Overview

A 3-Part Online Cooperative

This supportive program takes all creatives (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, writing prompts, mindfulness guidance, studio dates, daily inspirations, check-ins, and feedback with Sarah Aronson, Chris Tebbetts, Daria Peoples, and special guests Diana Ma, Meera Trehan, and Heather Demetrios.

• This is an online course in three parts:
  • Part 1 is goal setting, daily inspirations, weekly writing prompts, writing sprints, studio dates, mini lectures, and office hours.
  • Part 2 offers all of the above and special guest lectures and discussion panels.
  • Part 3 is time for independent work, a private consultation with Daria, Sarah, or Chris.  Plus, we’ll have community celebrations!
• 2 live online mini-lectures and office hours in Part 1 will take place on Tuesdays at 8pm Eastern (September 17 and November 12).
• 6 live online guest lectures and panels in Part 2 will take place on Tuesdays at 8pm Eastern (September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29). *Please note that there is no class on NOVEMBER 5th
• Optional studio dates will take place via Zoom throughout the course on Wednesdays at 8pm Eastern (September 18 – October 30, except October 2) with Daria Peoples.
• An optional bonus mindfulness studio session will take place on November 7th with Heather Demetrios.
• Optional writing sprints will take place via Zoom on most week days (see survey at registration).
• Discussion and interaction will occur on Discord (you will receive a special invitation into this space).
• You’ll get a single, 1:1 20-minute consultation with Daria Peoples, Sarah Aronson or Chris Tebbetts in Part 3 to discuss progress, ask questions, and plan for next steps.
• 50 participants max

Feedback Expected

• Informal feedback from faculty and peers during LIVE sessions and in Discord.
• A 1:1, 20-minute consultation with Daria Peoples, Sarah Aronson, or Chris Tebbetts (scheduled between October 28 – November 9) to discuss progress, ask questions, and plan for next steps.

It’s a Great Fit If…

• You are a creative at any stage in your journey—new or experienced—who craves support and accountability to complete your first or final draft.
• You write any genre, with children and/or teens as the intended audience. The writing prompts and daily inspirations will sample from fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, and more. Weekly studio hours will bring a variety of art prompts and play your way!
• You’d like a high level of engagement with fellow writers and faculty so that you can move forward on your work-in-progress with new ideas and inspiration.
• You’d love some coaching in mindfulness practices for creatives. We’re excited to host Heather Demetrios for these special sessions.
• You crave time with fellow writers. We’ll build community online in this supportive, collaborative experience.
• You enjoy online learning. This multi-week course relies on LIVE Zoom interaction and contributions in Discord.

Detailed Agenda

All Times are Eastern Standard Time.  Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

How It Impacts Kids

A first draft is an important step to getting a story to a child.  This online course can help get you to that crucial “first draft is done!” stage.

Testimonials from Our Community

“Just Do It reminded me to show up to the work daily whether I’m writing or thinking about the story. To trust my voice – all stuff I know, but it was really helpful to be reminded and encouraged.”

“Sarah is a thoughtful teacher who is generous with her time. She truly cares about her students!”

“Chris Tebbetts is an extraordinary teacher—his direct critique went straight to the heart of my novel and the techniques he provided, through the live and recorded sessions gave me revision tools which are relevant to my manuscript and to my overall writing goals.”

“Daria’s studio nights were revelatory, and her whole “art for writers” approach brought so much more to the course!”

“The special guest lectures offered new perspectives on process. I especially connected with the session about writing during challenging times.”

See more testimonials at From Just Do It to Just Did It!

Resources

• 3 Questions for Daria Peoples, Chris Tebbetts and Sarah Aronson About Making Progress On Your Creative Journey
• From Just Do It to Just Did It!
• Getting the Work Done: Shifting Negative Self-Talk to Constructive Ideas
• Just Do It! How Momentum and Effort Can Help You Finish Your Draft
• Trust Your Story with Yourself and Your Community
• Keep It Moving: Movement and Writing Practice
• Using Visual Outlining with Your Novel Draft
• Working Writers Chat with Chris Tebbetts and Sarah Aronson
• Craft, Community and Your Career: Some Lessons Learned