CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS BEGINS MARCH 1, 2026

Below is only a BRIEF summary. At the end of the summary, you can click on the link for many more details about this Studio and contact information should you have questions, but many of your questions may be answered in the detailed link.

PAGE ONE is a writing Studio focused on crafting one page (the first page) of your text. Why? The first page is the opportune moment to engage your reader because they are fresh, unencumbered by bias, boredom, knowledge, or preconception. Page one is also the best place to establish:

***     WHAT you intend write (big and small ideas and themes, topics); 

***     HOW you are writing it (voice, style, approach, POV, language); 

***     WHY it’s important (to readers, to you, to an editor or sales team, the world); 

***     WHY you are the best writer for this project (platform, expertise, life experience, connection to topics).

Timeline
We will meet once a week for 6 weeks beginning Monday June 2, 2026 to July 2 from 9 AM-12 Eastern Standard Time.

Cost
$800 USD

Goals

This Studio will help improve your articulation and execution of the components of narrative nonfiction, provide a deeper understanding of how stories are built; explore ways to make your scholarship more legible, accessible and thereby more useful to a wider population; and activate your memory and imagination while staying true to facts. This Studio can also help you build a writing practice, learn more about trade publishing, build your non-academic writing confidence, and hopefully, introduce you to others so that you can begin to build your own writing community.

Process

Together, will study the art and mechanics of literary narratives and explore the promise and perils of environmental storytelling, mainly through writing exercises, large group discussions, small group chats, one-on-one mentoring, and close readings of literature. We will focus on narratives that enrich the imagination, are layered and complex, and expand the possibilities of environmental storytelling. Readings and writing assignments will be 1-2 pages, so the lift is light! Writing is more than a solitary practice: it is social in sensibility and execution, so you will be expected to contribute to our discussions about writing and the writing process and be ready to talk about (and do) the in-class or at-home assignments. Another TESS collaborator may join us to discuss their approach to environmental storytelling. 

April 15, 2026 Submissions due (2 pages of text only; no other requirements)
April 30, 2026 Decisions made (by a committee of two)
May 30, 2026 Payment due (payment plans welcome)
June 2, 2026 Studio begins (online)
July 7, 2026 Studio ends and one-on-one meetings begin (online or in-person)