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for longform writers who want a skills refresher, accountability, and mentorship

A self-paced online writing program

Longform Lab Incubator

welcome to the...

Have a sprawling idea and big ambitions for a longform project but need a little help in making it happen? Join the Longform Lab Incubator program!

Are you struggling with finishing your longform writing project?

Character-mapping techniques to make sure you're representing all necessary viewpoints-- and keeping your story interesting!

Story structure exercises to help your writing move forward and keep your audience's attention

Foolproof tips to combat writer's block, which I use in my own writing practice

Editing exercises for that moment when you know you should be revising, but aren't sure where to start

Inside this program you'll learn how to write a longform story from beginning to end, including:

At the beginning of each week, you’ll receive pre-recorded video lessons and an accompanying workbook to work through. Along the way, you can email me directly with questions or for encouragement.

At the end of each week, you can submit any other questions to me. You'll also have specific action items to complete, so that you know exactly what you need to do to stay on track! And if you need more support, we'll hop on a phone or Zoom call to figure out your best next steps.

How does it work?

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That's the best part, in my opinion! The course is entirely self-paced. It is broken up into six stages which you could decide to complete in six weeks (for a shorter project like a magazine article) or six months (for a longer manuscript) or somewhere in between! We'll set that timeline together, though, so you'll still be held accountable. (And you'll retain access for life!)

so how long does this program last?

wait... 

Click each stage to take a look at what's included!

Ready to peek inside?

STAGE one

The Core of Your Story

The core of your story
Getting organized
Goal setting

This stage, we'll start off strong by focusing on the most important part of your story: its core. We'll work through exercises together to reveal what that true inner core is and what message you're trying to communicate. We'll also organize whatever writing, notes, or research you have so far, as well as set specific goals for our time together.

STAGE two

Story & Character

Topic v. story
Medium matters
Characters
Bias & blindspots

This stage, we'll dive deeper into your characters, whether those are real people in a work of nonfiction or journalism, or fictional characters you've created yourself. We'll also begin a discussion of story arc and choosing a medium for your final story, if you haven't already.

STAGE Three

Structure

Structure masterclass

This stage is all about structure! Instead of working through a few shorter lessons, we'll focus on a structure masterclass. By the end of this week, you'll have a full outline of your story!

STAGE Four

Drafting

Revisiting your SMART goal
Drafting
Writer's block

This stage, we'll focus on drafting, which is another term for writing. This is where the rubber hits the road. You'll write your draft in earnest now. But don't worry- you're not left alone. I'll still be there every step of the way to break it down.

STAGE Five

Editing

Big picture editing
Cut and paste method
Line editing

This stage we'll talk all about how to edit your longform story. We'll go over both big picture, structural editing techniques and sentence-level line editing tips and tricks. By the end of the stage, you'll have a full revision plan in hand.

stage Six

Finishing Up

Pitching & publishing
Evaluating your SMART goal
Next steps

Finally, the Longform Lab will finish up with a lesson all about pitching and publication. You'll finish this stage with a final pitch document for your story, which you can use with editors or publishers down the line. We'll also take a look at your goal and work thus far, and create an action plan for your next steps in your writing career!

Hear from past participants!

I applied for a scholarship for the Longform Lab because I felt so overwhelmed by all the different moving parts in my writing project. My project is about my life as a woman who was diagnosed with autism at an early age and is often presumed to be autistic, and have yet found a definition of autism that resonates. Sometimes it felt like I was fighting against existing narratives, and it all felt like one step forward, two step back. Since I started The Longform Lab, I went from not knowing what to talk about in what order, to having 40,000+ words queued in 10+ chapters. This scholarship means the world to me and I'm forever grateful to Nora. 

-Asaka park, author of Technically autistic

“It was even better than I imagined! I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but it was so manageable and fitting for a wide variety of creative projects. This program has brought much needed structure and focus to all the writing I always want to do. The lessons are clear and quick so there is not so much pressure, and the feedback is invaluable.  I thought it was a nice sweet spot of resources (not too many, not too few), plus I knew if I wanted more, I could ask!” 

-Michelle A.

-Sam Zachar, Shattered Glass

"I can't thank you enough! Now I will be submitting more creative writing pieces to magazines for external publication. Thank you again, I couldn't have done any of this without your help and inspiration."


-Therese M.

Email nora@longformlab.com

Still have questions? Get in touch!