A yearlong intensive program to help you get that book out of you and - quite possibly - into the world. 

Anyone who has a text-based book (novel, nonfiction, memoir, essays, short story collection, etc) stuck and wants to get it out. Whether you’ve published many books or struggle to write your first, PARAKEET is for that book that needs to get out of you.

• Twice monthly workshops and gatherings led by Beth Pickens.

• An idividual consultation with Beth Pickens in the first 10 weeks of the program.

• A mid-year reflection meeting with Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs.

• A cohort of writers.

• An accountability writing partner.

• An optional writing group (all Parakeeters must be in a writing group, inside or outside of the program.)

• Monthly wordcount deadlines and reading goals.

• Support, structure, and insight into why it’s so hard to write this fucking book while you finish it.

• Professional development and instruction on residencies, grants, writing workshops, agents, and publishers.

PARAKEET staff do not provide creative nor editorial feedback. We do not review manuscripts. Instead, you will be in a writing group of your own design or be assigned to one so that you have a community to support the craft. PARAKEET will get you to do the writing. PARAKEET staff and community will recommend classes, teachers, writers, and books that can strengthen the writing. What makes your writing better? Reading and lots and lots of writing.

This is a secret that only writers who finish PARAKEET will learn at the end of year closing ritual. 

Parakeet is $3000 for the year ($250/month) - and an early bird discount of $150 if paid before December 15. Part of the program’s design is commitment so PARAKEET must be paid for at the outset.  

From time to time, you will want to quit. This is normal. The payment is nonrefundable, which will incentivize you to stick with it. You will have a community of writers and many tools to help you ride out the discomfort, fear, avoidance, distraction, and de-prioritizing of writing that writers grapple with. This is all part of it and we’ll help you through the moments when you want to give up.

PARAKEET meets on Mondays in 2024 (all times PST)

11 am - small group 1 gathering - check-ins, trouble-shooting, strategic support

4 pm - large group workshop*

5:30 pm - small group 2 gathering - check-ins, trouble-shooting, strategic support

*recorded but please try to attend on zoom! 

1/8/24

2/5/24

3/4/24

4/1/24

5/6/24

6/3/24

7/8/24

8/5/24

9/9/24

10/7/24

11/4/24

12/2/24

We’re forming a very intimate cohort for our first round of the program. The questionnaire helps us understand a little bit about you and your intended project. Notifications will be sent out no later than Decmber 21.