Care for Writers: The Workshop

Writers need care, too.

Care for Writers: The Workshop emerged from years of class-based and one-on-one work with writers who are also mothers, parents, caregivers, workers, and activists; writers who are moving through or sitting close to the aftermath of significant life changes like burnout, grief, divorce, new parenthood, leaving a career, or midlife awakenings, and those simply living through this time of ongoing crisis; writers who are hungry for inspiration, prompts, feedback, community, and support.

So many writers, I have found over the years, have similar questions: What does it look like to be a writer today? Where does my voice fit in and does what I have to say even matter? How do I develop a committed writing practice? Is my work even good enough to try? How do I revise? How do I balance writing with the rest of my life and commitments? Do I have to be invested in “publishing” and “platform” to make art? And most importantly, where do I find my people?

At the heart of such questions are a deep need to care for and reconnect with the creative self.

This spring, I’m offering two cohorts of Care for Writers: The Workshop, a class designed for those seeking to creatively recover or rediscover their work, connect with a literary community, or make writing more central in their life. It’s as much for writers who are finally ready to start/complete/deepen a project, as it is for those feeling doubt and depletion given the exceptional chaos that surrounds us.

Each cohort is limited to 12 committed, supportive writers. This six-week workshop will include generative writing sessions with optional take-home prompts to help you find new ways into your process and your voice, guided discussion of the writing life and your purpose and place in the vast literary landscape, practical tips for balancing publishing concerns with craft growth, and nourishing, writer-centered workshops.

Together, we will recommit to our writing as a practice of resistance and collective possibility and forge new routines and intentions around our work, while acknowledging the practical, everyday, real-life concerns of each writer’s unique life.

Each writer will also have the opportunity to get feedback from Amanda and their cohort on up to 5 pages of writing, such as an essay (or two), a few pitches, or the opening pages of a book. Reading will not exceed 20 pages per week total, to give everyone in the workshop time to write and rest between classes, Discussions of work submitted will be holistic and generative, rather than prescriptive, corrective, or purely productivity-oriented.

This class is open to writers at all stages in all genres, and is perfect for both new and returning students. The only requirement for enrollment is a commitment to your creative practice, your fellow writers, and yourself.

Need more care?

I am also offering an additional 1-1 hour with me for those who may want extra feedback or guidance at a discounted hourly rate. Please be sure to sign up for this option separately if interested— and please note that this 1-1 time is only available to writers enrolled in the spring Care for Writers workshop.

*This hour can be split into two half-hour sessions spread throughout the course. Simply email me after enrolling in the class to set this up.