A limited number of independent study places are available, for novelists & memoirists working on a manuscript, and nonfiction writers creating book proposals, who prefer to work one-on-one with Allison. Independent study includes:

• Before the retreat, feedback on 50 pages and your synopsis*, and a pre-retreat Zoom consult to plan your week on Madeline Island. Allison will suggest how to spend your time based on your manuscript’s needs.
• The option to attend classes as needed throughout the week for your goals
• Daily check-ins for questions and accountability
• A mid-week meeting to discuss how your work is going
• After the retreat, feedback on 25 additional pages and a post-retreat check-in to sustain your progress

Independent study is best for authors who already understand dramatic structure and have a clear sense of their story. You can be on any draft, but be prepared to write/revise a whole lot in a short time. If you’re planning to do a first draft, Allison can make sure you’re heading the right direction.

*For writers working on proposals, Allison will provide a sample structure and review your entire proposal including sample chapters. You and Allison will determine how to split the material into pre- and post-retreat reviews. Your post-retreat consult can focus on the querying/submission process.