2021 Workshops and Virtual Write-Ins start this week!

Kelly Jean

Writing, like new year’s resolutions, can be intimidating.

After a tumultuous year, I’m making 2021 all about setting small goals rather than tangle myself into a knot over long-term, lofty ones.

Don’t worry about how “good” you are! Instead, set the small goal of joining us this January for an online workshop or virtual write-in. Allow yourself the freedom to flex your imagination in the company of other creatives.

Sessions are on a suggested donation basis, pay what and if you can. All are welcome. Full information and registration links below.

Upcoming in 2021
Bi-monthly creative writing workshops resume every other Sunday. Each month has its own theme. For January, we’ll be exploring the role of setting.

January 10th at 4 pm – Senses in Setting: Using all five senses to unlock your setting. Click here to register.

January 24th at 4 pm – Mentor Text: Studying “The Story of an Hour” and playing with how to use setting in your story.  Click here to register.

NEW! “You Do You” Virtual Write-Ins: Share a two-hour block of focused time with fellow writers to work on personal projects. *Note: A prompt will also be provided in the chat for added writing inspiration.

Sessions are held twice a week via Zoom. January schedule:

Week 1: Tuesday 1/5 (10 am – 12 pm ET) click here to register
and Thursday 1/7 (6 – 8 pm ET) click here to register

Week 2: Tuesday 1/12 (10 am – 12 pm ET) register here
and Thursday 1/14 (6 – 8 pm ET) register here

Week 3: Tuesday 1/19 (10 am – 12 pm ET) register here
and Thursday 1/21 (6 – 8 pm ET) register here

Week 4: Tuesday 1/26 (10 am – 12 pm ET) register here
and Thursday 1/28 (6 – 8 pm ET) register here

Happy New Year!

Kelly Jean
From top left clockwise: Heather Quinlan, Sokunthary Svay, Gail Thomas, Charlotte Marchant, Nita Noveno, Calvin S. Cato, Nancy Agabian, Nicole Shawan Junior.

What an unexpected year for No, YOU Tell It!

We were rehearsing for our first show at Sunnyside Plays and looking forward to an in-person Lambda Literary story swap when COVID-19 cases exploded in NYC back in March. Our future quickly became uncertain and we weren’t sure if we’d be swapping stories ever again.

Despite technical difficulties, a different genre of performance, and a huge learning curve, we were pleased to deliver two virtual story swaps. We hope listening to the stories provided a needed respite.

Storytelling has both the power to elicit empathy and create connection, and though we couldn’t physically be together we hope both of these things came through the screen. We’re especially grateful to everyone who came out to support the storytellers. And if you missed the shows, check out our podcast!

Thank you so much to our storytellers, partners and sponsors, producers, and especially our audiences for making the best out of this chaotic virtual year.

Shows like these are possible because of your support – if you’d like to donate, you can do so here: thefield.org/sa/620242

Until next time, Happy New Year!

Best Wishes to the Class of 2021

Kelly Jean

A blessing during these tumultuous months has been connecting with high schoolers all over the world to help them tell their stories for college application essays.

A student recently reached out to request a last look at the personal statement he started in one of my summer workshops. It was a pleasure to read his words again.

His response to my feedback a much needed bright light.

Best wishes to all the hardworking students (and parents!) out there hitting “SEND” in the upcoming weeks.

Coming & Going Podcasts Available

Kelly Jean
Top: Calvin S. Cato and Bottom: Nicole Shawan Junior swap stories in Ep 54.
Top: Charlotte Marchant and Bottom: Nancy Agabian swap stories in Ep 55

What a blast teaming up with Lambda Literary to produce our first virtual No, YOU Tell It! show, which was also an official 2020 Brooklyn Book Festival Bookend Event.

Episode 54 follows a comic finding a new side to himself when he pretends to be someone else in Florida and two lovers who seek comfort in each other’s sanitized arms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Episode 55 features a dad who escapes quarantine and a platonic prison relationship!

We also asked each storyteller that if we, the listeners, wished to summon them directly to our room what three items might we place in a magic circle to do so. As you see and will hear, a wide variety of ingredients are needed to complete the spell!

Give a listen to these dynamic story swaps on the No, YOU Tell It! podcast. Available at noyoutellit.com and all the podcasting places.

Coming & Going TONIGHT!

Kelly Jean

Honored to have spent the last couple of weeks with these fantastic storytellers as we worked together to developed their true-life tales inspired by the theme “Coming & Going” on the page.

No, YOU Tell It! “Coming & Going” Crew

Join us tonight at 7:30 as they trade tales and take the virtual stage to tell each other’s stories.

Click here for show program and all the info on how to join us via Zoom!