finish your book in
The (anti) Workshop
writing is hard. motivation is hard. making time is hard.
let us make it simple: show up per the rules of your contract, do the work, report progress
Why it works
No shade to traditional workshops - okay, maybe a little - but we believe writers need long stretches without feedback, especially on lengthy projects. You’ve got to focus on the process and the progress, not perfection. But we also believe writers benefit from the deadlines, community, advice and camaraderie of traditional workshops. Get your butt in the seat, words on the page, and support along the way.
Who it’s for
Writers struggling to prioritize writing
Writers trying to finding time amidst a busy work or family life
Debut authors, or published authors in a rut
Writers working on book-length manuscripts, short stories, essays, heck, even TV scripts (let’s be honest, this struggle bus is packed)
What you get
Group meetings every-other-week on zoom to check in and troubleshoot
Personalized writing contract
1-on-1 meetings with Tessa, Annie, or Clare as needed
Vibrant literary community, slack channel, book club, multiple community writing sessions each week
Monthly speaker series with top-notch writers, agents, editors, and other literary luminaries
Query letter guidance and editing
What our Members are saying
“If it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to write a novel. I’d be lost in the woods without Annie, Tessa, and the accountability workshop..”
-Rob
“Years after my MFA, I fell out of a writing routine until I found the Accountability Workshop. In a year, I rewrote my entire novel, revised and finished two short stories and submitted to fellowships and publications.”
-Kelly
need more details?
Dig into each aspect of the Workshop below
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Our cohorts of 10-13 writers meet every other week to check in on progress, discuss problems with our work, ask craft questions, hone writing routines, brainstorm plot problems, and more.
Meeting times:
Monday 1-2:30pm EST
Wednesday 10-11:30am EST
Wednesday 1-2:30pm EST
Wednesday 8-9:30pm EST
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Inspired by an Aimee Bender essay and fine-tuned by Annie & Tessa, you will be asked to sign a writing contract - terms defined by you - for how much writing or editing you will commit to based on what makes sense for your life. You’ll report progress and get a dopamine surge every time you write “Done!”
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If you’re stuck for any reason or need extra or private support, Annie, Tessa and Clare are available via email, text, or phone. We’ve done practice interviews, given agent advice, answered craft questions, brainstormed, and just lended our ears.
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Each cohort has their own slack channel for you to stay connected between meetings, share resources, post successes, etc.
Though not required or expected, group members also often find beta readers for part or full manuscript swapping.
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Each month, we bring in a special guest speaker for an intimate, frank conversation with the workshop. Past guests include: Curtis Sittenfeld, Jonathan Escoffery, Kevin Wilson, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, Sequoia Nagamatsu, publicist Alyson Sinclair, agent Katie Grimm, and more.
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A great way to interact with the larger accountability community, our 100% optional book club happens quarterly and books are chosen by vote. Past books have included ALL FOURS, CRYING IN H-MART, and a craft book bonanza.
Ready to keep your butt in the seat?
ACCOUNTABILITY workshop
$165/Month or $1,815/year
Build that writing muscle with our flexible month-to-month membership, or save by signing up for the year.
Choose the time slot that works best for you. Each group meets
every other week:
Mon 1-2:30 pm EST
Facilitated by Tessa Fontaine and Clare Beams
(currently full! email to get on waitlist)
Wed 10-11:30 am EST
Facilitated by Tessa Fontaine
(one spot available!)
Wed 1-2:30 pm EST
Facilitated by Tessa Fontaine and Clare Beams
(currently full! email to get on waitlist)
Wed 8-9:30 pm EST
Facilitated by Annie Hartnett and Tessa Fontaine
(currently full! email to get on waitlist)
scholarships available for underrepresented groups in publishing, focused on writers of color. use our contact us form for more info.
