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 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. Boutique by design, selective by necessity, the Studio is built for writers who are serious about the long game.

Jennifer’s mission is to transform good writers into great authors through a rigorous, lineage-based approach to craft. Drawing from the tradition of Gordon Lish as passed down by Tom Spanbauer, and then merged into classical literature and time-tested storytelling principles, Jennifer offers close, specific, actionable guidance from your idea to the development of your manuscript that is ready for an agent’s eyes. This is old school teaching and development with a teacher and editor who knows you and loves your work.

More at the Mission/Vision Statement and here, on the Classes page.

See Jennifer’s teaching in action on Flight School.

And here on Lit Lessions

Becky Ellis

Becky, a student with Blackbird Studio for almost ten years, came in with an idea and left with a genre-elevating memoir Little Avalanches that won the 2024 Rubery Book Award for Best Nonfiction Book of the Year and was nominated for an Oregon Book Award.

With a B.A. in English from UC Berkeley, Studio Writers have been lucky to have Becky co-teaching the thirty week program and beta-testing Path to Publication on the different stages of launching a platform footprint. With 25+ years working in publishing for Sunset, this is Becky’s skillset. She’s also strong on craft mechanics like structure, pacing, and how to construct scenes with strong turns. Intelligent, enthusiastic, Becky can help make your writing more marketable. Reach out to her directly via her site: Click here.

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).