Writers' Workshop Sponsorship
Everyone,
I am going to be sponsoring one person from the forum for Writers' Workshop.
This place has done a lot for me and my career so it's high time I gave something back to it. For those of you who've always wanted to join but didn't have the funds available or perhaps you weren't ready to get serious about your writing--here's your opportunity.
As you know, by having workshop access, not only will you be able to have your work critiqued and critique others, but you'll also have access to all of Chuck's essays and numerous other resources to help you become a better writer and more educated in the realm of literary agents and publishing. We've also got some workshop intensives being run by some of our local authors and another Chuck anthology project on the way. It's a great time to join.
If you're interested, simply send me a PM with the word "Sponsorship" in the title. Include the following:
-what you're hoping to accomplish in workshop and/or your goals.
-a small sample of your work in the body of the message. No attachments, please.
Have this to me by June 30th at midnight.
This is not first come first serve. I'll be carefully reviewing each message to determine who I believe will benefit most from this. Also, since most of this is being done through PMs, I'll bump this thread from time to time to make sure everyone gets a chance to see it.
Thanks,
-BT
That's great Brandon.
Wow, thanks for this opportunity. I've wanted to join the WW since it started back in 2004 (is that right?) -- regardless, for a long time. I'll PM you right now!
...is 5 poems a "small sample?" Sorry if it's not.
Yes, that works.
As far as the writing sample is concerned, just send me whatever you feel best exhibits how you write. It doesn't even have to be a complete story.
That's good since I don't write stories. 
shouldn't the applicants have some form of monetary barrier aswell, not just 'i couldn't be fucked to fork out the 40 bucks' as an excuse?
maybe it's too early in the morning and i'm being a cynical prick, but i'd be all keen to sponsor some cats to come into the workshop walls if they really wanted to because i know once they get in there they aren't going to have a money problem renewing the membership in a years time when they realise how great it is for them. but, uggh, i don't know.
to sum up: i'll sponsor you, but only if you're poor.
brandon, pick me pick me. i would love to go back, it might even light a fire under my rectal regions again
www.triplebeard.com
http://darkroomreview.blogspot.com
“...There are so many ways of being despicable it quite makes one's head spin. But the way to be really despicable is to be contemptuous of other people's pain. You ought to have some apprehension that the man you see before you was once even younger than you are now and arrived at his present wretchedness by imperceptible degrees.”
-James Baldwin
to sum up: i'll sponsor you, but only if you're poor.
Haha oh Matt. I totally understand where you are coming from. I thought the same thing at first but I think it's a nice gesture on Brandon's part. He feels good about what the workshop did for him and he's just wanting to branch out and do the same for someone else. I think it's a great idea to get more people to join. I know I don't want to spend forty bucks to join something I'm not sure I'll even like, sounds cheap or whatever but if someone like Brandon were to give me the opportunity to check out what all the hype is about free of cost it doesn't seem as hard to join.
haha im poor and ive sponsored people. this program is worth it. but i do agree i would never sponsor anyone who was just cheap
www.triplebeard.com
http://darkroomreview.blogspot.com
“...There are so many ways of being despicable it quite makes one's head spin. But the way to be really despicable is to be contemptuous of other people's pain. You ought to have some apprehension that the man you see before you was once even younger than you are now and arrived at his present wretchedness by imperceptible degrees.”
-James Baldwin
maybe it's too early in the morning and i'm being a cynical prick, but i'd be all keen to sponsor some cats to come into the workshop walls if they really wanted to because i know once they get in there they aren't going to have a money problem renewing the membership in a years time when they realise how great it is for them. but, uggh, i don't know.
to sum up: i'll sponsor you, but only if you're poor.
I see where you're coming from but I'm not going to examine everyone's personal finances. That's none of my business. I would hope though that the people who take part in this are looking for more than a "free upgrade" and actually plan on using the resources WS provides, hence, why I want to know what their goals are.
it's only a hype if you're willing to work. it's a WORKshop. that's why i worry that giving someone the oppurtunity that is only not joining because they don't want to part with 40 bucks is a waste. if they're not serious enough about writing to gamble 40 bucks, then i find it hard to believe they'll take the workshop seriously and reall get involved in the community in there. because if you want to make anything of your career in writing you're gonna have to gamble way more than 40 dallars, even if it isn't a monetary gamble.
all i'm saying is: i, too, have got so much out of the workshop. and i'd lobe to pay it forward, so to speak. but i'm not just gonna i've it to any shmuck. for you, Jaz, if you were honestly serious about contributing and taking your writing more seriously, i'dcough it up in an instant--and our exchange rate isn't that great at the present!
maybe it's too early in the morning and i'm being a cynical prick, but i'd be all keen to sponsor some cats to come into the workshop walls if they really wanted to because i know once they get in there they aren't going to have a money problem renewing the membership in a years time when they realise how great it is for them. but, uggh, i don't know.
to sum up: i'll sponsor you, but only if you're poor.
I see where you're coming from but I'm not going to examine everyone's personal finances. That's none of my business. I would hope though that the people who take part in this are looking for more than a "free upgrade" and actually plan on using the resources WS provides, hence, why I want to know what their goals are.
word.
all i'm saying is: i, too, have got so much out of the workshop. and i'd lobe to pay it forward, so to speak. but i'm not just gonna i've it to any shmuck. for you, Jaz, if you were honestly serious about contributing and taking your writing more seriously, i'dcough it up in an instant--and our exchange rate isn't that great at the present!
Aww,Thanks Matt. I would love to join the workshop one day, but right now I just I'm not very serious about my writing. I don't think I have the talent or the drive to join the workshop just yet. It's very intimidating stepping into a room full of well read talented writers and trying to keep up. But I think that's part of the success I guess.
I haven't thought of pursuing a writing career in quite sometime and it's just now reemerging. As you can see I'm quite rusty.
all i'm saying is: i, too, have got so much out of the workshop. and i'd lobe to pay it forward, so to speak. but i'm not just gonna i've it to any shmuck. for you, Jaz, if you were honestly serious about contributing and taking your writing more seriously, i'dcough it up in an instant--and our exchange rate isn't that great at the present!
Aww,Thanks Matt. I would love to join the workshop one day, but right now I just I'm not very serious about my writing. I don't think I have the talent or the drive to join the workshop just yet. It's very intimidating stepping into a room full of well read talented writers and trying to keep up. But I think that's part of the success I guess.
I haven't thought of pursuing a writing career in quite sometime and it's just now reemerging. As you can see I'm quite rusty.
that's pretty much the best reason to join. not everyone is educated, well-read and talented. take me for example, i've really only been around for about a year and my writing has improved more than it probably would've in two years at home writing to myself. the best part is having people eyes on your work and then critiquing others' work aswell. it makes you better, and so much more quickly than if you were just sitting at home reading books on literary devices etc.
seriously, Jazz-hands, if you're into this, you should shoot BT a PM. for sure.
Ahhh! Peer Pressure!
I'll think about it some more. I just don't want to commit without being absolutely sure I'll be willing to put in the time. And when I do I won't mind spending the 40 bucks.
You should PM that alexanderdeath guy and give it to him. He needs the writing help. Badly.
Oh lord, that guy had so many chips on his shoulder he needed a bowl for them.
all i'm saying is: i, too, have got so much out of the workshop. and i'd lobe to pay it forward, so to speak. but i'm not just gonna i've it to any shmuck. for you, Jaz, if you were honestly serious about contributing and taking your writing more seriously, i'dcough it up in an instant--and our exchange rate isn't that great at the present!
How does one prove that they're "poor enough"?
I am really f'in broke or else I'd pay. Just two days ago I was telling my mom that I started Culting again and wanted to join the WW. This is the ideal time for me to join since I'm preparing to apply to MFA programs. This week, I just finished two very serious writing classes, which means I've got lots of recent material that I've put lots of love + passion into.
But right now, I'm living with my ex-boyfriend and probably can't afford to move out for at least two months. It's a good thing he's awesome, and we're friends. But of course it's still awkward; it's a one-bedroom that's more like a studio. I work two jobs and am still broke. No extra $40 here.
Now I'm just whining. (Sorry.) But yeah, there are honestly poor, serious writers in the world.
Brandon. If you've read my little piece I sent you, I wanted to ask what you thought. Just if you liked it. I'm not asking for a long critique or anything. Just if you thought it was decent.
Let me know, and thanks again.
P.S.For the reason that if I should send another one. Maybe you'd like the other one better.
I think it's awesome that he's doing this for that one person, who is hopefully me.
I haven't been able to grab at forty bucks because I'm on my own going to school and paying rent. I don't really have much extra cash due to the fact that I'm a pizza delivery boy. And with whatever person above that said they aren't sure what the sites like and all that. I feel the same, cause sometimes these sites can be sketchy, and rip you off. So that's my response. I don't know.
I haven't been able to grab at forty bucks because I'm on my own going to school and paying rent. I don't really have much extra cash due to the fact that I'm a pizza delivery boy. And with whatever person above that said they aren't sure what the sites like and all that. I feel the same, cause sometimes these sites can be sketchy, and rip you off. So that's my response. I don't know.
Further proving my point that lots of writers are both serious and poor.
Are you in finals mode in your classes right now? Good luck! Summer's right around the corner.
Good luck on getting the membership, too! I know whoever gets it will be worthy, and I'm just happy to have a shot. 
There's a lot of great writers here.
Are they? No, I'm actually just starting. Getting pumped for it all.
Yeah, We all wish we were rich but sometimes, it's not as easy as it should be.
Yes good luck to you too! Great, I'm excited to read other's work and get some new pointers for myself.
Guys,
Just so you know, I'm not going to be doing any actual critiques. We'll save that for when you actually get into Workshop. The point of the sample is just so I can get an idea of how you currently do things. That's it.
I'm reading everything as it comes in and will end up reading everything again as we near the end of the month, so don't get antsy or anxious when I don't respond. I'm definitely looking at everything.
Thanks,
-BT
Awesome Brandon! That's a cool thing you're doing.
If the right person gets this - it could really make a big difference for them and their writing.
Good luck to all those submitting!
Now I'm just whining. (Sorry.) But yeah, there are honestly poor, serious writers in the world.
I went through the same situation.
My ex and I broke up. The place we lived in was way too expensive for either of us to live in alone. It was really uncomfortable and awkward. We started to hate each other.
After the lease was up and we went our separate ways, we "rediscovered" each other. And now we are really good friends. Weird how things work out.
Oh, alright. That's cool. No biggie.
This is pretty cool of you brandon.
Now I'm just whining. (Sorry.) But yeah, there are honestly poor, serious writers in the world.
I went through the same situation.
My ex and I broke up. The place we lived in was way too expensive for either of us to live in alone. It was really uncomfortable and awkward. We started to hate each other.
After the lease was up and we went our separate ways, we "rediscovered" each other. And now we are really good friends. Weird how things work out.
isn't that the plot of a vince vaughn movie?
isn't that the plot of EVERY vince vaughn movie?
seriously though, just to clear up what my gripe was: i understand some people are poor. and i'm not about to turn this in to a pissing contest, but i think it's a question of priorities. sure, you're taking a bit of a gamble. but worse comes to worse, you're not going to like it. and you lose 40 bucks.
i'm sure you've wasted 40 bucks on something less important in your life (not that this would be a waste. i don't think i've ever heard anyone complain once they were inside with the 36 chuck essays, and people giving them honest critique). the thing is, it's 40 bucks a year. that's less than a dollar a week. now think of something you spend more than a dollar a week on that you don't need and aren't passionate about and doesn't have the potential to change your life and your writing. that's my point. it's a small price to pay.
think of it as both a filtering system and a donation.
it's a filter in the sense that if we didn't charge a price that would mean anyone would get in, which would mean it would be a shit slinging fest. the number of serious critiques would go down. the amount of spamming and off-topic conversation in threads would go up. trolling. flame wars etc etc. so, by having the 40 dollar fee we're keeping the serious writers away from the 'serious' writers. you know the ones, they think there 400 page first draft is a work of contemporary genius?
and now think of it as a donation to the moderators and staff that work their arses of to keep it a great place. you'll see how much work is put in once you get in there. especially around anthology time. damn.
and there's some new and exciting things going on in there. not to mention access to the master classes when they come around.
okay. i'm done. good thing you're doing BT. i was actually going to hold a little competition in GD soon with the winner taking a premium membership. haha. i'll leave it for a few months. i just wanted to try and get in one of the non-paying members that we have here. because there's so many of them that are kickass writers.
seriously though, just to clear up what my gripe was: i understand some people are poor. and i'm not about to turn this in to a pissing contest, but i think it's a question of priorities. sure, you're taking a bit of a gamble. but worse comes to worse, you're not going to like it. and you lose 40 bucks.
i'm sure you've wasted 40 bucks on something less important in your life (not that this would be a waste. i don't think i've ever heard anyone complain once they were inside with the 36 chuck essays, and people giving them honest critique). the thing is, it's 40 bucks a year. that's less than a dollar a week. now think of something you spend more than a dollar a week on that you don't need and aren't passionate about and doesn't have the potential to change your life and your writing. that's my point. it's a small price to pay.
think of it as both a filtering system and a donation.
it's a filter in the sense that if we didn't charge a price that would mean anyone would get in, which would mean it would be a shit slinging fest. the number of serious critiques would go down. the amount of spamming and off-topic conversation in threads would go up. trolling. flame wars etc etc. so, by having the 40 dollar fee we're keeping the serious writers away from the 'serious' writers. you know the ones, they think there 400 page first draft is a work of contemporary genius?
and now think of it as a donation to the moderators and staff that work their arses of to keep it a great place. you'll see how much work is put in once you get in there. especially around anthology time. damn.
and there's some new and exciting things going on in there. not to mention access to the master classes when they come around.
okay. i'm done. good thing you're doing BT. i was actually going to hold a little competition in GD soon with the winner taking a premium membership. haha. i'll leave it for a few months. i just wanted to try and get in one of the non-paying members that we have here. because there's so many of them that are kickass writers.
I understand dude. And all of that makes complete sense. I'm just at this time think the opportunity of being possibly sponsored is awesome. But, I get what you mean. We'll see what happens though.
That's a wonderful point. Thank you for stating that so nicely. Seriously.
And yes, I've wasted $40 on other things recently. Since I work in a clothing store, I spend more on clothes than I should. But I also have a strict dress code that I am constantly trying to accommodate. Most people would say spending money on clothes (with a 50% discount) is fairly practical. I've also cut myself off from buying from work until I move out.
I don't want it to be a pissing contest either. Who Brandon's generous donation goes to should be based on the quality of each applicant's work and reason for joining. But if you ask me, "Why don't you have an extra $40?," I'll give an honest answer.
That's a wonderful point. Thank you for stating that so nicely. Seriously.
And yes, I've wasted $40 on other things recently. Since I work in a clothing store, I spend more on clothes than I should. But I also have a strict dress code that I am constantly trying to accommodate. Most people would say spending money on clothes (with a 50% discount) is fairly practical. I've also cut myself off from buying from work until I move out.
I don't want it to be a pissing contest either. Who Brandon's generous donation goes to should be based on the quality of each applicant's work and reason for joining. But if you ask me, "Why don't you have an extra $40?," I'll give an honest answer.
for sure. I really just wanted to clear up what I really meant because I didn't want to soun like to much of a prick. But yeah, free membership is free membership at the end of the day, so I'm sure whoever gets it will be a welcome addition.
My ex and I broke up. The place we lived in was way too expensive for either of us to live in alone. It was really uncomfortable and awkward. We started to hate each other.
After the lease was up and we went our separate ways, we "rediscovered" each other. And now we are really good friends. Weird how things work out.
isn't that the plot of a vince vaughn movie?
haha yes! I didn't notice that until you said it. But it's pretty much a word for word description of The Breakup, right?
**bump**
Three more weeks, people.
Still plenty of time left if you want to get in on this.
**BUMP**
Because it's a good thing.
You know in all the years I've been here I've never been sigged?
Ahhh! I need to get on this wonderful scholarship now! 
Jaz - you still have time!
Bump, because it is a great opportunity.
And I'm out of the running since I'm a workshop member now. Thanks for hearing me out and reading my stuff anyway! Good luck to everyone.
This is wicked nice of you, Brandon.
Good luck to everyone (:
You're a brighter little soul than all of the jaded people here. Never take them seriously. NEVER.
Good luck to everyone (:
Aye aye.
"Plus, if I go too long without writing I start to turn into a real asshole." -misterwoe
"She'll like what she's told to like." -Mo'Don
Just one? You guys can do better than that.
PM Mirka and let her know you're interested in sponsoring someone too. She'll fill you in on the details of how it works.
I know I'm just trying to figure out my computer situation first before I submit anything. Either way I decided I'm going to join.
I would give it a try but I'm sensitive and fear that my writing is sub-par.
“The man of knowledge must be able not only to love his enemies but also to hate his friends.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Zach,
The whole point of workshop is to become a better writer. No one expects you to come in and be great at this. If that were the case, you wouldn't need to workshop anything.
Send me something. It can't hurt.
Ritt, you too. I'd actually like to see what you can do.
Zach,
The whole point of workshop is to become a better writer. No one expects you to come in and be great at this. If that were the case, you wouldn't need to workshop anything.
Send me something. It can't hurt.
Ritt, you too. I'd actually like to see what you can do.
I'll see what I can come up with. I have a few stories I need to maybe work on the ending with. Or I may just send it in as is just to see what you say about it.
Anyhow, thanks for the opportunity.
“The man of knowledge must be able not only to love his enemies but also to hate his friends.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Ritt, you too. I'd actually like to see what you can do.
when did Ritt say anything?
It's getting closer to that day.......
I'm feeling a little confident, lets just hope me and my gut are on the same page.
So awesome you're giving people this opportunity.
I just sent a little piece on something I just started working on. Hopefully you dig it, we'll see what happens.