View
shut up and write
--------------------------------------------------
Upcoming non-fiction writing classes:
Intro seminar - Dec. 8, Saturday
10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., $50 or $35 with a four-week class
101 - Jan. 3-24, Four Thursdays
6 to 8:30 p.m., $100, $50 deposit to reserve spot
202 - Feb. 6-27, Four Wednesdays
6 to 8:30 p.m., $125, $60 deposit to reserve spot
Classes meet in Fondren.
Scholarships available for all classes.
Gift certificates available, starting at $25.
--------------------------------------------------
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. 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. $50.
To get updated information on class schedules, please write class (at) jacksonfreepress (dot) com to get on the class mailing list, or call Kelly Smith at 601.362.6121.
----------
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
----------
Testimonials
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
