CLASSES

GrubStreet offers a variety of online classes in the different genres (and in person too if you're in the Boston area). An essay I started in their online essay class went on to receive a Pushcart nomination.

The Collegeville Institute offers summer writing workshops that take place in Collegeville, Minnesota. I've attended two of those workshops and both have been amazing experiences. They also partner with other organizations and offer workshops each autumn in different parts of the country. Alumni of their workshops become part of a community.

I haven’t had a chance yet to take a class through the Hurston/Wright Foundation, but their virtual programming sounds amazing. Their hope is to create, “an accessible approach to providing quality support to Black writers who are at various levels of their writing journey towards publication.” In addition, they also offer summer workshops.

Through WordPlay, Maureen Ryan Griffin offers classes and retreats mostly in and around Charlotte, but she also has classes in other places and occasional online content. Maureen is just the person one needs to develop confidence as a writer.

Some other places to look:

The Writing Salon: I took a fabulous poetry class with Thea Matthews

Craft Talks: Offers a variety of webinars, workshops, and courses

River Teeth Nonfiction Conference archives: features wonderful craft talks and other resources (available at no cost)

CONFERENCES

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to present a session at HippoCamp about organizing essay collections. This conference is packed full of great craft sessions, panel discussions, and basically anything you can think of that might help you grow as a creative nonfiction writer. It was here that I learned an organization system that I still use to manage my writing life.

I attended GrubStreet's the Muse & the Marketplace for the first time in 2018, and I'm so grateful I went. I'd heard about this conference for years and for good reason. The keynote and breakout sessions were wonderful and encompassed all genres. I really appreciated that they capped the size of the breakout sessions, so it was easy to connect with the presenters and ask questions. I found this to be an environment actively working to support writers of color, and I'm grateful for that.

I also attended the Festival of Faith and Writing for the first time in 2018. This also was an event I'd heard about for years. They had an amazing line-up of speakers, and I made some great connections there. I found people to be super friendly and open to engaging each other in conversation. The Festival refers to themselves as "a biennial celebration of literature and belief."

Writing for Your Life puts on a variety of conferences targeting spiritual writers. While these conferences are open to everyone, they particularly work hard to create an encouraging and inviting space for new writers and those who have never attended conferences in the past. This is a space that seeks to foster deep and meaningful conversations in an environment free from competitiveness.

COACHES AND EDITORS

I first read Marita Golden’s work years ago, long before I began my writing journey. She’s always been an author I admire, and, much to my continued amazement, our paths eventually connected. Marita is a kind, compassionate, and encouraging soul. Just what a writer needs. She runs workshops, seminars, and provides other writing services.

Roohi Choudhry is a wonderful writer. I love her commitment to both honesty and encouragement as someone entrusted with another person’s words and stories. As she says on her website, she helps, "...guide narratives that cannot be bordered." Beautiful!!

After working with Brenda Miller, I provided this testimonial: “Sometimes the difference between never-ending drafts and completed work is the astute observations offered by a skilled coach, a person who can see beyond the words you've put on the page and notice the heart of your essay. Brenda Miller is such a coach. Her insights can move you from stuck drafts to finished essays, helping you see what was always there.”

Renia White helped me unearth deeper themes in my writing, themes I didn’t even realize were there. Her background in poetry comes through in her attention to rhythm, sound, movement of a sentence, etc., and she is vested in helping a manuscript soar.

Lisa Romeo helped to get me unstuck during a season of my writing life where nothing seemed to come together. She is thorough and full of good and useful suggestions. I'm particularly thankful for her help with some of my work that ended up finding mainstream homes.

CRAFT BOOKS

I've read a lot of really wonderful craft books, and I have a shelf lined with them. These titles I return to again and again:

The Writer's Portable Mentor: A Guide to Art, Craft, and the Writing Life by Priscilla Long; this one has helped me write several essays and continues to teach me to be a better writer at the word choice, sentence, and paragraph level. This book really is a mentor.

The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Nonfiction: Advice and Essential Exercises from Respected Writers, Editors and Teachers edited by Dinty W. Moore; I love writing flash nonfiction, but I also use this field guide to help with longer pieces which I often form from a string of compressed scenes. 

Writing Creative Nonfiction: Instruction and Insights from the teachers of the Associated Writing Programs edited by Carolyn Forché and Philip Gerard; fabulous craft essays and additional example essays. I have reread Brenda Miller's, "A Braided Heart: Shaping the Lyric Essay," more times than I can count. 

The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop by Felicia Rose Chavez is a must-read necessary book that will inspire both the writer and the teacher. I’ve long asked the question, “What is the value of the traditional writing workshop.” With this book, Felicia Rose Chavez has offered another way to engage, and I am forever grateful.

And a few other titles to check out: The Art of the Essay by Charity Singleton Craig, Getting to the Truth: the Craft and Practice of Creative Nonfiction edited by Rae Pagliarulo and Donna Talarico, Tell It Slant by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola

COMMUNITY

CharlotteLit is so many things: an in person community of writers in the Charlotte area, a place to take classes and find wonderful arts-focused conversation, a resource for the literary enthusiast. I'm thankful for the ways they support writers and for their contribution to the Charlotte literary world.

The Word Cellar Writers Guild is an online membership writing community that focuses on craft, creativity and community. I spent a season as an active member and particularly enjoyed the craft discussion.

Five Minute Friday is an online community (facilitated by my friend Kate) that together writes every week for five minutes from the same writing prompt. The community also focuses on equipping Christian writers. While I'm not an active member of this community, I know those who are really value being part.

VONA is “The premier multi-genre workshop for BIPOC Writers, VONA is a Home where writers of color come to hone their craft and be in community.”

Looking for accountability and ongoing writing support? You might consider the Monthly Mentorship program. I haven’t participated in this program, but I do know several of the mentors. In addition, I had the opportunity to share with the community during a monthly gathering. What a great group of writers!

PODCASTS

DIY MFA’s podcast is a wealth of helpful and enlightening writing information. Host Gabriela Pereira interviews a wide variety of authors, writers, and publishing experts about genre, craft, publishing and anything else you can imagine related to the writing life. And definitely check out the larger website if you’re looking for a do it yourself alternative to a traditional MFA. In episode #251, I had a great time chatting with Gabriela about essays and the why of my writing.

In her  podcast, Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach, Ann offers all sorts of wonderful tips for writers at all stages. The episodes are typically short so you can quickly glean some great ideas and inspiration. She’s recently started running a few longer interview episodes. In episode #173, I had such a great time speaking with Ann about how I go about making meaning on the page.

#AmWriting with Jess and KJ offers great tips about writing, pitching, submitting, setting goals, etc. They explore building your mailing list, helping other writers, and just getting the writing done. In episode #339, I had a chance to share about submitting to literary journals and applying for grants & residencies.

The Writing for Your Life podcast features discussions with authors who are releasing spiritual books. This podcast is a great place to learn more about the journey of turning ideas into books and interesting experiences unique to those writing in the spiritual market.

Thinking of starting your own podcast? I listened to Buzzsprout’s podcast about starting a podcast when I started mine. Super useful information that helped me begin!! You can also find the same (updated) info on their blog.

PLAYING THE SUBMISSIONS GAME...

Places I turn to when looking for essay submission and grant opportunities:    

GrubStreet’s Writing Life Essentials ( “a monthly hand-curated list of contests, grants, scholarships, submission calls, and awards.”)      

FundsforWriters (the weekly newsletter is filled with paying opportunities, grant opportunities, business of publishing tips, etc.)

Erika Dreifus' Practicing Writer newsletter and Monday Markets blog posts

Galleyway’s monthly newsletter is a rich resource of opportunities for BIPOC writers. They also host writing accountability sessions.

Also, check out Poets & Writers’ database of literary magazines and classifieds section

Pursuing Book Publication

A few resources to help you get started if you dream of publishing a book:

Jane Friedman offers a wealth of resources about book publication, the publishing industry, etc. If you’re interested in publishing a book, her annually updated Key Book Publishing Paths is a great place to start. Within that article, she links to other great resources at the end about how to get your book published and how to self-publish your book.

The BookEnds Literary Agency YouTube Channel is a fabulous resource that demystifies so much in the publishing industry, particularly from the angle of securing a literary agent.

Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer's Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book by Courtney Maum is full of extremely helpful information.

Also, Electric Lit has compiled a list of 7 newsletters that can help you get your book published

Whether you’ve already published a book or you dream of one day publishing a book, you might be interested in joining The Authors Guild. The Authors Guild, “advocates for the rights of writers by supporting free speech, fair contracts, and copyright.” Membership includes helpful webinars, legal advice for contracts, an active discussion forum and more. Check out their robust resource library for webinar replays (some available even without membership).

If you’re interested in publishing with a university press, a couple of resources for that dream:

I had the opportunity to take part in The Authors Guild’s “From Manuscript to Marketplace” series. Definitely watch this webinar for very helpful information about submitting your manuscript to and publishing with a university press.

The Association of University Presses (AUPresses) Subject Area Grid is a great resource to help you find university presses that might be interested in your manuscript.

A few helpful posts over at Jane Friedman’s blog about university presses: 1) “Why You Should Consider a University Press for Your Book” by Adam Rosen, 2) “The Peer Review Process: What Sets University Presses Apart” by Laura Portwood-Stacer, and 3) “When Is It Smart to Submit Your Work to a University Press? (You’d Be Surprised!)” by Joni B. Cole

Kidlit Resources

CLASSES

Susanna Hill’s Making Picture Book Magic was the first class I took when I was looking to learn more about writing picture books. Her online class shows up in your email every weekday for a month, and each lesson is a gem. By the end of the month, you’ll know exactly what a picture book needs to make it soar.

I haven’t had a chance yet to take a class through the Highlights Foundation. However, their offerings (virtual and in-person) look impressive and cover a wide range of topics from craft to publishing basics. If you want some direction in terms of choosing a class, definitely reach out to one of their Highlights Ambassadors. And check out the Highlights Foundation Blog for a bunch of Kidlit Resources. (UPDATE: I’ve taken my first Highlights class, and it was wonderful!!)

The Writing Barn also offers a wide range of classes--again virtual and in-person. And while I haven’t had an opportunity yet to take a class, I know others who have and give raving reviews. They also host a variety of webinars, author launch events, etc. (UPDATE: I’ve taken my first Writing Barn class, and I really enjoyed!!)

Renée LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab is absolutely fabulous! I took the self-paced version, and Renée’s comprehensive lessons arrive every other day in your inbox. You learn the basics of poetry such as meter and rhyme (I had flashbacks to 8th grade language arts and scanning poems) plus so much about lyrical language that will help your writing soar. I drafted two manuscripts during this class, one in near perfect iambic tetrameter—a first for me! (and if you’re not ready to invest in the class, Renée’s Lyrical Language Lab YouTube channel is packed with helpful info.)

COACHES AND EDITORS

Rona Shirdan often says what matters most to her in coaching settings is the relationship and conversation with the client. She wants to help clients realize their dreams for their manuscripts. This belief is evident in her thorough, warm, and generous approach. Rona empowers you to identify your story’s themes and larger purpose. Eventually, she helps you consider structure, style, and, finally, word choice at the sentence level. Her feedback will make your manuscripts soar.

Karla Arenas Valenti is a thorough, thoughtful editor filled with kindness and compassion for the writing. She has the ability to see what exists beyond the manuscript. She offers specific comments about the text in addition to several pages of comments that are practically like sitting in on a class. Her skill and knowledge will absolutely help you move a manuscript to a new level.

Alli Brydon writes on her website, “If you are an author whose dream is to self-publish, a writer and/or illustrator who wants to get noticed by agents and editors, or an in-house editor with too much on your plate right now, I can help you craft, edit, and polish your project to perfection!” She has such skill and experience and is filled with generosity. Definitely check out her free Picture Book Basics course to get an idea of how she can help.

CRAFT BOOKS

Time and time again, people recommend Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul. It’s comprehensive and packed full of great information. If you’re thinking about writing rhyming picture books, definitely check out her chapters about rhythm and rhyme.

COMMUNITY

“Black Creators HQ is a community of authors and illustrators with one core mission: to share our talents and create stories that increase Black representation across all genres of literature.” While I am new to this community, it is wonderful to connect with other creators who deeply desire to see an increase in Black representation. I am part of a wonderful (and fun!!) critique group.

Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Conference. Kweli’s, “annual spring conference is an excellent opportunity for BIPOC writers and illustrators to learn, get inspired, and network with others in the industry. It celebrates and supports our unique voices, our nuanced stories, and our collective truth telling.”

SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) is “the international professional organization for authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults.” They offer so much: useful webinars, great conferences (national and regional), an active forum where you can ask questions and find answers, opportunities to join critique groups, a chance to connect with others in the industry. When you join, you receive a very helpful document filled with information about the kidlit writing and publishing industry.

Bethany Hegedus, founder of the Writing Barn, started the Courage to Create community as a place where, “we bolster each other’s commitment to continually write, submit, and support.” This membership community provides access to agent and editor live ZOOM conversations, monthly group coaching sessions, webinars, resource sharing, the opportunity to join a critique group, and more. Membership opens twice/year, I believe.

I recently joined the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge. Benefits of being part of the community include monthly webinars, access to an extremely helpful discussion forum, and just a general sense that this is a place where you can gather information you need. And did I mention how the challenge of drafting 12 picture book manuscripts in 12 months is quite motivating!! Registration is only open for a short period of time at the beginning of each year.

PODCASTS

A few podcasts that have helped me learn about craft, the picture book publishing process, the industry, and so much more. Sometimes the host just shares information and sometimes the host will interview editors, agents, authors, or illustrators: Literaticast, Writing for Children, Courage to Create’s podcast, SCBWI’s podcast, Picture Book Summit, and Picturebooking.

Grants and Residencies

Grants and residencies have been a gift to my writing practice. Here I share a few I’ve come across over the years—some I’ve applied for, some I haven’t, some I’ve received, some I haven’t. Keep in mind that local and regional grants often receive fewer applications so your chances are probably greater. Please visit here for my grant and residency application tips!

Local and Regional

ASC Artist Support Grant
ASC Emerging Creators Fellowship
ASC Creative Renewal Fellowship
North Carolina Arts Council Artist Fellowship
Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Award
South Arts Individual Artist Career Opportunity Grant
NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship

general

Sustainable Arts Foundation Grant (update: SAF is no longer offering this funding. Read more here.)
Louisville Institute Pastoral Study Program
NEA Creative Writing Fellowship
Elizabeth George Foundation
The de Groot Foundation COURAGE to WRITE Grants
The Frances “Frank” Rollin Fellowship
SCBWI Awards & Grants
Creative Capital

Residencies

(time to write in a particular location)

Hedgebrook
Storyknife Writers Retreat
Good Hart Artist Residency
Wildacres Residency Program
Writers Colony at Dairy Hollow
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
”Miss Sarah” Fellowship for Black Women Writers
Recipients of Sustainable Arts Foundation Organization Grants
Erika Dreifus’ List of Fee-Free Writing Residencies

Other Opportunities

AWP Writer to Writer
GrubStreet Scholarships
Collegeville Writing Workshops
Highlights Foundation
The Writing Barn

Also, please refer back to “Playing the Submissions Game” for newsletters that offer information about grant opportunities.