RADICAL REVISION
A 3-Day Manuscript Intensive
October 23 – 26, Thursday – Sunday
Join an award-winning writer and a small group of creatively invested and thoughtful writers to focus avidly on your work-in-progress—on seeing it again, seeing it anew, seeing the outlines of its absolute most shimmering version of itself. We will lean over the edge of doubt, where new things come from, and crack open a space for the unexpected. We will be challenged and inspired to break new ground in our work while becoming vessels for creativity.
This small (10 writers maximum) in-person workshop is for writers who have or will have a prose manuscript in process (essay or short story, memoir or novel) and are ready to Writing in the Dark’s signature methods of deep attention, deep curiosity, and active search for opportunity and possibility in the work.
This manuscript workshop is called an intensive for a reason: this is deep, transformative work for both the writing and the writer.
when & where will the intensive take place?
This intensive is Minneapolis-based, held 6-9 PM Friday and 9-4 PM Saturday & Sunday (with a moving meditation from 7-9 Saturday night) at the comfortable, light-filled Elephant Rock homestead (that’s Jeannine’s home) just blocks from the University of Minnesota campus and a few miles from downtown Minneapolis. There are a great many hotels nearby, some within easy walking distance, all within an easy drive or light rail ride (Elephant Rock is a block away from the light rail), as well as many Airbnb options. Let me know if you want help with recommendations.
what kind of writer should take this course?
This workshop is for everyone. It will be accessible for beginners, yet definitely challenging and inspiring for seasoned writers.
what are the requirements?
An open mind and heart. A willingness to show up and experiment together. A deep curiosity about language, its power and elasticity. A tolerance for new ideas. An interest in helping other writers bring their work forward. A wish to create. Writing in the Dark does not discriminate against anyone, regardless of age, color of skin, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, or anything else. We expect the same from our all of our participants.
what will writers take away?
Revision feedback from Jeannine and other participants
Greater clarity on a revision strategy for their work
More specific knowledge of and confidence in elements of writing craft
More knowledge of publishing conventions and standards
Real tools to implement that strategy
Inventive revision strategies that can lead to real breakthroughs in the work
Greater insight into what makes a manuscript work and what can hold it back
A clear sense of direction for what’s next with your work-in-progress
who is the teacher?
This course is led by me, Jeannine Ouellette (The Part That Burns, Split/Lip Press, 2021). I author the cult-favorite, bestselling Substack, Writing in the Dark, which many—including Sarah Fay of Writers at Work, say is better than an MFA (that being said, I do hold an MFA in fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts. In addition to Writing in the Dark, I teach writing at the University of Minnesota, and through the Association of Writers & Writing Program's Writer-to-Writer Program and the Minnesota Prison Writers Workshop and Brooke Warner’s Magic of Memoir series. In addition to The Part That Burns, which earned stars from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus, the latter of which also selected TPTB as a best indie book of 2021, I have authored several other nonfiction books as well as the children's book Mama Moon. My essays, fiction, and a smattering of peotry have appeared widely in journals and anthologies, won many awards (always second place, runner up, finalist, or honorable mention, proving that it’s okay not to come first). Perhaps most importantly, I’m a passionate, experienced teacher. You can read my full bio here.
what is the cost?
Tuition for the Radical Revision intensive is $1950 nonrefundable.
what do people say about writing in the dark workshops?
In addition to hundreds of published and anthologized essays/stories/poems and several books that have been born in Writing in the Dark workshops and intensives, we hear that Writing in the Dark is “a lifeline,” “life changing,” “just what was needed,” and “amazing.” Several writers said they were finally writing again after months of being stuck. One writer said the workshop has been “devastating in all the best ways.” Another wrote to say, “This class teaches you how to dig deep and activate your voice. How to write about things that matter to you, and in turn to your readers.” Read more love letters here.
Course Overview
During this intensive, we’ll spend dedicated time on each writer’s manuscript, and all writers will receive personalized attention and written feedback from Jeannine—that’s me! Importantly, most writers find that the cumulative effect of studying and discussing everyone else’s manuscripts leads to insights and breakthroughs simply not possible any other way. As we workshop, I will also be teaching with examples from published work and specifically relevant craft writing, as well as my more universal strategies for what I call “radical revision,” which can be tested by everyone.
Schedule: We open Thursday evening with an orientation and social hour, followed by 9-5 sessions on Friday and Saturday (for workshopping), and a closing and Q & A session on Friday from 9-noon.
Meals: I provide drinks and appetizers on Thursday and coffee, tea, and snacks throughout. Writers bring their own lunches on Friday and Saturday (though most groups choose to have a sort of potluck group meal on Saturday).
Writing level/publication history: Previous publication is not necessary. I find that beginning and experienced writers benefit equally from being in workshop together when using Writing in the Dark methods.
Application: If you have studied with me before in an interactive Writing in the Dark class, retreat, workshop, etc., you do not need to apply. Simply send an email (subject line: Radical Revision) to writing@writinginthedark.org and I will send you a registration link and the information you need to prepare.
If you have not studied with me before in an interactive class, I ask for a writing sample of 1000 words and a brief description of your project (no more than 500 words, please!). To note, I am not evaluating your writing quality, per se, and beginning writers are welcome to apply—but I do want to make sure your project and work is a good fit for the intensive.If you have studied with me but are not sure whether the course was interactive, just send an email to writing@writinginthedark.org (subject line: Radical Revision) and I will know.
Workshop requirements: Accepted writers will be asked to submit an excerpt of their work (10 double spaced pages or up to 5000 words max) by September 19. The excerpt should include a brief (500 words max) synopsis or description of the project (don’t let this intimidate you; I can help once you are accepted). All members of the intensive will read the excerpts in advance of the workshop in order to be well prepared for discussion.