For those asking about writing, motivation, blocks: check out Story is a State of Mind. Smart, encouraging, practical.
Margaret Atwood

The course is brilliantly constructed, interesting and varied. I loved the writing exercises and, what’s more, I actually did them. I sat in Japanese restaurants and cafes and listened to conversations I could not understand, observed body language, and wrote what I saw. Even though I was super busy with work, I was writing and I felt challenged and alive. Happy. Congratulations, Sarah, on putting together such an inspirational writing program… I feel so grateful for this course and for this opportunity.
Monna McDairmid

I am about halfway through Story is a State of Mind, and have experienced any number of “aha” moments along the way. It is obvious to say that the concept of free writing changed my writing practice when I stopped resisting. It is also obvious that the selected readings have opened me up to a wold of gorgeous literature and styles to emulate. But something happened in the Lesson 4 writing practice that I wasn’t expecting. I had been avoiding practice 2b, because it forced me out into the world to listen and observe, which seemed messy and uncomfortable to an introvert like me. I finally brought myself to do it and found that I didn’t want to stop. It is addicting to listen, and to write it all down. And by the end of about 45 minutes I had filled pages with interesting dialogue, subjects to look up, and verbal tics, all of which will be fun to go back to for the next portion of the practice and in future stories. Why is it always the things we resist that change us the most? Anyway, I wanted to let you know how much I am loving the course, how glad I am that I spent the money and am currently spending the time, and how it has changed me in so many little ways by pushing me beyond my comfortable safe places. This is a course I will go back to again and again. Thank you so much.

Lindsey Savino

This course is really making me realize that previous creative writing courses I’ve taken have lacked specificity. Those instructors were either unwilling or unable to give such practical, concrete advice on the craft. I’m very grateful to be hearing it now!
Nicole Baute

I have loved every minute of this course and plan to go back through each lesson many, many more times. I’ve been through an MFA program in fiction, sat in countless workshops and read more books on craft than I can count, but this [Lesson 4] video was by far one of the most helpful pieces of writing advice I’ve ever heard. As I was watching the video, I kept thinking, “This is gold. This is absolute gold.” The thing is, the advice is nothing new– it’s just the way she presents it that gives it so much power. This advice is practical and ACTIONABLE, which is something I devour since a lot of writing advice can be sort of abstract. And honestly, I feel like my writing has done 2 years of growing in the past 6 weeks. That rocks!
Kristin Offiler

I haven’t written about a particular character in two years, and yesterday I visited with her. It was a fantastic feeling! Sarah Selecky’s amazing, yet obvious, insights (in Story Is a State of Mind) have resonated with me. “Write without judgement.” I’ve been dealing with writer’s block since 2010. Every time I try to write, I feel almost frozen by my self judgements, my self doubts, myself as a whole. It started with rejections and life interruptions and spiraled down from there. I signed up for this class needing for, hoping to, and believing that I will carve my way out from the inside of this block. With this class I have bored holes through it and am finding my inner voice again. Thank you, Sarah, for making the voyage in your class one of discovery!
V.C. Ford

The [Lesson 4] video is an absolute life-changer. It is the strongest, sharpest, deepest shot of pure writing intelligence you will encounter. I’m not kidding. What am I talking about? Summary, mediation, filtering (and cliche) are the soul-sapping trolls of writing. Once you know what they look like, you can start a) asking them to leave, if they’ve already arrived, or b) crossing the street when you see them coming. I can’t tell you how many (published! bestselling!) authors tamp down the sizzle and smoke of their (otherwise luminous) writing with these trolls. Every editor in the world should be given the opportunity to watch this video.
Frances Phillips

…(today) I declared to my partner that I just watched the most brilliant piece of writing advice I’d ever, ever received. It is remarkable, empowering. I want to go back and rewrite crappy stories I wrote when I was young because I think I had some good ideas, just terrible execution due to the very things Sarah speaks of here! I’ve never once seen this addressed in any books on writing.
Jen Manuel

Dear Sarah,
I want to thank you from the warm centre of my heart for the writing courses and coaching that you’ve given to me over the years. Working with you has been such a gift, and it continues to impact my life both on and off the page. As you know, I took my first writing class as a sort of dare to myself. As someone who has had a lifelong fear of the blank page, I knew that a writing class would push all of my buttons, and it did. But what I did not expect was to come out the other end with a true understanding and appreciation for the writing process and tools to get me through the tough times, literally.

Your writing class helped me to write through my fear, grief and insecurity to create a eulogy for my Grandfather which was both honouring and true. Your coaching allowed me to take a time in my life that was downright crappy and transform it through the page into a thing of beauty. Too say that our work together changed my life would not be an overstatement, because it has. It’s not that I don’t get stuck now, because I do, but your boundless giving, caring, excitement and curiosity continues to help me write through the sticky patches and back to something real, myself. You are a gift.

Love,

Cecilia Moorcroft

Working with you has given me a sense of commitment to my writing. I have used this phrase many times: “If writing was my lover, what kind of relationship would I be having?” You have an ability to breathe life into ‘the writing’, infuse and ignite its life force. Sometimes this life-force flickers and becomes an ember, but there is this core spark that remains. Studying with you gave me a sense that my writing mattered, that it has a worth that deserves energy, time and dedication. Also, there is a deep sense of credibility when you offer commentary. It comes from a place of truth and thus resonates and embeds itself into my writing ‘house’. My writing ‘house’ believes what you say. There is resonance in your truthful yet wise commentary.

Melinda Reidl

A wonderfully insightful and warmhearted mentor, Sarah has coached me towards a healthy, loving relationship with my writing. She’s offered invaluable advice on any imaginable writing topic: how to access my creative reservoir, questions on technique, style and aesthetics, how to work around writer’s block. She’s a revision wizard who provides gentle, yet highly potent editorial feedback.

During the time we’ve worked together, Sarah has always honored her motto: she’s constantly nudged me towards a state of mind in which I’ve actually managed to “write what I want to read!”

Sarah, you rock!

Gabriele Kohlmeyer

Sarah’s writing classes helped make writing one of my closest friends. Her expansive spirit leaves room for all styles and personalities. She’s a truly talented teacher, helping guide even the most timid. Sign up now!

Peggi Lepage

Thank you for running such a valuable workshop. After your course, I realized that a lot of writers I’ve approached aren’t able to communicate the nuances of the process. I was told the same things over and over (show, don’t tell; eliminate clichés; know your characters, etc). But all of the “tools” felt lifeless to me, in my hands — depressing! This shifted in your workshop. It’s like you’re able to take us to the trap door at the back of the stage and lead us to the mechanics of writing.

Berkley Brady

When I confront the blank page, several things happen. Most of them feelings: doubt, anticipation, excitement, fear, desperation and desire. Matched with shallow breathing, heart palpitations, window gazing, temple rubbing and brow crunching. Sarah’s workshops – whether an all-day write-fest, or a weekend-long retreat – acknowledge these feelings, but more importantly, she whimsically, yet artfully creates a safe and soulful place for the playful mind and serious pen. A resolution of opposites unite, and you find yourself trusting, having fun, and doing what you showed up to do. Write.

Stacy Gardner

Thank you. I don’t know how you did what you did…
I get it. If I can write what I really feel, deep at the bottom of my ocean – then it’s possible to be free. And the freedom will have it’s own personality.

Mary MacDonald

This course totally opened my eyes. So many of the exercises served as amazing triggers for ideas. The development of the course worked well for me too. They were all such different approaches for me and totally inspired me. I already have recommended it to friends!

Robbie Grunwald

Sarah teaches us how to explore. Like cavers new to the sport, she equips us with headlamps, helmets and snacks. If it weren’t for her instruction I’d still be in the dark calling out “hello” and hearing it being repeated back to me.

Ilka de Laat

Sarah’s writing workshops are the anchor that ensures writing practice in my week. Her classes and exercises provide a rich soil from which to generate material and keep going beyond the first draft. The classes are consistently supportive and the people I have met through Sarah’s workshops have created a supportive writing community.

Mary B. Valencia

Dear Sarah,Thank you!
For caring so deeply about writing and about your students. Your energy, your insights, and your generous spirit were gifts every day last week.For challenging me to rethink my relationship with writing; I was close to breaking up with writing, until you reminded me that the creative process can be pleasurable.For encouraging me to allow the novel to “compost” into something new and move on to other writing.For showing me how freeing handwriting can be.

For the notebook now full of writing ideas, inspired with your innovative exercises, both solo and group.

For the fledgling story that was born because you believed in it and taught me to.

For your patience – it took us a while to jump into the delta of possibilities you offered!

For inviting us all to continue to study with you – I hope to do that soon.

Warmest wishes,
Susan Braley