Elephant Rock’s First Manuscript Clinic!
Originally Published August 18th, 2020
Dear Writers,
So much is happening in the world—I hope you are both sturdy and soft, determined and flexible, and, ultimately, as unafraid as possible. Those are my mantras right now, along with kindness in all the ways I can manage. I’m also trying to celebrate small moments of joy: seeing the beautiful cover art for my forthcoming book (thank you, Kelly Popoff!!!). Playing with our granddaughters. Holding our new grandson. Strawberry shortcake (I learned how to make amazing gluten-free angel food cake!). My dogs. Evening walks. Teaching Writing in the Dark, which has been a balm.
I’m writing now because I’m thrilled to announce a new offering—Elephant Rock’s first ever manuscript intensive for writers seeking publication—especially books, although writers seeking to publish essays or short stories and wanting to work toward a collection are also encouraged to participate. The workshop starts in November, and, no, you do not need to “apply to” or “be accepted to” this workshop; however, you do need 25 manuscript pages that you have taken as far as you are able, and arrived at the point where you need help in making them better.
The full workshop description is included in this newsletter, but right up front, I want you to know that this manuscript workshop is not built on the “trading criticism” model common to MFA programs and many other writing classes. Instead, this intensive will offer a small group of writers (8) an intimate, safe, carefully facilitated, and genuinely valuable experience through which your manuscript can evolve and improve toward its full potential.
How will we accomplish that? Through the lens of craft, as always. The workshop will include a group read (Abigail Thomas’s Safekeeping) as a reference point for discussing essential craft elements such as voice, structure, imagery, lyricism, artistic risk, and more. Likewise, those same literary concepts will provide a clear framework for discussing your work, and the work of other participants in the workshop.
I also want you to know that this is not a “silenced” workshop either (I don’t believe in those). What that means is, you the writer will be encouraged to ask me and the other writers guided questions about your own work, and offer clarifications in order to ensure you receive the kind of feedback you most need.
And with that, here is the full description of the workshop. I am so excited about this one, for so many reasons, and I would love to answer your questions about anything that is not covered in the sections below. As the acclaimed writer George Saunders says, revision is a kind of love. I do resonate with that sentiment, and, after this workshop, I believe you will, too.
what kind of writer should take this course?
Anyone serious about improving their work toward publication, willing to work hard for it, and willing to invest curiosity, time, and attention toward the work of seven other writers.
what will writers take away?
Clear, actionable feedback on manuscript sample and synopsis
Detailed written feedback from Jeannine on manuscript sample and synopsis
Thirty-minute individual phone consult with Jeannine about your work
Access to engaged mentors and a supportive community of fellow writers
A deeper understanding of creative writing
Guidance regarding the publication process and other business of writing
what are the requirements?
A work in progress (with the goal of publication).
A 25-page (maximum) double-spaced 12 pt Times New Roman sample and a one-page synopsis (if applicable) submitted to workshop portal by October 10.
A willingness to show up for eight weeks and participate fully in reading & exploring seven other manuscript samples and helping those stories reach their full potential.
A deep interest in craft.
A voracious curiosity about language, its power and elasticity.
A tolerance for new ideas.
A keen interest in reading and discussion.
A belief in the power of art.
Respect and empathy.
Elephant Rock does not discriminate against anyone, regardless of age, color of skin, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, or anything else. We expect the same from our all of our participants.
how does this remote class work?
This workshop meets via Zoom for eight Tuesdays, 6 - 8 PM Central. The first meeting is an orientation to the Elephant Rock workshop model, a discussion of Safekeeping, and a review of the major craft lenses through which sample pages will be considered. Each writer will have their work discussed during the entirety of one class session, and writers will have the opportunity to ask guiding and clarifying questions about their own work as well as about feedback.
who is the teacher?
This course is led by Jeannine Ouellette (The Part That Burns, Split/Lip Press, 2021). Jeannine holds an MFA in Fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She teaches writing through the Association of Writers & Writing Program's Writer-to-Writer Program as well as through the Minnesota Prison Writers Workshop. She also serves as guest lecturer on writing at the University of Minnesota. Jeannine is the author of several nonfiction books as well as the children's book Mama Moon and her essays and fiction have won many awards and have appeared widely in magazines and literary journals. Jeannine is the founder of Elephant Rock; read her full bio here.
what is the cost?
Tuition for the manuscript clinic is $790, and a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to hold your spot. Full payment is due 15 days before the workshop begins.
are there scholarships?
Due to the labor intensive nature of this workshop, the typical sliding fee scale for Elephant Rock remote courses is not in effect. However, if this workshop is the one you need, but tuition is a problem, please contact me directly at elephantrockretreats@gmail.com to determine whether we can find a solution such as a payment plan. We want you to be able to participate if possible. When we work together, it works out.
Tuition can be paid via Zelle, Venmo, Cash, check, or other. Contact Jeannine for instructions.
what have others had to say about elephant rock workshops?
Here’s a recent letter of thanks for a manuscript review: “I’ve been able to return to my project with a new sense of purpose and direction. Yesterday I wrote out a plan for attacking my research this summer. And already I feel a clearer sense of audience in the writing I’ve done since returning. Thank you!” And another: “It’s enough that Jeannine will improve your writing — by guiding you through the important questions or craft challenges with skill — but more, she will show you how to believe in and champion your voice, your work, and your potential.” About our workshops, we’ve heard they are “a lifeline,” “life changing,” “just what was needed,” and “amazing.” Several writers said they were finally writing again after months of being stuck. One writer said the workshop has been “devastating in all the best ways.” Another wrote to say, “This class teaches you how to dig deep and activate your voice. How to write about things that matter to you, and in turn to your readers.” And several writers have published work generated during our ongoing pandemic workshop, Writing in the Dark. Read more love letters here.
how do I apply?
Contact us now at elephantrockretreats@gmail.com to complete registration and payment. Class size is limited to eight writers. We hope to write with you!