“You can read all the how-to books and ask your friends and family for feedback. But if you’re serious about getting produced or published, you will ultimately need professional guidance,” says instructor Kate Montgomery. “When I first started screenwriting and story editing, I was lucky to find mentors who read my work, gave me notes, and helped me map out a successful career in entertainment and publishing. They saved me decades!”
For this 9-week mentorship, you are welcome to work on a draft of a screenplay, stage play, novel chapters, short story, or even just a strong story outline. In an initial 30-minute consultation with Kate, you’ll share where you are with the project, the scope of your material, and what you hope to gain over the 9 weeks.
The course involves 3 packets of written correspondence. Every 3 weeks, you will email Kate a packet consisting of: 1.) up to 15 pages of prose, double-spaced, or 30 pages of a screenplay; 2.) a short critical engagement with a model reading or film viewing Kate selects for you; 3.) a letter to Kate where you can ask questions and reflect on your creative practice, craft interests, and writing goals. Kate will review and respond to each of these packets in writing, providing thorough feedback for a total of 3 packet responses over 9 weeks.
After you’ve received each packet response, Kate will offer an optional 30-minute Zoom or phone call where you can ask questions, discuss the work, and set goals for revision.
Intermediate writers and above recommended.
April 14 – June 16
Now, this may sound like a cliche, but Kate inspired me to make time in my life for what I really want to do: write stories. And that’s hard, I’m a cynical Eastern European, hard to impress and convince. But now I’m going to spend a couple of hours each week to write something down, and if she’ll invite me I’ll go to all her events and workshops, pitch my story ideas, and do my best to create amazing work. She is incredibly charismatic, and it feels great to be around her. But the whole inspiration part is what makes her a standout teacher.