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shut up and write
Learn how to write sparkling, compelling non-fiction pieces with award-winning writer and journalist Donna Ladd. In these classes, you will learn the process of writing good non-fiction and the tricks to getting past your inhibitions and procrastination. You can use your honed non-fiction talents in any kind of non-fiction writing—from book-length memoir to short columns to academic writing to writing you do for work.
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Upcoming non-fiction writing classes:
1. The new 101 class starts Monday, June 1, 2009, and goes four Mondays through June 22, 6 to 8:30 p.m. $100. No prerequisite. Writing skill level and experience do not matter.
2. How to Sell Your Writing Seminar, Saturday, TBA. No prerequisite. $40. (Selling articles, essays, etc., not books).
Materials are included in all class fees; fee reductions and scholarships available. All classes requires a deposit of half the amount to hold your seat; the deposit is non-refundable unless the class is canceled (or I can fill your seat before the class begins). All classes meet in the JFP Classroom in Fondren; 11 students maximum. Need scholarships available for all classes.
To answer some recent questions, teenagers are welcome to take the writing class. We do talk about “mature” topics (in the sense of the kinds of serious stories we run in the Jackson Free Press. And I do use the phrase “shitty” as in Annie Lamott’s “shitty first draft” advice. Not much worse language than that, though!)
All writing must be original to the class. Previous writing not accepted as assignments.
Gift certificates available, starting at $25.
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Jackson Free Press editor-in-chief Donna Ladd has taught a series of popular non-fiction writing classes in Jackson for several years. The classes teach creative, or narrative, non-fiction writing—which is basically true stories that read like fiction, using storytelling techniques, rather than traditional he-said-she-said journalism techniques. The classes follow a “process approach” to writing—starting with gathering descriptive details, drafting, focusing, and then polishing. Students both write and read each other’s work in the classes, which are known for their camaraderie and energy. Ladd’s class offerings include the following:
Intro to Non-Fiction Writing Seminar — A four-hour Saturday seminar, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., that gives an overview to good non-fiction writing. No prerequisite. $50, $35 with a four-week class.
Shut Up and Write 101 — A four-week workshop that follows a four-step process of writing. No prerequisite. Wednesdays or Thursdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m. $100.
Shut Up and Write 202 — A four-week workshop that builds on the four-step process of writing. Prerequisite 101. Wednesdays or Thursdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m. $125.
Shut Up and Write 303 — A four-week workshop that goes deep into the four-step process of writing and developing a writing voice�not to mention polished pieces! Prerequisite 101 and 202. Wednesdays or Thursdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m. $125.
Note: You can take the Intro class and 101 for a total of $135. I also offer at least one scholarship per class for those who cannot afford the fee.
Other classes offered:
Opinion-writing seminar — A four-hour Saturday seminar, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that teaches the basics of opinion writing. No prerequisite. $50.
How to Sell Your Writing seminar — A four-hour Saturday seminar, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that teaches the basics of freelance writing, researching markets and how to write and submit a query letter for your idea. No prerequisite. $40.
To get updated information on class schedules, please write class (at) jacksonfreepress (dot) com to get on the class mailing list, or call ShaWanda Jacome at 601.362.6121 ext. 2.
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Suggested Reading List
(Books are available at, or can be ordered from Lemuria Books in Jackson.)
Books about writing:
“The Writing Life"— Ellen Gilchrist
“How to Write: Advice and Reflections"— Richard Rhodes
“The New, New Journalism"— Robert S. Boynton, ed.
“The Right to Write” — Julia Cameron
“Bird by Bird"— Anne Lamott
“One Continuous Mistake: Four Noble Truths for Writers"— Gail Sher
“Zen in the Art of Writing” — Ray Bradbury
“Wild Mind: Living the Writer’s Life"— Natalie Goldberg
“Writing Down the Bones"— Natalie Goldberg
Examples of good non-fiction writing:
“The New Journalism"— Tom Wolfe, ed.
“Somebody Told Me: The Newspaper Stories of Rick Bragg"— Rick Bragg
“The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup"— Susan Orlean
“The Liar’s Club” — Mary Karr
“Eat, Pray, Love” — Elizabeth Gilbert
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Testimonials
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
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
