Hello hello!
I’m writing with a quick (and I hope exciting) update on Group Coaching for Fiction Writers!
These groups are now open to enrollment for all. Yay!
Currently, the group that runs in the 11:30AM-1PM EST slot starting on Tuesday, April 25th has more interest, but don't let that stop you from selecting the other date or filling out the application for future interest. I’ll run groups as they fill, and can be patient about it.
If you want to go right to the application, click here.
If you're interested in why I've made this shift, read on:
In short, sometimes I change my mind! We do this all the time in writing — revision is essentially this!— but it can feel harder and stranger to do in one's personal or professional life. But here, too, I have to stay open to trying a new direction when a choice I already made, and was absolutely convinced was the best one, doesn't feel quite right. I couldn’t write or teach without that sort of willingness to reconsider.
I originally envisioned running the groups with returning students because coaching is an intimate space; we inevitably talk about personal blocks, fears, anxieties, how our personal lives impact our writing lives. I’ve been called a literary therapist when I do this work more than a few times. (This should go without saying, but I'm obviously not a trained therapist, nor is writing coaching therapy or a replacement for it!) I wanted whoever came to the groups to be familiar and comfortable with me and my teaching style before we were all in such an intimate space. These groups work best when we trust each other.
But in thinking about it — and yes, of course, seeing less interest than I expected — I also realized that a solid half of this newsletter list is not comprised of returning students (which makes me very excited) and that one of the reasons for offering coaching groups was to present more affordable access to an offering I usually do one-on-one. My hourly rate for one-on-one coaching is $185. These groups knock the hourly down to $50, and I think there is a world to be gained by being in community with other writers without pressure to share your actual work, but to talk about how to make it. This depressurized space is fundamental to how I design my offerings, and it felt, after some thought, counter to my goals for these groups to restrict access.
It's still an experiment: there still might not be enough interest; I could go back to a returning-students-only model in the future. But for now, let's give it a try.
And with that, here's the course listing and application links again if you're intrigued or know someone who might be.
Questions? Reply to this email, or send a fresh one to backtalklazarin@gmail.com
Hope to see you in class!
Danielle