explained in thumbnail. This portion of the class is intended as an ice-breaking exercise whereby students begin to feel comfortable with the rhetoric, body language and starkness of pitching.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will afford breaktime mid-session for students to quietly draft or edit their own pre-existing elevator pitches, based on the examples provided. Mark will be closely available to students during this portion of the class, quietly providing them with instructor feedback and notes, via direct Zoom chat, for improving upon their pitches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10-minute BREAK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSession 2: 1:55 PM EST - 3:00 PM EST via Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe next portion of the class is a constructive critique where students will be invited to present their hooks\/elevator pitches to the classroom. Presentations will be timed for 1-2 minutes by the instructors, and presenters will not only speak before the class, but will also place the text of their quick pitches in the group chat for workshopping. (This style of pitching will also give the feel for what it is like for agents and editors to receive quick pitches). Afterwards, the presenters will be able to collect general class opinions, but should hold their own responses to the critiques until all comments have been delivered.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to get a literary agent    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWriting a great hook or elevator pitch    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to pitch a book in-person    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHoning in on just the right book pitch    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnowing what goes into an author bio    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding pre-publication endorsements or blurbs    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to approach competitive or comparative book titles    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstanding the querying process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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, September 18th, 2027\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\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\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark Owen Gottlieb | Live via Zoom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday, September 18th, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeeting via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom\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":43556557717752,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Hook_Line_SinkerTheArtoftheElevatorPitch.png?v=1788725037"},{"product_id":"1-day-online-fiction-master-class-exploring-strategies-for-story-beginnings-with-karen-bender","title":"Exploring Strategies for Story Beginnings with Karen E. Bender 1-Day Fiction Master Class (Zoom) on Saturday, September 19th, 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 Saturday, September 19th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 12PM - 5:00PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e Los 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\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\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\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of two collections: \u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story prize, and \u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e, which was Longlisted for the Story prize. A new collection is forthcoming. Her novels are \u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eGet to know Karen in our \u003ca title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist with Karen E. Bender\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-building-interiority-with-karen-e-bender\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIn this day-long generative workshop for writers of all levels, we'll read openings to stories by authors including Raymond Carver, Jamaica Kincaid, Miranda July, Jhumpa Lahiri, and more. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe’ll work to identify different types of openings in an effort to understand how writers create urgency that carries the reader through a short story or a longer work of fiction. Using carefully constructed writing exercises, we’ll practice these different types of openings in class, with the hopes of honing our ability to write effective beginnings that precisely suit the stories we want to tell. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWriters will leave with several new story starts to use as launchpads for future writing, as well as the ability to think more strategically about how the beginnings they may have already written are serving their work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e The week of the seminar, Karen will email several PDFs of the stories we'll be discussing--you don't need to read these before the class, but can if you would like.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\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\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstand how beginnings affect the pacing of stories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeveral new story beginnings to use as the inspiration for future drafts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThink strategically about past drafts and learn how to make your previous beginnings more dynamic \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll be going over the different types of story openings in class, and then writing generative exercises to practice these methods. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they would like. They will leave the class with a variety of story openings, and an understanding of a variety of techniques a writer can use to open a story.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis seminar exceeded my expectations. I loved going through the different types of story openings that exist and then seeing clear-cut examples of each from the materials that were shared in class. Karen is a fantastic facilitator!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -Alexandra Y.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eClass was excellent and exceeded my expectations. I found Karen's approach of writing an opening that set up two questions extremely valuable. Five of five stars\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Diane K.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI though Karen gave great input on our exercises. I would highly recommend this seminar! I learned so much.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The best part about the Exploring Strategies for Story Beginnings seminar with Karen E. Bender were her insights, warmth, generosity, intelligence and the categories for types of story beginnings she presented to us. Karen is a wonderful instructor, and I've taken all of her seminars.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe close reading of the texts was extremely valuable. Karen is a great teacher, and I though this was a great seminar on strategies for story beginnings.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I found Karen's teaching so valuable. She dives right in and I love her style. I signed up for her other seminars after I took this one. Thank you!\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"In her seminars, Karen always offer such specific techniques, which has helped me deepen my understanding of craft and benefited my writing practice. Thank you!\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Karen's class taught me invaluable writing techniques that I missed because I have a JD instead of an MFA. This was so great! Thank you, Karen!\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I loved the structure of understanding various story openings and emphasis on goals for first paragraphs. This class definitely exceeded my expectations.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"It was great. I was working on a rewrite, came to the realization that I needed more interiority, saw this class, jumped on it, and I've already used some of the techniques. The concepts and ideas that were coupled with good, well-paced exercises.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"This class helps all levels of writers get better access to the all-important matter of characters. Highly recommend.\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"What a fantastic person! I liked her style, her content, and her drive for us to get the most out of 2 hours. Karen really pointed out a fantastic technique and her enthusiasm is infectious. I just wanted more time with her!\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Exceeded expectations. Lots of content, practice, plus interaction packed into Zoom.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Karen E. Bender's Strategies for Story Beginnings seminar exceeded my expectations! Karen is an excellent teacher: she is patient, explains all her materials well and provides valuable examples and feedback. I really enjoy how Karen runs her courses. This is the second of hers I've taken, and I plan to take more. In fact, I recommended Karen's classes enough after the first one I took that a friend joined me for this one. Thank you again!\" -former student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\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 $150 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: Karen E. Bender\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom on Saturday, September 19th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12PM - 5PM EST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $150 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 \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":43679146344696,"sku":"","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"product_id":"building-a-characters-interiority-through-memory-a-zoom-seminar-with-karen-e-bender","title":"Building Interiority in Characters: Writing Memory with Karen E. Bender, a Zoom Seminar on Tuesday, October 13th, 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 Tuesday, October 13th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe class will meet 7PM - 9:00PM Eastern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\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\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of two collections: \u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story prize, and \u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e, which was Longlisted for the Story prize. Her newest collection is \u003cem\u003eThe Words of Dr. L \u0026amp; Other Stories\u003c\/em\u003e (May 2025). Karen's novels are \u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eGet to know Karen in our \u003ca title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist with Karen E. Bender\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-building-interiority-with-karen-e-bender\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eBuilding a character’s interiority consists of many elements, including a character’s memory. How do you use a character’s memories to help build their interior world? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this generative seminar, we will look at stories by Tillie Olsen, Tobias Wolff, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Anthony Veasna So to see how they incorporate character’s processing of the past into their stories, building a character’s interiority through what they choose to remember of the past, and how memories connect to action. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will spend the first hour discussing the stories and the second-hour doing writing exercises.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cem\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\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrough close reading of stories, learn different ways that writers use memories as a way to access the interior worlds of their characters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how memory connects with action in stories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDevelop a character through memory via writing prompts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn one element of interiority as a way to develop characters.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll review the different ways authors use memory to build interiority in a story and then write generative exercises to practice these methods. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they would like. Students will leave the class with various techniques they can use to convey interiority through character memory.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis seminar exceeded my expectations. I loved going through the different types of story openings that exist and then seeing clear-cut examples of each from the materials that were shared in class. Karen is a fantastic facilitator!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -Alexandra Y.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eClass was excellent and exceeded my expectations. I found Karen's approach of writing an opening that set up two questions extremely valuable. Five of five stars\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Diane K.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI though Karen gave great input on our exercises. I would highly recommend this seminar! I learned so much.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe close reading of the texts was extremely valuable. Karen is a great teacher, and I though this was a great seminar on strategies for story beginnings.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I found Karen's teaching so valuable. She dives right in and I love her style. I signed up for her other seminars after I took this one. Thank you!\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"In her seminars, Karen always offer such specific techniques, which has helped me deepen my understanding of craft and benefited my writing practice. Thank you!\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Karen's class taught me invaluable writing techniques that I missed because I have a JD instead of an MFA. This was so great! Thank you, Karen!\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I loved the structure of understanding various story openings and emphasis on goals for first paragraphs. This class definitely exceeded my expectations.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"It was great. I was working on a rewrite, came to the realization that I needed more interiority, saw this class, jumped on it, and I've already used some of the techniques. The concepts and ideas that were coupled with good, well-paced exercises.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"This class helps all levels of writers get better access to the all-important matter of characters. Highly recommend.\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI signed up for Karen E. Bender's Writing Memory seminar and I loved the class. She had a great presentation and got into the topic right away. No wasted time. A very thorough class that will help me build my character's interiority\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -former student.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"What a fantastic person! I liked her style, her content, and her drive for us to get the most out of 2 hours. Karen really pointed out a fantastic technique and her enthusiasm is infectious. I just wanted more time with her!\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Exceeded expectations. Lots of content, practice, plus interaction packed into Zoom.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\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\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\u003eInstructor: Karen E. Bender\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom on Tuesday, October 13th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7PM - 9PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\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 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43717537497336,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"product_id":"building-interiority-in-characters-with-fantasies-and-theories-with-karen-e-bender","title":"Building Interiority in Characters Using Fantasies and Theories with Karen E. Bender, a Zoom Seminar on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom Tuesday, October 20th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe class will meet 7PM - 9:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\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\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of three collections: \u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story prize; \u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e, which was Longlisted for the Story prize; and \u003cem\u003eThe Words of Dr. L\u003c\/em\u003e,  published in May, 2025. Her novels are \u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eGet to know Karen in our \u003ca title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist with Karen E. Bender\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-building-interiority-with-karen-e-bender\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eBuilding a character’s interiority consists of many elements, one of which is a character's fantasies, theories and plans. How do you use a character’s unique fantasies and theories of the world to help build their interior world? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this seminar, we will look at stories by Charles D'Ambrosio, Mavis Gallant, Sandra Cisneros and Roberto Bolano to see how they incorporate character’s fantasies and theories into a narrative, building a character’s interiority through the techniques. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will spend the first hour discussing the stories and the second hour doing writing exercises. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\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\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrough close reading of stories, learn different ways that writers use fantasies and theories as a way to access the interior worlds of their characters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDevelop a character through fantasies and theories via writing prompts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn one element of interiority as a way to develop characters.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll review the different ways authors use fantasies and theories to build interiority in a story and then write generative exercises to practice these methods. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they would like. Students will leave the class with various techniques they can use to convey interiority through these new craft techniques.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\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\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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Karen E. Bender\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom Tuesday, October 20th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7PM - 9PM EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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 seminar.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-51a8238b2f73df2e52ed\" 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":43762433622264,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"product_id":"the-art-of-autofiction-weekend-immersion-zoom-seminar","title":"The Art of Autofiction Weekend Immersion (Zoom) with Frances Badalamenti, December 5th and 6th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom Saturday, December 5th \u0026amp; Sunday, December 6th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 10:00AM  – 1:00PM Pacific on Both Days\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e Los Angeles (PST): 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTaught by \u003ca title=\"Frances Badalamenti New Yorker piece\" href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorker.com\/culture\/postscript\/angelo-badalamenti-was-beyond-refined\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew Yorker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e contributor Frances Badalamenti, author of \u003cem\u003eI Don’t Blame You,\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eSalad Days\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eMany Seasons\u003c\/em\u003e, this class will take a deep dive into the unique genre of autofiction or autobiographical fiction. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring this weekend autofiction intensive, we will take a deep dive into the unique art of autofiction. Autofiction combines the disciplines of autobiography and fiction. It can be written like memoir or like fiction, but it generally comes down to style: autofiction is often highly introspective and mainly focuses on interior life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this course, we will focus mainly on women writers of autofiction, such as: Lucia Berlin, Zinzi Clemmons, Annie Erneaux, Tove Ditlevsen, Marguerite Duras, Carmen Maria Machado, Sigrid Nunez, and Yuko Tsushima.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is for all levels of writers and readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssignments:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcerpts: Frances will provide (5) excerpts from works of autofiction and (3) craft essays to be read ahead of time; we will spend time discussing them as a group.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCraft talk: we will discuss various elements of creative writing and how those disciplines are often used in autofiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWriting: we will practice writing in the vein of autofiction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharing of work: there will be the opportunity to share your work (always optional), but the structure will not be in a traditional workshop format (no feedback on your work, just the option to share)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou will gain:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ea concrete understanding of the unique art of autofiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003einspiring community dialogue and critique of contemporary autofiction authors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ehow elements of craft are used in autofiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ecoming away with an understanding of how to write autofiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCraft talk (and how these narrative elements relate to autofiction):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStory structure and plot development (book map\/story grid)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScene vs. exposition (The Yellow Test)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDialogue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTense: 1\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e person, 2\u003csup\u003end\u003c\/sup\u003e person, 3\u003csup\u003erd\u003c\/sup\u003e person, omniscient \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharacter development\/POV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVoice, tone, mood, style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePacing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThroughlines and themes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTAKE THIS CLASS IF\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’re curious to learn more about autofiction as a genre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’re looking for inspiration and\/or to possibly begin writing in this genre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou’d like to engage in a lively discussion about contemporary autofiction writers such as Sheila Heti, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Chris Kraus, Ben Lerner, Brandon Taylor, Edouard Louis and more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYOU'LL TAKE HOME:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA broad understanding of what autofiction really means\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInspiration and knowledge that you can apply to your writing and\/or reading practices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn expanded list of autofiction titles for further reading and study\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrances Badalamenti | Live via Zoom\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom Saturday, December 5th \u0026amp; Sunday, December 6th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass will meet 10:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific on Both Days\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43772899164408,"sku":"","price":180.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Frances_Badalamenti_Headshot_ed6b739a-53c4-4d7e-91b1-9bd0f9bf2385.png?v=1769119092"},{"product_id":"fiction-voice-seminar-robert-siegel","title":"Find Your Fiction Voice: Live Writing Seminar with Robert Anthony Siegel on Tuesday, September 15th, 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 Tuesday, September 15th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 7:00PM - 9:00PM EST\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Robert Anthony Siegel\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis the author of a memoir, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eCriminals\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and two novels, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eAll Will Be Revealed\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eAll the Money in the World\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. His work has appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian Magazine, The Paris Review, The Drift, The Oxford American, and Ploughshares\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and has been anthologized in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eBest American Essays 2023, O. Henry Stories 2014,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ePushcart Prize XXXVI\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eGet to know Robert in our \u003ca title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist with Robert Anthony Siegel\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-what-is-voice-with-robert-anthony-siegel\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eVoice is crucial to writing fiction, yet difficult to understand. Some clarity on how voice is created will help students develop voice in their own work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWriters talk a lot about voice, but what is it, exactly? Why is it so important? How does it work? And how is it constructed?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIn this seminar, we’ll look at several examples of voice from great published writers, and then explore how to create a range of distinctive voices in our own writing through in-class exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\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\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eCome ready to ask questions, write short in-class exercises, and share with the group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA clear understanding of voice, its role in fiction, and how it is created on the page.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTechniques to help you to develop voice in your own fiction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This course exceeded my expectations. Robert \"dripped\" the craft-info to us, just enough to get to the next exercise. It never felt \"information heavy\" to me. He covered everything for me.\" -Robert B.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e:The course was wonderful. The wealth of information and the opportunity to use the exercises to think through my novel was most valuable. What an excellent course all around: the structure, content, and atmospher.\" -former student \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I found Robert's provision of tools, and then the practical application in exercises most valuable.  Robert is one of the best that I have learned from. His tempo and pace throughout the class were great. He listens with a keen ear, and is very approachable and compassionate in his delivery. He also shared a lot of examples of novels for us to read and pick up on ways to deliver story.\" -Carol R.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Robert was superb. He created an encouraging atmosphere, a clear step-by-step building of ideas, and helpful exercises. Highly recommend!\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This class exceeded my expectations. I found the didactic portions were extremely informative and so were the exercises very valuable.\" -Lisa M.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nLive Seminar Via Zoom on Tuesday, September 15th, 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eClass will meet 7PM - 9:00PM EST\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\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. These options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Robert Anthony Siegel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom on Tuesday, September 15th, 2026\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eClass will meet 7PM - 9:00PM EST\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\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 seminar.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43827662225656,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/robertsiegelHeadshot_ee45e18b-ab54-46a0-b54f-a4fde74c22fe.png?v=1684348691"},{"product_id":"start-your-novel-6-week-generative-zoom-workshop","title":"Start Your Novel 6-Week Generative Zoom Workshop with Swan Huntley, Starts Wednesday, January 13th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Wednesday, January 13th, 2027\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom for 90 minutes on Wednesdays, 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM ET\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNow Enrolling! Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by Swan Huntley, the author of the novels \u003cem\u003eGetting Clean With Stevie Green\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Goddesses, We Could Be Beautiful\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eI Want You More\u003c\/em\u003e. She is also the writer and illustrator of the journal-style mini-tomes \u003cem\u003eThe Bad Mood Book\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eYou’re Grounded\u003c\/em\u003e. Swan earned an MFA at Columbia University and has received fellowships from MacDowell and Yaddo, where she was the 2019 recipient of The LeSage-Fullilove Residency. She lives in Los Angeles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis online fiction writing workshop is for writers at all levels who want to write a novel and are wondering how best to start. Bring whatever you have so far — notes, character sketches, a few chapters, or just an idea for a scene. If the whole thing seems daunting, that is exactly the reason to take the leap and sign up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver six weeks, we'll consider the novel comprehensively. You'll take the pieces you already have and build on them to create an outline you can actually work from. The initial stages of writing a novel involve making a lot of foundational choices — about character, voice, pacing, and structure — and in this creative writing workshop we will make all of those choices together, week by week, with the whole group thinking alongside you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a hybrid craft and workshop course. The first half is dedicated to figuring out the basics: who your main character is and what they want, what point of view the story is told in, how many narrators it needs, what each character sounds like, and how time moves across the span of the book. The second half is a live Zoom writing workshop, for which you'll submit the first few pages of your novel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the time we reach the workshop weeks, everyone in the room will have a clear sense of what each writer is trying to achieve, which makes the feedback genuinely useful rather than generic. We'll talk about how to give good feedback before we begin — knowing how to give it is just as valuable as knowing how to receive it — and about the importance of building a writing community that lasts after the class ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this course, students will produce a working outline of their novel and draft the opening pages of the manuscript. You'll write out a full list of your characters with identifying details, draft the basic plot in one to two paragraphs and then refine and expand it, write sample lines of dialogue for each character, and complete one to five pages of finished novel prose. Those pages are submitted for workshop during Weeks 4, 5, and 6, where you'll receive live verbal feedback from Swan and from your fellow writers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: Character + Story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the first class, we'll introduce ourselves and talk about where we are in the process of writing our novels. I've found it's helpful to hear about how other people have been thinking about the task of completing a book, and what's been keeping them from doing it. Then we'll answer these questions: 1. Who is the main character in your story and what do they want? 2. What do you know about your story so far?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssignment: 1. Write out a list of your characters, starting with the protagonist and working your way to the most minor character. Include identifying characteristics (age, job, physical description, etc.) as well as any other information that seems important. 2. Write out the basic plot of your novel in 1-2 paragraphs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: POV + Dialogue\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll start by going over the homework and then we will answer these questions: 1. What is the POV? First, second, third-person? Why have you made this choice? 2. How many narrators are telling this story? Why? 3. What does your main character sound like? Is this different from how the other characters sound? (I will ask you to write out a few lines of dialogue for each of your characters.)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssignment: Refine and expand your plot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: Time \u0026amp; Structure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter going over our homework, we will answer these questions: What is the time span of your novel? Why? How is time broken up within this span? Are you using a 3-Act structure? A 5-Act? Neither?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssignment: Write the first few pages of your novel. Just one page is fine. Five pages is the max. Yes, the time I am giving you is enough time to do this, I promise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeeks 4, 5, and 6: Workshops\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy this point, we'll all have a good sense of what each of our fellow students is hoping to achieve in their novel, so we can give super-thoughtful feedback. Knowing how to give feedback, I've learned, is just as helpful as knowing how to receive it. We'll talk about that before we start workshopping, and about the importance of having a writing community, which will be helpful once the class is over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn outline of your novel\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe first few pages of your manuscript, workshopped by your instructor and peers\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA clear plan for completing your novel\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePraise for Swan:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Swan Huntley has an incredible knack for asking exactly the right questions to help bring clarity to the process of novel writing, and her expertise is so impressive and invaluable to a beginner (or any level) writer. This course genuinely helped me become a better writer, which is invaluable.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Huntley is adept at deploying Catherine’s good fortune as a fulcrum of suspense… Huntley deftly establishes Catherine’s tendency to rationalize and repress… Lively… Huntley writes with wit and verve, excelling at economically hilarious descriptions… The book’s strengths lie… in the zippy social satire, in the portrait of a dysfunctional family (Catherine’s relationship with her sister turns out to be especially affecting) and, most of all, in Catherine’s voice–strange and funny and engaging to the very end.” \u003cbr\u003e—Jennifer DuBois,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe New York Times Book Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Here’s a thriller we can sink into. Deeply psychological and nuanced, Huntley’s \u003cem\u003eWe Could Be Beautiful \u003c\/em\u003efollows one wealthy Manhattan woman who has nearly everything. The one thing she lacks, however, is a relationship. That is, until her white knight comes along one evening. But it never \u003cem\u003equite \u003c\/em\u003eworks out that way, does it? (Not in a book like this, certainly.) Huntley’s novel is a twisting, turning, secret-filled story that’s worthy of your precious summer reading time.”\u003cbr\u003e—Meredith Turits, \u003cem\u003eElle\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A novel that is deeper than its heiress-meets-man-of-her-dreams setup. The reason: Huntley’s uncanny ability to detect the fault lines in Manhattan’s glitterati as if flaws in a precious diamond—and make us laugh about them.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cem\u003eO Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“A riveting psychological thriller, Huntley’s debut takes you inside the world of Manhattan’s elite—and keeps you on tenterhooks.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cem\u003ePeople,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e“Book of the Week”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A sparkling dark romance… Huntley strings you blissfully along (like a great con man)…right up until that epic twist.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cem\u003eRedbook\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e“Quite the psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge wondering how far Catherine will go and how much she’ll sacrifice for the truth… Brilliantly exposes the life of an affluent family and what greed, lies and wealth can do to them.”\u003cbr\u003e—Amanda Douville,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew York Daily News\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Posh Manhattanite Catherine West has everything but the family she’s always wanted. But when she falls for the man of her supposed dreams, she unravels a web of deception that upends life as she knows it… Mesmerizing… As elegantly plotted as it is—and it is—Huntley’s debut stands out not for its thrills but rather for her hawkish eye for social detail and razor-sharp wit. It is more than a classic psychological thriller: it is also a haunting—and weirdly moving—portrait of love and family among Manhattan’s flailing upper crust. An intoxicating escape; as smart as it is fun.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cem\u003eKirkus\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e(STARRED REVIEW)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $445 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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Swan Huntley\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Wednesday, February 18th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom for 90 minutes on Wednesdays, 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM ET\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $445 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43828054163704,"sku":"","price":445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/SwanHuntleyHeadshot2026.png?v=1786805349"},{"product_id":"building-interiority-in-characters-perceptions-judgment-envy-and-love-with-karen-e-bender","title":"Building Interiority in Characters with Perceptions: Judgment, Envy and Love with Karen E. Bender, a Zoom Seminar on Wednesday, January 20th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom, Wednesday, January 20th, 2027\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe class will meet 7PM - 9:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA recording will be provided if you cannot attend live. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\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\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of three collections: \u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story prize; \u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e, which was Longlisted for the Story prize; and \u003cem\u003eThe Words of Dr. L\u003c\/em\u003e,  published in May, 2025. Her novels are \u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eGet to know Karen in our \u003ca title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist with Karen E. Bender\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-building-interiority-with-karen-e-bender\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eBuilding a character’s interiority consists of many elements. Characters are full of many thoughts and perceptions about other characters. How does a character judge another? Envy another person? Admire another person? \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eExamining the ways writers show how characters react to one another helps create a sense of their interior worlds.  In this seminar, we will look at stories by Mavis Gallant, John Cheever, Deborah Eisenberg, Raymond Carver, Eve Babitz and ZZ Packer to see how they incorporate character’s use of judgments, envy, admiration,  creating a complex and living consciousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWe will spend the first hour discussing the stories and the second hour doing writing exercises.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cem\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\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrough close reading of stories, learn different ways that writers use judgment, envy and admiration as a way to access the interior worlds of their characters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how judgment, envy, and admiration connect with action in stories.                \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDevelop a character through these perceptions via writing prompts.                \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn one element of interiority as a way to develop characters.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll review the different ways authors use perceptions to build interiority in a story and then write generative exercises to practice these methods. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they would like. Students will leave the class with various techniques they can use to convey interiority through character perceptions.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\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. These options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor: Karen E. Bender\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWednesday, January 20th, 2027\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe class will meet 7PM - 9:00PM EST\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\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","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43833963380984,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"product_id":"shirley-jackson-fiction-writing-workshop-online","title":"Shirley Jackson as Muse: An 8-Week Generative Fiction Workshop with Lauren Davis Starts Thursday, October 1st, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eStarts Thursday, October 1st, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Wet Ink (asynchronous)\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=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eInstructor Lauren Davis is the author of the short story collection\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Nothing\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(YesYes Books, 2025) and the poetry collections\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHome Beneath the Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(Fernwood Press) and\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen I Drowned\u003c\/em\u003e. Her fiction won the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLanding Zone Magazine's\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFlash Fiction Contest, and her fiction and poetry have been finalists for the Ruth Stone Poetry Prize and the Press 53 Award for Short Fiction, among others. Her poetry, fiction, essays, and reviews have appeared in numerous literary publications and anthologies, including\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrairie Schooner, Spillway, Poet Lore, Ibbetson Street, Ninth Letter\u003c\/em\u003e, and elsewhere. She holds an MFA from the Bennington College Writing Seminars. Davis lives with her husband and two black cats on the Olympic Peninsula in a Victorian seaport community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eRead an \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Shirley Jackson as Muse: Interview with Lauren Davis\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/shirley-jackson-as-muse-interview-with-lauren-davis\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eInterview with Lauren\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e on Shirley Jackson as Muse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\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 whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eThis online fiction writing workshop is for writers at all levels who want to explore Shirley Jackson's unique style and themes. Whether you're drawn to psychological tension, dark fiction, or the art of the unsettling, this course will help you infuse your work with depth and complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eStep into the haunting and captivating world of Shirley Jackson in this 8-week fiction workshop. Through reading, analysis, and generative writing exercises, you will gain a deeper appreciation for Jackson's writing and develop practical skills for crafting narratives that grip readers' attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eGuided by instructor Lauren Davis, you will delve deep into Jackson's unique blend of dark themes, psychological exploration, and horror, using her work as a catalyst to spark your own creativity. This online writing class invites you to explore the chilling brilliance of Shirley Jackson's writing through her acclaimed collection The Lottery and Other Stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eJoin us for an immersive exploration of Shirley Jackson's literary legacy, where you'll not only uncover the secrets behind her chilling tales but also harness her influence to ignite your own creative spark. Under the guidance of instructor Lauren Davis, you'll craft your own stories that resonate with darkness, suspense, and the enigmatic allure that defines Jackson's writing. Note: Our peer workshop will utilize a strict deadline as a courtesy to ensure all participants have the same amount of time to participate and provide feedback to each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\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 whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eIn this course, students will:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReading and Analysis: \u003c\/strong\u003eThrough a comprehensive reading and discussion of Shirley Jackson's acclaimed short story collection The Lottery and Other Stories, students will dissect her narratives, characters, and themes. By analyzing Jackson's storytelling techniques, students will gain insights into her mastery of suspense, psychological tension, and eerie atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExploring Dark Themes: \u003c\/strong\u003eParticipants will explore and identify the underlying dark themes and psychological nuances that permeate Jackson's stories. By unpacking the intricacies of her writing, students will gain an understanding of how to infuse their own work with depth, complexity, and a touch of the unsettling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenerative Writing: \u003c\/strong\u003eUsing Jackson's stories as inspiration, students will embark on a journey of creativity, generating their own first drafts of short stories. Through various writing prompts and exercises, participants will harness the power of Jackson's literary legacy to create new and original fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnique Integration: \u003c\/strong\u003eBuilding on the knowledge gained from studying Jackson's works, students will learn how to incorporate her writing techniques into their own drafts. From creating suspenseful scenes to crafting memorable characters, participants will develop a toolkit for infusing their stories with tension and intrigue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eParticipants will have the opportunity to receive private instructor feedback on four 5,000-word short stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eStudents will read \u003cem\u003eThe Lottery and Other Stories\u003c\/em\u003e by Shirley Jackson. Students will need to acquire their own copy of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: \u003c\/strong\u003eRead Section I and Discuss Stories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: \u003c\/strong\u003eGenerate and Submit Short Story Draft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: \u003c\/strong\u003eRead Section II and Discuss Stories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: \u003c\/strong\u003eGenerate and Submit Short Story Draft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 5: \u003c\/strong\u003eRead Section III and Discuss Stories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 6: \u003c\/strong\u003eGenerate and Submit Short Story Draft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 7: \u003c\/strong\u003eRead Section IV and Discuss Stories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 8: \u003c\/strong\u003eGenerate and Submit Short Story Draft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eClose reading of Shirley Jackson's only short story collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eKnowledge and appreciation of psychological and dark fiction theory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eGeneration of four short story drafts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003ePrivate instructor feedback on four 5,000-word short stories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003ePeer feedback on one 5,000-word short story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin us for an immersive exploration of Shirley Jackson's literary legacy, where you'll not only uncover the secrets behind her chilling tales but also harness her influence to ignite your own creative spark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder the guidance of instructor Lauren Davis, you'll craft your own stories that resonate with darkness, suspense, and the enigmatic allure that defines Jackson's writing.\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 Lauren 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. Lauren 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: \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Lauren Davis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass starts Thursday, October 1, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Wet Ink (asynchronous). 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.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $545 USD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43982033551608,"sku":"","price":545.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/ShirleyJacksonasMuseAn8-WeekGenerativeFictionWorkshop_a64691ec-7ad0-41c5-9daf-3a1444ec6e4d.png?v=1769183774"},{"product_id":"deep-dive-into-dialogue-a-master-class-on-the-art-of-what-people-say-with-karen-e-bender","title":"Deep Dive Into Dialogue: A Master Class on the Art of What People Say with Karen E. Bender (Zoom) on Saturday, December 5th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom, Saturday, December 5th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 12PM - 5PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 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\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of three collections: \u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story prize; \u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e, which was Longlisted for the Story prize; and \u003cem\u003eThe Words of Dr. L\u003c\/em\u003e,  published in May, 2025. Her novels are \u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eGet to know Karen in our \u003ca title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist with Karen E. Bender\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-building-interiority-with-karen-e-bender\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eDialogue is what people say—but how do you use this technique as a writer? In this class, we’ll do a detailed look into how dialogue reveals character, and how to give your dialogue more urgency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWe’ll look at dialogue and emotion, how to combine dialogue and gesture, rants, situation and dialogue. We’ll examine stories by John Cheever, Ernest Hemingway, JD Salinger, Edward P. Jones, Rebecca Lee, Roz Chast, ZZ Packer. Then we’ll do some exercises, practicing dialogue in a variety of contexts. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e The week of the seminar, Karen will email several PDFs of the stories we'll be discussing--you don't need to read these before the class, but can if you would like.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrough close reading of stories, learn different strategies for using dialogue in stories                \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn ways to make dialogue more emotional and urgent                \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractice these strategies through a variety of writing prompts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll be going over the different examples of dialogue in class and then writing generative exercises to practice these methods. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they would like. They will leave the class with a variety of new techniques to make their dialogue ring true on the page.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $150 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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Karen E. Bender\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom on Saturday, December 5th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12PM - 5PM EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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":44004631707896,"sku":"","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"product_id":"comedy-writing-for-non-comedians-zoom-seminar-with-caitlin-kunkel","title":"Comedy Writing for Non-Comedians Zoom Seminar with Caitlin Kunkel, Sunday, November 22nd, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunday, November 22nd, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1:00 PM - 3:00PM ET \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\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\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 class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eIn this two-hour interactive seminar, satirist, author, and creator of The Second City’s online satire writing program, Caitlin Kunkel, will break down the basics of comedic writing for those who \u003ci\u003earen’t\u003c\/i\u003e trying to become comedians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eComedy can be another tool in your writing toolbox, allowing you to write with a stronger voice, distinct point of view, and punchiness that can be applied to disciplines such as copywriting and content writing. From the rule of three to learning what the heck a callback is, learn how to be funnier on paper…and maybe even in real life! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfect for fiction and nonfiction writers, as well as those trying to inject more humor into jobs like content writing, copywriting, and more.\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\u003eTools of comedy that can be used across forms and genres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to find a point of view for yourself or a client\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to use specificity and simple techniques like the rule of three to punch up a piece of writing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA comedy rubric to check against your own work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA discussion of publications for comedy writing, as well as how to leverage your comedy chops for paid writing jobs \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA repeatable brainstorming process\u003cbr\u003e\n\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 want to deepen your ability to write comedy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou're an aspiring comedy writer.     \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to add more humor to your work.     \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to learn the elements and formats of humor writing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want to expand the sense of what is possible in your work.\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\"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\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 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\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass is on Sunday, November 22nd, 2026, via Zoom from 1:00PM ET - 3:00PM ET \u003cbr\u003e\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.\u003cbr\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\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44063350423800,"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":"writing-the-weird-workshop","title":"Writing the Weird: 4 Weeks, 4 Uncanny Creations, a Generative Creative Writing Class (Zoom) starts Sunday, September 20th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBegins Sunday, September 20th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Sundays, 12:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\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): 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM \/ Chicago (CDT): 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ London (BST): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow Enrolling! Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \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\u003eLearn more about Erica in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-writing-the-weird-with-erica-anzalone\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Writing the Weird with Erica Anzalone\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/a\u003eseries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this class, writers will learn how to use the technique of defamiliarization to invoke the weird and wonderful, magical, fantastic, uncanny, surreal, and even the supernatural and walk away with at least four new works in progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis generative creative writing class will address two common pitfalls: abstraction and cliches. Using Mary Karr’s essay \"Sacred Carnality\" as a touchstone, students will alchemize abstraction into concrete imagery using the 5 senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen, we’ll level up by making that imagery strange, transforming clichés into fresh, striking language. Through the technique of defamiliarization, students will evoke the Sixth Sense: that intuitive feeling about the mood, atmosphere, psychology, or emotion of a person or place. We'll invoke the weird and wonderful, magical, fantastic, uncanny, surreal, and even the supernatural. You’ll walk away with at least four new works in progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is for all levels and genres of writers. Classes will include discussion of readings and generative writing prompts. Students will have the opportunity to share their work and receive encouragement in a supportive community. Wherever you are on your journey, you will be inspired to write more and hone your craft.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse defamiliarization to combat cliche and create striking language that holds readers spellbound\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse the five senses as an antidote to abstraction to “show, not tell” and create an embodied experience\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenerate at least 4 new pieces of writing through in-class prompts and receive encouraging feedback in a supportive community\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE \u0026amp; READINGS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEEK 1: ANGELS:\u003c\/strong\u003e “Sticks” by George Saunders, “Angels” by Russell Edson, “Three Angels” by David Ulin, “Sacred Carnality” by Mary Karr\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEEK 2: GHOSTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e “Tarot for the Bardo” by Erica Anzalone, “Haint Blue” by Siarra Freeman, “Broken Alphabet” by Tracy Seid, “Zoom Shiva” by Dan Liebelson, “The Widower’s Wife Takes Him to This Year’s Death Gala” by Todd Dillard, “Make It Strange” by Matthew Zapruder, from his book Why Poetry\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEEK 3: BEASTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e “Wolf Parts” by Matt Bell. Other readings TBA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEEK 4: MONSTERS:\u003c\/strong\u003e “Murder Mermaids Make Mistakes” by Sandra Schmul Long, “Ursus Frankenstein” by Rich Larson. Other readings TBA\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\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 \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, September 20th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Sundays, 12:00pm - 2:00pm Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $330 USD. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44089277350136,"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":"literary-magazine-submissions-workshop","title":"Literary Magazine Submissions Workshop 2-Hour Live Seminar with Meg Eden Kuyatt on January 26th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTuesday, January 26th, 2027\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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass is on Tuesday, January 26th, 2027\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":"write-like-an-athlete-zoom-seminar-with-caitlin-kunkel","title":"Write Like an Athlete Zoom Seminar with Caitlin Kunkel on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, October 3rd, 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\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\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\u003ch2\u003eNow Enrolling!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\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 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 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more about Caitlin in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-write-like-an-athlete-with-caitlin-kunkel\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Write Like an Athlete with Caitlin Kunkel\" 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\u003eWhat do writing and athletics have in common? Oh, just a dedication to day-to-day improvement, long-term commitment to a goal, and the cultivation of mental toughness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this seminar, former competitive distance swimmer Caitlin Kunkel will weave together concepts from writing and sports psychology to help participants strengthen their creative practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll cover things like self-talk, pre-performance routines, practical goal setting, balanced critiques, social accountability, and more when it comes to building and maintaining a\u003ci\u003e healthy and strong writing practice. Don't worry, no physical activity is required!\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\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\u003cdiv 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.”\u003cspan style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv 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\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\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!” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\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 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\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 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\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 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\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 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\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 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\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\u003eSaturday, October 3rd, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 1:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern\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":44281308381432,"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":"writing-a-novel-in-verse-zoom-seminar","title":"Writing a Novel in Verse Zoom Seminar with Meg Eden Kuyatt on Tuesday, April 27th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTuesday, April 27th, 2027\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA recording will be provided 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\u003c\/div\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 \u003cem\u003eDrowning in the Floating World\u003c\/em\u003e and the poetry collection \u003cem\u003eobsolete hill\u003c\/em\u003e (Fernwood Press, 2026), and children's novels including the Schneider Family Book Award Honor-winning \u003cem\u003eGood Different\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Girl in the Walls\u003c\/em\u003e (Scholastic, 2025), a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her work is published or forthcoming in magazines including \u003cem\u003eWriter's Digest, Prairie Schooner, The Rumpus, Poetry Northwest, The Poetry Foundation\u003c\/em\u003e online\u003cem\u003e, Crab Orchard Review, RHINO,\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCV2\u003c\/em\u003e. She received her MFA in creative writing from the University of Maryland College Park.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThinking about writing a novel in verse? The novel-in-verse is a unique form that merges elements of poetry and fiction, and is gaining popularity in the kidlit community as a powerful storytelling form. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the craft and thematic elements that make for a strong novel-in-verse, explore some examples of effective novels in verse, and engage in exercises to investigate this form for our own narratives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll also learn about tools to carry in your novel-in-verse toolbox including sound, repetition, line breaks, the stanza, “the rules of the poem” and more. Learn how to establish and disrupt patterns of form as well as integrate motifs to make your novel really shine. We’ll walk through the process of how I’ve approached form in my adult poetry, as well as my novel-in-verse \u003cem\u003eGood Different\u003c\/em\u003e, and will have time for exercises playing with form. If you’d like, feel free to bring some poems from your novel-in-verse that you’d like to play with.\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\u003eLearn what a novel in verse is.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn what kind of stories are best told in the novel in verse form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGet industry insights on the kidlit novel in verse market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn exercises to play with for generating and editing your novel in verse\u003cbr\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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass is on Tuesday, April 27th, 2027.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClass will meet via Zoom from 6:00PM EST - 8:00PM Eastern \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","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44341535310072,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/MegEdenHeadshot_cdf22b11-2450-44cc-9871-8d8a5669e25e.png?v=1705357516"},{"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 Sunday, October 4th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunday, October 4th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 11:00AM - 2:00PM Pacific \u003cbr\u003e\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): 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM \/ London (BST): 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 8:00 PM – 11:00 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\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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Courtney Kocak's Land Big Bylines is a fantastic class that can assist you with practical tools and techniques as well as hard to find information on getting your work out there. A perfect mix of insider knowledge as well as tips on improving your craft.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The thoroughness in Courtney Kocak's Start a Newsletter to Supercharge Your Platform, Network \u0026amp; Business seminar was highly impressive and inspiring, as was the way in which she wove time for our brainstorming with examples. I will definitely recommend this class.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The first short course I took was So You Want to Start a Podcast, and the instructor, Courtney Kocak, shared her valuable experience and expertise that I found immensely helpful. WritingWorkshops.com makes continuing education more accessible and easier. The fact that the instructors are industry professionals gives them increased credibility.\"\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 $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 Sunday, October 4th, 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 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":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":"building-writer-confidence-dealing-with-self-doubt-zoom-seminar","title":"Building Writer Confidence \u0026 Dealing with Self-Doubt Zoom Seminar with Lynne Golodner on Wednesday, November 4th, 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 data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWednesday, November 4th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 5PM - 8PM Eastern \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\u003e\u003cspan face=\"BaskOldFace\"\u003eTaught by Lynne Golodner, \u003cspan\u003ethe author of twelve books and thousands of articles and a marketing entrepreneur, writing coach and host of the Make Meaning Podcast. After working as a journalist in New York and Washington, D.C., Lynne returned to Detroit. She helps authors create writing careers, book marketing strategies and finish book projects. In 2023, Lynne founded \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Scotia Road Books\" href=\"https:\/\/scotiaroadbooks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eScotia Road Books\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, an independent publishing imprint for women over 40. Lynne’s writing has appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e45\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eParallel, Moment Magazine, Great Lakes Review, Saveur\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eChicago Tribune\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBetter Homes and Gardens\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMidwest Living\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDetroit Free Press\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorridge Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eJewish Literary Journal\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Good Life Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHadassah Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Forward\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eValiant Scribe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eStory Unlikely\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Dillydoun Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eQuibbleLit, bioStories\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eYourTango\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, among many more publications. Plus, one of her essays was a finalist in the Annie Dillard Creative Nonfiction contest at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBellingham Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nEvery writer feels it at some point: self-doubt, insecurity, and wondering if anyone will ever read what they write or care about their words.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003eIn this webinar, Author and Writing Coach Lynne Golodner will explain how to build your writerly confidence and manage inevitable self-doubt! We'll explore why all writers experience these difficult emotions from time to time and what to do about them while offering helpful, easy-to-implement tips to build your strength and support system to keep you writing.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003eWriters will leave the webinar with clarity about why they write and how to establish a writing routine that keeps them going. The webinar will include some exploratory writing and a guided meditation, with time at the end for Q\u0026amp;A.  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\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\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnderstanding Emotional Challenges in Writing\u003c\/strong\u003e: Participants will gain insights into why feelings of self-doubt and insecurity are common among writers. They will learn about the psychological aspects of creative writing and how these emotions can actually serve as catalysts for personal growth and creative expression.  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePractical Strategies to Boost Confidence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lynne Golodner will provide easy-to-implement tips on how to build and maintain writerly confidence. Attendees will learn techniques to transform self-doubt into motivation, enhancing their ability to continue writing even when faced with emotional hurdles.  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstablishing a Sustainable Writing Routine:\u003c\/strong\u003e The webinar will guide attendees on how to establish a regular writing routine that suits their lifestyle and creative rhythms. This includes setting realistic goals, creating a supportive writing environment, and using tools and practices that encourage consistency and productivity.  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePersonalized Writing and Reflection Tools:\u003c\/strong\u003e Participants will engage in exploratory writing exercises and a guided meditation designed to help them connect deeply with their reasons for writing. They will leave the seminar with a clearer understanding of their personal writing goals and a toolkit for reflective practice that supports ongoing confidence and creativity.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENTS LOVE LYNNE\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e“Lynne is so amazing. She made my fire hydrant of a response sound like poetry.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Every now and then you attend a truly awesome workshop that provides real practical sound advice for a situation with many unique questions. This course was that for me.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Lynne is changing my life. She knew I was hesitating about moving forward on my dream path. I’d start, lose focus, then stop again. Lynne is keeping me accountable and her confidence in me makes a huge difference.\u2028\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"With Lynee's coaching, I got recognition in just weeks! She keeps pushing me to apply my talents, live loudly, and be a beacon for others. She shares her secrets.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"There are many courses that claim to make a difference but fall short. Skip that. Work with Lynne and you will get top-notch results quickly.”\u003cbr\u003e\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\n\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. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLynne Golodner, Instructor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWednesday, November 4th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom from 5PM - 8PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44987611021560,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Lynne_Golodner_Headshot_1.png?v=1732385805"},{"product_id":"creating-sense-of-place-writing-seminar-online-november-2026","title":"Creating a Sense of Place in Fiction, Nonfiction, or Memoir: One-Night Zoom Seminar with James Sturz on Monday, November 16th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"row sqs-row\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1585167500790_108\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eMonday, November 16, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Monday, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET\u003c\/h2\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 James Sturz 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 and 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 anthologized in ITALY: THE BEST TRAVEL WRITING FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES and BEST FOOD WRITING 2007, among others.\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 rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Creating a Sense of Place in Fiction, Memoir, \u0026amp; Nonfiction with James Sturz\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-creating-a-sense-of-place-in-fiction-memoir-nonfiction-with-james-sturz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eCreating a Sense of Place in Fiction, Memoir, \u0026amp; Nonfiction with James Sturz\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 online creative writing seminar is for fiction writers, nonfiction writers, and memoirists at all levels who want to deepen the way place functions on the page. If you've ever felt that a book, story, or film's location mattered as much as any of its characters — and want your own work to do the same — this craft class is for you.\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]\"\u003eCreating a compelling sense of place involves far more than a description of physical attributes. It can include the unusual occurrences that could only have 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 characters transform as they move from place to place over time. In this two-hour online writing class, you'll learn to treat your settings as characters themselves — not as backdrops, but as catalysts for change and engines for your plot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eJames Sturz learned his craft writing travel articles for the U.S.'s top publications, then applied those techniques to essays and fiction, including two novels. Over the course of this single-session Zoom seminar, he'll walk you through specific strategies for building settings that are multidimensional, sensory, and historically alive — settings that shape character and propel story rather than sitting decoratively in the background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe seminar consists of a 90-minute lecture followed by a 30-minute live Q\u0026amp;A with the instructor, giving you direct access to ask the questions most pressing to your own projects in fiction, nonfiction, or memoir.\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 gain a working toolkit for crafting place-driven prose: techniques for making settings multidimensional, methods for letting location shape character, and a sharper editorial sense for cutting superfluous description in favor of the details that do real narrative work. Students will leave with a clear approach they can apply to drafts already underway and to new pieces ahead.\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]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSegment 1 (90 minutes): \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eLive lecture covering techniques for building multidimensional settings; using sensory detail, history, and unique-to-place occurrences as engines for plot; treating place as a character; and shaping characters through their movement across locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSegment 2 (30 minutes): \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eLive Q\u0026amp;A with James Sturz.\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=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLearn techniques for creating complex settings that come alive on the page\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDevelop tight narratives that make use of a setting's most important features while eliminating superfluous description\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eRecognize how settings shape and reveal character\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eUnderstand the principle of never simply stating what a place is, but always evoking what it is like\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBuild a transferable craft approach you can apply across fiction, nonfiction, and memoir\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\u003cem\u003e\"James 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"James 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"What 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"James 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"James 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"James' 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"James' presentation was both interesting and informative. His delivery was very professional.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I thought James' talk was enlightening; he is a thoughtful instructor; he made good points about travel writing.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The class was inspiring. I got a lot of great tips on how to approach travel-writing.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I was very pleased with the seminar. James's presentation was pithy, frank, humorous and sprinkled with memorable anecdotes.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"James 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.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"You are an amazing writer and teacher, and I'm so glad our paths crossed.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Thank you for your guidance and inspiration.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"James, many thanks for your expertise and guidance.\" — Former Student\u003c\/em\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 $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=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: James Sturz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Monday, November 16, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Monday, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $99 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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":"the-horror-imaginary-writing-workshop-online","title":"The Horror Imaginary: Writing from Horror for Inspiration, Subversion, and Delight 4-Week Intensive (Zoom) with Syr Hayati Beker Starts on Tuesday, September 15th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBegins Tuesday, September 15th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal 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 Syr Hayati Beker (they\/them) is a writer, horror nerd, and experience creator. Their BSFA-longlisted novella in mutated fairy tales, \u003cem\u003eWhat A Fish Looks Like\u003c\/em\u003e, was praised by Kate Folk as \"fearlessly innovative… shattering the boundaries of climate fiction,\" and by Natalia Theodoridou as \"unexpected and brilliant – a deeply queer and riotously joyful lament.\" Syr is the co-founder of Queer Cat Productions immersive theater company and The Escapery Collective. They are an associate editor at \u003cem\u003ePseudopod\u003c\/em\u003e and have taught horror classes for over seven years. They are a graduate of Clarion West. Their work appears in \u003cem\u003eFoglifter\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eJoyland\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eFairy Tale Review\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eF(r)iction\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMichigan Quarterly Review\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSpunk\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eGigantic Sequins\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHome is Where You Queer Your Heart\u003c\/em\u003e (Foglifter Press, 2021), and in theaters, pirate ships, galleries, and queer bars near you.\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\/syr-hayati-beker-horror-imaginary-writing-workshop\" title='Syr Hayati Beker on Horror as Permission: Writing Toward the Biggest \"What If\"'\u003e\u003cem\u003eSyr Hayati Beker on Horror as Permission: Writing Toward the Biggest \"What If\"\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]\"\u003eScaredy cats and all-genre writers are equally welcome at this all-levels exploration of horror for inspiration, subversion, and delight. Whether you're finding your way through the haunted house of a longer project or hunting for your next story or poem, this generative creative writing workshop meets you where you are. No prior experience with the genre required — just curiosity and a willingness to peer into the dark.\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]\"\u003eThis online writing class invites you to borrow from horror theory and tropes to find new ideas, new inspirations, and new permissions. Together we'll explore what makes horror irresistible and indelible — the horror image, the monster, the jumpscare, the trope — and use those elements as fuel for pages of new writing and the permission to reach for the biggest, wildest \"what if\" imaginable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eYou don't have to be writing horror to benefit. The craft and study of the genre offer a permissive sense of delight and subversion that can open new possibilities in any kind of writing, whether you work in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or across forms. Whether you already know your project, are ready for something brand new, or want to bring a dark charge to a manuscript that has nothing to do with horror, you'll find a method here for drawing from that deep well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDrawing on Syr's years as a Clarion West graduate, an associate editor at \u003cem\u003ePseudopod\u003c\/em\u003e, and a teacher of horror in film and fiction since 2015, this seminar blends craft discussion with hands-on experimentation. You'll receive instructor writing feedback on submitted work, with weekly office hours available for anyone developing a longer project, discussing their writing, or preparing to submit for publication.\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 develop language and a framework for understanding what makes horror work — and how to access its permissive \"what if.\" You'll generate pages of new writing and produce a mid-sized draft of your own (a short story, long poem, poetry cycle, chapter, or game outline) along with one or more new beginnings, while developing your own theory of what horror and dark fantasy can do right now. There are two opportunities to submit work for written feedback (Classes 2 and 4), returned within one week, plus weekly office hours.\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: Sigmund Freud, \"The Uncanny\"; Christine Brooke-Rose, \"Red Rubber Gloves\"; Isabel Cañas, \"All the Things I Know About Ghosts, by Ofelia, Age 10\"; Tobi Ogundiran, \"The Lady of the Yellow-Painted Library\"; A. C. Wise, \"Scrimshaw\"; and Marilyn Nelson, \"The Floating Baby.\"\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]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass 1: What Is Horror? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eThe Horror Image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass 2: Monsters \u0026amp; Other Characters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e — \"When All You Ever Wanted Is Just a Little Too Much.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass 3: The Bad Place \u0026amp; the Haunted House\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e — horror story architecture, graveyard plots, and the jump scare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass 4: Experiments, Tropes, and the Monster Rises Again.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\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=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLanguage and a framework for understanding what makes horror work — and how to access its permissive \"what if\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA repeatable method for drawing on horror's imagery and inspiration across any genre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eA mid-sized draft of your own: a short story, long poem, poetry cycle, chapter, or game outline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eOne or more new beginnings and pages of fresh writing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eYour own developing theory of horror — what you believe the genre can and should do now\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\"Throughout my time working with Syr, they supported me and my writing with extraordinary care, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm. They are a brilliant and joyful human… I could not recommend Syr more highly.\" — C. H., Novelist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I have spent many weeknights in Syr's workshops, feeling inspired to think less and write more. These welcoming, supportive classes have shown me how to unwind the creative process and see what pours out by engaging in creative experimentation. Their classes not only motivated me to take my work further by pursuing my MFA in creative writing, but also served as an artistic refuge when I needed a break from writing in academic settings. I'm so grateful this space exists and continues to grow as I know that as long as I write in San Francisco, I'll be at their workshops finding new possibilities for my art.\" — Kimberly Gomes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"I have participated in several workshops with Syr and am incredibly grateful for all of the generative exercises and thought-provoking discussions they entailed. These workshops have all influenced my evolution as a writer and contributed to my personal growth. I had not written much since completing my MFA, and provided the inspiration, guidance, and support I needed to restart and cultivate my writing practice. This empowered me to climb out of an existential depression, as well as to transition to the next stage of my career. As a QTPoC cross-genre writer with an interdisciplinary background in the arts and humanities, I often find myself in between (and\/or part of multiple) conversations and communities. Syr's workshops offered an inclusive space where I was free to explore these intersectionalities (alongside my quirky and eclectic interests) through writing, which has informed my queer non-binary feminist sensibility.\" — Deni, PhD Student in Theatre and Performance Studies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Syr's mode of reading is deeply generous and helps surface themes in my writing that I didn't even realize. Having that trust in my fellow readers helps me lean into drafting as early, messy, but still with kernels in it of something bigger, because I know it will be taken for what it is and will be, not what it isn't… Syr's care and attentiveness with my work makes me feel like a writer whose work matters.\" — V. U., Nonfiction Writer \u0026amp; Novelist\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Syr is like an artist's life raft — they will buoy you with empathy, encouragement, inspiration, and opportunity. If you have the chance to work with Syr, TAKE IT!\" — Jordan Godwin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"After attending several of Syr's workshops over the years, I realized that some of my most powerful writing had emerged from those experiences. So when I faced what felt like the 10,000th rewrite of my novel, I knew in my heart that I needed to work with Syr. Their guidance wasn't just helpful — it felt essential to getting where I needed to go. And I was right. Syr provides unwavering, limitless support. As a writer overflowing with self-doubt, it meant everything to have someone care about my story as deeply as I did. They validated my ideas, made my wildest concepts feel possible, and believed in me in ways I didn't even realize I needed. Without Syr, my novel might still be stuck in rewrite purgatory. But with their insight and encouragement, I found the tools and confidence to push beyond what I thought was possible. If any writer asks me for a recommendation on a writing editor or coach, my answer will always be Syr. They helped me elevate my work in ways I never imagined, and I couldn't have asked for a better guide.\" — Eming Piansay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Syr pushes writers to tear down their limiting beliefs about what they can and can't do, and shows them how to rebuild their creative cities to accommodate the new and wildly born being taking root inside. With Syr's help, writers don't just find their creative genius, they wrestle it to the ground and then learn how to make it fall in love with them.\" — Lauren Sapala, Writer and Writing Coach\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\"Syr is an incredible writing teacher, mentor and editor. There is absolutely no way I would have been able to complete a first draft of my memoir without their ongoing support, enthusiasm for my project, and creative generosity. Syr helps me stay accountable to myself and to my creative process by creating structure and realistic deadlines, yet is always flexible and positive and affirming when life happens. Our sessions are so dynamic and inspiring and I often leave having generated more work. Having Syr in my life is an invaluable lifeline as a creative.\" — M. S.\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 $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\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=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Syr Hayati Beker\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Tuesday, September 15th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eTuition is $330 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45394182340856,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/SyrBekerHeadshot2026_2e5c4397-2990-4569-81a3-6cba4bcda01e.png?v=1779381804"},{"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 Thursday, November 5th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThursday, November 5th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eLive Zoom Seminar from 5:30PM - 8:30PM Eastern\u003c\/h2\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\" title=\"In the Writer's Studio: Sanibel Lazar on Transforming Literary Talent into Digital Currency\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\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\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis class is for writers who want to make \"talk to the camera\" videos. If you are unwilling to share your face or voice on screen, this is not for you. Take a look at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sanibel.ink\/reels\/\" title=\"Sanibel Lazar Author Account on Instagram\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003emy content\u003c\/a\u003e to see if it's the right fit for what you hope to learn. \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\"\u003eThursday, November 5th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLive Zoom Seminar from 5:30PM - 8:30PM Eastern\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":"exploring-first-person-point-of-view-with-karen-e-bender","title":"Exploring First Person Point of View with Karen E. Bender 1-Day Fiction Master Class (Zoom) on Saturday, February 13th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom, Saturday, February 13th, 2027\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 12PM - 4:00PM Eastern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 6:00 PM – 10:00 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\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA recording will be provided if you cannot attend live.\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\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of three collections: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story Prize; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which was longlisted for the Story Prize; and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Words of Dr. L\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e,  published in May 2025. Her novels are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eFirst person point of view brings us into a character's perspective in a way that no other point of view can. It's a direct portal to a character's thoughts and feelings, and the most effective first person point of view creates a deep connection with the reader. First person point of view can also be flexible--there are different ways to approach it and use it.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIn this 4-hour seminar, we will look at different strategies for using first person perspectives. We will read stories and excerpts by James Joyce, Jamaica Kincaid, JD Salinger, Miranda July and Mavis Gallant, and practice different ways of writing in the first person.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWriters will leave with several exercises to use as launchpads for future writing, as well as the ability to think more strategically about how to use first person perspective in their work.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe week of the seminar, Karen will email several PDFs of the stories we'll be discussing--you don't need to read these before the class, but can if you would like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\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\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstand how first person point of view can help you create a character    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeveral exercises to use as the inspiration for future drafts.    \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThink strategically about past drafts and learn how to make your character's point of view more dynamic \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll be going over the different types of story openings in class, and then writing generative exercises to practice these methods. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they would like. They will leave the class with a variety of story openings, and an understanding of a variety of techniques a writer can use to open a story.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis seminar exceeded my expectations. I loved going through the different types of story openings that exist and then seeing clear-cut examples of each from the materials that were shared in class. Karen is a fantastic facilitator!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -Alexandra Y.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eClass was excellent and exceeded my expectations. I found Karen's approach of writing an opening that set up two questions extremely valuable. Five of five stars\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Diane K.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI though Karen gave great input on our exercises. I would highly recommend this seminar! I learned so much.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The best part about the Exploring Strategies for Story Beginnings seminar with Karen E. Bender were her insights, warmth, generosity, intelligence and the categories for types of story beginnings she presented to us. Karen is a wonderful instructor, and I've taken all of her seminars.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe close reading of the texts was extremely valuable. Karen is a great teacher, and I though this was a great seminar on strategies for story beginnings.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I found Karen's teaching so valuable. She dives right in and I love her style. I signed up for her other seminars after I took this one. Thank you!\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"In her seminars, Karen always offer such specific techniques, which has helped me deepen my understanding of craft and benefited my writing practice. Thank you!\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Karen's class taught me invaluable writing techniques that I missed because I have a JD instead of an MFA. This was so great! Thank you, Karen!\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I loved the structure of understanding various story openings and emphasis on goals for first paragraphs. This class definitely exceeded my expectations.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"It was great. I was working on a rewrite, came to the realization that I needed more interiority, saw this class, jumped on it, and I've already used some of the techniques. The concepts and ideas that were coupled with good, well-paced exercises.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"This class helps all levels of writers get better access to the all-important matter of characters. Highly recommend.\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"What a fantastic person! I liked her style, her content, and her drive for us to get the most out of 2 hours. Karen really pointed out a fantastic technique and her enthusiasm is infectious. I just wanted more time with her!\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Exceeded expectations. Lots of content, practice, plus interaction packed into Zoom.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Karen E. Bender's Strategies for Story Beginnings seminar exceeded my expectations! Karen is an excellent teacher: she is patient, explains all her materials well and provides valuable examples and feedback. I really enjoy how Karen runs her courses. This is the second of hers I've taken, and I plan to take more. In fact, I recommended Karen's classes enough after the first one I took that a friend joined me for this one. Thank you again!\" -former student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $150 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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Karen E. Bender\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive seminar via Zoom on Saturday, February 13th, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12PM - 4PM EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $150 USD.\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":45608745402616,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"product_id":"30-genres-in-30-days-for-fiction-writers-an-online-writing-intensive","title":"30 Genres in 30 Days for Fiction Writers with Holly Lyn Walrath starts Monday, January 4th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col sqs-col-7 span-7\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-9bd4c6c3a222aea2e1f5\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClass Starts Monday, January 4th, 2027\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNow Enrolling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\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\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by Holly Lyn Walrath, a writer, editor, and publisher. Her poetry and short fiction has appeared in S\u003cem\u003etrange Horizons, Fireside Fiction, Analog, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Flash Fiction Online\u003c\/em\u003e. She is the author of several books of poetry including \u003cem\u003eGlimmerglass\u003c\/em\u003e Girl (2018), \u003cem\u003eNuminose Lapidi\u003c\/em\u003e (2020), and \u003cem\u003eThe Smallest of Bones\u003c\/em\u003e (2021). She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing from the University of Denver. In 2019, she launched Interstellar Flight Press, an indie SFF publisher dedicated to publishing underrepresented genres and voices.\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\u003cem\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Stop Fearing Genre: How Understanding Conventions Helps You Find Your Voice and Get Published\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/what-is-genre-guide-for-writers\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eStop Fearing Genre: How Understanding Conventions Helps You Find Your Voice and Get Published\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eby Holly Lyn Walrath\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ca name=\"_Hlk174698077\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003eGet ready to discover the magic of different genres in this fun and interactive 30-day workshop tailored for short story writers. Whether you’re into mystery, romance, horror, or science fiction, this workshop will help you grasp the unique elements and essentials of each genre. With 30 engaging prompts, you’ll master how to seamlessly blend popular genre traditions into your stories, no matter if you usually write microfiction, flash fiction, or short stories. This workshop is the perfect opportunity for fiction writers aiming to enhance their craft by gaining a deeper understanding of genres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCourse Outline:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Difference Between Tropes and Cliches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: \u003c\/strong\u003eAnti-Worldbuilding and the Power of Liminal Space\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: \u003c\/strong\u003eHow Characters Shape Genre\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: \u003c\/strong\u003eCrossing Genres and Hybridity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCourse Takeaways:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChallenge yourself to write 30 stories in 30 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDive into seven different genre writing prompts each week.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplore the key elements of genre.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiversify your writing portfolio.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGet inspired by the work of contemporary short story writers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how to blend genres and experiment \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is asynchronous, meaning 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 Holly 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 finish the work as you see fit week-to-week, which 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. Holly 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eInstructor: Holly Lyn Walrath\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eStarts Monday, January 4th, 2027\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCourse is fully ONLINE; 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 $330 USD. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45786295501048,"sku":"","price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/HollyWalrathHeadshot2_2_d4de727e-7709-4fcc-982e-1a61658a09e8.png?v=1703204097"},{"product_id":"the-novella-exploring-long-short-fiction-6-week-zoom-intensive-with-michelle-kicherer","title":"Writing The Novella: Exploring Long-Short Fiction 6-Week Zoom Intensive with Michelle Kicherer, Starts Wednesday, November 4th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eStarts Wednesday, November 4th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 6:00 PM PT\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌍 \u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/strong\u003e Los Angeles (PST): 4:00 – 6:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 6:00 – 8:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 7:00 – 9:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: This 6-week course runs Nov 4 – Dec 16 and does not meet on the week of Thanksgiving, November 25.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNow Enrolling!\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\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eInstructor Michelle Kicherer covers books and music for the \u003cem\u003eSan Francisco Chronicle\u003c\/em\u003e and teaches writing classes in fiction and memoir. She is a former ghostwriter of memoir and nonfiction books and a current writing coach and founder of Banana Pitch Press, an indie press specializing in novellas and memoirellas. Her fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe Master's Review, The Sierra Nevada Review, The Berkeley Fiction Review,\u003c\/em\u003e and others. Her debut novella \u003cem\u003eSexy Life, Hello\u003c\/em\u003e came out digitally September 2024 and arrives in print March 2025. \u003cem\u003eWillamette Week\u003c\/em\u003e called it \"one of the most compelling short reads of the year.\" Michelle aims to have one weird new experience every day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/michelle-kicherer-writing-the-novella-interview\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Michelle Kicherer on Writing the Novella, Voice, and Killing Your Clichés\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eMichelle Kicherer on Writing the Novella, Voice, and Killing Your Clichés\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe novella is a great form of literature that fits somewhere between a short story and a novel. In this six-week online writing workshop, we'll read several novellas appreciated for their different tones, topics, and genres and pick them apart at the craft level, asking what each story did to make it successful. With novellas, we have a little more room to advance the plot and explore our characters—but not a \u003cem\u003ewhole\u003c\/em\u003e lot—so how do we take best advantage of our pages?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis course has a special focus on the editing and development of \u003cem\u003eyour\u003c\/em\u003e novella. You'll get several different types of homework assignments designed to strengthen your draft, including a focused look at opening pages and how writing a back-of-the-book summary can sharpen your plot and \"aboutness.\" Each student is in a different stage of their novella project, so all levels of completion and experience are welcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class is meant to be as helpful as possible—but also fun. We'll learn from each other and foster a positive, productive, judgment-free classroom where every writer can share questions and insights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Note on Workshops:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e Each writer will have one opportunity to submit their work for written feedback and discussion. Please plan on reading and providing feedback on your peers' work as well, so we can all support each other equally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to start a novella with an immediate hook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat other novellas set up for and what the story delivers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to structure a novella\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat these novellas do (and \u003cem\u003edon't\u003c\/em\u003e do) to make them successful stories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to start, climax, end, and edit a novella\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRead \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Writing The Novella: Exploring Long-Short Fiction: an Interview with Michelle Kicherer\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/writing-the-novella-exploring-long-short-fiction-an-interview-with-michelle-kicherer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ean interview with Michelle\u003c\/a\u003e on Writing the Novella.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek One: Strong Openings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter an intro to the novella, we'll look at several examples of strong novella openings, which we'll read and dissect together in class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Two: Plot vs Aboutness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this session, we'll outline the plot of \u003cem\u003eOld Man and the Sea\u003c\/em\u003e and learn how to reverse engineer an outline so that we can work backward from plot to \"aboutness.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Three: Conflict and Tension\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always want our reader to be a little worried and curious: how do we give them that \"what will happen next\" feeling? We'll look at the novella \u003cem\u003eThe Factory\u003c\/em\u003e and pick out where the conflict is and how it's giving us that \"I gotta keep reading\" feeling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Four: Identifying themes in my novella\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Saunders often talks about how he doesn't know what a story is \"about\" until he's written it and gone back in for editing. This week, we'll talk about themes, using some Saunders excerpts and Emma Cline's \u003cem\u003eWhite Noise\u003c\/em\u003e as our inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Five: Character (development)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo who is your character? How is this story revolving around them? How can you tweak the story a bit to strengthen their development?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Six: Reading your work with an editorial eye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll conclude this class by talking about some nitty-gritty of editing. Michelle will include real examples from student work (anonymous, as desired) and lay out some step-by-step editing techniques for you to employ on your work after this class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCLASS SUPPLIES:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease bring a notebook and writing utensil to each class for brief in-class writing activities. Michelle highly encourages pen and paper for the exercises we'll be doing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eREADING LIST:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHarvey\u003c\/em\u003e, aka \"White Noise,\" by Emma Cline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThe Factory\u003c\/em\u003e, by Hiroko Oyamada\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThe Old Man and the Sea\u003c\/em\u003e, by Ernest Hemingway\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd excerpts from novellas by Clarice Lispector, George Saunders, and others\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach class starts with a short writing warm-up using fiction-focused, generative writing prompts. Writing is such a deeply personal endeavor—this online writing class provides a safe space to share your questions and insights so we all feel productive and judgment-free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuition is $445 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\u003e\u003cb\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Michelle Kicherer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Wednesday, November 4th, 2026 (does not meet November 25; runs through December 16)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 PM PT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $445 USD\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45789121249528,"sku":"","price":445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/MichelleKichererHeadshot2026.png?v=1782834911"},{"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":"mining-your-life-for-story-writing-creative-nonfiction-essays-inspired-by-your-life-zoom-seminar","title":"Mining Your Life for Story: Writing Creative Nonfiction Essays Inspired By Your Life Zoom Seminar with Lynne Golodner on Wednesday, March 24th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-62b681ac90b953325c64\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWednesday, March 24th, 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom from 5:00PM - 8:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA recording will be provided 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eAward-winning author and writing coach Lynne Golodner leads this one-time seminar about mining your life for stories. Learn how to find inspiration for writing, both nonfiction and fiction, from the people around you, your experiences, the rooms of your home and more! You’ll learn how to approach writing personal stories, when to use them just for family records legacy and when to consider publishing personal stories, and how to cultivate a steady stream of writing prompts from the details of your daily life.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLynne is the author of ten books and thousands of articles and a marketing entrepreneur, writing coach and host of the Make Meaning Podcast. After working as a journalist in New York and Washington, D.C., Lynne returned to Detroit. She helps authors create writing careers, book marketing strategies and finish book projects. In 2023, Lynne founded \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Scotia Road Books\" href=\"https:\/\/scotiaroadbooks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eScotia Road Books\u003c\/a\u003e, an independent publishing imprint for women over 40. Lynne’s writing has appeared in \u003cem\u003e45\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Parallel, Moment Magazine, Great Lakes Review, Saveur\u003c\/em\u003e, the \u003cem\u003eChicago Tribune\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBetter Homes and Gardens\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMidwest Living\u003c\/em\u003e, the \u003cem\u003eDetroit Free Press\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePorridge Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e, the \u003cem\u003eJewish Literary Journal\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Good Life Review\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHadassah Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Forward\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eValiant Scribe\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eStory Unlikely\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Dillydoun Review\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eQuibbleLit, bioStories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eYourTango\u003c\/em\u003e, among many more publications. Plus, one of her essays was a finalist in the Annie Dillard Creative Nonfiction contest at \u003cem\u003eBellingham Review\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this one-time seminar, we’ll eliminate the frustration of not knowing what to write about by looking close to home for inspiration. Subject matter is all around you, all the time! This class will help you open your eyes and awaken your creativity to the myriad stories just waiting for you to tell them from your own life and experiences.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWriters will look at people, place, experiences, memories and more from their own lives, and learn how to write about them without intruding on other people’s privacy, without needing permission, and with a purpose that elevates each piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSEMINAR TOPICS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting About People:\u003c\/strong\u003e We’ll look at how to respectfully and rightfully write about the people in our lives, even if they don’t want us to. And we’ll learn why everything we write has nothing to do with anyone else, but rather exists to impart a compelling and inspiring message for all readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting About Places:\u003c\/strong\u003e We’ll find inspiration from the places we’ve been and consider how the details of those places are representative of bigger stories and messages. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWriting From Memory:\u003c\/strong\u003e It’s hard to remember every detail – so how can you write compellingly about an experience you’ve had? We’ll explore how to write from memory, aiming for accuracy with some flexibility for when your memories lack details. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublishing \u0026amp; Permissions: \u003c\/strong\u003eWe’ll discuss how to write about real life without offending other people. Not everyone writes to publish, but everyone has the right to share their work with the world! We’ll explore individual goals and the purpose of writing, how to gather the courage to consider publishing pieces, and how to know when a piece of writing is ready to go out into the world. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how to find inspiration from daily life and create an endless list of subject matter for writing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfront the fears that surround writing about real life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild courage and confidence to write creatively and consider publishing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarness memory, place, experience and relationship to create compelling writing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn how to build scenes to create compelling writing using details, dialogue and action\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGain insight into what it takes to create cohesive, compelling writing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmbrace the idea that writing is 80% revision and learn how to revise with a keen eye\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENTS LOVE LYNNE\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"review-full-text\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\"I really enjoyed my first Writing Workshop! I was surprised to find a class so perfectly geared toward what I needed and my skill and comfort level. I had no idea though of the inspiration, community, and support I would get from taking it. Lynne created an incredibly safe space for the class to come together, feel inspired, learn about ourselves and the craft of writing, and most importantly, to get us writing. I enjoyed the readings, and haven't felt this inspired to write in a long time. Well worth the cost and the risk of trying something new.\" -Ali S.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"review-full-text\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\"Lynne Golodner offered an experience that improved my understanding of and skill with literary nonfiction writing. She offered responsive, insightful, and detailed suggestions that gave me ways to improve my writing. I am a beginner in this genre and her patience, expertise, and positive attitude motivated me to keep going. She was specific when saying 'show, don't tell, by suggesting action verbs, dialogue, using scenes, include sensory details, and more. Her \"Finding Your Voice\" class also offered a range of topics including suggestions of where to publish, how to publish, and ways to maintain on-going enthusiasm as I went deeper into my ideas, point of view, and reasons for creating essays. The class was an all-you-can-eat buffet!\" -Dan F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“This class has become the best part of my week.” -Olivet J.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I have loved being with you and the other students, and the assignments have been great. You are a fabulous teacher.” -R.C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"This was the finest writing\/self-care combo I've done so far and I am truly grateful. I felt freed up; there was a flow that truly excited me and inspired me to continue the writing. You are a terrific teacher.” -Beth L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"If you ever wanted motivation and input on your writing, this is a great workshop! Has helped me tremendously! I never considered myself as a writer but maybe just maybe I am becoming one!\" -Beth M.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Lynne’s writing workshop develops a writers resilience and creativity. Lynne challenged me to go deeper in my writing - to think beyond the words to the roots of experience. My writing is becoming stronger and more purposeful, and I have a renewed sense of confidence as I write my first book.\" -AB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The writers workshop helped me explore a part of my personality and interests that I hadn't yet allowed myself to dig into. I feel more connected to who I am as a writer as well as all the other wonderful writers who participated. One of my favorite aspects of the workshop was being in a safe space, sharing a variety of pieces with people of different backgrounds and perspectives. Not only have I learned more about myself and others, but I have been exposed to so many new genres and writing topics. Thanks, Lynne!\" -JR\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This was my first experience with a writing workshop and writing all together. I had such a wonderful experience that I signed up for Lynne's next workshop. I did not expect to come away with so much confidence! Lynne and the group were nurturing and wonderful. This workshop is for all levels of writers\" -SA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Lynne is changing my life. She keeps me accountable to my vision, and her confidence in me makes a huge difference.\" -Noreen E.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Thank you so much for the opportunity to be surrounded by such inspiring women with exquisite instruction.” -Emily P.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Thank you for being so encouraging.” -Betsy C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Lynne's workshop has provided me with the opportunity to receive quality feedback and editorial expertise in response to the work that I have chosen to share with this great group of ladies\" -MN\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWednesday, March 24th, 2027\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom from 5:00PM - 8:00PM Eastern\u003cbr\u003e\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\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45953841135864,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Lynne_Golodner_Headshot_2.png?v=1720616588"},{"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, December 12th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, December 12th, 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 (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\/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 (Grand Central Publishing), a humor writing craft book, was co-written with Elissa Bassist and published 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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eSaturday, December 12th, 2026\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":"the-octopus-moment-how-to-create-a-story-with-reach-led-by-karen-e-bender","title":"The Octopus Moment: How to Create a Story with Reach led by Karen E. Bender, a Zoom Seminar on Tuesday, April 13th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom Tuesday, April 13th, 2027\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe class will meet 7PM - 9PM Eastern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eA recording will be provided if you cannot attend live. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of three collections: \u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story Prize; \u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e, which was Longlisted for the Story Prize; and \u003cem\u003eThe Words of Dr. L\u003c\/em\u003e,  published in May, 2025. Her novels are \u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eGet to know Karen in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-building-interiority-with-karen-e-bender\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist with Karen E. Bender\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eHow do you create a story that feels like it exists outside of the story's borders? The feeling of expansiveness in a story is a function of plot and time and perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWe will read stories by writers including Jhumpa Lahiri, Raymond Carver, Yoko Ogawa, John Cheever and Denis Johnson, looking at ways they create Octopus Moments in their work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWe will spend the first 45 minutes reading and discussing stories and the rest of the class will be devoted to in-class writing in which you can practice creating these moments in your own work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eYou'll leave class with a better understanding of ways to filter time and perspective into a story. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaster “Octopus Moments” in Your Own Writing: Learn concrete techniques for injecting a sense of expansiveness into your stories by strategically harnessing plot, time, and perspective.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefine Your Analytical Eye: Deepen your ability to spot the subtle narrative moves in short fiction by authors such as Jhumpa Lahiri, Raymond Carver, Yoko Ogawa, John Cheever, and Denis Johnson, and adapt those moves to your own storytelling.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDevelop Multi-Layered Narratives: Gain tools to build stories that resonate beyond their borders, using specific craft strategies that help your fiction feel larger, richer, and more impactful.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake Home New Writing Habits: Through in-class writing exercises and guided critiques, leave with fresh approaches, prompts, and techniques you can immediately integrate into your creative process.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll review the different ways authors use octopus moments to build interiority in a story and then write generative exercises to practice these methods. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they would like. Students will leave the class with various techniques they can use to convey interiority through these new craft techniques.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\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\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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Karen E. Bender\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom on Tuesday, April 13th, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7PM - 9PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\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\" id=\"block-51a8238b2f73df2e52ed\"\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":46070405923064,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"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, January 9th, 2027","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, January 9th, 2027\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\u003e10:00 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\/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\"Caitlin -- WOW -- Such a great class power-packed with information. I've taken a few writing classes on comedy and that was definitely the most informative and practical!\"\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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass is on Saturday, January 9th, 2027, 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":"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 22nd, 2027","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, May 22nd, 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis class will meet live via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 Class 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\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 22nd, 2027\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 22nd, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet live via Zoom from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA recording will be provided if you cannot attend live.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe seminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom\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":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 17th, 2027","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday, April 17th, 2027\u003c\/strong\u003e\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🌍 \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\u003cbr\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*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 17th, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet from 1PM - 3PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA recording will be provided if you cannot attend live.\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\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":"show-and-tell-using-summary-in-a-narrative-led-by-karen-e-bender","title":"Show and Tell: Mastering the Art of Summary in Narrative with Karen E. Bender, a Zoom Seminar on Tuesday, December 1st, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom Tuesday, December 1st, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe class will meet 7PM - 9:00PM Eastern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of three collections: \u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story prize; \u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e, which was Longlisted for the Story prize; and \u003cem\u003eThe Words of Dr. L\u003c\/em\u003e,  published in May, 2025. Her novels are \u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eGet to know Karen in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-building-interiority-with-karen-e-bender\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist with Karen E. Bender\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eYou hear it often in a workshop--show, don't tell! Effective narratives use both showing (using scene) and summary (telling, using exposition) to tell a story. In this class, we will go over ways that writers use summary in a story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWe will spend the first 45 minutes going over stories that use summary, showing how writers embed them in a story, how much to summarize, how to create active summary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe next hour we will do generative exercises trying out different ways of using summary and exposition for fiction or memoir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWe wlll be examining works by writers including Tillie Olsen, Jamaica Kincaid, Pam Durban, Jhumpa Lahiri, Cynthia Ozick, Tobias Wolff, and Colin Barrett.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eGet ready to create some effective, vivid summary for your work. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eYou'll leave class with a better understanding of summary into your stories.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaster the Balance Between Scene and Summary: \u003c\/strong\u003eLearn how to effectively combine \"showing\" (scene) and \"telling\" (summary) techniques to create dynamic, well-paced narratives in both fiction and memoir.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnalyze Summary Techniques from Master Writers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Study examples from acclaimed authors including Tillie Olsen, Jamaica Kincaid, Jhumpa Lahiri, and others to understand various approaches to crafting powerful exposition.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDevelop Active Summary Skills: \u003c\/strong\u003ePractice creating vivid, engaging summary that moves your narrative forward rather than stalling it, with specific techniques for making exposition as compelling as scene work.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApply New Summary Strategies to Your Writing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Complete hands-on exercises designed to help you integrate different types of summary into your own fiction or memoir projects, leaving with practical tools to enhance your storytelling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll review the different ways authors use summary to build stories and then write generative exercises to practice these methods. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they would like. Students will leave the class with various techniques they can use to convey summary through these new craft techniques.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\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\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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Karen E. Bender\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuesday, December 1st, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive on Zoom from 7PM - 9PM EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003cbr\u003e\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\" id=\"block-51a8238b2f73df2e52ed\"\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":46356777107704,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"product_id":"show-and-tell-mastering-the-art-of-scene-in-narrative-with-karen-e-bender","title":"Show and Tell: Mastering the Art of Scene in Narrative with Karen E. Bender, a Zoom Seminar on Tuesday, November 17th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom Tuesday, November 17th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe class will meet 7PM - 9:00PM Eastern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of three collections: \u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story Prize; \u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e, which was Longlisted for the Story Prize; and \u003cem\u003eThe Words of Dr. L\u003c\/em\u003e,  published in May, 2025. Her novels are \u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color: white;\"\u003eGet to know Karen in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-building-interiority-with-karen-e-bender\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist with Karen E. Bender\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eYou hear it often in a workshop--show, don't tell! Effective narratives use both showing (using scene) and summary (telling, using exposition) to tell a story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIn this class, we will go over ways that writers use scene in a story. We will spend the first 45 minutes going over stories that use scene effectively, showing how writers use dialogue, gesture, and thought in a scene, how to create a scenic moment, and how summary and scene work together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe next hour we will do generative exercises trying out different ways of using summary and exposition for fiction or memoir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWe will be examining works by writers including Ernest Hemingway, JD Salinger, Edward P. Jones, Octavia Butler, Raymond Carver, and Shirley Jackson. Get ready to create some effective, vivid scenes for your work. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eYou'll leave class with a better understanding of how to construct scenes in your stories.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaster the Balance Between Scene and Summary: \u003c\/strong\u003eLearn how to strategically use both scenic elements (showing) and exposition (telling) to create compelling narratives that engage readers and advance your story.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDevelop Essential Scene-Building Techniques: \u003c\/strong\u003eAcquire practical skills for crafting effective scenes through dialogue, gesture, and thought, with guidance from award-winning author Karen E. Bender and examples from masters like Hemingway, Butler, and Jackson.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApply Scene-Crafting Methods to Your Work: \u003c\/strong\u003eThrough guided generative exercises, practice different approaches to scene construction that you can immediately implement in your fiction or memoir writing.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnalyze Scene Construction in Literary Works: \u003c\/strong\u003eGain insights by examining how acclaimed authors construct memorable scenes, helping you develop a critical eye that will enhance your own writing process and revision skills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll review the different ways authors use scenes to build stories and then write generative exercises to practice these methods. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they would like. Students will leave the class with various techniques to convey scenes through these new craft techniques.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\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\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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Karen E. Bender\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom on Tuesday, November 17th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7PM - 9PM EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003cbr\u003e\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\" id=\"block-51a8238b2f73df2e52ed\"\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":46356809974008,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"product_id":"mastering-sense-of-place-a-multigenre-setting-craft-seminar","title":"Mastering Sense of Place: a Multigenre Craft Seminar on Setting with Robert Anthony Siegel (Zoom), Monday, October 19th, 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 Monday, October 19th, 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\u003cbr\u003eSetting is the physical world your characters inhabit, the place where their stories play out. The temptation is to treat it like a simple container for the action, a stage set, but truly effective setting does many kinds of narrative work. It helps convince us of the physical reality of the story, its materiality, but it also expresses emotion, engages our senses, reveals character, shapes the action, and connects to theme, the big idea hovering unspoken behind events. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eThrough a mixture of lecture, discussion and creative exercises, this multigenre craft talk will show you how to create effective setting.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eWe will start by reading outstanding examples of place description from a variety of great writers (Raymond Carver, James Baldwin, Annie Dillard, John Cheever, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, among others,) analyzing the way they use setting to deepen character and story, regardless of whether the genre is fiction or nonfiction.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eAfterwards, we will do a series of exercises designed to help you explore and develop your own use of setting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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\"\u003eAn understanding of the many roles performed by setting\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eTechniques for making your setting more effective\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eA series of short descriptions of place that can be utilized in an ongoing project, or can become the basis of a new one\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 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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\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 $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 Monday, October 19th, 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\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":46419169706232,"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":"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":"advanced-short-fiction-8-week-zoom-workshop-with-tom-andes","title":"Advanced Short Fiction 8-Week Zoom Workshop with Tom Andes starts Tuesday, October 20th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis Workshop Begins Tuesday, October 20th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 8PM - 10PM Eastern \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA Note on Scheduling: \u003c\/strong\u003eInstructor Tom Andes has a conflict the week of October 27th. The class will begin on Tuesday, October 20th, take a one-week break, and resume on Tuesday, November 3rd, continuing weekly until it concludes on Tuesday, December 15.\u003c\/h3\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\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor Tom Andes wrote the detective novel \u003cem\u003eWait There Till You Hear from Me\u003c\/em\u003e (Crescent City Books, 2025). His stories have appeared in \u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery and Suspense Stories 2025, The Best Private Eye Stories of the Year 2025, Best American Mystery Stories 2012, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e, among many others. He lives in Albuquerque, where he is a musician and freelance editor. Southern Crescent Recording Co. re-released his acclaimed EPs on vinyl under the title \u003cem\u003eThe Ones That Brought You Home \u003c\/em\u003ein 2025. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLearn more about Tom in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/the-art-of-the-perfect-ending-tom-andes-on-crafting-contemporary-short-fiction\" title=\"The Art of the Perfect Ending: Tom Andes on Crafting Contemporary Short Fiction\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/a\u003e series.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis class is limited to 8 writers. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis course is for advanced writers looking to develop their skills at writing the short story and, more broadly, looking to develop their chops as a fiction writer, as the short story can sometimes be a springboard to writing longer work. That said, the workshop focuses on the short story form, so it assumes an interest in the particular challenges and rewards of that form.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing hits quite like a great short story. We all know the feeling, especially after a perfect ending. It feels like we’ve been thrown off a cliff. We can’t believe the writer has stopped here. How can they refuse to tell us what comes next? Yet, we know intuitively this is the right place to stop because we either know what comes next, or we know everything we need to know about the characters in the story. The form is so tantalizing, so powerful, so beguiling in part because of what it doesn’t tell us, what it leaves out.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis workshop course for advanced writers attempts to interrogate the theories and practices that inform the contemporary American short story. What concerns and aesthetic practices animate the stories writers are currently publishing? To that end, alongside a traditional workshop, we’ll be looking at this year’s Best American Short Stories anthology and focusing on how writers in this anthology approach particular craft elements.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'll devote a week to voice, a week to dialogue, a week to setting and a week to plot. We'll also devote two weeks to strategies for revision, focusing on concrete, actionable steps writers can take to develop their stories. Finally, we'll spend a week talking about publishing, again focusing on specific, actionable strategies writers can take to find magazines hospitable to their work and improve their chances of placing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the focus of the course will be on workshopping the stories writers bring to the course. Each writer will have the opportunity to workshop twice. The second workshop may—optionally—be a substantial revision of the first workshopped story. Workshopped stories should be between five and twenty pages in length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA note about the reading: One might do well to be a little dubious of “best of” anthologies. Given the glut of stories published every year, can a single anthology ever claim to contain the best stories of the year? Of course not. But it’s a good place to start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat Are the Writing Goals for This Course? \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriters can expect to walk away with direct, specific, actionable feedback on two complete short story manuscripts. They can also expect to walk away feeling conversant in the aesthetic and other issues that are at the heart of the contemporary short story. They will also deepen their knowledge of particular craft elements. They will also walk away with specific, actionable strategies they can employ when revising their stories and looking for places to publish their work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes This Class Include Instructor Feedback?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the instructor will participate in the workshop and provide feedback on two stories from each writer. The feedback will be specific and granular, based in a close, line-level reading of each story but also informed by an understanding of the writer’s intentions, the genre(s) the writer is working in, as well as the cultural context for the story. I know that in some workshops, there is a moratorium on so-called proscriptive suggestions. As a writer, I have always found proscriptive suggestions helpful, provided they are made with a degree of humility, presented as exercises, or perhaps prefaced with the statement, “If this was my story…” I’d like to model that type of engagement for the workshop, a deep, emotional, subjective reading of each story, with the understanding that our individual readings are just that, subjective, therefore our answers might not be the right answers for the writer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis course assumes writers already have a discipline, a practice, and stories they want to workshop, so two writers will be asked to submit their stories one week in advance of the initial class meeting for the first workshop. Each workshop will be divided as follows: 30 minutes for discussion of the published reading, followed by 45 minutes for each story the writers submit. The exception will be the first class, in which those 30 minutes will be spent on introductions and discussing workshop etiquette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek One: \u003c\/strong\u003eIntroductions, workshop etiquette\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Two: \u003c\/strong\u003eFocus on voice\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Three:\u003c\/strong\u003e Focus on dialogue \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Four:\u003c\/strong\u003e Focus on setting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Five: \u003c\/strong\u003eFocus on plot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Six: \u003c\/strong\u003eRevision strategies part one \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Seven:\u003c\/strong\u003e Revision strategies part two\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek Eight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Submission and publication strategies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe goals of this course are basically twofold: to improve the writing of the workshop participants and to engage more deeply with the contemporary conversations that are part of American writing and specifically of the American short story at the present moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI take for granted that those goals are interrelated, that understanding our place in the contemporary conversations helps us better understand our own work and therefore how to improve it. There will also be specific craft takeaways for writers. Some of these might already be familiar revision strategies. But the goal of the course is to add as many tools as we can to the toolbox we use when writing and revising short fiction. To this end, writers will have received specific, actionable guidance and feedback on two full-length short stories, and we will have read and discussed representative selections from the most recent Best American anthology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTUDENT TESTIMONIALS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tom is the kind of reader and teacher every writer should feel lucky to work with—sharp, incisive, intuitive, curious, and warm. Wildly well-read, he brings a keen critical mind and an expansive imagination to his teaching. It was in his classroom that I first workshopped the initial chapters of what would become my debut novel. He read my work with meticulousness and generosity, providing feedback that left me eager to return to the page.” — Antonia Angress, author of Sirens and Muses\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tom is an outstanding instructor, coach, and editor. His ever-thoughtful feedback, editorial advice, and career guidance have been instrumental in my development as a writer over the years. Tom’s workshops are thoroughly engaging for writers at any stage in their career. He has an incredible breadth of literary knowledge, and his love for the written word is both genuine and contagious.” —Derrick Boden\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tom does far more than edit, or even teach. He guides, mentors. After patiently sifting through my novel many times Tom continuously offered focused suggestions while pointing out strengths, all the while asking questions that allowed me to find my own answers. Think Morpheus saying, “Do you think that’s air you’re breathing?” Then Tom even shared versions of his own query letters—hugely impactful and confidence building. If you’d like to know more about my experience with Tom, please ask him for my email and reach out.” — Anto Ljoljic\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Thomas Andes is a brilliant writer and teacher, kind, perceptive,humorous, industrious, compassionate, inspiring. All the great attributes of a master teacher. I recommend him to you. I’ve learned so much in his workshop.” — Rosary O’Neill\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tom was instrumental in bringing my manuscript to its final stage. His notes helped me hone in on character motivations, fight choreography, and overall big-picture changes that helped to drive the story forward much better than the manuscript I presented for his consideration. From the developmental edit to the line edit to helping with my query letter and synopsis, he maintained an enthusiasm for my story that kept me excited about moving forward through additional rewrites. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking editorial services.” — Jon Hébert\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Tom is the kind of mentor who seeks first to understand what you’re tying to write, and then helps you get there. So many instructors impose their own rigid rules of writing, but not Tom. He’s an expert of the craft who can provide guidance across a range of genres and styles without missing a beat. Tom’s editing is always insightful and invigorating. His teaching makes writing feel fun and his encouragement is so genuinely tailored to your project that you forget all the writerly despair.” — Laurel Shimasaki\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Tom Andes is a fabulous instructor. I would take any class he teaches. I loved his New Noir class.\" -former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"I took Tom's New Noir class, and I wanted to tell you what a terrific teacher he is. Not just because he really knows his stuff-- the history of noir, the films,  the authors (new and old).  He had terrific stories for us to read and discuss, and excellent writing assignments. Our class had a range of writers from starting out to seasoned, those trying their hand, to those wanting to learn more. Tom created a lovely, supportive atmosphere, found the good in each person's submission, celebrating everyone. This made for a cohesive group (all vowing to stay in touch), and made us look forward to attending. Hard to believe it was 8 weeks! I came away with a partial short story that I will be turning into my next book-- the first time I've been excited by a new idea for my next project (some ideas, no excitement until now). Thank you for having Tom in your pantheon of instructors!\" -former student\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!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Note on Scheduling: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eInstructor Tom has a conflict the week of October 27. The class will begin on Tuesday, October 20, take a one-week break, and pick back up on Tuesday, November 3, continuing weekly until it concludes on Tuesday, December 15.\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 $595 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\u003eInstructor: Tom Andes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis Workshop Begins Tuesday, October 20th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 8PM - 10PM Eastern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Note on Scheduling: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eInstructor Tom has a conflict the week of October 27. The class will begin on Tuesday, October 20, take a one-week break, and pick back up on Tuesday, November 3, continuing weekly until it concludes on Tuesday, December 15.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $595 USD.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe workshop is limited to 8 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","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46663614923000,"sku":null,"price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/ThomasAndesHeadshot.png?v=1753871594"},{"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 Tuesday, November 10th, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-689061bb302a5b82a1ea\" data-block-type=\"2\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuesday, November 10th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom, 6:00PM - 8:00PM Eastern\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=\"\"\u003eTuesday, November 10th, 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThe class will meet via Zoom, 6:00PM - 8:00PM Eastern\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 Tuesday, December 1st, 2026","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-689061bb302a5b82a1ea\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuesday, December 1st, 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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstructor: Ethan Joella\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTuesday, December 1st, 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\" 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"},{"product_id":"the-propulsive-plot-tools-and-tactics-for-more-compelling-stories-weekend-intensive-zoom-with-debra-jo-immergut","title":"The Propulsive Plot: Tools and Tactics for More Compelling Stories Weekend Intensive (Zoom) with Debra Jo Immergut on November 14th and 15th, 2026","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWeekend Intensive will Meet on Saturday, November 14th, \u0026amp; Sunday, November 15th, 2026\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet both days via Zoom for 3 Hours at 2PM - 5PM ET\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass Times by Time Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLos Angeles (PST): 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM \/ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChicago (CST): 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew York (EST): 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM \/ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLondon (GMT): 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM \/ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerlin (CET): 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM\u003c\/span\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\u003eInstructor Debra Jo Immergut is the author of the novels \u003cem\u003eYou Again\u003c\/em\u003e, named a \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e Best of the Year and shortlisted for the 2021 Gotham Book Prize, and \u003cem\u003eThe Captives\u003c\/em\u003e, a 2019 Edgar Award finalist and published in over a dozen countries. She has also published a collection of short fiction, \u003cem\u003ePrivate Property\u003c\/em\u003e. Her essays and stories have appeared in \u003cem\u003eAmerican Short Fiction, Narrative, The New York Times, PANK, Hobart\u003c\/em\u003e, and elsewhere. A recipient of Michener and MacDowell fellowships, she has an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Debra has extensive experience teaching creative writing courses in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. She lives in western Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRead \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/the-art-of-the-propulsive-page-turner-an-interview-with-debra-jo-immergut\" title=\"Read an Interview with Debra Jo Immergut on The Art of the Propulsive Page-Turner.\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ean Interview with Debra Jo Immergut\u003c\/a\u003e on The Art of the Propulsive Page-Turner.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis course will benefit writers working on writing more compelling literary or commercial fiction or nonfiction, at any stage of development, from a vague notion to a full draft. It is open to all levels.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery story should be, in some sense, a thriller–and there’s no doubt that publishers endlessly crave writing that compels readers to turn pages. In this course, we’ll identify the essential components of narrative tension and suspense in novels and short stories. We will also discuss how character informs plot and how to reimagine genre forms in fresh ways that steer clear of cliche. We will talk about premises, plot twists, outlining, and how to write with greater power and style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur sessions together will benefit writers working on literary or commercial fiction or nonfiction, at any stage of development, from a vague notion to a full draft. Writers will take away a set of practical tools and strategies for planning and refining plots and for boosting the propulsive power of their narratives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZoom meetings will consist of illustrated craft lectures and generative writing sessions centered on specific techniques for constructing a strong story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants will have a chance to share bits of in-class work. Sharing is always optional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TEXTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll analyze excerpts from authors as varied as Kazuo Ishiguro, John LeCarre, Jesmyn Ward, Shirley Jackson, Justin Torres, and Ian McEwan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Power of Premise (finding the soul of your story, using your premise as the engine of propulsion)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Drivers and The Map (how characters inform plot, outlining strategies, twists, withheld Information). Finding the Finish Line (essentials for writing with poetry and precision, ideas about endings, how to revise for a stronger plot, how to keep going)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this course, students will generate a strong premise statement, two new scenes, and an in-depth character study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, group members will leave with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA stronger premise statement for their work-in-progress.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA deeper understanding of how to use character development as a source of narrative tension.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeas for using setting to increase a story's possibilities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2-3 flexible tools for building and assessing story structure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 strategies for boosting forward momentum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebra is not only a gifted writer, but she is a gifted teacher of writing. She meets writers where they are and gently takes them to the next level, with insightful feedback, warmth, and good humor. — former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebra has a magical way of fostering rigor, curiosity, and generosity, and my work has grown immensely since the start of the course. — former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebra’s laserlike comments and brilliant suggestions have kept me going this fall and winter. I really can’t recommend this experience enough. — former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI had a wonderful time in Debra’s workshop. A few things stand out: Debra’s warm, welcoming manner and her care in assembling a group of bright, engaged writers. She helped me develop a non-punitive plan — “a roadmap, not a train schedule” — toward completing the first draft of my novel, which has resulted in fruitful writing months. — former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI made so many notes throughout the course about how I might use these strategies in my work. I want to map out the existing structure of the stories I'm revising to help me see what patterns and rhythms emerge and how I can work to complete them in a satisfying and resonant way. I'm feeling excited about completing an unfinished story and revising the two that I'm trying to get ready to send out into the world. Thank you for pointing out a few mechanisms to try! — former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat balance of instruction and writing time. Loved it, wouldn’t change a thing! Appreciated the instructor’s thoughtfulness and engagement. I’m very new to writing and found the content very helpful and accessible. — former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe content was fabulous; the examples were so eye-opening. It really is the best workshop I've taken in the last year. — former student\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis class meets weekly via Zoom on Saturday, May 2nd, and Sunday, May 3rd, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\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: Debra Jo Immergut\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeekend Intensive will Meet on Saturday, November 14th, \u0026amp; Sunday, November 15th, 2026\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet both days via Zoom for 3 Hours at 2PM - 5PM ET\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46703362801912,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/DebraJoImmergutHeadshot2025_1124de07-cd0d-4698-8c71-17423d067cb0.png?v=1755207161"},{"product_id":"creating-difficult-characters-with-karen-e-bender-1-day-fiction-master-class","title":"Creating Difficult Characters with Karen E. Bender 1-Day Fiction Master Class (Zoom) on Saturday, March 6th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-0c22edf6c5f4ee9d89a4\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLive Seminar via Zoom, Saturday, March 6th, 2027\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClass will meet 12PM - 4:00PM Eastern\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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 – 1:00 PM \/ Chicago (CST): 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM \/ New York (EST): 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/ London (GMT): 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM \/ Berlin (CET): 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM\u003c\/p\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\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTaught by Karen E. Bender, author of three collections: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRefund\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which was a Finalist for the National Book Award, shortlisted for the Frank O'Connor International Story Prize, and Longlisted for the Story prize; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe New Order\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which was Longlisted for the Story prize; and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Words of Dr. L\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e,  published in May, 2025. Her novels are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLike Normal People\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Town of Empty Rooms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Her fiction has appeared in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe New Yorker, Granta, Ploughshares, Zoetrope, The Yale Review, The Harvard Review, Story, Guernica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and others, have been reprinted in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBest American Short Stories\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eBest American Mystery\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e stories and won three Pushcart prizes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow do you create difficult characters--or, ones that you can't stop reading about? In this course, we will examine a few different types of difficult or \"unlikeable\" characters.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will read some examples of great and mesmerizing difficult characters in literature, reading work by writers including Lorrie Moore, Elena Ferrante, John Cheever, Edward P. Jones, Jhimpa Lahiri and Gish Jen, and see how writers create them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will see how writers use juxtaposition and layering to make them rounded. We will have time for generative work so that you can work on developing your own difficult characters. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote\u003c\/strong\u003e: The week of the seminar, Karen will email several PDFs of stories to read; you can read these before class, but you don't have to. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\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\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstand the techniques writers use create difficult characters\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeveral character sketches that you can incorporate into current or future drafts\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThink strategically about past drafts and how to deepen your characters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE EXPECTATIONS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will be going over the different types of difficult characters in class and then writing generative exercises to practice exploring these characters. Students should come to class ready to write and will have opportunities to share work if they like. They will leave class with a variety of memorable characters and ideas on how to develop them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThis seminar exceeded my expectations. I loved going through the different types of story openings that exist and then seeing clear-cut examples of each from the materials that were shared in class. Karen is a fantastic facilitator!\u003c\/em\u003e\" -Alexandra Y.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eClass was excellent and exceeded my expectations. I found Karen's approach of writing an opening that set up two questions extremely valuable. Five of five stars\u003c\/em\u003e.\" -Diane K.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eI though Karen gave great input on our exercises. I would highly recommend this seminar! I learned so much.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The best part about the Exploring Strategies for Story Beginnings seminar with Karen E. Bender were her insights, warmth, generosity, intelligence and the categories for types of story beginnings she presented to us. Karen is a wonderful instructor, and I've taken all of her seminars.\" -former student\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe close reading of the texts was extremely valuable. Karen is a great teacher, and I though this was a great seminar on strategies for story beginnings.\u003c\/em\u003e\" -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I found Karen's teaching so valuable. She dives right in and I love her style. I signed up for her other seminars after I took this one. Thank you!\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"In her seminars, Karen always offer such specific techniques, which has helped me deepen my understanding of craft and benefited my writing practice. Thank you!\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Karen's class taught me invaluable writing techniques that I missed because I have a JD instead of an MFA. This was so great! Thank you, Karen!\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I loved the structure of understanding various story openings and emphasis on goals for first paragraphs. This class definitely exceeded my expectations.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"It was great. I was working on a rewrite, came to the realization that I needed more interiority, saw this class, jumped on it, and I've already used some of the techniques. The concepts and ideas that were coupled with good, well-paced exercises.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"This class helps all levels of writers get better access to the all-important matter of characters. Highly recommend.\"\u003c\/em\u003e -former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"What a fantastic person! I liked her style, her content, and her drive for us to get the most out of 2 hours. Karen really pointed out a fantastic technique and her enthusiasm is infectious. I just wanted more time with her!\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Exceeded expectations. Lots of content, practice, plus interaction packed into Zoom.\" \u003c\/em\u003e-former student\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Karen E. Bender's Strategies for Story Beginnings seminar exceeded my expectations! Karen is an excellent teacher: she is patient, explains all her materials well and provides valuable examples and feedback. I really enjoy how Karen runs her courses. This is the second of hers I've taken, and I plan to take more. In fact, I recommended Karen's classes enough after the first one I took that a friend joined me for this one. Thank you again!\" -former student\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTuition is $150. 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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Karen E. Bender\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom on Saturday, March 6th, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12PM - 4PM EST\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive Seminar Via Zoom. Can't Make It Live? No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuition is $150.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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":46727259488504,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/Karen_Bender_Headshot_0f28a25c-9ca9-451d-9526-202ab68f3154.png?v=1736023512"},{"product_id":"killer-comps-comparison-titles-lisa-levy","title":"Killer Comps: Find the Perfect Comparison Titles for Your Book with Lisa Levy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSign Up Now!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's the worst-kept secret in publishing: finding appropriate and exciting comps for your book is critical to piquing an agent's or editor's interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComps are not about art—they are your strongest marketing tools. An agent or editor should immediately understand how to position your book based on your comparison titles. It's publishing shorthand, and it's vital to speak publishing when you enter the query and submission trenches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your comps are weak (or nonexistent), Lisa Levy, literary critic and contributing editor at \u003cem\u003eLit Hub \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Crime Reads\u003c\/em\u003e, is available to work with you. Currently, Lisa covers crime fiction for the \u003cem\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/em\u003e. Her work has also appeared in the \u003cem\u003eNew Republic, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the Believer, the Millions, the Rumpus, TLS, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003ethe\u003cem\u003e CBC\u003c\/em\u003e. Lisa is currently under contract with St. Martin's Press for \u003cem\u003eFuneral in My Brain\u003c\/em\u003e, a narrative nonfiction book about her twenty years as a chronic migraineur and the enormous cultural impact of migraine throughout art, science, and history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith her deep knowledge of the book market and years of experience reviewing thousands of titles, Lisa has developed a superpower: conjuring killer comp recommendations on just about any subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComps are not about art—they are your strongest marketing tools. An agent or editor should immediately understand how to position your book based on your comparison titles. It's publishing shorthand, and it's vital to speak publishing when you enter the query and submission trenches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind more details about Lisa's two service packages below:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJUST THE COMPS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded in this package:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview of your elevator pitch and synopsis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview of your brief bio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalysis of your initial comp ideas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt least 5 curated comp titles tailored to your project\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuidance on primary vs. secondary comps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePricing:\u003c\/strong\u003e $150 USD - Select \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eJust the Comps\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e from the dropdown menu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis streamlined service is perfect for writers who need expert comp recommendations without a consultation call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOMPREHENSIVE COMPS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded in this package:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview of your full query letter or detailed synopsis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview of your bio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnalysis of your initial comp ideas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e45-minute live brainstorming session with Lisa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt least 8 curated comp titles tailored to your project\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrategic discussion of how to position your book in the market\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFollow-up via email\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePricing:\u003c\/strong\u003e $300 USD - Select \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eComprehensive Comps\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e from the dropdown menu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis comprehensive service provides deeper guidance and personalized consultation to help you understand not just which comps to use, but why they work and how to deploy them effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat Makes a Great Comp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great comp is something well-known that clearly resonates with your book. Ideally your comp is from the last two years, but within five years is acceptable. A comp can be a book, a TV show, a movie, or even a cultural trend. Whether you use the \"X crossed with Y\" formulation or a straightforward comparison, the goal is the same: help agents and editors immediately grasp your book's market position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLisa specializes in finding primary comps—titles that have something major in common with your book and demonstrate appeal to a wide audience—as well as secondary comps that illuminate your book's subject, style, or sensibility. Primary comps are sustenance. Secondary comps are seasoning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eLisa works with adult trade fiction and nonfiction. She does not provide comp services for YA, children's literature, or poetry. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTimeline: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eComps services will generally take between one and two weeks. Please do not inquire about where your comps are until TWO WEEKS after the day you sent payment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTestimonials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Lisa’s comps service saved my query. She came up with titles and approaches I never could have found on my own. She also gave me sharp insight into the process.\" --Lisa Smith\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Lisa is infinitely knowledgeable about books, the marketplace, and how to locate your place in the literary landscape. Her attention to detail is only strengthened by her simultaneous ability to encourage writers to think big picture and at a macro level to understand how to describe their project. I’ve yet to debut my book yet, but working with Lisa has encouraged me to take the plunge and enter the query trenches. You won’t regret working with someone as insightful, thoughtful, and encouraging as her!\" --Amanda Borquaye\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The comps recommended by Lisa Levy were spot-on, tapping into my manuscript’s themes and tone. I appreciate her analysis of the similarities and differences that qualify each as a great comp. I highly recommend her services as a go-to resource when crafting your book proposal and query.\" --Jess Simpson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Lisa's comps were spot-on and pulled in so many titles I wouldn't have considered. Lisa's services saved me so much time, energy, and stress and made the comps process FUN!\" --Emi Battaglia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Finding comps for your book can be a complex, frustrating task, but Lisa demystified the process and helped me discern the heart of my novel for comparative purposes. She brought her wealth of knowledge of both literature and the business to help find some recent, relevant titles. Recommend!\" --Christine Fischer Guy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Lisa Levy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLisa Levy is a writer, essayist, and literary critic whose work has appeared in the N\u003cem\u003eew York Times Book Review, New Republic, the Los Angeles Review of Books, the Believer, the Millions, the Rumpus, TLS, the CBC, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Lit Hub\u003c\/em\u003e, where she is a contributing editor. She is a founder and contributing editor to\u003cem\u003e Crime Reads\u003c\/em\u003e and covers crime fiction for the \u003cem\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLisa received her MFA in creative nonfiction from Goucher College and holds a Masters in English Literature from Rutgers University. Her academic training made her a careful and close reader, while her many years as a book reviewer have given her an encyclopedic knowledge of the contemporary publishing landscape. She is currently under contract with St. Martin's Press for \u003cem\u003eFuneral in My Brain\u003c\/em\u003e, a narrative nonfiction book about her twenty-year journey as a chronic migraineur and the enormous cultural impact of migraine throughout history, examining the work and lives of fellow migraineurs including Emily Dickinson, Joan Didion, Virginia Woolf, Edgar Allan Poe, and Sigmund Freud.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLisa won an Honorable Mention in \u003cem\u003eBest American Essays\u003c\/em\u003e 2022. An inveterate researcher and multitasker, she reads up to eight books at once and is constantly writing and researching multiple essays. Originally from New York City, she now lives in Toronto with her husband.\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\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eor\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003euse 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: Lisa Levy\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudents are welcome to sign up on a rolling basis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eContact us \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/pages\/contact\"\u003eHERE\u003c\/a\u003e if you have any questions about this service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Just the Comps","offer_id":47065499304184,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Comprehensive Comps","offer_id":47065499336952,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"revision-writing-workshop-online","title":"The Resurrection Workshop: Give Old Drafts New Life 4-Week Intensive with Rebecca van Laer Starts on Tuesday, April 6th, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBegins Tuesday, April 6th, 2027\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 6:30PM - 8:30PM 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\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructor Rebecca van Laer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e 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 and works as a developmental editor at literary agency Idea Architects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is this class for? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThis course is for fiction and nonfiction prose writers hoping to breathe new life into old or abandoned drafts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eSometimes your best ideas are already dormant in unfinished, unpublished, or otherwise abandoned work. If you have half-finished or long-shelved short stories or essays, “Resurrection” presents an opportunity to get new eyes on your old writing and develop a clear direction for revision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThis course is also suitable for writers with unpublished or abandoned book manuscripts that they’d like to break into stories, essays, or anything in-between.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWhile we’ll read a few interviews and excerpts, the majority of our time together will be focused on workshop. In the first session, we’ll discuss revision strategies including switching genre, point-of-view, and form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eWe’ll continue to consider these strategies—and others—as we focus our remaining time workshopping existing drafts with an eye toward radical reimagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eIn this course, students will radically revise 1-2 pieces of existing prose (up to 5000 words). They’ll emerge with a clear sense of what worked in the original and how to transform or develop it into a piece that’s ready for submission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eRebecca will provide verbal feedback in all workshops as well as marked-up PDFs of all submitted writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReadings may include\u003c\/strong\u003e excerpts from Michael Clune, \"Panic Attack\" essay and \"Pan\" (first chapter); Naomi Washer, \"Subjects We Left Out\" (excerpts); Rebecca van Laer by Kate Doyle (BOMB Magazine)\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\u003eFinding the Kernel BOMB Interview, Washer, Workshops\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: \u003c\/strong\u003eSwitching Genres (Michael Clune) Workshops\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: \u003c\/strong\u003eWorkshop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: \u003c\/strong\u003eWorkshop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeeper understanding of their own body of work: what makes a piece feel stale? Where is the heart in a stale piece, the kernel of character or theme that makes it tic?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConcrete strategies for shifting writing from one context to another \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMastery of generative workshopping. Students will gain experience providing feedback with radical revision in mind(rather than suggesting tweaks or small areas for development) \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA new draft of at least one prose piece\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\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstructor: Rebecca van Laer\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegins Tuesday, April 6th, 2027\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClass will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 6:30PM - 8:30PM 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 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 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","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47158809166072,"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":"grow-with-van-gogh-30-day-creative-challenge-online","title":"Grow with Van Gogh: A 30-Day Creative Challenge — 4-Week Asynchronous Online Workshop with Holly Lyn Walrath starts Monday, March 1st, 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col sqs-col-7 span-7\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-9bd4c6c3a222aea2e1f5\" class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBegins Monday, March 1st, 2027\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis class is asynchronous and meets via Wet Ink, our dedicated online classroom. Complete weekly assignments on your own schedule.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eLed by Holly Lyn Walrath, a writer, editor, and publisher. Her poetry and short fiction have appeared in \u003cem\u003eStrange Horizons, Fireside Fiction, Analog, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Flash Fiction Online\u003c\/em\u003e. She is the author of several books of poetry, including \u003cem\u003eGlimmerglass Girl\u003c\/em\u003e (2018), \u003cem\u003eNuminose Lapidi\u003c\/em\u003e (2020), and \u003cem\u003eThe Smallest of Bones\u003c\/em\u003e (2021). She holds a Master's in Creative Writing from the University of Denver. In 2019, she launched Interstellar Flight Press, an indie SFF publisher dedicated to publishing underrepresented genres and voices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWho is this class for?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis online creative challenge is open to all levels and all disciplines: writers, poets, visual artists, photographers, and anyone looking to generate new work and push their boundaries. If you want to build a daily creative practice in a supportive, low-pressure structure, this is the class for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to expect:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSecluded in a small village outside of Paris, the famous impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh spent the final 70 days of his life doing what he loved: painting every day. This remarkable period and astonishing burst of creativity inspires this unique workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eGrow with Van Gogh is a 30-day challenge for writers, artists, and all creatives looking to generate new work and push their boundaries. This expansive four-week workshop includes a daily prompt inspired by the life and work of Vincent van Gogh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhether you're putting words on a page, paint on a canvas, or lens to the world, this challenge invites you to show up daily and create.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eVincent van Gogh is one of the most prolific and famous artists of all time. He is also perhaps the most misunderstood. A tribute to Vincent's relentless creative spirit, this workshop takes a close look at the artist while allowing participants to respond to and reflect on van Gogh's life through their own creative voyage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the writing goals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eIn this course, students will respond to a new prompt every day for 30 days, finishing the month with 30 new works-in-progress. Working at your own pace within weekly deadlines, you'll receive feedback from the instructor and peers on all assigned activities through the Wet Ink classroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE OUTLINE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eSeventy Days in Auvers — Challenging Yourself as a Creative\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\"Whosoever Loves Much Can Accomplish Much\" — Approaching the Creative Process with Love\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eLetters to Theo — Creating from Memory Using Letters, Journaling, and Confessions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\"What Am I?\" — Self-Portraits and Creating First for the Self\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCOURSE TAKEAWAYS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn creative discipline by showing up for your work daily\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreate works inspired by and in conversation with Vincent van Gogh\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFind beauty in the ordinary and get inspired by the mundane\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChallenge yourself to build creative resiliency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplore your unique voice as a creative\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrow your creative practice by creating 30 new works-in-progress\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis class is asynchronous, meaning you complete the weekly assignments on your own schedule. There are no set meeting times to allow for greater participation; your cohort will consist of writers from different time zones, which allows for a wonderful diversity of voices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAlong with your weekly deadlines, there is plenty of interaction with the instructor and your peers within Wet Ink, 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 in the online classroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYou can finish the work as you see fit, week to week, which 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 they find most compelling and\/or useful. The instructor engages with these discussions throughout the week, and you will receive feedback on all assigned writing activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW DOES WET INK WORK?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWet Ink was built and designed specifically for online writing classes. Wet Ink is private, easy to use, and very interactive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\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\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47334389973240,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/HollyWalrathHeadshot2_9a65cfdd-1827-4fd3-94f5-83bff78348b5.png?v=1761924891"},{"product_id":"power-of-hope-writing-workshop-online","title":"Introducing the Power of Hope to Our Writing Process, a Zoom Seminar with Ben Tanzer on Tuesday, September 29th, 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\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuesday, September 29th, 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Tuesday, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🌍 \u003cem\u003eClass Times by Time Zone:\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eLos Angeles (PDT): 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM \/ Chicago (CDT): 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM \/ New York (EDT): 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM \/ London (BST): 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM \/ Berlin (CEST): 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions about this class? Use the Chat Button to talk with us. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInstructor Ben Tanzer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is an Emmy-award winner whose acclaimed work includes the short story collection UPSTATE, the science fiction novel \u003cem\u003eOrphans\u003c\/em\u003e, and the essay collections \u003cem\u003eLost in Space \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Be Cool\u003c\/em\u003e. His recent novel, \u003cem\u003eThe Missing\u003c\/em\u003e, was released in March 2024 by 7.13 Books and was a finalist for the Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year in the Traditional Fiction category. His new book, \u003cem\u003eAfter Hours: Scorsese, Grief and the Grammar of Cinema\u003c\/em\u003e, which Kirkus Reviews calls \"A heartfelt if overstuffed tribute to the author's father and the ameliorative power of art,\" was released by Ig Publishing in May 2025. Ben's next book, \u003cem\u003eHuman Noise\u003c\/em\u003e, is a short story collection that will be released by Thirty West Publishing House in spring 2027. Ben is also the host of the long-running podcast \u003cem\u003eThis Podcast Will Change Your Life\u003c\/em\u003e, teaches at Lake Forest College and Roosevelt University, and lives in Chicago with his family.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet the Teaching Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Meet the Teaching Artist: Ben Tanzer on the Power of Hope\" href=\"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/blogs\/news\/meet-the-teaching-artist-ben-tanzer-on-the-power-of-hope\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBen Tanzer on the Power of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\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 who feel stuck in their writing process and want to discover how the power of hope can help them become unstuck. It 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]\"\u003eWishing is not a strategy. There are a number of reasons why we may get stuck in our writing process, and one of them is a lack of hope. This interactive writing workshop is focused on recognizing that hope is a practice, and when we embrace the three key pillars of this practice—goal setting, pathways, and willpower—we can ward off the loss of hope and build strategies that nurture it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eNot only will you leave this online writing class with knowledge of how to implement these strategies (and the science behind them), you'll be in possession of personal action steps to put them into practice yourself. Through solo reflection and small group discussion, you'll engage deeply with these concepts and begin building your own hope-centered approach to writing.\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 leave energized to expand the possibilities of their writing practice, and with personal action steps in hand to ensure they do. There will be feedback and engagement 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\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\"\u003eIntroduce Hope – Introduce the concept of hope and its core components (not wishful thinking)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGoal Setting – Develop personally relevant goals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePathways – List and explore potential pathways toward goal achievement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eWillpower – Identify and describe sources of motivation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eProblem Solve – Identify and list obstacles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCreate Hope Visual – Create a visual map for reference\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eRe-Goal – Remember, we have the ability to re-goal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eQ\u0026amp;A\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\"\u003eLearn the science of hope and how it applies to your writing life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegin building a practice focused on goal setting, pathways, and willpower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eLeave class with a DRAFT action plan tailored to your personal writing goals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eGain strategies to nurture hope when facing adversity in your creative work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eDevelop problem-solving skills for identifying and overcoming obstacles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't Make It Live?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTESTIMONIALS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"Ben Tanzer did a great job of compressing meaningful theory, plus practice and interaction, into a short time frame. He created an opportunity for each person to have a valuable experience. You should take his Introducing Hope into Our Writing Process seminar if you can.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"Ben Tanzer's Introducing Hope into Our Writing Process seminar offers a peek behind the curtain at the real assumptions, motivational issues, and habits that get in the way of productive writing. It offers practical experiments and ways to rethink what we are doing so that we can find new pathways to our goals, or new goals.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"The workshop with Ben Tanzer was a fantastic combination of science, personal experience, and psychology that gave me clear, applicable tools to improve my writing life. Ben is a warm, empathetic, and engaging instructor, and he created a safe, fun, and enlightening space for us to learn and grow as writers—and as people.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"I wasn’t sure how the concept of 'hope' might relate to the writing process. All of these workshops have \u003cspan data-ddnwab-gr=\"K8g_6_0\"\u003ehelped open\u003c\/span\u003e my eyes to different views of writing, from meeting the \u003cspan data-ddnwab-gr=\"K8g_7_0\"\u003ex-number of words per day\u003c\/span\u003e challenge to a more human yet complex task of organizing thoughts into an inspiring product. \u003cspan data-ddnwab-gr=\"K8g_8_0\"\u003eIntroducing the Power of Hope to Our Writing Process seminar\u003c\/span\u003e with Ben Tanzer was no different.\"\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePAYMENT OPTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\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\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003euse Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eInstructor: Ben Tanzer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBegins Tuesday, September 29th, 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eClass will meet once via Zoom on Tuesday, 3:00 PM – 5:00 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\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Writing Workshops Org","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47862074376440,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0287\/3917\/4532\/files\/BenTanzerHeadshot2026.png?v=1768670667"}],"url":"https:\/\/writingworkshops.com\/en-no\/collections\/new-and-upcoming-online-fiction-classes.oembed?page=5","provider":"Writing Workshops","version":"1.0","type":"link"}