March 4, 2026 - April 29, 2026
Online
$399Overview
This supportive program takes all creatives (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, writing prompts, mindfulness guidance, studio dates, check-ins, and feedback with Sarah Aronson, Chris Tebbetts, and Daria Peoples, and their special guests!
- This is online course is a cumulative eight-week creative support group with:
- Goal setting, weekly writing prompts, studio dates, mini lectures, and studio hours.
- Special guests and panels.
- Time for independent work, and a private consultation with lead faculty. Plus, we’ll have community celebrations!
- Evening sessions take place via Zoom on Wednesdays from 8pm – 9pm Eastern (March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 8, 15, 22, 29)
- Optional studio dates will take place via Zoom throughout the course on Thursdays at 8pm – 9pm Eastern with Daria Peoples.
- Access to Chris and Sarah’s monthly writing sprints (at least 30 sprints per month) throughout your time in the course.
- Discussion and interaction will occur on Discord (you will receive a special invitation into this space). The Discord virtual community space will be for topic-specific discussions based on group interest open mics, brainstorm sessions and more.
- You’ll get a single, 1:1 20-minute consultation with faculty to discuss progress, ask questions, and plan for next steps.
Why This Workshop?
How many drafts does it take to get to a “final draft”?
While we can’t answer that question, we do know that you only need one idea to start. And, we also know that getting that first draft finished can be extremely difficult.
This collaborative program provides the support and structure you need to help you finish your draft—no matter your format or genre.
- This course begins with goal setting and plans for daily tracking and check-ins. We’ll spend time each week sharing progress, problems, and ways to persevere in order to meet your goals during mini-lectures & studio hours.
- Throughout the course we’ll have special guests for writing prompts and panel discussions.
- Throughout the course, there will be time for you to meet privately with Sarah or Chris to discuss your progress and plans for moving forward, and prepare up to 1,000 words to share with your fellow writers during our celebration ceremony!
In addition, you’ll enjoy Chris and Sarah’s monthly writing sprints (at least 30 sprints per month) throughout your time in the course.
You will have access to all recordings and discussions through June 30, 2026.
The Faculty Talks About the Course:
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are a creative at any stage in your journey—new or experienced—who craves support and accountability to complete your first or final draft.
- You write any genre, with children and/or teens as the intended audience. The writing prompts will sample from fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, and more. Weekly studio hours will bring a variety of art prompts and play your way!
- You’d like a high level of engagement with fellow writers and faculty so that you can move forward on your work-in-progress with new ideas and inspiration.
- You crave time with fellow writers. We’ll build community online in this supportive, collaborative experience.
- You enjoy online learning. This multi-week course relies on LIVE Zoom interaction and contributions in Discord.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Pre-Workshop
You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers, engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards), access the Zoom link, and ask program related questions before we dig in!
You’ll receive an invitation to the discussion on Discord that will engage us throughout our time together.
Please note:
- For Live Sessions: All sessions will be streamed using Zoom.
- Discussion and interaction will occur on Discord (you will receive a special invitation into this space). The Discord virtual community space will be for topic-specific discussions based on group interest open mics, brainstorm sessions and more.
You will have access to all recordings and discussions through June 30, 2026.
Getting Started, Week 1
- Wednesday, March 4th from 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Live Zoom session
- Introductions
- Overview of course structure
- SAY IT OUT LOUD! (Goal setting for your work-in-progress)
- Daily goals
- Weekly goals
- The future of your project
- In the virtual classroom:
- Writing Prompt #1
- Goal Setting Resources
- The Discord virtual community space will be for topic-specific discussions based on group interest open mics, brainstorm sessions and more.
- Optional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour:
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
- Studio Hour: Thursday, March 5th at 8pm Eastern (bring art materials!) with Daria Peoples
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
Creativity in Practice, Week 2
- Wednesday, March 11th from 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Live Zoom session
- Presentation with Chris Tebbetts
- Discussion and Q & A
- In the virtual classroom:
- Writing Prompt #2
- Check-in! Charting Goal Progress (publicly or privately)
- The Discord virtual community space will be for topic-specific discussions based on group interest open mics, brainstorm sessions and more.
- Optional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour:
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
- Studio Hour: Thursday, March 12th at 8pm Eastern (bring art materials!) with Daria Peoples
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
Creativity in Pursuit, Week 3
- Wednesday, March 18th from 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Live Zoom session
- Presentation with Sarah Aronson
- Discussion and Q & A
- In the virtual classroom:
- Writing Prompt #3
- Check-in! Charting Goal Progress (publicly or privately)
- The Discord virtual community space will be for topic-specific discussions based on group interest open mics, brainstorm sessions and more.
- Optional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour:
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
- Studio Hour: Thursday, March 19th 8pm Eastern (bring art materials!) with Daria Peoples
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
Welcome Special Guests! Week 4
- Wednesday, March 25th, from 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Live Zoom session
- Panel Discussion with guest faculty
- Facilitated Discussion and Q & A
- In the virtual classroom:
- Writing Prompt #4
- Check-in! Charting Goal Progress (publicly or privately)
- The Discord virtual community space will be for topic-specific discussions based on group interest open mics, brainstorm sessions and more.
- Optional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour:
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
- Studio Hour: Thursday, March 26th at 8pm Eastern (bring art materials!) with Daria Peoples
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
No Sessions April 1 or April 2
Please note that there are no sessions on April 1st or 2nd.
Welcome Special Guests! Week 5
- Wednesday, April 8th from 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Live Zoom session
- Guest faculty visit
- In the virtual classroom:
- Writing Prompt #5 (from Special Guest!)
- Check-in! Charting Goal Progress (publicly or privately)
- The Discord virtual community space will be for topic-specific discussions based on group interest open mics, brainstorm sessions and more.
- Optional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour:
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
- Studio Hour: Thursday, April 9th at 8pm Eastern (bring art materials!) with Daria Peoples
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
Welcome Special Guests! Week 6
- Wednesday, April 15th, 2025 from 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Live Zoom session
- Panel Discussion with guest faculty
- Discussion and Q & A
- In the virtual classroom:
- Writing Prompt #6
- Check-in! Charting Goal Progress (publicly or privately)
- The Discord virtual community space will be for topic-specific discussions based on group interest open mics, brainstorm sessions and more.
- Optional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour:
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
- Studio Hour: Thursday, April 16th at 8pm Eastern (bring art materials!) with Daria Peoples
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
Sustaining a Creative Life, Week 7
- Wednesday, April 22nd, from 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Live Zoom session
- Presentation
- Q & A
- In the virtual classroom:
- Writing Prompt #7
- Check-in! Charting Goal Progress (publicly or privately)
- The Discord virtual community space will be for topic-specific discussions based on group interest open mics, brainstorm sessions and more.
- Optional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour:
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
- Studio Hour: Thursday, April 23rd at 8pm Eastern (bring art materials!) with Daria Peoples
- Come and write quietly, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!
Celebrations! Week 8
- Wednesday, April 29th from 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Live Zoom session
- Open Read: Share! Celebrate! (Up to 500 words)
- Closing ideas, questions, and comments
About The Just Do It! Online Workshop
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- Informal feedback from faculty and peers during LIVE sessions and in Discord.
- A 1:1, 20-minute consultation with faculty (scheduled at a mutually convenient time during the online course) to discuss progress, ask questions, and plan for next steps.
What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Workshop?
Commitment Required for the Best Experience
- This course is best if you engage in all sessions. If you cannot attend live, please commit to keeping up with the writing prompts and check-ins.
- Participants are encouraged to attend weekly studio hours and engage in the robust Discord community.
- Creatives are encouraged to join Chris and Sarah’s monthly writing sprints (at least 30 sprints per month) throughout your time in the course.
- Throughout the course, please leave open and/or schedule blocks of time for yourself to work on drafts/prompts.
- Schedule your 1:1 meeting with faculty during the course at a mutually convenient time.
- You will have access to all recordings and discussions through June 30, 2026.
How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. A first draft is an important step to getting a story to a child. This online course can help get you to that crucial “first draft is done!” stage.
Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Workshop?
Many opportunities arise during this program for optional interaction with fellow creatives. We’ll keep changes updated in the Discord community space.
Where Can I Find More Writing Resources for Just Do It?
- 3 Questions for Daria Peoples, Chris Tebbetts and Sarah Aronson About Making Progress On Your Creative Journey
- From Just Do It to Just Did It!
- Getting the Work Done: Shifting Negative Self-Talk to Constructive Ideas
- Just Do It! How Momentum and Effort Can Help You Finish Your Draft
- Trust Your Story with Yourself and Your Community
- Keep It Moving: Movement and Writing Practice
- Using Visual Outlining with Your Novel Draft
- Working Writers Chat with Chris Tebbetts and Sarah Aronson
- Craft, Community and Your Career: Some Lessons Learned
