the power and joy of writing goals
Dear writers,
I've been thinking a lot about goal-setting this month and how powerful a practice it is for writers.
Recently, I've had the pleasure of seeing many Fresh Ink students reach their writing goals, as they apply for MFA programs, publish short stories, and prepare manuscripts for publication--it's so inspiring to see their hard work pay off!
What are your writing goals for the year ahead? One of my big ones is to send my novel manuscript off to my agent for feedback. Another is to offer more experiential workshops with the help of some of my favorite creative folk in Austin.
This week, I met with culinary artist Melinda Barsales to design a food-writing workshop (in which you'll get to eat some of her divine creations) and with designer Marcela Homrich to plan a love-poem workshop featuring some of her gorgeous stationery. Keep an eye out for those special drop-in workshops in Spring 2021!
In January, I'll also be offering three new classes to jumpstart your creativity in the new year:
Writing the Unexpected, a drop-in workshop on using inventive and off-beat ideas to reinvigorate your writing
Sunday, January 3, 11am–1pm
Generative Fiction, a six-week course on generating new work and maintaining creative momentum
Saturdays, Jan. 9– Feb. 13, 1–3pm
Drafting the Novel, a 12-week workshop for writers working on novel manuscripts--expect rich lessons on craft and process, as well as substantial motivation and support for completing your book draft
Saturdays, Jan. 9–Mar. 27, 10am–12pm
You can now enroll in classes directly on my website. If you're a returning student enrolling for a class, enter the code WELCOMEBACK at checkout to receive a 15% discount on your order.
(Also, if you want to give a writing gift to a friend, be sure to check out the Fresh Ink gift cards now available).
Happy holiday season to you all, and I hope to see you soon!
Jaime
p.s. Check out these Fresh Ink students and clients who are currently crushing their writing goals:
Jim Weber got his short story "Shapes" published in Narrative Magazine.
John Gu got his short story "Some Reflections Occasioned by the Publication of the Revised Edition of the Practical Chinese Reader" published in The Southern Review.
Yasmine Mahdavi's middle-grade book Extraordinary Women With Roots in Iran is forthcoming next month!