Praise for Blackbird
Writing Classes Online
Crafted to Meet You Where You Are
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 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
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 the teachers incorporate books, movie, events from everyday life into the class. It is through this method that I now begin to see stories emerging from the most mundane things! It’s inspiring. ~ Camille
It’s been wonderful to be immersed in literary studies again and, for the first time in my life, be part of a creative writing community. I’ve benefited in so many ways. The study of literary structure and technique has been engaging and enlightening and has directly influenced my work. With Jennifer’s leadership and deep understanding of literary arts, the community has supported me in accessing the writer within, pushed me to improve my craft, and helped me realize previously un-accessed writing potential. I am inspired and grateful for the experience. It has been life-changing. ~ Cevia
Top five things I enjoyed:
1. Supportive community of writers.
2. Favorite Books: Know My Name, Little Fires, Crawdads, Nickel Boys, Best American Short Stories
3. Insight into Jennifer’s publishing journey, including revision process, discussions with agent and feedback from publishers.
4. 1:1 Consultations
5. Weekly teachings
~ Gina
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 work on Substack called Flight School.
Cevia Yellin
Freelance writer, editor, and teacher, Cevia Yellin is a graduate of the Colorado Writing Project and a longtime student of Blackbird as one of the original members of Studio IV.
Cevia came to work as a copy editor and proofreader for Flight School in 2022, subsequently editing Lit Lessons and The Summer of ’72. Now she helps manage student communications, mentors students on language use in literary writing, and offers copywriting/proofreading for writers preparing manuscripts for publication.
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.
Mentors
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 for details and availability.
Carolyn 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.
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, right now, and help you grow into your best writing self. Beginning to advanced. You’re welcome here.