So I got to thinking: How can I create the synergistic magic of workshop that I enjoyed in my MFA program? Then add in the industry knowledge and exposure of a national writer’s conference? And mix it all together into a small group writing intensive program that lasts long enough to help writers create real deliverables, but without spanning years?

In essence, I wanted to build the nest and the flight plan for writers.

Story Mastermind is an intensive small group workshop program. Novel groups are limited to four participants and two faculty, including myself in every cohort. Picture book groups invite up to six picture book writers and two faculty. These longer cohorts work together for five months. Outline students are limited to groups of eight and two faculty, and meet in two six-week sessions over the summer. One scholarship seat is offered in every cohort.

And we do want to be held accountable, so here is our program goal for every writer:

Outline writers will have a strong roadmap for their novel that has been workshopped three times. New novel writers will walk away with a complete novel draft. Novel revision writers will have a polished manuscript and submission plan. Picture book writers will have a robust portfolio of six polished manuscripts—and the confidence to create and develop strong concepts going forward. Each manuscript will receive feedback from peers as well as at least one complete professional editorial pass from our team.

I’ll also bring in industry contacts of authors, agents, and publishing house editors during every session for a special presentation, workshop, pitch session, and more.

Yes, the focus will be squarely on craft, but we will also dive deeply into the market, marketing, author platform, submission, and the premise of your individual project.

Imagine how much closer you can be to your writing goals after participating Story Mastermind.