Info
Jean-Marie Saporito was most recently a finalist in the Writing by Writers short fiction contest.Her prose has been published in Bellevue Literary Review, River Teeth, Blue Mesa Review, and elsewhere. Her nature haiku was chosen to be displayed as a weathergram for Albuquerque Open Space and will be included in a limited-edition poetry chapbook. Jean-Marie has been awarded the AWP Kurt Brown prize, the Taos Resident award, and nominated for a Pushcart. She’s written a novel based on her experiences as a critical care nurse and is writing a memoir-in-essays. She's taught creative writing for over two decades and has participated in numerous readings, conferences, and has served as a literary judge in several writing contests. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
How it Works
Each workshop will have specific instructions, but in general, always bring what you're most comfortable writing with. Water, coffee, dark chocolate—you get the idea. Do not bring worry, pressure, or perfectionism. And if you do, that's okay, too. I give suggestions for how to make peace with the inner critic.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to speak with me directly for any reason, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Workshops
Personal Essay Seminar
6 Tuesdays 6-8 MST
COMING IN 2024
generative writing the study of craft
gentle critique connection
In this six-week personal essay seminar, we’ll explore the various ways literary techniques can facilitate the truest expression of self. This seminar will include generative writing time, the study of craft through close reading of published works, and gentle guidance and suggestions to help bring our essays to fruition. Additionally, the zoom room will open at 5 MST for those who want to write, socialize, and deepen our writer relationships. I’ll be available to accommodate everyone’s needs with breakout rooms.
The only requirement is an open mind, a writing instrument, and the blank page.
Does Anyone Really Know
What Time It Is?
3-Hour Zoom Workshop
SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2024
9-12 MST
Sundials, time pieces, cuckoo clocks, watches—humankind has been trying to capture the essence of time, well, from the beginning of time. As writers, we hurl our characters through narrative, capturing them in story time. Yet, story time rarely happens chronologically. When the narrative moves coherently through multiple dimensions the energy of a piece becomes dynamic. In this workshop, we will identify the craft structuring our characters’ experiences of time by identifying specific techniques used by such writers as Joan Didion, Toni Morrison, Lidia Yuknavitch, and Nick Flynn. From writing we will generate in the workshop, we will employ some of the techniques we’ve learned. This workshop is for prose writers, but poets are welcome, too!
What my students and colleagues have to say.
“Jean-Marie permits your imagination to clue words and images into stories… universes where nothing is forbidden.”
Marica Cruz-Redding – journalist and former student
“The workshop is an invitation to play and to imagine your story in an entirely new way…it encouraged me to think of anything as a possible narrative frame."
Isobel O’Hare poet and essayist
FAQ
- How will we connect?
Depending on the service and circumstance, we will meet via Zoom or in-person.
- How do I pay?
Venmo is easiest, but check, cash, or gold nuggets are also accepted.
- What is your cancellation policy?
Life happens. Each service will have a specific cancellation policy.
Writing Retreats
Set in Taos, NM, this is a writer's dream. An immersive day or weekend, individually or in a small group of friends, tailored to meet your desires. Luxuriate in plenty of time to write, reflect, read, and receive guidance.
Please email for details concerning fees, lodging, and transportation.
Fiction and Nonfiction
Story Consultant and Editor
This individualized instruction works best when someone has an idea for a story or has already put words on the page. At that point, I become your writing guide, your cheerleader, and the person who wants your story to be written. If your idea is brewing, we’ll spend time discussing what you want to say and ways you might begin the writing process. For those with a draft of an essay or story, I give craft-based suggestions for revision. Often, I will recommend literature, craft essays, or books that might deepen your understanding and illustrate techniques. When I work one-on-one, I intend that you discover your story and the precise words with which to tell it.
I charge a flat rate of $50/hour and can provide an estimate.
I will work within your spending plan and time constraints.
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