Announcing: Writing Workshops & Individual Writing Coaching 2011

Hey Y'all,

So I'm currently in the midst of teaching two six-week writing workshops. Each class meets once per week. I have to say, these workshops are going so well that I'm ready to schedule the next round. Bearing in mind that the (stupid) holiday season is about to takeover, I'm going to go ahead and start these in the New Year. The first workshop will meet six consecutive Tuesdays beginning January 18, 2011. The second workshop will meet six consecutive Thursdays beginning January 20, 2011. For those interested in individual coaching, I am currently taking reservations for a very small number of students for one-on-one weekly sessions beginning in January. You can email me at spike@spikeg.com if you have questions about either the workshops or private coaching.

Here are details about the workshops. I want to thank my current students for providing lots of good feedback so that I could hone my offerings. Thank you!

Six Weeks of Tuesdays: I Just Have to Know

Dates: Jan 18 & 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2011

Time: 7 - 9 pm

Cost: $300

Location: TBA

Who is this for?

This is for those of you who are either currently working on first person/memoir/creative non-fiction/blogs or who keep meaning to commit yourself to getting your ass in the chair because you just have to know-- can you do it? Can you write in a sustained fashion? And really, do you even want to? You won't know until you try.

What will we do?

We are going to work on cutting through the shit and really writing what matters, finding your realest of real voices, and learning how not to give in to all those thoughts that keep stalling you out. I'll lead you with assignments which you will work on in class and at home. Yes, there will be some sharing out loud. No, this will not be mandatory. Roughly speaking, sessions are divided into Q&A, theory, in-class writing, and reading out loud (no, reading out loud is not mandatory).

What else do I get?

What, that's not enough? Actually, you do get more. Over the course of the six weeks you have (almost) unlimited email access to me. That means that yes, I will be available, online, to offer you one-on-one coaching, read your work, and offer feedback. Please note this does not include reading manuscripts. Yes, I can read shorter pieces and critique them. If you want a manuscript read, please contact me about private sessions.

Anything else I should know?

Yes, thanks for asking. As this workshop is aimed toward those of you who might just be starting out, we will not be spending tons of time strategizing about getting published, finding agents, etc. That subject is bound to come up, and will be addressed briefly. However the main goal is to get you writing regularly. If you are already writing regularly, please consider the Thursday workshop. (Details below.)

Six Weeks of Thursdays: I'm Not Bragging or Anything But...

Dates: Jan 20 & 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, 2011

Time: 7 - 9 pm

Cost: $300

Location: TBA

Who is this for?

This is for those of you who already write all the time. Maybe you have a draft of a book finished. Maybe you've been published. Maybe you have a blog that is well-established. You're ready to go to the next level. You're okay with very direct feedback (though I promise I will never be mean). In short, you feel pretty good about your writing style and/but you also hope to improve it.

What will we do?

As with the Tuesday workshops, we are going to work on cutting through the shit and really writing what matters, finding your realest voice. I'll lead you with assignments which you will work on in class and at home. Yes, there will be some sharing out loud. No, this will not be mandatory. Roughly speaking, sessions are divided into Q&A, theory, in-class writing, and reading out loud (no, reading out loud is not mandatory). Our Q&A sessions will include, but not be limited to, discussions on the state of the publishing industry, strategies on finding an agent, the pluses and perils of self-publishing, and how not to lose your shit if you're having a hard time getting published. I will challenge you, over the course of the workshop, to complete and submit at least one piece to a major publication. I will beat your ass if you disobey me. Oh, wait, no I won't. Look-- I'm here to encourage, to validate, to employ a positive approach to help you a) figure out your real writing goals b) assess the reality of them c) help you hone your writing and d) help you meet the realistic goals we come up with together.

What else do I get?

What, that's not enough? Actually, you do get more. Over the course of the six weeks you have (almost) unlimited email access to me. That means that yes, I will be available, online, to offer you one-on-one coaching, read your work, and offer feedback. Please note this does not include reading manuscripts. Yes, I can read shorter pieces and critique them. If you want a manuscript read, please contact me about private sessions.

Anything else I should know?

Yes, thanks for asking. I tend to cuss an awful lot.

I repeat: For questions or to sign up, please email spike@spikeg.com. And I sure would appreciate you helping me to spread the word.

Thanks,

Spike