Janisse Ray

Writing courses to get you published.

Work With Me

I help writers get clear, believe in themselves, learn to write engaging stories, craft good work, and get published.

Introductory Writing Courses

You don’t have to be published or have an MFA to benefit from a writing course with me. I work with writers of all levels and abilities. You only need a sincere desire to get your writing down on paper and a commitment to practice the life-changing and healing habit of writing. For those seeking to get their work published, I can help with that too.

Nature Journaling School

Since 2021, I have been teaching nature journaling as mini-courses that take place on Sundays in the late afternoon. They last one hour, although sometimes I set up still lifes and open the Zoom room thirty minutes early. These mini-courses occur in series, each series with a theme. They are designed to help us process, document, and celebrate our lives and the world around us. They started during the pandemic when I felt called to teach a short course called Journaling Grief. I guided folks to do a lot of journaling, but I also began to incorporate simple art. Because I am a writer, I now bring on amazing artists to do flash-segments in page design, simple sketching, lettering, backgrounds, and much more. Guest artists and speakers have included Clare Walker Leslie, Madeleine Jubilee Saito, Jeanne Malmgren, Jasmin Pittman, Nina Veteto, Rachel Michaud, and others. Since that first series, I’ve taught such themes as Journaling Eco-grief, Journaling Earth, Journaling the Sacred, Journaling Fools, Journaling the Way Forward, and Journaling the Garden. Registration for these mini-courses is usually through Eventbrite.

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Advanced Writing Courses

If you’re a writer with already published work or if you hold an MFA, consider my advanced writing courses. These are rigorous courses focused on structure and craft. Each of them introduces the Kittredge essay schema, one of the most valuable tools I ever applied to writing. Commit yourself to your next work. Let me help you produce it. These courses don’t happen on a regular basis. Be in touch and I’ll put you on a get-notified list.

One-Off Workshops

My short writing workshops usually run one to five hours. They happen all the time, when I decide to teach something. These workshops cover a theme, concept, or framework in a bite-sized manner. While no single workshop will give you every tool you’ll need, they’re a great way to get some new ideas, refresh your inspiration, and leave with pages. If you’re eager to work with me, consider starting with a workshop.

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Writers who work with me find greater confidence and clarity in their writer’s voice. I help you pack your rucksack with craft and structure techniques that transform your writing permanently. Read their own words below.

You have a gift
You have a gift for explaining “big ideas” in simple, straightforward language.  Thanks for practicing the art of generous living and generous teaching by using that gift to help others.

Kelly

Writer and student

An inspiration
Thank you so much for everything so far. I couldn’t stop writing yesterday—I wrote an editorial AND a letter to the editor, both of which have been on my mind for ten days. Then edited & revised & put another section in my book….You are really an inspiration!

Mara

Writer and student

Heartfelt thanks
Janisse, a heartfelt thanks to you. You are magic and attract the most wonderful people. What was so interesting about this writing course was the layers of my old self I was able to dissolve, all due to thought-provoking discussions and sharing life experiences. I’m a more “me” version now than when I started the class.

Katie

Writer and student

Tremendously helpful
I wanted you to know that the class has been tremendously helpful. Your energy, seriousness, passion, and optimism have rubbed off.

Andy

Writer and student

Needed in times like this
Folks like you are the elders we need in times like these. 

Seth

Writer and student

Deepening my writing
Thank you for a wonderful, soul-deep afternoon. Thank you for the gift of your writing, wisdom, and generosity. I’ve been struggling to find ways to deepen my writing, and I am grateful to you for inspiring me deeper down the trail. I cannot wait to read your new book. With the deepest gratitude,

Kim

Writer and student

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