Every writer has the same goal: I’m going to finish my draft … soon. Then we get distracted. Before we know it, “soon” becomes “later” and our draft still isn’t done. This four-week, 48-hour intensive writing experience is your chance to flip the script. Using a method similar to the Pomodoro Technique, a proven time-management system that keeps you focused and driven, you'll commit yourself to distraction-free writing for four cycles per day, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for four weeks. Over the course of the guided intensive, the repetition of this technique will strengthen your writing habits, help you become more productive, and change the way you think about writing time—all while you make progress toward a finished draft. The intensive includes 48 hours of regimented writing over eight weeks; daily writing prompts (if you want/need them); help with goal-setting and accountability; and the inspiration of fellow writers in the trenches. Each week, to close out Monday and Wednesday, we have a 15-minute group check-in to discuss process and progress; on Fridays there is the optional opportunity to share work during 45-minute long Sound Check (Sound Check helps motivate you to prepare something to share; allows you to breathe life into new writing; and is a chance to become familiar with everyone else’s work, further building community and trust; Sound Checks ignite sparks for the next week to come).
This section of this course will be over Zoom. Participants can have access to the Zoom meeting for the full four hours each day and the option to take turns time-keeping and to support each other during breaks as challenges arise. Furthermore, the facilitator will be available at the beginning and end of each session to help the writers contemplate and celebrate the work they are doing and to help participants brainstorm ways to dismantle blocks or other hurdles. Attendance each day is not required, but is encouraged. Please note that the facilitator will not be present the entire time but is available at the start and end of each day. The instructor has a vast library of craft essays and literature to share with participants based upon the needs of their needs and the needs of their particular projects; these supplementary materials are designed to further help each writer on their literary journey. This is not a class or a workshop; rather, it's guided time to help you get the writing done. Writers of all kinds and levels welcome!
