Schedule & Time Commitment

The Incubator takes place on Zoom. Our initial two weeks will focus on laying the groundwork (materially, socially and emotionally) for a four-week deep-dive into book writing. Note: All times are listed in Pacific Time.

  • Monday Heartwork (weeks 1-6): 1:30 - 3:30pm

  • Tuesday Practicalities (weeks 1-6): delivered to your inbox/WhatsApp

  • Virtual Writing Room (weeks 3-6): daily, 8am-12pm 

  • Wednesday Guest Author Craft Talks (weeks 3-6): 4-5pm. 

  • Thursday Book Therapy (weeks 1-6): Day & evening time slots available

  • Friday Table Reads (weeks 3-6): 2-3pm

  • Weekly Writing Partners (weeks 1-6)  

Time commitment may range from 6-10 hrs/week during the two-week ramp-up, and15-25 hrs/week thereafter, depending on your use of the virtual writing room. However, an asynchronous experience of this Incubator is entirely possible. All live sessions will be recorded. We’ll work with each writer to make sure this program fits their life, work, and family situation.

Overview

Anna and Colleen will guide a select cohort of writers through a six-week program of helpfully pressurized writing. The Incubator begins with a two-week ramp-up of individualized coaching, goal-setting, and exercises designed to set boundaries and prime you for a month-long plunge into book writing.

The next four weeks of the Incubator feature a daily virtual writing room; accountability partners; seminars aimed at cultivating creative endurance; craft talks with distinguished guest authors; and one-on-one “book therapy”—a chance to dig in on anything that’s thwarting momentum, whether in the manuscript or the mind. Friday “table reads” punctuate and celebrate the week’s progress.

For more details about the various components of the Incubator, see our FAQ. The next Incubator is September 3 - October 11, 2024, and applications open on May 1.

Rates & Financial Aid

The cost of this 6-week Incubator is $3600, including 6 one-on-one Book Therapy sessions. Paying the full rate enables us to offer full and partial scholarships to writers who otherwise can’t afford to participate. Please apply even if finances are a barrier. Additionally, one work-study position is available for a writer with sufficient time to take on a support role during the Incubator (hosting Zoom rooms, liaising with guest authors, organizing table reads, etc); if interested, please express this in your application and include any relevant experience.

A 20% deposit is due upon acceptance, refundable until two weeks prior to the Incubator’s start date. Full payment is due one week before the Incubator start date.

“All writers know that the writing itself can sometimes be quite isolating. This incubator was a miraculous way to feel like I was working ‘in the trenches’ alongside colleagues. The experience of collective process and journey was priceless.”

—Samantha Culp