Novel Workshop--Feb. 2025

Hello friends! I hope that you’re hanging in there during this holiday/post-election season. When it’s really busy and the world feels like it’s exploding, I know it can feel impossible to find time to write. My holiday wish for all of you is that you’re able to find little patches of writing time (even if it’s just a few minutes) and that you have good books to comfort you.

After the 2016 election I had so much trouble concentrating—reading was impossible and writing just wasn’t happening. I know I sat at my desk for hours each day, but it’s anyone’s guess what I was doing up there. This time I’ve completely stopped watching the news (I’m sure that won’t last, but for now it’s great) and I’m so so grateful that I’m able to read.

Some recent books I’ve loved: Colored Television by Danzy Senna, The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (if you liked The Plot you MUST read this!) and Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout. Highly recommend all of these! If you’re looking for a holiday-themed book I suggest reading A Home For The Holidays by Taylor Hahn. The perfect blend of funny and heartwarming and amazing Christmas content. Also, it takes place in Chicago which is a great bonus.

Let me know what books you’ve read lately! I’m always looking for suggestions!

Ok, here is the info for my next Novel Workshop!

I’m opening up applications for a 12-week Novel Workshop in for $1200. The class will run from 7-9 on Wednesdays from February 5-April 30. (We will skip the week of March 12.)

Each student will have the chance to workshop three times, up to 100 pages each workshop. After the workshop, you’ll receive written feedback from me and we’ll have a call to talk about the critiques and workshop. The class will meet on Zoom and we’ll use Word or Google docs for submitting. We’ll also have a couple of classes dedicated to craft lessons.

The class will be limited to 6 students. If you’re interested in applying, please email with a 15-page excerpt of your novel and a brief answer to the question: What do you hope to get out of this class?

I also have space for 2 manuscript read/edits in the spring. If this is something you’re interested in, please email me to discuss prices and options.

If you want to apply or have any questions about these classes, please email me at Jennifer.a.close@gmail.com and we can talk it over.

Also, if there’s someone that you know who you think would be interested in these classes, please forward this email to them!

Thank you!

Jennifer