How often do you say, "I'll write today... later"?

And maybe you've even scheduled writing time in your calendar. Because, of course, you know that if it doesn't have your focus and attention, it doesn't happen. So you've scheduled your writing time, and it feels wonderful that you're actually going to be writing.

Then that time comes, and all of the sudden, there are those extra work to-do's that have mysteriously appeared on your list today, the unexpected client call, your teen forgot her math book AND informed you that she needs new shoes for the band concert tomorrow night, you have to figure out what to make for dinner, and you have to get all your writing stuff together and figure out where you were and.... it goes on.

So you don't write.

This happens all the time. You want to commit to your writing, and sometimes you might succeed. But unless you're extremely self-disciplined (or you're lucky enough to have a hard deadline looming over you), it's much easier to default to your regular life.

And nothing much gets written.

Honestly, I find myself in this position all the time. Writing gets scheduled (either on paper or in my head), every day. I might actually write 50% of the time. I knew what I needed was structured, focused, non-negotiable time to write. And I knew I wasn't the only one. So I came up with the idea of the Just Write! virtual workshop.

If you'd like to see some movement on your writing project - or just writing in general - I'd love for you to join me and other writers - and actually WRITE!

So what do I do in a workshop like this?

You write! You bring to the workshop whatever you're currently working on - or want to start. There isn't homework or guided writings (if you want that sort of thing, be in touch, and we'll get back to you with the best program for you). This is simply a chance for you to write, that rare chance.

It's the support, accountability, and the structure put in place for you (how nice - you don't have to do a thing, well, except show up and write!). And that is what will get you writing, which is the problem in the first place (the fact that we're not writing).

How it works:

Before the workshop, you'll fill out a questionnaire to get focused on what you want to work on during the Just Write! workshop. That way, when the workshop begins, you'll be ready to go and don't have to spend this precious, focused time figuring out what the heck you're going to work on.

We'll start the workshop with everyone introducing themselves and their projects. We'll talk a little bit about process and exercises to clear our minds and get us going.

Then, you'll actually have time to write, with check-ins throughout the workshop for support, accountability, and celebrations.

If you don't have a current project, but YOU WANT TO WRITE, DARN IT!!! come and see how to incorporate writing into your life. I have plenty of exercises to get you writing - and that might spark a writing project for you.

What are some things you might work on?

• Getting clear on what you want to write
• Articles
• Personal journaling
• Blog writing
• Portions of your current story or book
• Website copy
• Marketing copy
• Thesis/dissertation

By the end of the Just Write! workshop (at 4:00 pm eastern, by the way), you WILL have written, you'll have gotten some momentum on your project, and some strategies for keeping that momentum - and your writing - going.

Specifically, here's the breakdown in the schedule:

At 12:00pm eastern, we'll call in, introduce ourselves, and Dawn will present a little bit of content (not too much - we're here to write!) on writing and the process. Then, we'll all go our separate ways to write.

At 1:30pm eastern, we'll call in and do a quick check-in. We do this in order to keep the support and accountability going, and it's quick so we don't lose momentum. At 1:45 we'll go off and write for an hour.

We'll check in again at 2:45pm eastern for fifteen minutes, and then off at 3:00pm eastern for the last writing segment.

Finally, at 3:45pm eastern, we'll do our final wrap-up check in and celebrate what we've accomplished!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Just Write! Virtual Workshop

DATE: Choose from the following dates (come to one, two, more, or all!)

Friday, March 16
Wednesday, March 21
Wednesday, April 25
Friday, April 27
Friday, May 18
Tuesday, May 29
Friday, June 29

TIME: 12:00pm - 4:00pm eastern

LOCATION: Virtual! From wherever you want to write (but try to make sure it's a quiet place, as there will be a group of us together).

PRICE: $29 - includes the four-hour workshop, handouts, and on-the-spot coaching if needed.

What you get out of a Just Write! Virtual Workshop

• The luxury of scheduled writing time. Since you've scheduled it, you'll find yourself planning what you'll work on and maybe even start mentally creating. When it comes time to write, you'll be off and running, not lagging and dragging.
• Feeling part of a group with others who are writing at the same time. It's part of witnessing, acknowledging, accountability, and support. While writing itself may be a solitary activity, it helps when you have support and understanding, especially from other writers.
• If you block out and protect that time, you'll find your writing takes on a whole new meaning and importance. You respect this writing time, which meant you respect your dreams.
• We are our biggest enemy/critic. And hearing others' experiences with this in the workshoip will help move you from paralysis to actually writing.
• There are different kinds of writing, and some kinds of writing take different energy. You'll follow your energy, even if that means you might change direction in your original plan. As a result, what you'll write will have a powerful impact, instead of being forced.
• You'll be motivated to keep writing, whether that is every day after or another scheduled time to write.

How much do you want to write?

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Praise for Just Write! Virtual Workshops

Dawn, I absolutely loved the Just Write workshop! I appreciated the opportunity to silence my inner critic for half a minute and actually write! In addition, listening to the other participants and what they were experiencing was beyond valuable. What I've walked away with is that I'm less blocked and ready to deal with any writing issues that I have. Thank you!

Judy Schwartz-Naber, Orlando

I really enjoyed the Just Write! Virtual Workshop. I benefited from hearing other writers' woes and your helpful hints to just write - badly. It was very heartening to hear others detail their writing fears and hangups. I'm not alone! And your suggestions on how to prepare to write, setting the environment, knowing what you want to write about, following your energy, understanding that writing is an individual process.... were so valuable!

Laurie Cohen
www.cohenva.com

I enjoyed having the guilt-free time/space to write. And pushing up against some of the things that usually get in my way of writing. The best thing about the workshop was having regimented time to write and to understand that I need to segment my writing and to declare what I'm going to write about for what purpose.

Melissa D, California

To my utter amazement, I very much enjoyed the workshop. I liked the togetherness with the other writers; sharing everyone's stumbling blocks and successes was very powerful. The most important thing I learned is to take time to prepare, to brainstorm. This workshop gave me that time. I will definitely be back!

Beatrice Ten-Thye, Canada
www.smartva.ca

I loved the Just Write Virtual Workshop! It was exactly the jump start I needed to resume work on my stalled writing project. The structure of the workshop was great... the check-ins were perfectly timed, and a nice break from writing. Instead of feeling stressed by trying to write for too long without a break, I stayed relaxed and in the flow. I've since learned to loosen up my definition of "writing," and keep myself in balance by working for manageable periods of time. As a spiritual writer, I feel I've found the perfect teacher in you. You helped me tap into my creative core in an effortless way. Thank you, Dawn!

Morgen Drasnin, Angels & Experts
www.angelsandexperts.com