Instructional workshops are one of the most effective places to learn about craft. Everything's in context, so there’s no theory-versus-practice discrepancy. The teaching is catered to the group members and to the authentic challenges we all face. Plus, reading other people's writing critically really helps you look at your own writing; you learn to read like a writer.

We're here to help you become a better storyteller. We're here to help you become a more insightful story reader. Our critiques of your work are never driven by the ego of the person critiquing; they're driven by a compassionate desire to help you improve. We are here, however, to challenge and to push you towards improvement, not to tell you your writing is great (unless it truly is).

So often I find in editing or commenting that there are limits to how much can be articulated through margin notes. Effective editing and feedback often requires a dialogue. The video chat format is the next best thing to in-person workshops; you get immediate feedback and you can follow up on it to be sure you understand readers’ concerns.