2020 is for writing … and creating. Half-off final seats until 2/5 while they last

Final special: 50% off my writing and creativity workshops, or save $250 on both until Feb. 5, 2020. Hurry and send me an email to sign up!

Want to learn to write sparkling and compelling memoir, articles, opinion pieces or non-fiction books? Ready to embrace your inner creative and start painting, writing music or planning that small business you’ve long wanted to start? I’m offering two all-day Saturday workshops, on Feb. 8 and then on March 21, that can help you fulfill those writing and creativity dreams. Read what previous students say about my workshops here, then read on for details on how to sign up and what to expect.

Feb. 8, 2020, Workshop: Shut Up and Write!

I recommend and teach creative non-fiction writing from this book for those interested in improving written storytelling skills.

First, I am hosting an intense and interactive Shut Up and Write! non-fiction writing workshop on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The workshop is planned around the five steps of writing a powerful non-fiction piece, from idea to final rewrite and polish. Every segment will be fun and interactive and by the end of the day, you will have a plan for your piece in hand and action steps to bring it to fruition and, hopefully, publication. I will then review and edit student drafts I receive within 60 days of the workshop. You will have access to a private collaborative student site to discuss your work with other students, and give each other feedback and support. It’s a perfect way to build a writing community and cheer each other on.

March 21, 2020, Workshop: Shut Up and Create!

Then on March 21, I host my popular and super-fun Shut Up and Create! workshop, which meets 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This one is perfect for writers, as well as anyone with a desire to create in any medium or to just figure out how to move your artistic desires forward and find an outlet. The collaborative workshop, in our open learning space at the Jackson Free Press, helps you dig deep into the roots of your creativity to be inspired to take action when you leave.

Using everything from white-board brainstorming to free writing to mini-sculpturing to collaging your own creative journey, I will help you, most importantly, give yourself permission to honor your creative spirit and take steps you may have feared or put off. We do a “show or read” segment where you get to show off a creation or something that inspires you. It’s also a good time to read (perhaps from your draft after the February writing workshop?) a piece or poetry you wrote. Your choice.

Both workshops include continental breakfast (breakfast breads, fruit, cheese, juice and coffee), lunch from Broad Street, heavy snacks and a variety of beverages. I also provide you with creativity supplies for the activities, a binder of materials and access to a shared student website.

Writing students gather in the Jackson Free Press learning space to brainstorm, write and give each other feedback.

How to Sign Up (Hurry!)

The fee for each workshop is $250, all-inclusive, but you can sign up for both the writing and the creativity workshops for $250 through Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. You can register for a seat in either workshop for $150 (half off) through the same date. Pay by cash, checks or credit card.

The fee is non-refundable, and spots are limited. 

Class meets in Capital Towers in downtown Jackson. Address is 125 S. Congress St., Suite 1324. You can park on the street free on Saturdays.

Write me at class@writingtochange.com for more information and to register for the class. You’re in as soon as your fee is in hand, and will get pre-reading and free-write prompts I’ve sent to date. All are welcome. Dress casually; come as you are, ready to be inspired to create.

Let’s do this … for you.

Specials until Feb. 5, 2020:

Both Writing + Creativity Workshops: $250 (regular $500)
Writing Workshop: $150 (regular $250)
Creativity Workshop: $150 (regular $250)

If you register two people for the same workshop, you also get the $250 special.


Write: class@writingtochange.com
Call: 601-966-0834

Shut Up and Create in 2019! Join Aug. 10 Workshop Now for $150 through July 31

Shut Up and Create! students engage in a variety of fun exercises to help spark their creativity.
Shut Up and Create! students engage in a variety of fun exercises to help spark their creativity.

It’s time to wake up and engage your creativity to write and publish, make a film, commit to painting or by starting your own business.

In my last Shut Up and Create Workshop, a dynamic group of students came together for a day-long workshop that helped them identify and commit to actions they can take toward their own creative goals. It was a great mix of folks: poets, non-fiction writers, a gardener and landscaper, and a woman who wants to open a creative business involving cats!

As you see from the photos, we had a wonderful time, and the students left behind rave reviews (and tiny sculptures, collages, writings, and commitments to their goals and next steps). They even put their list of immediate goals in a bucket (get it? bucket list).

My next creativity workshop is on Saturday, Aug. 10 (a weather change), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Jackson Free Press’ open learning space in Capital Towers in downtown Jackson. Read testimonials from the recent workshop (and my writing classes) here.

I believe all creativity tells a story, so storytelling will still be at the core, but you choose your medium for it. The workshop is super-interactive and fun. It will help you tap into and sustain the passion to tackle your dream; create space (physical and in your head) to commit to your craft; be daring enough to risk being mediocre so you can then be great; prime the pump; develop a creative rhythm; and link into a creative community to cheer you on.

The workshop segments include:

  1. Create the Passion.
  2. Brainstorm the Ideas.
  3. Plan Your Execution.
  4. Think Like An Artist.
  5. Get It Done.
  6. Find/Build Creative Clusters.

I am providing students materials and prompts for free writes and other inspiring exercises after you sign up, so you can immediately start exercises and guided brainstorming to help you decide what you want to “bring” to the workshop (whether a work-in-progress or an idea to knock around or just being ready to roll). At the last workshop, most of the students brought a piece to read or to share.

Many students brought writing to read to the group at the last Shut Up and Create! workshop.
Many students brought writing to read to the group at the last Shut Up and Create! workshop.

Class fee includes continental breakfast; lunch from Broad Street; snacks and drinks; a binder of materials and workshop supplies; a suggested writing/activity list and weekly emails of creativity suggestions (and writing tips)  leading up to the workshop to get you ready.

The non-refundable workshop fee is $250, all-inclusive, but I am offering $100 off through July 31. You can pay the $150 fee by check, cash or credit card. 

The fee is non-refundable, and remaining spots are limited.

Write me at class@writingtochange.com for more information and to register for the class. You’re in as soon as your fee is in hand, and will get all the Shut Up and Create emails to date! All are welcome. Dress casually; come as you are, ready to be inspired to create. Let’s do this.

Shut Up and Create in 2019! My Feb. 23 Workshop Can Help. ($199 until Feb. 15!)

Students at Donna Ladd's Shut Up and Create all-day workshop in downtown Jackson.
Students at Donna Ladd’s Shut Up and Create all-day workshop in downtown Jackson.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” — Maya Angelou

Resolve to create in 2019! Due to popular demand, I’m teaching a full-day creativity and writing workshop on Saturday, February 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Jackson. Due to my medical schedule and an upcoming writing residency in New York, I cannot teach my usual January-March creative non-fiction writing classes. So I’m bringing back an updated version of my creativity workshop to inspire participants to commit to your personal dream of creation, whether it’s writing or takes another form. And, if you’re about written storytelling, you will get plenty of writing advice in advance of the workshop, on-site and in the materials you take with you.

I believe all creativity tells a story, so storytelling will still be at the core, but you choose the mediums for it. The workshop is super-interactive and fun. It will help you tap into and sustain the passion to tackle your dream; create space (physical and in your head) to commit to your craft; be daring enough to risk being mediocre so you can then be great; prime the pump; develop a creative rhythm; and link into a creative community to cheer you on.

The workshop segments include:

  1. Create the Passion.
  2. Brainstorm the Ideas.
  3. Plan Your Execution.
  4. Think Like An Artist.
  5. Get It Done.
  6. Find Creative Clusters.

I am providing students materials and prompts for free writes and other inspiring exercises after you sign up, so you can begin the new year with exercises and guided brainstorming to help you decide what you want to “bring” to the workshop (whether a work-in-progress or an idea to knock around or just being ready to roll).

I recommend and teach creative non-fiction writing from this book for those interested in improving written storytelling skills.
I recommend and teach creative non-fiction writing from this book for those interested in improving written storytelling skills.

Class fee includes continental breakfast; lunch from Broad Street, snacks and drinks, a binder of materials and workshop supplies, a suggested writing/activity list and weekly emails of creativity suggestions (and writing tips)  leading up to the workshop to get you ready.

The workshop fee is $250, all-inclusive. If you sign up by midnight on Friday, Feb. 15, I’m offering it for $199. You can pay by check, cash or credit card. Spots are filling up fast, and fee is non-refundable.

Write me at class@writingtochange.com for more information and to register for the class. You’re in as soon as your fee is in hand, and will get all the Shut Up and Create emails to date! All are welcome. Dress casually; come as you are ready to be inspired to create. Let’s do this.