The Word Cellar Writing Workshops
Next Session: TBA
(Contact me to schedule a session or for more information.)
Small group, MFA-style workshops for prose writers
The Word Cellar Writing Workshops are for you if...
...you want to take you writing deeper and w i d e r than ever before.
...you want to connect with other creative souls who have dedicated themselves to the writing life.
...you crave feedback on your writing.
...you want to "test run" a piece of writing before sending it out into the world.
...you want to learn more about the craft of writing.
...you want to practice reading – and responding – like a writer.
...you want to practice giving truly constructive (and kind) feedback.
...you want to practice accepting feedback –- and figuring out how to proceed afterward.
OVERVIEW
In this video (originally posted on the blog) I explain why sharing our writing for feedback can be a very good thing.
The Word Cellar Writing Workshops are designed for writers in the intermediate to intensive stages of their writing life. However, no previous workshop experience is necessary. (As part of the workshop you'll receive a written primer on the "how-to's" of workshopping.)
(If you'd like to improve your writing but aren't quite ready -- or willing! -- to dive into an intensive workshop, please check out my Alchemy writing courses. Alchemy Inspiration: Start Writing is designed for writers and "wish-to-be" writers in the introductory to intermediate stages of the writing life. This four-week course starts February 5. For a more in-depth course, please consider Alchemy: The Art & Craft of Writing, a six-week course designed for writers in the intermediate to intensive stages of the writing life. The next session starts April 2. Not sure which is right for you? Ask me!)
THE STORY
You write, you read, you rewrite. And then you wonder: Does it work? Will other people understand? Will they be moved? Will they get it?
Your writing is your art, your vision, and your gift (one you've been given and one that you give).
As I proclaim in my Alchemy writing courses, the art and craft of writing is one part technique, one part inspiration, and one part practice. One of the most integral ways to hone, deepen, and expand upon all three of these parts is to share your work with other writers for feedback.
The Word Cellar Writing Workshops are small, intensive, MFA-style workshops in which you exchange work and useful, respectful feedback with other writers. The workshops are designed for serious writers with at least a small body of work already underway. (Publication is absolutely not necessary.) Writers who are in the intermediate to intensive stages of their writing life are invited to sign-up.
These workshops are limited to four writers per session. This group size is small enough to be intimate, friendly, and manageable, but large enough to give you a variety of viewpoints.
HOW IT WORKS
- You'll submit 10 to 30 pages of your prose (fiction or creative nonfiction) to the small group (via email).
- Over the next several weeks, you'll read the other writers' submissions and provide detailed feedback on what's working well and what isn't working as well.
- We'll share this feedback with each other through a private group blog and through weekly calls.
- I'll provide serious, in-depth feedback on your writing, facilitate the group calls, provide useful and inspirational resources, and be available for questions throughout the workshop experience
WHAT YOU GET
- Respectful feedback on your writing from me and the other workshop participants
- Five group calls (at least 1 hour per call), with one call dedicated to you discussing your writing
- One 50-minute private coaching session with me to discuss your writing and creative life
- Private group blog to share feedback and support with workshops participants
- Personalized recommendations for reading, writing, and creativity practices throughout the workshop experience
- Workshopping tutorial on how to create and participate in a useful, respectful workshop (including group guidelines, goals, and privacy expectations)
YOUR CREATIVE CO-CONSPIRATOR & FACILITATOR
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, where I participated in workshops with prose writers and poets. 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?
I know this is an important investment of your time and money. If you have any questions, please email me jennifer{at}thewordcellar{dot}com. I'm happy to help you decide if this workshop is right for you.
JOIN THE WORKSHOP
Workshop price: $450
The dates for the next official session will be announced in the coming weeks. If you're interested in joining a workshop, or if you would like to set up a workshop for you and up to three friends, please contact me.
