Writing for Procrastinators
with Beth Slattery
Genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, The Writing Life, Reading, Memoir, Young Adult/Children's Lit, Novel, Short Story, Essay, Writing for Performance
Online
Open to all levels
8 Sessions
In stock
If you consider yourself a writer, proclaim to love writing, but find a million things to do before you “let” yourself write, then this course is for you. We will explore why we avoid writing, hone techniques to create good habits, and analyze how our worst tendencies can also be our salvation. Each week we will discuss readings about subjects like brain science, personality type, ADHD, fear, etc.; we will write together for at least 20 minutes; and we will put tools into practice that will help navigate the pitfalls of procrastination.
Expect self-discovery, accountability and practice writing (to deadlines), a completed draft of a short project previously avoided, and significant instructor feedback.
What to expect:
- Generative Writing: students create new work during class or from assignments.
- Discussion: teachers and students explore why we procrastinate, the costs of procrastination, the benefits of it, etc.
Students say…
“Beth is an excellent instructor for all types of writers and very kind, fair, patient w/ students who like to talk a lot in comparison to others. The personality test tie-in to procrastination was very helpful, plus just learning how many books exist on the subject for beating writing blues.”
“I was directed toward meaningful readings that support my specific needs as I unfold as a writer. I was inspired to look at various approaches to writing and hurdles we all deal with.”
“Beth knows her stuff so, so well. She knows when to encourage, when someone needs gentleness, when they need a more firm hand, and most importantly she knows *how* to do all these things. Each week's reading was well chosen and had something interesting and important to impart. The discussions always left me with something to think about. I could go on, but most importantly, I appreciated Beth's personal touch. Having an instructor who cares about you as a writer, even though there are so many people in the class, and who will give tailored feedback and advice, makes all the difference.”
Registration Dates:
- November 19: Member registration opens at 10:30 am PT
- November 26: General registration opens at 10:30 am PT
- December 8: Last day of Early Bird discount
Beth Slattery
Beth Slattery moved to Seattle after eighteen years of teaching creative writing and literature at Indiana University East. Since her relocation, she has been writing and editing. Beth is currently working on a collection of personal essays about her mid-life marriage to a Zimbabwean, a move from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest, and a reluctant acceptance of the call to adventure. Her most recent publications appear in Assay: A Journal of Nonfiction Studies and Southern Women’s Review. Beth’s recent editing work includes being a “beta” reader for an author with a multi-book publishing contract, content and copy editing of a personal essay collection, and providing comprehensive editing services on an edited academic volume that was later published by Oxford University Press. She has an M.A. in fiction writing from Miami University and an M.F.A. in creative nonfiction from the University of Southern Maine—Stonecoast.
Describe your teaching style.
I'm a firm believer that we learn best when we discuss subjects, ask big questions (that sometimes don't have answers), and then apply that new knowledge (or questions) to our writing. In other words: we talk a lot; we write a lot. Added bonus: we have fun.
FAQ
Complete FAQEach class description includes a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of in-class activity, feedback, and homework (if any).
Generative means you’ll be generating new writing, either in class or at home between classes.
Workshop means you’ll be sharing work to be read and critiqued by your instructor and classmates and that you will also be critiquing the work of your peers.
Reading means you’ll be doing close reading of a work with an eye toward craft.
Craft discussion means you’ll be looking at the tools writers use to do that thing they do so well and then trying it out yourself.
Class levels are designed for various stages of the writing journey. Simply self-select the level that sounds best for where you’re at.
Introductory: This is your first creative writing workshop, first writing class since high school, or first foray into a new genre or form. You’re looking to try something new, kickstart your writing, and/or establish yourself in the fundamentals.
Intermediate: You have a strong understanding of writing fundamentals and are eager to deep dive into craft. You’re honing your writerly identity and voice through independent projects. In workshop, you look for constructive feedback and are ready to do writing and reading outside of class.
Advanced: You’ve written a significant body of work and have taken it through several stages of revision. You’re getting ready to publish or are in the early stage of publishing, and you’re interested in refining the skills that will take you to the next level in the literary industry.
All Levels: You are any of the above and are looking to play with new possibilities.
You’ll get your class information, including Zoom link if applicable, three days before the first day of class.
Write With Hugo House is our free monthly write-in program, operated in partnership with the Seattle Public Library. Two take place onsite at SPL locations, one takes place online.
Sliding-scale classes are offered every quarter. Find them in our Class Catalog.
We announce flash sales, early bird periods, and special deals through our e-newsletter; sign up at the bottom of this page.
At this time, we offer payment plans on classes 8 sessions and up. Email education@hugohouse.org with the name of the class you’re interested in to set up a payment plan.
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We charge a 5% nonrefundable administrative fee for all payment plans.
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Extended payment plans up to 8 monthly installments and 16 semi-monthly installments are available upon request.
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We are unable to hold seats for prospective payment plan students. Students will be enrolled once their first installment has been paid.
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If you need to cancel, Hugo House will issue refunds according to its cancellation and transfer policies. Your 5% nonrefundable admin fee will not be refunded.
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If you withdraw from a class after it begins, you will not receive a refund and are still responsible for paying the full course tuition.
Asynchronous classes are perfect for students that need flexibility!
During an asynchronous class, instructors release new lessons once per week. Students then have one week to complete that lesson and any accompanying coursework. You’ll learn as much as you would in a traditional class but with the flexibility to work at the best times for your schedule!
While there are no live sessions, asynchronous classes are still a lively and rigorous experience. Async classes are not static lessons but an adaptable and energetic community space. Be ready to work in a collaborative environment, giving and receiving feedback on your writing, participating in discussions, and growing your writing practice in a way that works best for you.
Asynchronous classes take place through the website Wet Ink. Students receive an invitation to the class and to set up a Wet Ink account on the start date of the class. Each week of the class, a new lesson will be available through the Wet Ink portal. Classes close two weeks after the end date, and students receive an email containing their content from the class when it closes.
Hugo House will only process refund requests that are submitted 5 business days or more before the class start date. To request a refund, log in to your account, go to “My Account,” select the “Orders” tab on the left-hand side, click the appropriate order, and request a refund for your specific class. Administrative fees apply. Please see our full refund policy here.
In general, we do not record classes. However, an exception if a student has specific access needs.
We encourage students to only sign up for classes that fit with their schedule.
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If Hugo House needs to cancel a class for any reason, you’ll receive a full refund.
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