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What Alchemy students say...

"I am still amazed at the sheer amount of amazing (and totally usable/practical/universal) content you provided in Alchemy: The Art & Craft of Writing. It was so full of goodness. I'm not sure I conveyed how satisfying it was to take part and access your brain for those weeks of writing." ~Meredith Winn, featured guest and course participant

"This class is amazing, and you are an amazing person and gifted teacher." ~ Ell C.

"I really appreciated your feedback! Your words were not at all what I had expected; my writing experiences have been met with red pen/pencil and all the things that are wrong... Your feedback was gentle and very encouraging!" ~ Lisa Lewis
 
"I'm really enjoying Jenna's Alchemy: The Art & Craft of Writing course. I've loved Jenna's writing for a while now, so I was super excited to take the class and learn from her. The e-course is not only well-organized but it's inspiring, filled with interesting prompts and insights and really dissects the art of writing. I love that Jenna features a variety of different experts to lend their insights, too. While I haven't finished the course yet, I can already say without hesitation that I highly recommend it." ~ Margarita Tartakovsky

"Thank you for hosting this safe place to come, learn, share, be inspired and not be afraid. Thank you for offering Alchemy and Alchemy Daily. I continue learning ways to weave my words together and hope someday to have a tangible tale upon which to look back. Your teachings here have offered me more eggs to add to my creativity nest. I am excited for what is yet to come." ~ Kristina Wood

In the Bookshop

Writing Tips

Alchemy Inspiration: Start Writing

Current Session: February 6 – March 2, 2012

A four-week online course to help you start writing now

(Registration for the current session is now closed. Next session TBA. See other courses here, and join the mailing list to hear about future sessions of Alchemy Inspiration.)

OVERVIEW

Alchemy Inspiration: Start Writing is a fun, gentle, and inspiring course for writers & wish-to-be writers who want to do the following:

  • Overcome the fear that blocks your creativity.
  • Find the stories around and within you.
  • Uncover and use your writing voice(s).
  • Explore your unique creative process.
  • Give yourself the time, space, and permission to write.
  • Connect with other writers in a private online community.

THE STORY

What holds you back from writing?

Fear?
Shyness?
Feeling stuck?
Not knowing what to write?
Wondering if you have anything worth putting into words?

I get it.

I've struggled with all of these things. Truth be told, I still have days when I struggle with them, even as "professional writer." But I've learned some ways to move past, around, and through these creative roadblocks, and I'd like to share them with you.

I designed Alchemy Inspiration: Start Writing as an easy-going and accessible way to overcome your writing blocks. It's designed for people who want to start writing for the first time or for the first time in a long time.

Each week we'll explore one foundational aspect of the writing process, open ourselves to inspiration, and give ourselves the time, space, and permission to write. You'll choose the kind of writing you want to do, maybe blog posts, essays, stories, or poetry. It's up to you. And if you have no idea where to start, fret not! That's what this course is all about: getting started.

DETAILS & COURSE CONTENT

Alchemy Inspiration: Start Writing is held on a password-protected website that includes the course material, a bounty of writing resources, your own virtual writing notebook, and a private community space where you can connect with other Alchemists.

**During our time together you'll start writing by looking at these weekly themes.

  • Week 1: Finding your stories 
  • Week 2: Exploring your process
  • Week 3: Using your voice(s)
  • Week 4: Delighting in language

**Each week you'll receive at least one of each of the following pieces:

  • Written post with the weekly "lesson" (always something useful and inspiring; nothing dry or boring here!)
  • Exercise or prompt designed to get you writing
  • Nugget of encouragement
  • Fantastic bonus (such as video and audio treats, inspirational guest interviews, and other fun goodies)

**Ebook: At the end of the course you'll receive an ebook of the course material to keep.

**Private sessions: You also have the option to register for individual coaching or editing sessions with me at a discounted rate. (Details are in the registration section below.)

WHY "ALCHEMY?"

Alchemy: a power or process of transforming something common into something special

In this course:
Something common = words
Something special = your beautiful, meaningful stories

Alchemy Inspiration: Start Writing is about the magical transformations that happen within us and on the page when we allow ourselves to start stringing words together, delighting in language, and giving form to our stories.

IS ALCHEMY INSPIRATION: START WRITING RIGHT FOR YOU?

The material in Alchemy Inspiration: Start Writing is designed to benefit people in the introductory to intermediate stages of the writing life.

This course is meant for you if...

  • ...you long to write and need help getting started.
  • ...you long to write more and need help getting started, again.
  • ...you want to move past the fears that stop you from writing.
  • ...you're just dipping your toe into the writing waters.
  • ...you've written a little bit here and there, but you need direction and encouragement. 
  • ...you want to connect with other creative souls who are also exploring the writing life.

(If you already have a fair bit of writing experience or a regular writing practice, please check out Alchemy: The Art & Craft of Writing, which is designed for writers in the intermediate to intensive stages of the writing life. More seasoned writers looking for in-depth small group workshops for feedback are invited to join The Word Cellar Workshops.)

WHAT YOU NEED

Before the course begins, you'll receive an email invitation with directions on joining the private course website and online community. All you need to participate is a computer with Internet access and an email address.

ARE THERE DEADLINES?

No. (Each week of the course includes at least one writing exercise or prompt, which you can complete at your own pace.)

YOUR GUIDE

My name is Jennifer McGuiggan, but I usually go by Jenna these days. I've worked as freelance writer, editor, and coach for the past eight years. I have an undergraduate degree in English, plus an  MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing (creative nonfiction focus) from Vermont College of Fine Arts. I love helping people create beauty with words. Through The Word Cellar, I work with creative individuals (such as artists, bloggers, writers, entrepreneurs) and organizations with heart. To learn more about my writing experience and credentials, please visit the About and Portfolio pages. To get to know me a little bit better, please check out my blog.

QUESTIONS?

Please email me: jennifer{at}thewordcellar{dot}com. I'd love to see you in Alchemy Inspiration: Start Writing!

REGISTRATION

Registration for the current session of Alchemy Inspiration is now closed. Never fear! I have several other courses coming up. Please visit the Courses & Workshops page to see what's available. If you'd like to hear about upcoming courses and offerings from The Word Cellar, please join the mailing list.

Prices below are for the February 2012 session and are subject to change.

Option 1: Course (includes ebook & private community): $89
Option 2: Course (includes ebook & community) + 1 private session: $139
Option 3: Course (includes ebook & community) + 2 private sessions: $169

  • Editing session: Written feedback and editorial comments (via email) on one piece of writing (up to 1,000 words)
  • Coaching session: One-hour coaching session (via Skype or phone) to discuss a writing project, or topic of your choice

(Add one session and save 17% off my normal session rates. Add two and save 33%.)