Upcoming Classes and Events
Generative Class
From First Thought to First Draft
ONLINE, Mondays, Oct. 17-Nov. 21, 6:30-8:30pm ET
“First thoughts have tremendous energy,” says Natalie Goldberg in her book Writing Down the Bones. This generative class will harness that energy through a series of guided exercises, craft lectures, and in-class readings designed to help you generate first drafts and beginnings of new work. With no take-home reading or exercises, this class is ideal for writers of all skill levels who have busy schedules and would like to build in some productive writing time.
REGISTER
Self-Guided Course
Hit Submit: Sending Your Work to Magazines, Residencies, & Agents
ONLINE, Asynchronous
How do I submit my work to a literary magazine? What goes into an artist statement for a residency or writing workshop? How do I approach an agent? Designed for fiction writers of all levels, this asynchronous class will answer these questions—and more—about how to present your work and yourself to the editors, agents, and selection committees on the other side of the submit button. You’ll leave armed with the skills you need to prepare your work, organize your submissions, and craft great cover letters and artist statements to use in applications to residencies, MFA programs, writing workshops, and beyond.
REGISTER
I conduct private editorial consultations for individual short stories and fiction manuscripts. Please contact me for more information.
From First Thought to First Draft
ONLINE, Mondays, Oct. 17-Nov. 21, 6:30-8:30pm ET
“First thoughts have tremendous energy,” says Natalie Goldberg in her book Writing Down the Bones. This generative class will harness that energy through a series of guided exercises, craft lectures, and in-class readings designed to help you generate first drafts and beginnings of new work. With no take-home reading or exercises, this class is ideal for writers of all skill levels who have busy schedules and would like to build in some productive writing time.
REGISTER
Self-Guided Course
Hit Submit: Sending Your Work to Magazines, Residencies, & Agents
ONLINE, Asynchronous
How do I submit my work to a literary magazine? What goes into an artist statement for a residency or writing workshop? How do I approach an agent? Designed for fiction writers of all levels, this asynchronous class will answer these questions—and more—about how to present your work and yourself to the editors, agents, and selection committees on the other side of the submit button. You’ll leave armed with the skills you need to prepare your work, organize your submissions, and craft great cover letters and artist statements to use in applications to residencies, MFA programs, writing workshops, and beyond.
REGISTER
I conduct private editorial consultations for individual short stories and fiction manuscripts. Please contact me for more information.
Testimonials
"Writing fiction is like leaping into darkness, reaching for a bar you can’t see. For the first few attempts at a story, you’re pretty much guaranteed to fall, even if you’re an experienced writer. On day one of our workshop, Lena set up a strong, elastic net of trust and support. We all felt inspired to try challenging feats, knowing that when we fell, we’d bounce back up and catch the bar with the momentum to swing to the opposite platform."—Former student
"Lena was a wonderful instructor, always a great blend of thoughtful and thorough when reading, as well as insightful during critiques. Our class featured a very diverse blend of voices, styles, and genres, and Lena was able to add value to every submission. She reads and comments with a true editorial eye, and her feedback truly helped improve my work."—Former student
"Lena was a wonderful instructor, always a great blend of thoughtful and thorough when reading, as well as insightful during critiques. Our class featured a very diverse blend of voices, styles, and genres, and Lena was able to add value to every submission. She reads and comments with a true editorial eye, and her feedback truly helped improve my work."—Former student