Praise for Blackbird

Writing Classes Online

Crafted to Meet You Where You Are

I love Jennifer’s teaching style. She’s so passionate and real about the art form. She reminds us to sit in the mystery of the unknown, shows us what it takes to go the distance, and shares the behind-the-scenes of writing and publishing. ~ Jadah

It’s so wonderful to have a truly safe space to come to. I also really appreciated the direct guidance. For example, when Jennifer said, “Where specifically did you drift or lose interest? Make note of that.” Really helpful. ~ Kasey

I’ve enjoyed being in the presence of minds that like to think critically about literature — not something I really have in my immediate group of friends. ~ Taylor S. Wolfe

I have loved the instruction and going deeper into writing scenes. I love reading new books and learning about plot and structure. I love hearing other writers read and keeping up with the progress they are making. I love getting to read and receiving feedback on my work. Love the community. ~ Amy

I have truly enjoyed the way Jennifer incorporates books, movies, and events from everyday life into the class. I now see stories emerging from the most mundane things! It’s inspiring. ~ Camille

I’ve learned a great deal from each student’s workshopping sessions (through your guidance and edit suggestions). I also enjoyed reading books as a group – this was a big motivator to pick up books I might’ve never read, which amplified your lessons. Lots of positives. ~ Lauren

I absolutely love my time in Studio and have learned more than I can imagine. I went from barely understanding the concept of scene/exposition to being able to confidently apply it to my work to being able to more confidently express to another writer what’s working or not about their work. That’s a big learning curve over a few short years and for that I am very grateful.  ~ Taylor S.

I love Studio. It is a bright light in my week. I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate the teachings, the readings, and most of all, you, our wonderful, knowledgeable, wise, and fearless teacher! And of course, the talented and kind writers, whom I remain in awe of. ~ K. Till

I am just so happy to be a part of Studio IV. I really value the input from you and this group of people.  ~ Kristi D

I look forward to class every single week no matter what other commitments and projects I have on my plate. I’m energized and inspired every time. ~ Sara

I fight with imposter syndrome and so appreciate Studio for being so supportive and helpful. The advise Jennifer gives has truly helped, but honestly so has her cheer-leading. Thank you for the great atmosphere you have created in the workshops and for your vote of confidence in my abilities. ~ Steph

I am excited to continue working with you and this group of writers. I have a long way to go to get where I would like to be, but I finally feel like I’m on a path that will help me get there.

~ Kasandra

I know I say it every time, but I appreciate the positive environment and support of our group towards my project. It can be hard and lonely work.  Sometimes I feel completely lost and crazy for even attempting this project. It’s a small story, as they go, but I feel it has value thanks to the Studio and your encouragement. ~ Jean

Jennifer Lauck

New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist, Jennifer Lauck has published four memoirs as well as numerous essays.

She founded the Blackbird Studio in 2015 after teaching for universities, adult education programs, and at conferences around the United States.

Jennifer focuses on building a safe and supportive community and helping all writers, no matter where they are on the journey, achieve their literary goals.

See Jennifer’s most current teaching and creative work on Flight School.

Becky Ellis

Becky created and teaches The Path to Publishing for the Blackbird Studio and is a skilled memoir and short story writer. Her genre-elevating memoir Little Avalanches, (Regalo Press, March 2024) won the 2024 Rubery Book Award for Best Nonfiction Book of the Year and she’s been published in Northwest Review, Psychology Today, and The Ethel.

With a B.A. in English from UC Berkeley, Becky also studied creative writing at Blackbird for almost a decade and under Robert McKee, attending his intensive STORY seminar. She specializes in high literary, military, interview-style storytelling, memoir, short story, structure, antagonistic forces, and meeting the needs of the market. She helps writers hone the craft of substance, structure, style, dialogue, voice, and the principles of the story.

To take a class with Becky or to set up a consult, email jclauck@gmail.com.

Alumni Peer Mentors

Cevia Yellin

Starting in Bones and advancing into SIV, Cevia is available to mentor on language use in literary writing and offers copywriting/proofreading for those preparing manuscripts for publication. 

A freelance writer, editor, and teacher, Cevia graduated from the Colorado Writing Project.

She joined Blackbird as a copy editor and proofreader for Flight School in 2022, and subsequently edited Lit Lessons and The Summer of ’72. Now she helps manage student communications.

She is currently at work on her first novel, a work of autobiographical fiction based on the ten years her parents owned a restaurant in Center City, Philadelphia.

Read Cevia’s post on effective editing here on Lit Lessons.

To work with Cevia, contact Jennifer @ jclauck@gmail.com

 

Carolyn BiemerCarolyn Biemer

Starting in Bones and advancing into SIII, Carolyn is available to mentor in the areas of the literary novel and historical and science-fiction writing. 

Carolyn holds a B.A. in English with a focus in Creative Writing from Santa Clara University and is a lifelong writer. In her early years, she joined every literary club, paper, and magazine that school had to offer and spent free time burrowed into a corner of the library with a book. From raising, training, riding, and sometimes saving horses to a brief stint in OHSU Medical School, literature has acted as a rock and grounding place for her mind and imagination.

Carolyn is currently working on several projects, including a fictional novel and a slew of short stories.

Carolyn also contributes to Lit Lessons in a hilarious and on-point essay: I’ll Never Write About My Life, Sept. 2022. 

To work with Carolyn, contact Jennifer @ jclauck@gmail.com.

Sarah Urlwin Mutal

Sarah Urlwin Mutal joined Blackbird Studio in 2017, is a student in SIII, and is available as a peer mentor in the areas of the literary novel and memoir.

Sarah earned her B.A. in English Literature at the University of New Hampshire where she wrote for the newspaper and yearbook. She spent the next seven years sailing the world as a yacht stewardess.

Back on dry land, she married, raised a family, and wrote Uplifting Minute with pensive stories intended to inspire. While studying at Blackbird, she has been crafting a novel based on her life as a yacht stewardess, essays and short stories, and a What’s New blog with event recommendations.

To work with Sarah, contact Jennifer @ jclauck@gmail.com.

The Blackbird Studio, where good writers become great.

No two writers are alike…

Just as every face and fingerprint is different, you are unique and so is your story. Our job is to meet you where you are and help you grow into your best writing self. Beginning to advanced. Let me know more about you. I call everyone who leaves me a note, so let me know a good time to reach you. (Note: We do not share your info with anyone).