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shut up and write
Donna Ladd, Writing Instructor
Class mailing list: class@jacksonfreepress.com
Twitter: @shutpandwrite
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShutUpAndWrite
The next 6-week series of my popular Shut Up and Write! Creative non-fiction writing class series begins Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, and meets roughly every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (The last class, however, will meet March 10, not March 17, due to spring break—or the class will together set a mutually agreeable last-class date.) This class is $150 and requires a $75 deposit to hold your slot. The class includes 24-hour access to a class wiki, recordings of each class (in case you have to miss), and a binder of class materials. (Note the January class series tends to be hardest to get into, probably due to the influence of new year’s resolutions! So reserve quickly.)
I require a $75 deposit for the six-week series. Note that fees and deposits are not refundable, unless I get enough advance notice and am able to fill your spot. Full payment is due at the first class unless other arrangements are made. No refunds once the class begins. The classes are limited to 11 students per class.
To reserve spot, write class@jacksonfreepress.com or call 601.362.6121 ext. 16 to get on the temporary list. When your fee or deposit (even if postdated) is received, you are registered for the class and will receive further instructions and readings. Send your deposit with checks made out to Donna Ladd (not the Jackson Free Press!) to: Donna Ladd, JFP, 2727 Old Canton Road, Suite 224, Jackson, MS 39216
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I require a $75 deposit for the six-week series. Note that fees and deposits are not refundable, unless I get enough advance notice and am able to fill your spot. The classes are limited to 11 students per class.
Finally, gift certificates for the writing classes are popular this time of year. I sell gift certificates in any amount starting at $25, and they can be used for any upcoming writing classes. When buying a gift certificate, you provide me with the recipient’s email address, and I will start sending them class info after the gift date. To reserve a spot for them in specific classes before they receive the gift, the same deposit procedures apply.
Otherwise, for those of you who have taken the 101 class, I will likely teach a 202 series starting in March. Keep an eye for details.
Materials are included in all class fees; limited scholarships available.
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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, and the instructor does not give advice on existing manuscripts.
Gift certificates available, starting at $25. Write class@jacksonfreepress.com, or call 601.362.6121 ext. 16 to purchase.
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Who is Donna Ladd, and why should she teach you to write, and sell your writing?
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, energy and creative student involvement. She has taught journalism and writing classes and workshops at Northwestern University, Columbia University, and at various locations in Colorado, New York, Mississippi, and at many conferences, where her panels and workshops are among the highest rated at the events.
Ladd, who has won nearly two dozen writing awards, has also taught students to sell their writing since she built a successful, full-time freelance writing career in the early 1990s. She is also an award-winning opinion writer.
To get updated information on class schedules, please write class (at) jacksonfreepress (dot) com to get on the class mailing list, or call LaShanda Phillips at 601.362.6121 ext. 16.
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Required Books for Six-Week Series
“A Writer’s Coach: The Complete Guide to Writing Strategies That Work,” Jack Hart, $14.95
“The Artist’s Way,” Julie Cameron, $16.99
Suggested Reading List
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 Autobiography of Malcom X” — Alex Hailey
“Coming of Age in Mississippi” — Anne Moody
“The Liar’s Club” (plus her other memoirs) — Mary Karr
“Eat, Pray, Love” — Elizabeth Gilbert
(Check back for suggested readings for Opinion and Selling classes.)
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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
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
