ACTIVE WRITING & EXPLORING YOUR CHARACTER’S INNER AND OUTER WORLD
Are you ready to take your memoir and fiction writing to the next level? This weekend intensive is intended for all levels of writers, but especially those seeking immersive exercises that will allow you to get close to your characters outer and inner life, explore deeply what makes them tick and bring either your book or short story or novel in development to the next level. This is not your average, run-of-the mill intensive. A month after the intensive, you’ll have the option to submit up to 5,000 words of your work-in-progress to be published in an anthology benefitting a charity of the workshop’s choice. Each attendee will receive their own free copy that will be shipped to their residence.
The intensive weekend will include:
- Four hours of morning writing explorations, using the backdrop of Austin, TX, its natural and urban spaces to kick-start your day with a solo writing adventure before meeting for class.
- A total of four hours of active group instruction including active writing exercises that will spur up to 2,000 new words of material, or further enhance new revisions.
- A total of four hours of dedicated writing time in the space with various materials to assist with extending everything we’ve learned each day in class and the option to book-in a one-on-one 30 minute meeting with Britta.
- A new spin on Britta’s signature Character Mincer Immersion exercises.
- An optional dinner with all participants Friday night at Wilderwood (everyone will pay for their own dinner.)
- An optional activity Saturday night.
- Preparing all participants for submission requirements for the anthology.
- A dedicated, inspirational space at the Body Collective, which is a cozy and ideal venue for spurring new ideas and centrally located in Austin near many dining options and easy for transport, with plentiful parking.
Who should attend this in-person weekend intensive?
New and seasoned authors looking for both an inspirational, challenging, but supportive environment. As an editor and teacher of writing, Britta has noticed that many authors need a bridge between receiving feedback and executing that feedback through exercises and immersive activities that often aren’t as easy to come by in a laboratory or experimental environment. Writers wanting to level-up their narrative skills and characterization are most welcome, especially those looking to make new writing friends, sharpen their narrative skills, as well as get inspiration in a wonderfully supportive and energetic environment that will cater to the needs of authors, because Britta is also an author herself! All genres are welcome, though the workshop is focused around fictional narratives primarily.
What does the workshop price include?
- A total of 12 hours of writing activities and class time, including 8 hours of dedicated writing time in our inspirational and lovely space at The Body Collective, and four hours of hands-on instruction.
- Snacks (including allergy-friendly options) and water
- All printed materials
- Access to a variety of writing exercises, maps and publications as well as a personalized writing activity plan.
- Time for collaboration and solo work/exploration
- Up to 5,000 words published in the workshop’s anthology (participants will vote on the title) which will be available for purchase through all major book retailers, in both e-book and paperback.
- Instructional time with Britta and Alex
- Dedicated writing time in our studio space without any instruction to allow you to write and explore in a quiet, peaceful setting.
- The option to book in a “one-on-one” with Britta
- One round of copy-edits on your anthology submission.
What is the workshop schedule?
Friday, August 26– 7:30pm optional participant dinner at Wilderwood (everyone pays for their own meal)
Saturday, August 27- 8:00am-2:30pm w/ options for a social activity in the evening
8:00-9:30am Individualized solo writing adventure (each participant is e-mailed their personalized adventure ahead of time)
10:30-12:30pm Workshop Class Day 1-Character Outer World
12:30-2:30pm Individual Writing Time in the space/optional One-on-Ones with Britta
8:00pm-Group Activity/Exploration in Austin (likely involving latin dancing)-optional and admission is at your own expense
Sunday, August 28-10:00am-4:00pm
10:00-11:30am Individual Solo Writing Adventure # 2
12:00-2:00pm Workshop Class Day 2-Character Inner World
2:00-4:00pm Individual Writing Time in the space/optional One-on-Ones with Britta
September 28
Anthology submission due, for those who would like up to 5,000 words of their work published in our workshop anthology.
Where is the Workshop located?
The Body Collective studios in Austin, TX
WORKSHOP ONLY PRICE $450 (Register by May 20 at 11:59 CST, to save on ticket price increases.)
ONE ON ONE ADD-ON $225 (You’ll send up to 5,000 words ahead of time and I’ll make margin notes and discuss my suggestions when we meet for 30 minutes during the Individual writing time of the workshop). You don’t have to meet during the workshop weekend itself. You have up to two weeks after the workshop concludes to book in this service, if you decide you’d like it later.
How do I know if the workshop is worth the cost?
We’ve aimed to create budget-friendly workshop pricing, while still covering our business costs. Generally, weekend intensives for two days can range anywhere from $400-1,800+. A few important gauges in comparing costs are the important features of this workshop: you receive instruction live, in real-time with Britta for a total of four hours, plus an additional four hours of structured writing time each day. You also have the opportunity for live feedback and an action plan on your work-in-progress. The studio space at the Body Collective is also conducive to writing and receiving feedback, and could spur new revision ideas! You’ll have fellow writers to collaborate and socialize with outside of class, which often creates opportunities for critiques and exchanges. When you factor in the opportunity to meet and talk with an industry professional, share your work in progress, receive both personalized instruction and formal feedback, this workshop is well-priced for a variety of budgets. However, ultimately you decide if this form of investment in your writing is best for your budget, writing goals, and work. We hope that you will find value in Britta and Alex’s instruction (you can read more in her bio below). Refunds will not be provided for the clinic; however, exchanges are allowed after purchase.
Testimonials from Authors
“It’s been a pleasure working with Britta. She brings a rare blend of analytical and creative perspectives to my work!”-Kara Stockinger, author of Balter’s Den
“I am inspired and supported by Britta’s kindness and enthusiasm.”-A.D. Perry, author
“Britta was awesome and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an editor. She did a great job on not just the edit itself, but book-ending the work with extra effort. Before I hired her, she was already putting in extra steps to understand what I needed and where my manuscript was at. After the edit, she gave me a very detailed summary, letter, and follow-up meeting to go over it. I would not hesitate to work with her again.”-Kyle Cooper, author of Annals of Arlion
“Britta left amazing and insightful comments throughout my manuscript. The video and cover letter walked me through the major issues and helped me develop an action plan to start making big improvements in my work. Being able to leverage her experience in our follow-up conversation was invaluable, thank you!”-Jonathan Munz, author of Imperial Colours
“Britta is an absolute pleasure to work with. I had taken my project as far as I could on my own, and I knew I needed a developmental edit to help shape and structure the story I want to tell. I knew I had found a match with Britta after interviewing a LOT of editors. Her communication is professional, her responses timely, and she has a great personality. The feedback she’s given me through an editorial letter, in-line comments, and online discussions has been invaluable in improving my manuscript and getting it ready for my next steps toward publication. She has the perfect mix between honesty and encouragement and is an excellent communicator. I look forward to continuing to work with Britta in the future, and I can’t recommend her enough. If you’re still reading this review, go ahead and send her a message already! -Donovan Bergin, author of In Her Image
“Having been through Britta’s highly detailed and astute comments on my manuscript I have no doubt that I have the guidance I need to vastly improve my work in progress. Her cover letter and video has allowed me to conceptualize the book into topics, making my revisions manageable. I look forward to working with her as I finish up the editing.”-Geoffrey Wells, author of Never Less
About the editor:
Britta Jensen has spent seventeen years in the literacy education and publishing world. She is the award-winning novelist of the Eloia Born series and Ghosts of Yokosuka. She has also received numerous awards, including the General Sharp Award, for her teaching of creative writing and literature. Many of her stories explore themes of persevering through disability, parental separation and the intersection of various cultures in new worlds. She holds a BA in Acting Performance from Fordham University and an MA in Teaching of English Literature from Columbia University. Friends often refer to her as a polyglot—which is a product of living twenty-two years overseas in Japan, South Korea, and Germany before settling in Austin, Texas. She enjoys mentoring writers and editing books with The Writing Consultancy and Yellowbird Editors and teaches first-year writing at St. Edward’s University. (Photo credit: Peter Domican)
