Join the Spark Your Story Lab

JOIN THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB!
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Writer, you're on the cusp of a major breakthrough.

My approach to memoir will help you
sidestep blocks, craft powerful stories AND streamline the publishing process.

SAVE 30% WITH COUPON CODE: BLACKFRIDAY2022
(offer expires 12/04/22)

I'M READY TO WRITE!

It's time to share the stories you were born to tell.

If you're done with fear and doubt, over the myth of the struggling artist and ready to write with ease and flow, the Spark Your Story Lab was designed for you.

You will LOVE the Spark Your Story Lab if:

You have a ton of stories in your head but could use some inspiration to spark your creativity and expert guidance to craft your best work.
You've joined lots of workshops and courses - maybe even a professional writing program - but you aren't seeing big shifts in your work (or breakthroughs in your career)
You write poetry, fiction or creative nonfiction and you want to produce innovative new work to submit to contests and publications
You've survived a shake up you feel compelled to write about it but you aren't sure where to start (and don't want to re-trigger difficult emotions)
You having a burning desire to share your stories with the world but are held back by the fear that there isn't a market for your work and you'll never get published.

The Spark Your Story Lab is a unique self-guided program
that has helped writers just like you
craft powerful stories that get published + win awards.

“Moon in Fragments” was not written in one of Nicole’s classes, BUT I wrote it based on everything I learned with her. It is a collage essay that I would never have drafted in that form if it weren’t for working with Nicole earlier.

This is the most exciting development for me because all of the processes I learned in Spark Your Story are so ingrained in me now that it’s changed the way I approach writing forever."

Christina Brobby, Winner of the Writer's Union of Canada's 2022 Short Forms Contest

Shelley Logan celebrated her first five publication acceptances within two months of joining the Spark Your Story Lab.

I won the Humber Creative Nonfiction Award with a piece I wrote thanks to the Spark Your Story Lab!"

Dr. Margaret Nowaczyk

Author of Chasing Zebras: A Memoir of Genetics, Mental Health and Writing and the award-winning essay,
"Mother-Daughter Phrasebook: Definitions"

Just opened my email to see MY VERY FIRST ACCEPTANCE. Can't wait to FINALLY be a published writer!"

Kae Solomon

Author of "Hands on the Piano" published in
Barren Magazine, Issue 12.

WRITER, IF THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR...
THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB CAN HELP!

You have hundreds of story ideas spinning in your head but you don't know where to start.
You feel overwhelmed by your material or lost in each messy first draft...so you close your laptop and “forget” to come back.
You wonder if you’ll ever feel confident enough in your work to submit it to contests or publications.
You feel called to share a book with the world but it’s hard to feel like a *real* writer when your productivity is at a standstill.
You wish you had a clear path — a step-by-step process — for writing with more courage, creativity and confidence.

Begin the journey to write
the stories that shaped you
NOW

SAVE 30% WITH COUPON CODE: BLACKFRIDAY2022
(offer expires 12/04/22)

I'M READY TO WRITE!

The Spark Your Story Lab
includes 12 months' access to
7 learning modules

Learn how to write past blocks like fear, self doubt and resistance in my 5-part mini-course:

The Spark Your Story Method

You'll follow a simple but powerful process that will help you pinpoint lifechanging moments and explore the impact of your experiences.

You'll also learn techniques for discovering your most potent material, how to move past fear and resistance, and the secret to crafting stronger, more compelling and innovative first drafts.

Tap your memories, generate story ideas, experiment with form and practice essential craft skills in my
6 Story Labs

with lessons, pre-writing exercises, journalling activities,
readings, author Q & As + 10 playful story projects.

Each workshop was designed with the Spark Your Story Method principles in mind. Each follows the same structure and format, to reinforce an approach to writing creatively about your life and to master core skills for a more productive and fulfilling longterm writing practice.

You’ll take in key readings each lab that highlight a new story
structure. You’ll reflect on your creative process with journal prompts, tap potent memories via freewriting exercises, and develop your worksin progress following guidelines for attentive noticing and revision.

Your 6 experimental story lab themes include:

STORY LAB #1: ORIGIN STORIES

Where do your stories begin? Origin stories are the narratives we construct to explain how we landed where we are in our lives. As we reflect on our origins, beginnings and firsts, let’s also consider new questions: Where do I go now? How can I reconcile the past? How will I set myself free? In this lab we’ll study the diptych essay form in Deborah Elderhorst’s parallel essay, “Origins/Neurodivergence”.

STORY LAB #2: THE EMERGENT SELF

How do you become who you are? In this lab we'll explore identity + the process of individuation (perhaps as it is expressed in your creativity, sexuality or spirituality). Let’s consider what is innate, what draws you near – your true calling – as you write about your dreams and all you hope to achieve. In this workshop we’ll read a hermit crab essay called “Individual Education Plan” written by Karen Zey.

STORY LAB #3: THE BODY

What does the body know and remember? This lab is an invitation to write about physicality – your body’s abilities, limitations, and achievements, stories about healing and wellness, carnal pleasures and sensory delights. As you explore memories around birth, aging, and death you’ll practice embodied writing – including the body’s point of view in your stories, as Lyndsay Knowles does in her photo essay, “Scars”.

STORY LAB #4: WHERE THE HEART IS

What is your heart's most secret desire? So many stories find inspiration in the stirrings of the heart – tales of friendship, romance, familial love, self-love, universal love. Let’s explore the objects of our affection, desire or passion, or the cause of our heartbreak as we ask: If the heart had its wish, what would be fulfilled? In this lab you’ll read a triptych essay by Lacey Yong called "A Classical Education".

STORY LAB #5: THE BIGGER WORLD

Where do you truly belong? In this lab we'll broaden our horizons as we examine the self in relation to the world we live in. These stories explore your relationship to community and/or place (geographical regions, places you’ve lived or travelled to, the planet). You'll learn how writers can work piece by piece, in fragments, in a collage essay about family and belonging by Deanna Partridge-David called “Lost and Found”.

STORY LAB #6: NATURE + THE SPIRIT

How do you connect with wonder? What is your relationship to mystery and the unknown? In this lab you'll investigate stories about our amazing universe, religion and ritual; your beliefs (or those you doubt, reject, dismiss); moments when you felt a sense of wonder or oneness. How do you get closer to the wisdom you seek? In this workshop you’ll read Heather Diamond’s lyric essay, “Waterbabies”.

THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB
ALSO INCLUDES ACCESS TO:

The Spark Your Story Lab Manual

a 40+ page workbook of exercises + activities

Resource Library

with selected readings, videos + more

Monthly Office Hours

a livestreamed write-in and Q+A

+ 5 Bonus Resources

to support your long-term writing goals!

BONUS 1:
TABLE OF CRAFT ELEMENTS

Learn 35 elements of craft in this printable two-pager designed in the form of a periodic table. The second page provides definitions for each of the elements in, on average, ten words or less for handy reference.

BONUS 2:
GUIDE TO WRITING WITH A PARTNER OR GROUP

This 10-page guide offers tips on how to work with and support accountability and feedback partners. It also includes a schedule to guide you and a partner through the Spark Your Story Lab together!

BONUS 3:
GUIDE TO POLISHING + PUBLISHING

This guide offers a deeper dive into the re-vision process with info on how and where to submit your personal narratives. It also includes a curated list of 50 markets you can submit your work to.

BONUS 4: A LIST OF 40 + RESOURCES FOR LIFE WRITERS

Among this list you'll discover craft books, articles + videos on the art and craft of life writing; tools and techniques for how to write about trauma, grief + loss; and guidance on how to craft more shapely stories by exploring form + structure.

BONUS 5:
A QUICK GUIDE TO THE SPARK YOUR STORY PROCESS

This printable one-pager covers my entire approach to the art of crafting powerful life stories in 10 simple steps. Refer to this list whenever you begin a new story or find yourself feeling stuck or blocked!

IMAGINE HOW IT WILL FEEL TO WRITE
ONCE YOU LEARN HOW TO:

work with your creative process so you're prepared for writing's natural ebbs + flows
shape your material into powerful personal narratives editors + publishers are excited to read
nurture your works-in-progress with easy-to-learn skills you can start practicing immediately
polish your work like a pro by following my simple re-vision checklist
prepare to submit your work to publications referencing my guides and curated list of CNF markets

STARTING NOW WILL HELP YOU:

Learn the knowledge and skills to quickly improve your writing – whether you’re working on short or long form memoir, narrative poetry or autobiographical fiction.
Find a doorway into your difficult – and most rewarding material – by tapping into the power of experimental story forms and structures.
Discover tools to work through blocks like fear and resistance with an in-depth understanding of the natural ebbs and flows of the creative writing process.

Save hours of time cobbling this valuable info from various sources – writing instructors, books and YouTube– and start to make steady, continuous progress with everything you need in one place.

Consider the time + money
you'll save.

By learning through this online program you get amazing value for your investment.

You get guidance from an award winning author with experience helping hundreds of writers develop stories that resonate with readers, get published, and win awards.

Each writing module in this program has been offered as a workshop priced at $200 USD. If you signed up for all six you’d pay $1200 USD just for the story labs alone.

You can get the whole package — including my Spark Your Story Method 5-part minicourse, 40+ page lab manual, 12 monthly livestreamed write-ins and Q+As - and bonuses — valued at nearly $4000 USD if you buy now for just $1597 USD.

Completing this self-guided program will help you learn the fundamental skills you need to write and revise short-form memoir like a professional writer.

To hire me privately for one-on-one mentoring would cost you $125/hour … and when I work with a client individually, I don’t teach them the exact process I use in my own writing practice for drafting and revising life stories.

SAVE 30% WITH COUPON CODE: BLACKFRIDAY2022
(offer expires 12/04/22)

I'M READY TO WRITE!

GET INSTANT ACCESS TO:

The Spark Your Story Method 5 part Mini-Course

6 Experimental Story Lab workshops with 30+ videos

40 + page Spark Your Story Lab Manual

Resource Library of readings, video recordings +more!

+ 5 BONUSES

* The Spark Your Story Lab Table of Craft Elements

* Guide to Writing with a Partner or Group
* Guide to Polishing + Publishing
* List of 40+ Writing Resources

* A Quick Guide to the Spark Your Story Process

WHO IS THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB FOR?

EMERGING WRITERS

Even if you’ve never started or finished a draft, you aren’t sure where to begin, and you’re afraid you’ll never figure out how to write even one story you feel proud of — this program is for you!

SEASONED WRITERS

If you know what you want to write about but could use some ideas,
inspiration, and techniques to support a more creative and productive longterm writing practice — this program s for you!

MAYBE YOU’RE THINKING . . .

“Isn’t writing a gift or talent very few of us are born with? Can creative writing be taught?”

“I want to write but worry: Will my stories be any good? Will anyone else want to read them?“

"When I start a story, I’m excited until I get stuck! Can a course help me push past blocks?”

WRITER, I GET IT.
I USED TO HAVE THE SAME QUESTIONS.

I came to Nicole's writing program with specific goals in mind; instead, I learned to explore and trust my intuition. Her appreciation of experimentation enabled me to approach topics I had avoided or ignored, value my unique perceptions, build confidence as a writer, and to craft the first essays I have published.

Heather Diamond

After helping countless writers just like you...
I know you can do this.

You just need to know the steps.

Hi, I'm Nicole!

I've been teaching creative nonfiction programs since 2017.

Every week I hear from former students sharing their latest publication acceptance or award nomination!

I knew I could help so many more writers if I brought together everything I've learned about writing creative nonfiction into one program.

That's why I created the Spark Your Story Lab.

I hope you'll join us. I can't wait to read the stories you're ready to tell!

STUDY AT HOME, OR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD,
WHEN IT WORKS FOR YOU!

You can work through the lessons, readings and exercises from anywhere you have Internet access!

Designed for your convenience, this program is completely digital, so you can learn from your couch (or your favourite café!) via our private course portal. Your 12months of access offers flexibility while providing accountability, allowing you to work on your own schedule.

Most writers find a commitment to completing the Spark Your Story Lab within a year provides incentive + a reasonable time frame to work through the materials at their own pace.

What I found most valuable in the Spark Your Story Lab is its focus on process. So much of what I had learned was about craft, but I had no idea how to get out of my own way so I could write.

I love the Lab Manual, a gentle but practical guide to doing the work that needs to happen before, during, and after you write. I've referred to the Revision Checklist on several occasions, and for every story idea, I still follow Nicole's advice: is there a moment of change in this story?

Lacey Yong

LIFE BEFORE THE
SPARK YOUR STORY LAB

* You feel depressed because you don’t know how you’ll ever realize your dreams of being a successful life writer.

* You buy yet another book or sign up for another workshop, but soon lose momentum … it seems you always need another fix to keep writing.

* You avoid working on the stories you most want to tell because you fear the emotional fall out.

* You feel frustrated, unable to shape or refine your drafts, because you can’t identify what’s working — and what you can cut.

* You don’t feel confident in your work, so you don’t share your stories and put off your dreams of publication.

LIFE AFTER
THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB

* You feel excited, with a long list of story ideas and a file of works in progress you can't wait to revise and share.

* You have a framework that supports the writing process - the knowledge, tools and strategies to write more creatively and productively than ever before.

* You're exploring your difficult material with compassion and self-care, using form as a less triggering "side door" into story.

* You feel like the writer you were always meant to be, with clear criteria, direction and skills to shape your stories into art - and you're proud to start to share your work with the world!

Writer, it's never too late to get started.
Why wait another day, week, month or year
to commit to your stories?

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BUY?

ENROLL IN THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB

Click on the registration link on this page to make payment.

OPEN YOUR WELCOME EMAIL

You'll receive log in info and INSTANT ACCESS to the program!

Join the Spark Your Story Lab
+ start writing NOW.

SAVE 30% WITH COUPON CODE: BLACKFRIDAY2022
(offer expires 12/04/22)

I'M READY TO WRITE!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS THERE A REFUND POLICY?

Enrolling in the Spark Your Story Lab is a non-refundable investment in your writing. Please make sure you are ready and fully committed to the experience before you sign up. By purchasing you understand there are absolutely no refunds. If you have any questions about the program before purchasing, email nicole(at)nicolebreit.com

WILL I GET FEEDBACK ON MY WORK?

Writers don't workshop each other's writing in the Spark Your Story Lab nor is there 1:1 instructor feedback. However, the program does include step by step guidance on nurturing your best work, with training on the essential craft tools for short-form memoir writing, a step-by-step re-vision checklist, and a bonus guide to polishing and publishing. The Spark Your Story Lab also offers a guide to working with a partner or group to mutually encourage the development of your best work.

If you're interested in a writing program that includes feedback you might prefer the Spark Your Story Intensive, a 12-week deep dive into experimental creative nonfiction with 1:1 instructor feedback. You can join the waitlist to apply here.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

Your program fee includes 12-months of access to the Spark Your Story Lab. Most writers find one full year to complete the program provides both incentive + a reasonable time frame to work through the materials, absorb the lessons, and complete their projects. How much time you spend on the program each week is up to you.

WHEN DOES THE COURSE BEGIN?

When you enroll in the program you get instant access to all the materials including bonuses. Access to the program is for a 12 month period starting on your enrollment date.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

Spark Your Story Lab is for:

EMERGING WRITERS: Even if you’ve never started or finished a draft, you’re not sure where to begin, and you’re afraid you’ll never figure out how to write even one story, the story lab is for you!

SEASONED WRITERS – If you know what you want to write about but could use some ideas, inspiration, and techniques to support a more creative and productive longterm writing practice, the story lab is for you!

You will LOVE the Spark Your Story Lab if:

WRITER, IF THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR... THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB CAN HELP!

THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB ALSO INCLUDES ACCESS TO:

IMAGINE HOW IT WILL FEEL TO WRITE ONCE YOU LEARN HOW TO:

STARTING NOW WILL HELP YOU:

IS THERE A REFUND POLICY?

WILL I GET FEEDBACK ON MY WORK?

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

WHEN DOES THE COURSE BEGIN?

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT SPARK YOUR STORY?

WRITER, IF THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR...
THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB CAN HELP!

THE SPARK YOUR STORY LAB
ALSO INCLUDES ACCESS TO:

IMAGINE HOW IT WILL FEEL TO WRITE
ONCE YOU LEARN HOW TO: