Shut Up and Create! Be Inspired, Get Tools in March 21 Workshop (50% off until 3/1)

Shut Up and Create! students engage in a variety of fun exercises to help spark their creativity, while focused on steps to take toward their goals after the workshop.

This spring, 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 Shut Up and Create Workshops, dynamic groups 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, March 21, 2020, from 9:30 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 50 percent off through March 1. You can pay the $125 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.

See you soon, I hope,

Donna

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.

 

Resolve to write! 2018 Writing Classes Begin Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018

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***Until midnight on Friday, Dec. 1: $199 for five classes ($151 off!)***

Want to write to change your world? The world at large? Your city? Your state? Your personal life? Your career?

My popular “Writing to Change Your World” creative non-fiction class series kicks off the first week of January. In my classes, which I’ve taught for more than 20 years, I coach you to write sparkling creative non-fiction stories, essays, columns, and memoir scenes and chapters. In these interactive workshops, you will demystify the process of writing and bring out your natural storyteller. The classes will empower you to write the story you’ve always wanted to tell. Learn the kinds of writing that persuade and engage readers, while developing your voice by writing stories you care about. No previous writing experience needed, and we work on original writing in the class, not existing manuscripts.

A class workbook and snacks/drinks at every class are included in the fee. Must register in advance; credit cards accepted; gift certificates for future classes are available in any amount starting at $25.

Class series includes five 2018 Saturday class meetings, noon – 2:30 p.m.:
Jan. 6, Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 10 and Feb. 24 in Capital Towers in downtown Jackson:
125 S.  Congress St., Suite 1324 in the JFP’s large, open learning space.

(All classes video + audio recorded if you have to miss.)

Regular price: $350
Register quickly and get the following specials:

***Until midnight on Wednesday, Jan. 3: $275 for five classes (if space available) ***
After Jan. 3: $350 for remaining available spaces
Also includes free “How to Sell Your Writing Workshop” (April 21, 2018, tentatively), value $100
Plus, you’ll get 20 percent off other future classes

Write class@writingtochange.com to register, to pay by credit card and to get on mailing list. Call 601.966.0834 for further information.
Limited spots available! Register now.

Class fees are non-refundable unless we’re able to draw from a waiting list to fill your spot. All checks should be made out to “Donna Ladd” and dropped or mailed to: Donna Ladd, JFP, 125 S. Congress St., Suite 1324, Jackson, MS 39201 (same place the class meets). Gift certificates are non-refundable.

Register now at class@writingtochange.com.

Read more about the writing instructor at donnaladd.com.

Hope to see you in class!

Companies and nonprofits: I’m available to do in-house workshops for your team members on improving their writing and storytelling, as well as bringing more creativity into their work and lives. Ask me about my “Creative S.W.O.T” analysis to help your folks tap into their creative potential at work, and combine their workplace strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats with fun, creative strategies for success that strengthen the workplace culture.

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TESTIMONIALS

Great class. I highly recommend it. Will help you become a better writer or give you the tools to become a writer.
— Bryan Flynn

I absolutely love Donna Ladd’s classes. Donna empowers you to find your individual voice in writing and challenges you to find your unique perspective through narrative non-fiction and other methods of writing. She encourages your inner writing diva and provides guidance and wisdom along the way. I consider Donna a mentor and a friend.
— Anita Modak-Truran

I have taken Donna Ladd’s classes 101 and 202 and could not be happier with the information I have received. Donna has motivated me to write more and taught me how to rewrite my work increasing the quality and readability. If you are interested in improving your writing style and learning about non-fiction writing, I strongly recommend Donna’s 101 class.
— Kenneth Pennington

When I started the classes I had nothing written down on paper. Donna has inspired me to write pages and pages and really enjoy it. It has gotten a lot easier to sit down and get the words from my brain through my fingers. She has taught me how to show my stories, not just tell them.
— Carolyn Grant

There is no better way to spend a Monday night…. than Shut up and Write. No mystery here: I think Donna’s Shut Up and Write series is one of Jackson’s best-kept secrets. Donna’s class has changed my life! Are you brave enough to change yours?
— Pat Bullock Williams

Donna Ladd’s 101 Writing Class gently guided my pen from my private journal pages to pages for others to read. The course is an amazing conglomeration of fun, instruction on technique, fun, candor, fun, emphasis on truth telling, fun, and FUN!
— Jackie Warren Tatum

UPDATE from Jackie, who published her first book in late 2016:

It was in freelancing for you that I began; it was in your writing class, Donna, that I discovered the courage to understand that I was a writer.

— Jackie Warren Tatum

You changed mine! I am still writing. I am thankful every day for you.

— Emily P. Levin

I dare you to try and take just one. I’m going to need a 12-step program to get through my Donna withdrawals when 303 is over in a couple weeks.
— Kristen Phillips

Time stands still in each class! It’s hard to grasp having access to such an incredible education right here in Jackson, MS! This experience has totally inspired me!
— Candy Hagwood

Register now and get more information at class@writingtochange.com or call 601-966-0834.

Read more about the writing instructor at donnaladd.com.

Happy writing!