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SUPER SECRET LIBRARY DAY PART 2

In this series apprentice Imari Berry selects essays from Jessica Conoley’s archives.  Imari shares why the essay resonates with her as a newer creative, & Jessica’s original essay follows. I chose this essay because: OUCH! This essays shows that as much as someone loves writing it can hurt, especially when it comes to killing your darlings. I love happily ever afters, but times sometimes but not everything has a happy ending and that’s life. Initial publication date: 8/18/2015 Super Secret …

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Writers Helping Writers

I’m excited to have my work on Building Your Writing Support Triangle featured over on Writers Helping Writers. They’re publishing my work three weeks in a row! Last week we talked about Critique Support; we’ll cover mentors and accountability next. Thank you Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi for having me! Check out WritersHelpingWriters.net to read more.

6/14 7:30 p.m. CST-Mindset Challenges of a Writing Career Class

I realized I can teach you everything about business-ing, but if we don’t have our mindset in the right place it’s all irrelevant. So, I decided our June 14, 2021 Monday night class is going to be: Mindset Challenges of a Writing Career.  Writing is a hard industry,  but it’s impossible if we don’t have the right mindset. This workshop  delves into the mental challenges you’ll face in a creative career. Walk  away with a series of exercises and resources …

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Super Secret Library Day part I

In this series apprentice Imari Berry selects essays from Jessica Conoley’s archives.  Imari shares why the essay resonates with her as a newer creative, & Jessica’s original essay follows. Imari chose this essay because: “This essay is motivational in so many ways. Nothing like meeting the people you admire.” Initial publication Date: 7/21/2015 Super Secret Library Day-Part 1 You may remember My Great Escape a few weeks ago that ended at a super secret library event.  At that event the …

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June workshops + new Friday co-working hours

Throughout June, I am hosting co-working dates, a critique group, and a business for creatives workshop via a virtual zoom room. Try a co-working session to help focus and motivate you to get some work done. Co-working sessions run: Mondays 10 a.m. – noon CST Wednesdays 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. CST Fridays 10 a.m. – noon CST **please note new start time for Friday co-working To learn more about the business of running a Creative Career, including mindset challenges …

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Your Final Responsibility to Your Story: Creative Stewardship

Last week, Jane Friedman published my latest non-fiction article “Your Final Responsibility to Your Story: Creative Stewardship.” As writers, it can feel daunting, vulnerable, and impossible when we contemplate sending our own stories out into the world. So when end stage paralysis strikes you, it’s time to step away from your identity as writer, and into your role as creative steward. Creative stewardship fulfills our final responsibility to a story— placing it in the best position to connect with readers. …

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Work with Jessica one-on-one this summer.

I’m not sure if I’ll continue one-on-one coaching after my new business, The Creative’s Apprentice, launches this fall. And, because I want the launch to be a success, while still delivering high quality editorial & coaching services, this summer I’m only going to take one coaching client.  The coaching package includes a full developmental edit, and one-on-one weekly coaching throughout the summer. (12 weeks total.)  If you have a manuscript draft and would like help with your revisions this is …

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Thank You for all the BOOK recommendations!

I asked you to help me find books about writing that read like memoir, & you all came through in the most spectacular fashion. Thank you! I only need one book, but so many great and highly recommended titles came through I thought it best to share the whole list with everyone. The Poetry Home Repair Manual by Ted Kooser On Writing Well by William Zinsser Save the Cat Jessica Brody Pity the Reader by Kurt Vonnegut How to Write: …

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Help Me Find Books, please!

Do you have a favorite book on writing that reads like a memoir? This November I’m working on a secret project with the Johnson County Public Library. To prepare for it I need to find find as many books as I can that are about writing, but read like memoir. Well known books along these lines are Stephen King’s, On Writing and Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. Please, please, please reply to this email and let me know your favorite …

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May Workshops & Co-working dates

Thank you to everyone for your understanding last month, it allowed me to spend much needed time with my family. Now that we’re in a more manageable place I am excited to get back to work! Throughout May, I am hosting co-working dates, a critique group, and a free business for creatives workshop in conjunction with Mid-Continent Public Library. REGISTRATION is required for the Business of Authorship class.  Register here.  It’s free! Try a co-working session to help focus and …

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