finish your book in
The (anti) Workshop
writing is hard. motivation is hard. making time is hard.
let us make it simple: show up per the rules of your contract, do the work, report progress
Why it works
No shade to traditional workshops - okay, maybe a little - but we believe writers need long stretches without feedback, especially on lengthy projects. You’ve got to focus on the process and the progress, not perfection. But we also believe writers benefit from the deadlines, community, advice and camaraderie of traditional workshops. Get your butt in the seat, words on the page, and support along the way.
Who it’s for
Writers struggling to prioritize writing
Writers trying to finding time amidst a busy work or family life
Debut authors, or published authors in a rut
Writers working on book-length manuscripts, short stories, essays, heck, even TV scripts (let’s be honest, this struggle bus is packed)
NEW: Poet cohort with Susannah Nevison starting June 9, 2025
What you get
Bi-weekly group meetings on zoom to check in and troubleshoot
Personalized writing contract
1-on-1 meetings with Tessa & Annie as needed
Vibrant literary community, slack channel, book club, multiple community writing sessions each week
Monthly speaker series with top-notch writers, agents, editors, and other literary luminaries
Query letter guidance and editing
What our Members are saying
“If it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to write a novel. I’d be lost in the woods without Annie, Tessa, and the accountability workshop..”
-Rob
“Years after my MFA, I fell out of a writing routine until I found the Accountability Workshop. In a year, I rewrote my entire novel, revised and finished two short stories and submitted to fellowships and publications.”
-Kelly
need more details?
Dig into each aspect of the Workshop below
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Our cohorts of 10-13 writers meet every other week to check in on progress, discuss problems with our work, ask craft questions, hone writing routines, brainstorm plot problems, and more.
Meeting times:
Monday 1-2:30 EST
Monday 1-2:30 EST (Poet cohort starting 6/9/25)
Wednesday 1-2:30 EST
Wednesday 8-9:30 EST
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Inspired by an Aimee Bender essay and fine-tuned by Annie & Tessa, you will be asked to sign a writing contract - terms defined by you - for how much writing or editing you will commit to based on what makes sense for your life. You’ll report progress and get a dopamine surge every time you write “Done!”
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If you’re stuck for any reason or need extra or private support, Annie and Tessa are available via email, text, or phone. We’ve done practice interviews, given agent advice, answered craft questions, brainstormed, and just lended our ears.
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Each cohort has their own slack channel for you to stay connected between meetings, share resources, post successes, etc.
Though not required or expected, group members also often find beta readers for part or full manuscript swapping.
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Each month, we bring in a special guest speaker for an intimate, frank conversation with the workshop. Past guests include: Jonathan Escoffery, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, Sequoia Nagamatsu, publicist Alyson Sinclair, agent Katie Grimm, and more.
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A great way to interact with the larger accountability community, our 100% optional book club happens quarterly and books are chosen by vote. Past books have included ALL FOURS, CRYING IN H-MART, and a craft book bonanza.
Ready to keep your butt in the seat?
monthly membership
$150/Month
Build that writing muscle with our most flexible option - sign up for a month-to-month membership in the Workshop
annual membership
$1,650/year
Sign up for the year and save - get one month free when you sign up for an annual membership in the Workshop
