Margaret Atwood in my living room.

tea time

Remember my trip to San Miguel de Allende last year? Well, something else happened that week that I couldn't tell you until now, because I couldn't believe it was really happening and, well, I didn't want to jinx it.

Last year, Margaret Atwood and I started to collaborate on something for the Story Intensive. No, really.

After we met in Mexico, we knew we wanted to make something together. But what was the best thing to make? What would it look like? We threw a lot of ideas back and forth. We wanted to make something practical, intelligent, and positive. We wanted it to be accessible and digital, but very very special.

This spring, we finally finished our project.

Introducing: a rare Master Class with Margaret Atwood.

This is a side of Margaret Atwood you haven't seen before. This is Margaret in her hoodie, talking with me over coffee, in my living room, about how to go about writing a novel (especially if you've only written short stories up to now). Here's a little trailer we made to give you a sense of what the class feels like.

I just watched the whole class again from start to finish and all I can say is: wow. Oh my god, it's so good. I've seen it several times now, and I just keep learning from it. I take notes when I watch it.

Here's what we're going to do with the class: we're giving it to all Story Intensive students this fall.

The Story Intensive is a semester-long writing workshop, with small classes, deadlines, and individual feedback on your work. It's based on (and includes) the full Story Course program.

Go here to read more about The Story Intensive, what's included, how it works, and see if it's right for you.

Here's to your writing this fall!

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In the Spotlight: Brittany Smith
Your laptop in the shade: summer reading + browsing.

10 comments

Sophie | Spark
 

Wow, this is incredible Sarah! Congratulations! I only just discovered your website last week and have already fallen head over heels with it - I will seriously consider The Story Intensive...
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Mary Nicholson
 

Okay this is a big freakin' deal! Can't wait for the fall!
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Heidi
 

Wow. Brought tears and shivers.
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Rachel
 

This is so exciting!! I can't wait to see this entire video recording. And may I say YOU ARE SUCH A TEASE! O-M-G. I'm telling you, if the classes fill up before I can registrar, I'm going to fly myself to Canada from Israel and beg from your doorstep until you find a space for me. Well... maybe I wouldn't *really* do that. But I'd for sure do it in my head. (What a great story that would make! Hmmm, idea brewing...) Rachel
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mary borsky
 

No sound available on the video. Any suggestions?
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Catherine Chandler
 

Sarah, As part of being one of the winners of an online poetry competition last year, I was awarded a one-on-one conversation via Skype with Margaret Atwood. She was so warm and friendly! We not only talked about my poetry, but also about our families. She promised to "Tweet" the news when my new book, Glad and Sorry Seasons (Biblioasis Press) is released in March 2014. What a generous and wonderful offer! Thank you for posting the video.
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Sarah J.
 

Hi, Mary. Have you tried reloading your browser window and/or clearing your browser's cache? Thanks!
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Laura
 

this interview with Margaret whose writing has influenced me from a very young age (having an English professor father with lots of literature in the home!) brought me to tears, just incredible this gift you are giving!
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mg
 

Well, "should you push yourself to finish the first draft?" What did Margaret say?
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Ephraim Mallery
 

Wow, this is so incredibly cool I am nearly jumping from my chair with joy for you.
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