Instruction
Encounters
with writing.
Whether it’s a class, a mentoring relationship, an author talk, or a chance to gather with other writers, I love facilitating your encounters with writing.
Find your formatWays to gather
Workshops
Make room for the work.
I love doing workshops and events, either in person or via Zoom, and would love to join your library, class, or other organization to share one of them! Some topics I’ve covered include…
- Write & sip
- Structuring and plotting your novel
- Writing historical fiction
- Writing mystery fiction
- Author talks
- Dual-timeline novels
- Routes to publishing
- Writing about trauma
And of course there’s my ever-popular Candlestick in the Library event! I also offer individual online classes for beginning, intermediate, and experienced writers. Contact me for more information.
Plan a workshopA featured event
Candlestick
in the Library
Let’s make a mystery together.
What is “Candlestick in the Library”?
Acclaimed author Jeannette de Beauvoir brings mystery-writing to life as she guides participants through the improvised creation of their own murder mystery story… giving them clues from her own experience and imagination!
This is an opportunity to make mystery magic, whether in-person or virtually. It’s fun, it’s clever, and it brings people together!
While typically done for an adult audience, a special version of Candlestick offers kids ages 12-15 the opportunity to try their hand… at murder!
Did you ever wonder how mystery authors come up with their plots, characters, and red herrings? Wonder no more—author Jeannette de Beauvoir’s acclaimed Candlestick in the Library event gives groups of up to 15 people the opportunity to decide whether the culprit is Colonel Mustard in the library with a candlestick, Mrs. Peacock in the kitchen with a rope, or… whomever participants choose to create, along with attendant mayhem, in the improvisational making of a murder mystery!
Participants help supply the victim(s), sidekick, murderer, sleuth, and more, eventually putting the entire story together.
Along with the fun, Jeannette weaves in information about the mystery genre and the craft: the difference between a cozy and a procedural; the importance of sense of place; the formation of characters; and the plot, which most certainly will include a twist. In less than 90 minutes, you’ll have created a (semi)-coherent story to rival Agatha Christie—but having a lot more fun than Hercule Poirot ever did!
This is a terrific event for libraries, nonprofits, schools, corporate team-building, even private parties and get-togethers. All that you need supply is a whiteboard and a volunteer to “scribe” for the event!
For more details, including costs and availability, contact Jeannette directly at hello@jeannettedebeauvoir.com. References are available.
Ask about CandlestickMentoring
One writer,
one direction.
While all of my classes involve direct work with the instructor, some writers find they need something more intensive to break through a block, decide what direction to take next, or just work intensely on a project or two.
Mentoring can take many forms, from work on a given manuscript to work on an overall style, and is tailored to your specific needs. It can take place in person or via Zoom or email. Feel free to have a conversation at any time about mentoring!
Talk about mentoringWriting Retreat
Time apart
for the work.
This is my most-requested and popular event. Designed for writers of all levels and all genres, the writing retreat offers time apart from your regular life to explore your creative self. Held in one of our picturesque settings on Cape Cod, the retreat takes place over a weekend and gives you the opportunity to explore a new project or finish an overdue one, to spend time alone as well as in the company of other writers, and to find yourself refreshed and re-energized at the end.
Ask about a retreatWrite & Sip
Prompt. Pour.
Write.
You’ve heard of the increasingly popular Paint & Sip events in which participants enjoy a casual painting lesson along with wine and snacks… This is an innovative literary equivalent: Write & Sip!
Here’s how it works: You get to choose a writing prompt at the beginning of the session, and you’ll have 45 minutes to respond to it. Then participants will read their work aloud and the group will have the opportunity to offer feedback. Throughout it all, wine and snacks will be served and the instructor available for consultation.
The great thing is I have writing prompts for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, so there’s sure to be something to inspire you!
Come enjoy a creative atmosphere and the opportunity to stretch your writing muscles doing something you may not have tried before—and all in a supportive environment.
What to bring: laptop, tablet, or just pen and paper! However you can write best. Cost is $35 per person and writers of all levels of experience and genres are welcome!
Plan a Write & Sip