That was FAST

[lydamorehouse]

 I sent in a proposal to the Loft on May 13 for upcoming classes. I happened to check Submittable for something else and discovered it was already rejected. Apparently, my being "talked to" by my boss was not enough to satisfy powers that be (namely a certain summer session "instructor.") 

This is going to be a MASSIVE financial hit for my family.

So, now my question is: how I do this? Is there a market for classes by me? I don't know. If so, what format would they even take? Have any of you done this sort of thing--just taught a class that you ran out of your home or a library or online?? I'd love some advice (and/or sympathy.)

I feel like the biggest irony is that when it all first came to light in the summer, Shawn wanted me to just tell them I wouldn't co-teach, to break my contract. Can you imagine? I mean, I guess this has just turned into a slow death and that would have been a quicker way to get the same result, but damn.

This sucks.

Comments

[sabotabby]

So I feel like I could get a bunch of people on Discord to sign up for an online workshop with you. I've done a few that way. Though it'd probably be harder to command the kind of fee you get at the Loft.

What about approaching libraries? My mum's library gets a lot of funding to run workshops—they're free or cheap for participants but the facilitator gets paid.

[lydamorehouse]

Having worked at the Ramsey County Library, I can tell you that they don't usually PAY authors for these kinds of gigs around these parts. At least the times that they asked me to speak in the past it's all been volunteer. Though, I mean, if you're Neil Gaiman, they will shell out $$, but not usually for Tate Hallaway/Lyda Morehouse. It may depend on the library though? I know Naomi had one of these and wasn't expecting to be paid and then suddenly money was handed over, so maybe it's library by library? I will look into it, though. It's never a bad idea.

BUT, they do "rent" free space to people, so it's possible that if I got an in-person class together, I could use the library as a meeting place.

[sabotabby]

Fair. But the nice thing is that remote offers all kinds of possibilities. Here the libraries pay an embarrassing amount—like I got paid $300 for a talk, which I was not expecting. And I am no one; you have 10 books!

[pameladean]

Ugh, I bite my thumb at the Loft! Not near it, AT IT. Pfeh.

P.

[lydamorehouse]

THANK YOU. Knowing that you are biting your thumb at them does cheer me quite a bit.

[bibliofile]

Grr. Argh.

[lydamorehouse]

Grrr, indeed.

[rachelmanija]

ARRRRGGGGHHHH I'm so sorry.

I've taught occasionally at writers workshops and colleges, the latter as one-off workshops, both in person and virtually. However, it was always by invitation, which is undoubtedly why it's so occasional. But given that... what about approaching local and/or virtual writers workshops, colleges, or even high schools, not to be hired as a full-time teacher but to do special workshops? I was forever seeing ads in LA for community colleges and adult ed teaching various types of creative writing, so that's another and TBH probably more lucrative possibility.

I also like the idea of Discord.

[lydamorehouse]

You know, I could also approach our local Community Ed program. They pay worse than the Loft, but this is the same outfit via which I took my Japanese language courses. So, it might be worth proposing a class to them.

A long time ago, the Twin Cities had a thing called "Open U" which was a program run through the University of Minnesota that also had classes for adults, but at a community ed price. I should see if that still exists as well.

But, yes, thanks you for all these thoughts. I mean, I did just GET a hefty paycheck from my Beloit gig, so i know this kind of work is out there.

Anyway, THANK YOU for the advice and sympathy. I need far more of the latter today because I am feeling deeply heartbroken this morning. I'm sure I'll bounce back, but, MAN, it's hitting me hard this morning.

[dreamshark]

Bummer. What petty A-holes. I guess this is what they mean when they say "Academic politics is the most vicious and bitter form of politics, because the stakes are so low." I'm not sure that The Loft qualifies as Academia, but I'm sure they like to think of themselves that way (so the stakes are even lower).

[lydamorehouse]

I think this is accurate, honestly. There's a lot about the Loft that feels very Acadamia.

[magenta]

I wonder if local witchcraft/occult stores would be interested in classes about writing fiction about magic, witchcraft,vampires, etc. You could always ask The Eye on Lake St and other places.

[lydamorehouse]

That is a good idea, honestly. Thanks!

[lcohen]

no advice, alas, but all the sympathy and more.