“Chelsea's workshop is somehow experimental and imaginative while also being structured and practical. This class helped me out of a major writing-related funk. By the end of the course, I had developed an entirely new writing practice thanks to one of Chelsea's strategies. I am now generating new work daily, faster than I was before. Chelsea is a natural teacher who knows how to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable in a group, regardless of their level of experience. She genuinely wants to help emerging writers reach her level of success. If you are looking for some new strategies, an extra dose of accountability, and/or supportive vibes, don't question this: just sign up.” —Dena Soffer
generative workshop
6 class meetings
APR 13 - MAY 18, 2023
All Genres
The Basics:
2-hour classes take place over Zoom on Saturdays from 11AM-1PM Pacific Time / 2-4PM Eastern Time.
Class begins on April 13 and ends on May 18 (6 weeks, 6 classes).
No homework, no response letters, no required readings—all classwork will take place within the 2-hour class period.
Every class will include a combination of some or all of the following: generative prompts with time for writing, short readings, revision exercises, and discussions with time for questions.
This Class is Designed for:
Writers of all genres who are interested in challenging their perfectionist tendencies (which can easily turn into writer’s block)—this class will give you the tools you need to develop a consistent writing practice regardless of fear or uncertainty.
Writers with busy schedules—class attendance is always encouraged but never required. Everyone in the class will receive a link to the video recording of the class afterward so that they can miss a class and watch it later.
Writers who like structured classes but don’t love discussing other people’s work the whole time—this class is focused on generating your own new writing, not necessarily editing other people’s projects.
Contact:
Not sure if this class is right for you? Have any other questions? You can reach me at chelseahodsoneditorial [at] gmail [dot] com
About Chelsea:
This class is taught by me, Chelsea Hodson—I’m the author of the essay collection Tonight I’m Someone Else, the publisher and editor of the independent press Rose Books, and the founder of the Morning Writing Club. I have taught in the MFA program at Bennington College, but I have been running my own workshops independently since 2017.
Testimonials from Previous Generative Workshop Participants:
“The workshop ripped a bandaid off of my imagination. Chelsea's prompts and constraints led me to begin new writing that I'm excited about, and back to a story I'd abandoned. I loved how it subverted the traditional workshop format of weekly homework/editing, but was also practical, emphasizing editing strategies and accountability.” —Marin Kosut
“The class gave me a much needed push out of my comfort zone, and Chelsea created a relaxed and supportive environment to experiment and try new things. She offered a plethora of writing exercises, so if one didn't resonate there were many more to try. This was an especially great class for perfectionists struggling to get words on the page.” —Catherine Mros
“Chelsea's remarkably good at assessing whatever problems you're facing and suggesting solutions. The exercises she incorporates helped me organize and make a surprising amount of progress on my current writing project. Even the one I was most skeptical about -- bibliomancy -- yielded a really positive result. There's plenty of value in the camaraderie and the regular chances to make progress with your writing, but what may be most valuable is that the ideas and strategies Chelsea shares, along with being useful, are portable -- you can take them with you when you leave.” —Drew Ciccolo
“This is the third workshop I've taken with Chelsea, and one the most enjoyable. Chelsea is a conscientious and nurturing facilitator, and her unique prompts will keep you generating beyond workshop hours If you are looking to quiet your perfectionist tendencies, and to write in new ways, I'd highly recommend taking this workshop (or any course for that matter) with Chelsea.” —Jenna Klorfein
“Loved participating in Chelsea's generative workshop - she was insightful, thoughtful and inspiring. Not easy to get words down and she broke it down and made it doable. Would highly recommend!” —Mona Kirschner
“My expectation was to write more, write in a new way, and generate new ideas. All of those things happened, but this class goes far beyond fulfilling those basic objectives! Beyond the generative prompts and discussions, Chelsea helped me shift perspective and return me to why I started writing in the first place! Anyone can tell you to write for five minutes straight and call it generative, but Chelsea led us in examining a myriad of ways to start writing, keep writing, and to cultivate the inspiring and creative spaces in between. This support is ongoing. I can look back at my notes today and it feels like the map is redrawn; I'm able to find a way back into what I'm writing!” —Sunny P.
“Meeting with Chelsea every Saturday allowed my writing to get a fresh sense of play. She is an extremely generous instructor and persona, sharing her own methods of self-discipline and giving prompts to blast us workshop participants out of our respective ruts.” —Banuta Rubess
“Not only do I leave each class feeling more confident in my writing, I also leave with exercises I can practice without the confines of a classroom. Chelsea gives you the tools you need to do it yourself and hold yourself accountable. She encourages you to play, to be strange, to find your voice in what may feel messy or uncomfortable. This class has been extremely transformative!” —Andrea Dolan
“Chelsea's workshop helped me set up a practice of prioritizing my writing. I was forced to carve out time each week to think of nothing else and that has helped me carry my writing into the rest of my week and be more intentional with my time. I've really appreciated the balance between prompt and suggestion against encouraging us to follow our instinct or ignore the prompts/rules if it doesn't feel right for where we are in the writing exercise. Will very much miss these weekly sessions!” —Kelsey M.
“After struggling to write on any regular basis for too long thanks to parenting/work/life, I was hoping for a class to force me back into a writing routine — and this class did exactly that. Chelsea is a wise, warm and empathetic teacher and I came away with not only some promising story starts but a renewed motivation and excitement for writing.” —Molly Tolsky
“A great group of writers with good energy. I felt a sense of community and encouragement. The exercises did in fact help me generate work and get curious about new ways and ideas to approach areas of my practice where I tend to struggle.” —Sam Geballe
“Chelsea's Generative Workshop was exactly what I was looking for, as someone who has always loved to write, but hasn't always known how to begin. I know that I will continue to return to the tools, insights and lessons that she and my classmates shared. A really great way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday. Thank you for creating a space where any level and every background was welcome. I wish it wasn't over!!” —Devon S.