The Summer of Figuring it Out
On tap: An opportunity to learn the method I use most + two freebies!
Hi there! It smells like watermelon in my house, and the air conditioner is blasting (damn you, NYC humidity) and if that isn’t summer, I don’t know what is. I’m deep in my own journey of figuring things out this summer—more on that in a minute—and realized that all my current offerings are about puzzling through. Could it be the summer of breakthroughs for us all in our writing? I hope so. Here’s what’s on offer in July and August, in order of appearance.
Soon
There’s still a few spots left in my Reverse Outlining for Prose craft intensive which runs for 2 hours on Monday, July 17th, from 5-7 PM EST on Zoom.
You’ve probably heard the term reverse outlining, but maybe you don’t know what it is exactly, or how—or when—to use it. Let me demystify! Reverse outlining is a simple process I’ll teach you in the matter of hours through hands-on application to your project.
Reverse Outlining is the technique I use most often when I’m at a stuck point in my own work, and my single-most recommended method for prose projects. My students have called it “the most important revision technique ever,” but it can be used for so much more: understanding what your project needs next, completing a draft, or when you want a fresh look at what you’re working on.
This hands-on craft intensive is a brand new offering I created after years of this feedback from clients and students.
We’ll work through a prose work-in-progress of your choosing together during class, launching you into the next phase of your project. Best thing: you’ll be able to repeat this process for any of your projects going forward.
You in for learning something new this summer? Sign up link here.
Ongoing
I’ve been deep in revising my novel, and have been documenting my process, including missteps, emotional support giant Post-Its, and the really weird feeling that I actually like my book, over on my other newsletter, Talk Soon. I’ve been calling it Revision Season, and while this is technically not a class, I thought it would appeal to readers of this newsletter.
I’m running it every 2 weeks till it’s done, and is—and will remain—free. First two installments live here and here. If you’re really into process, come on over for the rest. Bring some colored pens.
August
At Write or Die, we’ve added another session of Should I Apply For An MFA? on Wednesday, August 16th, from 7-8:30 PM EST. You can sign up for a (free) spot here if this question has plagued you before or is currently.
Keeping Your Eye on Fall and Beyond?
MFA coaching cohort starts in September if you already know you’re ready to go and want guidance, accountability, and community throughout your process. This cohort is a supportive, structured group focused on navigating the MFA application process for 2024 with as much confidence and as little stress as possible. I can’t guarantee admission, but I can guarantee that you’ll leave the cohort with your best shot at admission and solid application materials for other things and connection to what your work is about and why it matters to make it. Details here.
Hope you’re staying cool hot in the best way possible this summer.
See you in class?
Danielle