How do the workshops function?
It's simple. You enroll in the workshop of your choice and pay your registration fee. About 24 hours before the start of the workshops, you'll receive an email message telling you that you have been subscribed to a special group email list. On that list will be up to 9 other workshoppers (sometimes less, occasionally more) and your facilitator. Only those enrolled in the course will be able to send to and receive messages from this list. You will receive instructions upon enrolling telling you how to send messages, how to email your assignments, and who to contact when you have questions. The workshop will be conducted through the mailing list, and you'll receive all your workshop materials right in your email box.

Do classes meet at certain times?
Nope. Basically, you're enrolling in an email correspondence course conducted by private mailing list. You'll be able to read the lessons, assignments and feedback from your facilitator, as well as completed assignments and comments from your fellow students, right in your email inbox. You can attend class in your pajamas, if you like--or buck naked, if the spirit so moves you. We don't care, as long as you have fun.

What do I need to take the workshop?
The ability to send and receive email, any books or materials required for the workshop (see the workshop syllabus for each specific course for required materials), and your enthusiasm for writing. A messy desk and/or bag of chips for snacking are entirely optional.

Do I need a password or access to a special website?
Classes are taught entirely through email, although your instructor may host optional chats. You don't need any special password to take our courses, but should your instructor decide to host a chat, she or he will provide all the information you need to participate at that time.

Can I get college credits for these workshops? 
Probably not. Our workshops are educational in nature, but not academic. We call them "workshops" because they're similar to the intensive seminars taught at writer's conferences, but instead of cramming a whole bunch of learning into one day, we plan our lessons over a four-week period.

What can I expect from the workshop? What do I get out of this?
Each week you'll receive two lessons (or more) from your facilitator--educational materials about specific writing techniques and concepts. You'll also receive one or more assignments, which you will complete and email back to the list. Your facilitator will then provide feedback on your completed assignment, offering suggestions and pointing out your writing strengths, as well as where you could improve. We also encourage students to comment on the work of fellow students. It's a very interactive, supportive and educational process.

Who are your instructors? Are they certified?
We call our instructors facilitators, because they help bring about a learning environment for our workshop attendees. Our facilitators aren't certified in any special way, but they do have to pass through a rigorous approval process before they are accepted to lead a workshop. Some of our instructors are trained educators. All of them have a great deal of experience as professional writers (yes, they're published), and some have advanced degrees.

How many workshops can I sign up for? What do they cost?
Most workshops cost $89. At that great price you can sign up for as many as you like. Just make sure you don't sign up for more than you can handle at one time, or you'll miss out on the benefits of each individual workshop. Starting dates will change throughout the year, so you'll always have another opportunity. Only you know how much reading and "homework" you can manage. Remember to be reasonable.

Why do you charge for these workshops?
Many of our facilitators make a living entirely through their writing. When you enroll in a workshop, you are paying for the expertise and guidance of a knowledgeable, working writer. It takes a great deal of time and commitment on the part of each instructor to guide each student to success through carefully planned lessons and one-on-one feedback. Essentially, we charge for our workshops so that we can bring you the best possible facilitators--people dedicated to helping you succeed.

So, let's see your testimonials!
No problem. We're happy to bare our testimonials--we have many satisfied students! You'll find some facilitator-specific comments posted on various course syllabuses, but to read a whole bunch of kudos, just visit our Workshop Raves page.

What if I'm not satisfied? Do you give refunds?
We try to provide a good overview of our workshops so those who enroll will know what to expect in the way of content. However, if you require a refund, you must contact your facilitator with your request within the first 5 days of workshop attendance. (Please see our Terms of Service.)

Sounds awesome! Where do I sign up?
Go to our current schedule  to start exploring our offerings. When you find one that appeals to you, click the PayPal button to register using your credit card, or electronic checking account debit. You'll receive confirmation of your enrollment within 24 hours. You'll also find a link on each page telling you how to pay by check through the mail, but do remember that this option takes longer--allow at least 2 weeks prior to any course starting date for your payment to clear. Students from countries outside the USA should allow even more time. See our information page for further details on how to pay by check.