To register interest for the next series, please fill out the form below:
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Imagine it.
• Learn different ways to write about experience including perspective, tense, form, and mode
• Read, discuss, and imitate a variety of contemporary influences in multiple genres
• Engage in stream of consciousness and writing exercises, getting to know yourself not just as a writer, but as a person
• Practice how to think and observe like a writer throughout the day, and determine what makes a ‘good’ piece of writing
• Acquire skills on momentum, productivity, and effective writing practice
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Build it.
• Experiment, play, and take risks with your own writing in an encouraging and supportive setting
• Consider yourself in the position of someone with different experiences to expand your capacity for imagination and empathy
• React to and discuss each other’s work in detail, naming any tensions, feelings, or curiosities
• Create ‘Artist Statements’ alongside your writing, sharing your intentions and ambitions for your pieces
• Foster a connection with your small group companions over the course of three months with people all over the world
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Hold it.
• Publish a whole piece or an excerpt of the work you produced in the workshop
• Own your group’s limited edition, handmade chapbook featuring your own work
• Be equipped with the tools, skills, and confidence to continue writing beyond the workshop
• Know new writers, particularly non-mainstream, and have individual reading suggestions that pertain to your own growth as a writer
• Have developed your own distinct and recognizable writing voice — a writer’s ‘fingerprint’
12 Week Outline for January - March
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Introductions
Philosophy and methodology
Define Life Writing, the benefits of life writing, and a brief history of chapbooks
Explore your story, style, and voice
Discuss effective writing practices and tips on productivity, tips on how to overcome ‘writer’s block’
Establish workshop structure
Writing exercise #1 + shares
Discuss assigned readings
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Pieces for workshop will be submitted by email to assigned small groups one week prior
All members of group will read each other’s submissions and be prepared to offer comments
Each member will have roughly 20 minutes of dedicated discussion on their work
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Reactions, reflections, revelations to writing process so far
Exploring emotions, memory, and identity
How to avoid cliches, and think and observe like a writer
Discuss assigned readings
Writing exercise #2 + shares
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Pieces for workshop will be submitted by email to assigned small groups one week prior
All members of group will read each other’s submissions and be prepared to offer comments
Each member will have roughly 20 minutes of dedicated discussion on their work
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Reactions, reflections, revelations to writing process so far
Exploring form, frame, and structure
How to hook your reader with your very first sentence and manage information
Discuss assigned readings
Writing exercise #3 + shares
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Pieces for workshop will be submitted by email to assigned small groups one week prior
All members of group will read each other’s submissions and be prepared to offer comments
Each member will have roughly 20 minutes of dedicated discussion on their work
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At the end of March 2026, we will schedule 1:1 consultations to discuss the future of your writing and decide on a final piece that you are proud to publish in the group’s chapbook
FAQs
What time are the sessions?
Sessions are held on Zoom from 1pm - 3pm EDT. Small workshops will be determined to find a 2-hour slot that best suits your time zone.
Am I too busy for this workshop?
You are committing to 4 hours of live workshop time per month for 3 months. How much you write outside of those time frames is up to you. Our mission is to get you excited about the importance of writing, so that you want to as much as you can.
What if I cannot attend a session?
The large group sessions will be recorded and emailed to only the members of the group. To maintain a safe and private space, none of the small workshops will be recorded.
What is a chapbook?
TL,DR: A small, paper-covered booklet.
Do I need any writing experience?
No! This is geared towards beginners, although writers at any stage are welcome.
Do I have to write my story in English?
You are welcome to write your work in any language, though please note that comments on your work may be limited.
My story is personal. Is this a safe space?
This is a safe space, and we are here to make sure of it. All workshops will be mediated, and you only have to share to the extent you are comfortable. The main objective of the series is to express and write for yourself. There are a number of excellent personal essays that are written without using “I” — or you may consider writing autobiographical fiction to create some distance from yourself as the writer.
What if I can’t decide what story to tell?
Book a time to speak one-on-one, and we will work together to explore which story you are most excited about writing at the time of the workshop. Remember, you don’t need to write the masterpiece of your life all at once…
Will my writing be graded?
No! We are less concerned about the formal properties of language and more concerned about you writing what you need to write. Raw, fragmented, and non-linear — even messy — can be good. This is a workshop more about acknowledging and enjoying the writing process than it is the final product.
How heavy is the reading load?
We do not expect you will spend more than 1 hour preparing for each session. There are no required texts to be purchased, as all readings will be available as a PDF.
How many pages should I submit for the workshop?
Each submission should be no more than 8 pages double-spaced. You are welcome to build on to previous submissions, or produce new work each workshop. Each workshop can be an opportunity to experiment, play, and take risks. We will determine together what will be presented in the final chapbook.
Will I finish my writing piece?
You may, you may not! You may find your story wants to change shape last minute. Whether you are ‘finished’ is determined by how you feel about your own work, but we will aim to have — at least — a sample or an excerpt that you are proud of.
What if I’ve already started my story?
Great! Bring in what you have; let’s take a look.
Do I have to have a topic or content before the series begins?
No! The first week will be dedicated to brainstorming, imitation, and exploration.
Can I write fiction?
Yes — we think fiction is a great vessel for the truth.
Will there be extra copies of the chapbooks?
Additional copies of the chapbook will be available through the Own Your Life Writing website.