One-day writing workshops on Zoom
sponsored by the Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis
The Art of Theme and Voice in Fiction and Memoir
(Saturday, October 10, 12:00-5:00 p.m.)
Every writer craves an authentic voice and strong themes--the elements that make writing stand out. Through innovative writing exercises, readings, and discussion, we'll explore the mechanics and art of developing and placing theme and voice in your writing. Find out more >
sponsored by the Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis
Afternoon Character Intensive: Bring Your Characters to Life on the Page
(Saturday, November 7, 12:00-5:00 p.m.)
Characters are the heartbeat of story--whether imagined or real, they must come alive on the page. Author Marilynne Robinson says that great characters create an almost "emotional entanglement" with the reader. But how do you, as a writer, work with characters? What if they are too mysterious or bore you? What if you can't imagine how to bring them to life?
sponsored by the Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis
Your Book Starts Here: Learn to Storyboard Your Book!
(Saturday, December 5., 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Learn a simple technique that many professional writers use to build a strong structure of a novel, memoir, or nonfiction book--via storyboard brainstorming. We'll take ourselves through the steps of building a storyboard from "islands," or snippets of writing/scenes that aren't yet in sequence, then look at the balance of inner and outer story to help them become chapters. Find out more >
Weeklong book-structuring immersion on Zoom
sponsored by Madeline Island School of the Arts, Wisconsin
Your Book Starts Here: How to Plan, Write, and Develop Your Book!
(Weeklong book-structuring immersion, February 8-12, 2021)
A weeklong immersion in your book--to finally get moving on it and upgrade your craft skills and structure. Daily morning workshops on Zoom, afternoon private coaching sessions with Mary, and a great community make this a week of creativity you'll never forget Independent study option also available if you've already made substantial progress on your manuscript and need more advanced feedback. Find out more >
Retainer program
"I love how my book is finally taking shape, with your remarkable guidance and amazing gift for eliciting my best work." "Your help and excellent counsel has helped me persevere to write my first book. I can't thank you enough." “You've given me so much—to not only jump start my rewrite in response to the agent feedback I received, but also to keep improving my writing on future projects."
—past retainer clients
Get personalized help with your writing project at any stage. Five weeks of private coaching with check-ins by email, customized assignments, and evaluation of up to 250 d/s pages of your book-in-progress. Limited spaces available. Now booking for winter 2021. Find out more >