frequently asked questions

My creative writing workshops are divided into time spent in conversation and time spent writing and sharing. First, students talk as a group about what's going on in their lives: their successes, their stresses, their inspirations. This might seem counter-intuitive; isn't this a writing workshop? What I've learned, however, is that most students have so much going on in their lives that sometimes they have a difficult time quieting down and accessing their creativity. If they're able to talk for five to ten minutes about their frustration with geometry or how upset they are with their best friend - or even if they're just able to share their joy about an upcoming vacation or their new puppy - their mind settles down and creates space to write. Once we've wrapped up our conversation, we write, usually for about twenty minutes but sometimes more. I have plenty of writing prompts students can use, but they're welcome to write whatever they want. I'm always amazed by how parts of our conversation show up in what the students write. Writing ends up becoming either a complete diversion from stress or a way to process emotion. After we write, students are invited to share their work. Sharing is optional! Sometimes students choose to talk through what they've written. Others reach for the microphone every week. After a student shares, we each provide feedback, focusing on what we like about the student's work. Of course, we're happy to provide more critical feedback if a student prefers. I have a special room for workshops with comfy chairs and books. I always serve herbal tea (and cupcakes on birthdays!). Most students love the class - the camaraderie, the cozy setting, the focus on positive feedback - and sign up month after month. I’ve had students start in 6th grade and stay with me until they graduate from high school! Some students just tap in occasionally when their schedules align.

Simply send me an email with your child's name and age, as well as what workshop you're hoping for them to attend. I'll let you know if I have a spot available. At that point you can send payment through Venmo @Jennifer-Hritz or through Zelle at cathleensfind@gmail.com. Your child is officially registered once I receive payment.

Two reasons: First, I'm not always 100% certain of my schedule months ahead of time. I'd hate for you to register your child for one of my creative writing workshops in advance only to find out that the dates have changed. Second, and more importantly, most of the students who come to my creative writing workshops sign up month after month (and often year after year). Students in the current workshop have first dibs on the next month's offering when early registration begins, usually between the third and fourth week of the current session. If I know I'll have space in the upcoming session, either because the current session isn't full or because I've already heard that someone won't be returning, you'll be able to register ahead of time. It's a good idea to get on my waitlist if you're keen on your child participating.

Yes! I can offer your child the opportunity to sit in on a class for a one-time fee of $75. I only offer one night to one student per session.

No. Weekday sessions during the school year require payment in full. Students miss all the time for so many reasons! However, my Sunday workshops and summer sessions allow for by-the-date registration.

Refunds for sessions during the school year will be permitted if the cancellation is submitted one week in advance of the session's start date. There are no refunds or credits offered during summer.

Absolutely! More than one student in my workshops over the past ten + years has shown up for that first class only because a parent signed him up. Almost all of the students who sign up for YWA workshops want to return. If your child doesn't think of himself as a writer yet, that might soon change! Sometimes when a student suddenly has a bit more freedom to write what he wants to write, and he receives a little bit of encouragement, his entire relationship with writing changes.

I rarely allow more than six students in each workshop. Occasionally, someone who wants to try the class to see if they like it enough to register for a full session joins a workshop for just one night. Sometimes workshops don't fill to capacity. I'm happy to run workshops for as few as two students. I've come to learn over time that the right students show up at the right time. If a workshop only has one student registered, the registration fee is refunded or the student is given a credit for a future workshop.

No. Students are given the freedom to write about whatever they want. They can explore different genres, write from different perspectives, focus on character development, or write a memoir. They get to choose.

Some writing camps and workshops are product-focused and often require students to finish their chosen project, occasionally with the aim of including it in a bound collection. I'm of the belief that most students don't need another requirement, and in fact, sometimes forcing them to finish what they've started obliterates their inspiration. Though I have many students who complete songs, poems, short stories, and even novels in my workshops, students are always permitted to write what they want. Sometimes what we write isn't meant to be finished; it's meant to lead us to something new.

Yes! If your child shares with the group, she'll receive feedback from me as well as the other students. We try to keep comments positive, focusing on what's working (great dialogue, a beautiful phrase, a plot twist we love). We rarely offer criticism unless your child asks for more specific feedback.

No. Students are welcome to share during class time, but I don't read and comment on their work outside of the workshop setting.

Many writers, even young ones, tend to hold their stories close. Whether or not your child would like to share what she has written once she leaves class is, of course, up to you. However, I don't insist that students share their writing in class or out.

Anything and everything! Younger students might want to tell the group about their pets and their family vacations, but they're also eager to discuss the social hierarchy at their respective schools. Older students might talk about problems they're having with friends or share texts they've exchanged with their crushes. I've heard students vent about their classes, their siblings, and their grades. I've also listened to students talk about body image, sexual orientation, and gender fluidity. If your child tells me anything concerning, I'll reach out. I've talked to parents when a student has alluded to potential eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

Yes, when they're writing, drawing their characters, looking up synonyms, or researching. However, when we're conversing during the first half of class, I ask that they refrain from using them.

Yes, and you'll likely discover that it's very active! While 4th and 5th grade students generally don't have group chats, by 6th grade we've usually created one for those students considered regulars. The purpose of the group chat is two-fold: a way for me to interact with a particular student without having to text them one on one, and a way for me to get the students excited about upcoming prompts, classes, and celebrations. I also like to offer a little extra support by asking occasionally how the first week of school is going or wishing everyone a happy holiday. For the students themselves, the group chat is a way to interact outside of class. They ask for and offer support, share writing and art work, and generally get to know each other better. I don't consistently read the group chats, but I do try to tap in. If you hear of or see anything concerning, just let me know and I'll address it with the students.

Send me an email with your son's or daughter's name and age, and tell me why you're reaching out. I'll respond with available times.

No. I don't read essays without the student present and available for instant feedback. I'm happy to work in person or on Zoom.

No. I require a full hour session with each student.

I kindly request a 24-hour notice if you need to cancel. Repeated cancellations will require future sessions to be paid upfront.

No. Parents are not permitted to stay while I work with a student. As you probably know, your child - regardless of age - behaves differently when you're within earshot. I ask that you make other arrangements while I'm working with your child.

Yes! Zoom sessions are available for those who prefer online meetings.

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