temperature check

oh, wow! look at that. the thermometer says "cool teacher."

An artifact from my last in-person class.

I love teaching so, so much, and it’s been a while since I’ve been able to do it.

So: Health permitting, I’m hoping to lead one or two virtual mini writing workshops later this year, but only if there’s sufficient interest. If you have a few minutes, check out the descriptions below and let me know what you think.

Ed. note: I hate it when a newsletter I like turns into a workshop catalog, when a writer who’s built my trust breaks it by transitioning into a vendor of goods and services. I promise that that is not happening here. If these workshops proceed, I’ll make an initial announcement and send a reminder about registration, and that’s it.

Writing for Tired People (Autumn 2024)

• Description: Making art is hard when you have energy. When you’re exhausted, as I suspect most of us are, it can feel downright impossible. This class will teach techniques for creating a writing practice that fills, instead of breaks, your cup.

• Duration: This class lasts 3 hours and includes a 10-minute rest break and 20 minutes of writing time.

• Cost: $36

Hello, Snail: Writing Comic Haiku (Summer 2024)

• Description: The best-known haiku are startling, immediate, and moving, but these tiny poems can also be a great vehicle for comedy. In this class, we’ll learn the basics (which have almost nothing to do with counting syllables, at least in English); read some poignant and silly 3-line poems; and practice skills like observation, timing, and precision.

• Duration: This class lasts 2 hours and includes a 20-minute break for rest and writing.

• Cost: $24

Logistics

• The workshops will take place on Saturday afternoons (ET). Each workshop meets once.

• The workshops are virtual. They will not be recorded, but if enough people are interested, I’ll offer them again in 2025.

• Students will be invited, but not required, to share what they write, and welcome, but not required, to speak up. Lurking is fine.

• Students are welcome to keep their cameras off if they prefer.

• Take-home materials include tip sheets and writing prompts.

Questions for you

If you have any questions that weren’t answered here, or any other thoughts on workshops, please let me know.

Thanks for reading all the way to the end. The next proper edition of small magic will be out soon.