Writing in the Dark | The WORKSHOP
September 16 – October 21, Tuesday 6 – 8 PM Central
(Space is limited and this popular workshop is half full now—register soon.
About Writing in the Dark
Writing in the Dark | The WORKSHOP began in March 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the world. The idea was a place where we could write through the complicated, ongoing grief of that difficult time. Since then, the pandemic waned, but the world didn’t get lighter, and we kept writing. Now in our fifth year, Writing in the Dark has been home to hundreds of writers and more than two dozen cohorts—plus a vibrant community on Substack. We would love to welcome you and your words to our lamplit corner. Come write with us!
From a past and current WITD writer:
“I want to say THANK YOU! This is the 5th piece written under your workshop umbrella that has either won something, been published, or both. And of course equal due goes to the other writers in these workshops, because the inspiration and energy is totally fueled by the discussions and amazing feedback. And it goes without saying, the community that comes with this stuff is stellar. If anyone wonders why I will shift my entire schedule around to stay in the classes, this is it!”
WITD is a highly participatory, generative, collaborative & inventive space where you will be invited to (distracted into) leaving your burdens momentarily in order to engage with writing prompts that capture your imagination and take you to new places in your writing. This will be a lively, supportive workshop for writers of all levels and genres. You will come away with bits and pieces of prose or poetry to invest in later, as you see fit. Think of it as a doorway to a more open place, a place where your creativity can flourish, or at least exist, once again.
As we say in writing, beginnings are crucial. In this workshop, you’ll make a series of beginnings, or portals perhaps, that you can walk through toward a more creative space for now and later.
what is the theme of this session of writing in the dark?
This multigenre workshop focuses solely on inventive new approaches to specific elements of craft based on close readings of published work and detailed writing exercises. We will also integrate real-time exloration/deepening of themes from Writing in the Dark on Substack,
when & where will the workshop take place?
WITD will take place on six consecutive Tuesdays, Septemebr 6 - October 21, 6-8pm, via Zoom.
what kind of writer should take this course?
Writing in the Dark is for everyone. It is accessible for beginners, yet definitely challenging and inspiring for seasoned writers. The WORKSHOP has been valued equally by those with award-winning books in print and those who’ve yet to publish. We do close readings of exceptional short work together. We focus intensely on craft—for example, what does it mean to develop a narrating voice? How can our work make readers feel something? What can we accomplish with a heightened sense of place, or concrete specific imagery, or an unconventional container? How does extraordinary work accomplish what it does? We scrutinize the craft of incredible writing, then beg, borrow, and steal, patch and paste, and turn what we know upside down and put it back together again. We laugh. We often cry too. WITD is a safe container in which to take creative risks. We immerse ourselves in the art and craft of writing, while freeing ourselves from unhelpful “rules.” We play hard and work hard. Hopefully, over the six weeks, we’ll replenish the most creative parts of ourselves, including the parts that have been too hurt and tired to create, if that’s the case.
what are the requirements?
An open mind and heart. A willingness to show up for six weeks and experiment together. A deep curiosity about language, its power and elasticity. A tolerance for new ideas. An interest in reading and discussion. A commitment to putting some words on the page. A wish to create.
WITD 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.
how does this remote class work?
This two-hour limited enrollment (max 20 participants) workshop incorporates principles of spontaneity and participation, and all prompts and exercises are meant to aim us at new destinations. This session also incorporates discussion of student work in progress. Class time includes structured and thoughtfully facilitated conversation about student work as well as assigned readings. Unconventional writing exercises lead writers to unexpected places in the writing, and offer the chance to breathe new life into your writing while immersing yourself in an open-hearted community that can last long after the course ends. To note for writers brandnew to the WORKSHOP, it is an intimate, participatory space that seeks to be as close as possible to an in-person, real-life experience. It is not a webinar or a lecture. It is very active, intimate, and alive. For this reason, we do request that participants keep cameras on as much as possible so that we can see each other’s faces and interact more intimately. If you have questions or concerns about camera-on culture, please don’t hesitate to reach out to writing@writinginthedark.org with WORKSHOP in the subject line.
what will writers take away?
Up to 6 micro/flash pieces to refine and/or expand afterward, on your own
Access to engaged peers and a supportive community of fellow writers during the workshop and ongoing
One “flash workshop” devoted to your work (must be something written in WITD)
Real-time feedback during class on your work, including from Jeannine
Specific guidance on revision
A deeper understanding of creative writing
Strategies for using writing prompts for catalyzing creativity
Renewed faith in your own unique voice
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 tuition?
Tuition is the same as it was in 2023—$549 for the six-week course, nonrefundable. No application is necessary; you can register and pay using this link.
Full payment is due at least 15 days before the workshop begins, however, extended payment plans are available in cases of siginifcant economic hardship. If you have questions, you can email writing@writinginthedark.org with the subject like, WORKSHOP.
what have others had to say about writing in the dark workshops?
We’ve heard 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.” And several writers have published work generated during Writing in the Dark. Read more love letters here.
how do I apply?
There is no application for Writing in the Dark. All are welcome. Please click below to complete payment and registration.
You can register and pay using this link.