Spring + Summer Classes With Ignite Writers Collective + Your Chance To Work 1:1 With Me
A list of all my offerings (so far) to get you through Labor Day.
As many of you know by now, I am always looking to help writers find their stories, and get those stories out into the world. I work one on one with clients on books and essays, but there is nothing quite like the feeling of a (virtual) classroom filled with writers witnessing each other's process. The community I have created at Ignite Writers Collective over the last five years has been foundational for so many, and I am always looking to spread the word and help more of you find the thread that runs through your work and sets it apart from the rest.
Here is a comprehensive list of everything I’ve got on the calendar (so far!) for Spring - the end of Summer 2024. There’s something for everyone whether you’re looking to drop in on a specialized one day seminar, or commit to several months of a more consistent practice.
You can also apply here to work with me one-on-one on your book proposal, manuscript, or to turn your writing from a hodgepodge of ideas into something cohesive. I’m also offering a limited number of Book BFF slots - a six-month coaching program for those who want the mentoring and guidance of a goal-oriented coach with the accessibility of a bestie you can text/or message any time you need someone to cheer you on or answer a burning question that can’t wait.
I will circle back after you fill out the application above to discuss your project in more detail and see if it’s a fit for me.
APRIL
Writing Rage - Tuesday April 9th, 4 - 6 pm ET
There are so many reasons to be angry, from the political - The patriarchy! Reproductive rights! Climate change! - to the personal. In this two-hour class, we’ll learn how to channel that rage into something productive. We’ll look at some of the best writers (alive and dead) to see how they have turned their rage into writing that is raw, real and radical. Writers like Jade Sharma, Lyz Lenz, Megan Stielstra, and Amanda Montei will inspire us to let our inner lion roar.
The Secrets to Pitching Essays That Get Published - Monday April 29th, 3-5 pm ET + Monday May 6th, 3:30- 5 pm ET
In the class that meets on April 29th you will learn the basics of pitching from how to know what editors are looking for to how to know which publications will be the best fit for your work. We will walk through examples of pitches for both literary outlets + ones for mass market outlets. You’ll then have one week to work on an essay outline/pitch that you will get feedback on from the class and then present to a panel of editors (Denne Michele Norris, editor in chief of Electric Literature; Noah Michelson head of Huffington Post Personal, Christina Amoroso Editorial Director of Bustle; and Patia Braithwaite, senior staff editor at The New York Times Well) at our next class on May 6th.
Writes of Spring - April 10th - May 1st, 3 - 5 pm ET
Plant the seeds with me this spring for the story you’ve been meaning to tell. This interactive, 4-week workshop is for those who are just getting started, are early in the process or aren’t sure how to navigate the road ahead.
MAY
Rewriting Motherhood - Thursday May 2nd, 4 - 6 pm ET
In this class, we’ll read some of the best authors who have taken up the mantle of motherhood in their writing and do generative writing exercises on topics such as maternal dread, ambivalence, the pressures of parenting in a society that keeps score on social media, and how to write about the path to parenting in a way that will communicate your specific experience to a larger audience. Whether you’re childless by choice, writing through ambivalence and dread, or noticing all the ways your experience of motherhood is not captured in the media, this is the class for you.
JUNE
How to Write a Book Proposal That Gets You an Agent - Wednesday June 5th, @ 3- 5 pm ET
We’ll cover everything from the most important section of your book proposal (it’s not what you think!), to the trick of writing sample chapters that shine, to narrowing down your target audience, and I’ll even leave time for you to ask me anything about your own book proposal process.
Summer is for travel. Signing off at noon on a Friday. Watching the sunset. And shutting off your computer. Summer is not for being chained to your desk. Which is why I created Summer Session, your chance to get the accountability, community and cheerleading every writer needs in a way that fits into your own schedule. There will be no mandatory classes. Instead, each Sunday you’ll receive an email in your inbox from me with an audio message I record to inspire your writing week, prompts that will get you putting pen to paper, musings on craft and a magical mystery box of optional readings and listenings to guide your practice. We will also have two optional community gatherings and a 30-minute, 1:1 session to keep you on track with your writing.