CONSTELLATIONS CLASSES

Listings reflect the current enrollment standing
and are listed in order of start date .

Click the ENROLL button to add a course to your cart,
check out, and secure your seat.

The Ramble Fantastic

CURRENTLY UNDERWAY —
remaining weeks are STILL OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

5 MEETINGS IN 7 WEEKS
Wednesdays, April 24 -June 5, 2024 (no class May 1 or May 8)
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom

$100

  • This course is a hybrid of Intuitive and Creative Writing. There are no prerequisites other than a willing spirit. Just jump in as you are and let the magic unfold (it always does).

    A little bit Intuitive — Prompts are geared to draw out personal reflection and write in your “I think, I feel, I remember” voice. But instead of the brain science and highly directed exercises of our Intuitive Writing classes, here you are free to simply run with your own stream of consciousness writing.

    A little bit Creative — With your rambling voice in motion, we will play with some nudges to explore nearby paths and find new connections, and play with some formatting to find cool new ways to say what you’re saying. This is a safe space to dance as awkwardly as you’d like with your inner daydreamer, humorist, darkness, poet, memoirist, fictionalist, or wordsmith.

    Time to Ramble —To encourage exploration, you’ll have opportunities to move beyond our usual 3-8 minute sprints and write for 10-15 minutes at a time.

    Classes always include time to say the magic Constellations words: “Listen to this, it’s fantastic!” Though it is never required, reading your raw and unpolished work - with no critiquing or editing - strengthens both your own writing voice and the camaraderie of writing in community together.

    Exercise prompts and formats are continually rotated and added to, so that you can repeat this course on an ongoing basis.

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Writing Alone Together

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

5 MEETINGS IN 6 MONTHS
January - June, 2024
Last Sunday of (almost) each month
7:00-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom

$15 for a full 6 month subscription

  • The majority of writers are introverts by nature, but that doesn’t mean we want complete isolation. The practice of Writing Alone Together strikes a quiet balance for us, among people who get it.

    Many of us have a hard time holding ourselves accountable for writing time. Life is hectic and we’re tapped out, we let writing slide, then wish we hadn’t. This is a perfect low-impact way to schedule time for your own practice.

    We will…
    1 — Take a quick few minutes to do “hello, my name is” introductions.
    2 — Turn off our Zoom microphones, but leave our cameras on so that we all remain present together, and write solo for a solid 45 minutes (you can take short breaks at your leisure).
    3 — Wrap up with time to read an excerpt of your writing (if you wish) and share encouraging feedback.

    This is a NO PROMPTS AND NO DIRECTIONS situation. You can work on a piece you already have in progress, dive into something you’ve been meaning to explore but haven’t yet, or wing it with any arbitrary thing that pops into your mind in the moment.

  • We will Write Alone Together on the last Sunday evening of NEARLY every month for the first six months of 2024.

    It is inevitable that there will be scheduling conflicts over the course of six months, but we will do our best to make this fly as consistently as possible. See the currently known calendar info below.

    This is a SUBSCRIPTION OFFERING, the only one of its kind with Constellations. Because it isn’t a traditional course, the enrollment fee is minimal, just enough to cover admin costs. The blanket enrollment fee is $15 for January through June 2024, regardless of how early or late in the series you enroll, and regardless of how many times you attend. Please note: this subscription is not eligible for any discount codes.

    Scheduling considerations that are currently known:

    — January 28: WAT starts directly after the in-person Letter Writing Workshop, which you may be attending. You’ll have just enough time to buzz home to your Zoom screen.

    — March 31: NO MEETING on Easter Sunday. This is the only month that is a known “no go” up front.

    — May 26: This is Memorial Weekend. The show will go on here, just be aware if you have other plans.

    There may be a random month along the way where Tammy will be traveling or dealing with an emergency at home. At best, a Zoom guest host will be able to fill in; at worst we will be forced to miss a meeting. Please build this “one person show” reality into your expectations, understanding, and cost decision — thank you!

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JUNE IS “A LA CARTE” MONTH

ALL CLASSES ARE SINGLE SESSIONS —
GRAB YOURSELF A WEE SNACK OR BUILD YOURSELF A LARGE MEAL

Recess in the Real World

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

SINGLE MEETING WORKSHOP
Sunday, June 2, 2024
4:00-6:30 pm CT
IN PERSON
at Tammy’s house in Minneapolis
(4 miles northwest of downtown)

$25

  • We don’t do classes in person often, but when we do, it always feels a bit like running around on the playground with friends. Our collective energy makes our creativity move in new directions when we interact off-screen.

    This workshop is a chance to do hands-on exercises that we can’t do via zoom.

    Like a Better Together class, exercises will be open ended enough for you to write in any format you want, whether reflective “I” pieces, fiction, poetry, humor, or anything else.

    Open to all writing levels and styles.

    Bring a friend! This format’s open play vibe is a great opportunity to introduce a friend to your writing world.

    PLEASE BRING your own beverage and your notebook/paper of choice. The same as you would to any other classroom.

    Exercise prompts and formats are continually rotated and added to, so that you can repeat this course on an ongoing basis.

  • We will meet at Tammy’s house in Minneapolis, 4 miles northwest of downtown. We have been unsuccessful at finding a public meeting space that doesn’t require a stiff hike in your enrollment fee, so we’re keeping it simple.

    You will receive the exact address after enrolling.

    PLEASE BRING your own beverage and your notebook/paper of choice. The same as you would to any other classroom.

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Messing Around

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

SINGLE MEETING
Sunday, June 9, 2024
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom

$10

  • Constellations student Ella Wilson is hosting this class that isn’t a class but more of an… experiment, we’ve decided.

    This idea came about with a burst of humor. Ella said, “I’m writing a decidedly UNserious book for fun, and there’s a part that really requires a sex scene. I don’t know how to do this. I need a class.” I froze like a deer in headlights and whelped, “Don’t look at me!” Everyone else whelped, too, saying “Not it!”

    I invited Ella to take this on as a workshop host, and she is going for it. She will supply us with context, examples, and writing prompts.

    We are offering this with the understanding that no one here is qualified to actually teach this subject. 😂 Our motivation is to write together in a space where we can be as awkward and belly-floppy as we want, all in the name of good fun and creativity.

    Ella says:
    — Title it “Messing Around with Smut” (insert laughter).
    — I won’t be able to function if people arrive serious and expecting to become masters of the art of writing sex scenes (insert more laughter).
    — Whatever it turns out to be, it will be… interesting.

    We both say:
    — Because we don’t have the experience and knowledge to actually teach you how to write in this genre, we aren’t pricing it as a class. Ten bucks will cover the admin costs. That’ll do.

    But wait, there’s more! In a twist out of nowhere, we discovered that June 9th is National Sex Day. For real. We said, “Well, looks like we just scheduled that.”

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Better Together Lite

• June 13

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

SINGLE MEETING
Thursday, June 13, 2024
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom

$20

  • This version of Better Together holds all the benefits of writing in community with others, but with less direction than the regular version.

    Like the original Better Together…

    We write from prompts that span a wide arc of themes and are open to interpretation.

    You can write in any format, whether that’s reflective “I” pieces, fiction, memoir, poetry, or humor. Embrace your sunshine or unleash your darkness. Anything goes.

    We write a bit, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share supportive feedback, but do not edit or critique.

    We have discussions to share ideas and resources, and along the way we learn from pieces by published authors.

    What makes the LITE version different…

    Instead of working with format blueprints and wording exercises, this version is 100% free writing. You simply take the prompt and run with it in your own way.

    This simplicity means we have time for more… more prompts, more writing time, more sharing, and more freedom overall.

    Open to all writing levels, whether first timers or experienced sages.

    Prompts are continually updated, so that you can repeat this course on an ongoing basis.

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Bring a Buddy

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

SINGLE MEETING
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom

$20

  • Is there a non-writer in your life who is curious about how your classes and process work? Bring them to this single session at no extra charge.

    We will write in a Better Together format, but a little more casually than usual, to create space for our guest buddies to participate if they wish.

    Guests can choose to quietly observe, ask questions, or try their hand at putting pen to paper themselves. Some may even be inspired to read something they wrote (insert cheering sounds here).

    The standard enrollment fee for yourself includes an invisible buddy pass for your guest at no extra charge. If they aren’t physically with you at the time, just share the class zoom code with them.

    The 2-for-1 discount will be offset by the fact that we will be winging it at times, depending on the level of engagement from our guests. When they have questions, you’ll have answers, and you’ll be a bit of a teacher by default.

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Embracing the Darkness

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

SINGLE MEETING
Sunday, June 23, 2024
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom

$20

  • Yes, we all have a dark streak, we are human. Creative people know that what some label as “negative” is actually rich soil for compassion and growth.

    When this class was initially developed, we all expected we would channel our inner Stephen Kings. That did happen, but writings also bubbled into humor, and just as often became a deeply compassionate response to the vulnerability and resilience of the human spirit. This class has turned out to be a favorite because it generates such depth and breadth.

    We write from prompts that are open to interpretation and imagination. In a series of short exercises, you will be be free to write in any format or style you choose. We write a bit, read our writing a bit (if you wish), and chatter to share support and new ideas. As with all Constellations classes, we explore and enjoy, but do not edit or critique.

    Open to all writing levels, whether first timers or experienced sages.

    Exercise prompts and formats are continually rotated and added to, so that you can repeat this course on an ongoing basis.

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Better Together Lite

• June 27

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

SINGLE MEETING
Thursday, June 27, 2024
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom

$20

  • This version of Better Together holds all the benefits of writing in community with others, but with less direction than the regular version.

    Like the original Better Together…

    We write from prompts that span a wide arc of themes and are open to interpretation.

    You can write in any format, whether that’s reflective “I” pieces, fiction, memoir, poetry, or humor. Embrace your sunshine or unleash your darkness. Anything goes.

    We write a bit, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share supportive feedback, but do not edit or critique.

    We have discussions to share ideas and resources, and along the way we learn from pieces by published authors.

    What makes the LITE version different…

    Instead of working with format blueprints and wording exercises, this version is 100% free writing. You simply take the prompt and run with it in your own way.

    This simplicity means we have time for more… more prompts, more writing time, more sharing, and more freedom overall.

    Open to all writing levels, whether first timers or experienced sages.

    Prompts are continually updated, so that you can repeat this course on an ongoing basis.

Enroll (add to cart)

Summer Sampler

CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

6 MEETINGS IN 6 WEEKS
Thursdays, July 11 - August 15, 2024
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Weeks 1-5 meet online via Zoom,
Week 6 meets in person in Minneapolis.

$120

  • Explore a variety of formats and subjects in a six week window. Browse our class listings to find descriptions of each course by name.

    The first five weeks are our conventional class format via Zoom. On the sixth week, we gather in person to read our writing and applaud one another IRL.

    Each week we will sample a different Constellations class:

    1 - Better Together
    2 - The Ramble Fantastic
    3 - Embracing the Darkness
    4 - Of a Certain Age (applicable to all ages)
    5 - Writing Alone Together… with a twist. Unlike the original WAT class, this one includes incremental prompts and discussion to keep your creative mind moving. But the focus will remain on writing time, rather than reading, giving you time to forge something you’ll be excited to share at the final gathering.
    6 - IN PERSON reading, casual roundtable style. A beverage bar will be provided.

    Open to all writing levels, from first-timers to sages.

    If you are a distance student and can’t commute to the final week in Minneapolis, you will be able to Zoom in.

    Exercise prompts and formats are continually rotated and added to, for those who have taken any of these classes with us before.

  • Weeks 1-5 meet online via Zoom.

    Week 6 meets in person at Tammy’s house in Minneapolis, 4 miles northwest of downtown. We have been unsuccessful at finding a public meeting space that doesn’t require a stiff hike in your enrollment fee, so we’re keeping it simple.

    You will receive the exact address after enrolling.

Enroll (add to cart)

Intuitive Writing 1

REGISTRATION OPENS (on or about) AUGUST 30

6 MEETINGS IN 6 WEEKS
Wednesdays, October 16 - November 20, 2024
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom

$79 expected fee through Minneapolis Community Education

NOTE: This Constellations course is hosted by Minneapolis Community Education. It may show here as sold out because enrollment happens through the school district, not through Constellations. The button here will direct you to the MCE website.

  • Weekly materials cover the neuroscience of how our brains store and process information, and how the act of writing changes our interaction with ourselves more than any other modality can.

    This class uses writing as a vehicle rather than a destination. Exercises will guide you as you write your way through your own inner terrain. You will learn to let go and make a glorious mess on your paper as you have conversations with yourself.

    Instead of leaving class with honed and polished writing, you will leave with writing you can look back on later to identify the insights and connections that surfaced while you were rambling.

    Intuitive Writing gives you a better understanding of your mind, increased confidence to listen to and trust yourself, and new tools to build on your natural strengths and work through your resistance points.

    Open to all writing levels, whether first timers or experienced sages.

Better Together

PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES

PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR

  • This is the ultimate freewheeling creative writing course. We are here for the joy of exploration, and for the sparks of inspiration that ignite when everyone’s creativity energy bounces around the room together.

    There is no cohesive theme or direction to this class. Prompts span a wide arc and are always open to your own direction and writing style. You are free to write reflective “I” pieces, fiction, memoir, poetry, humor… anything goes.

    We try on a variety of writing formats for size (one size does not fit all!) and play with exercises to help you find cool new ways to say what you’re saying.

    We write a bit, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share supportive feedback, but do not edit or critique.

    We have discussions to share ideas and resources, and along the way we learn from pieces by published authors.

    Open to all writing levels, whether first timers or experienced sages.

    Exercise prompts and formats are continually rotated and added to, so that you can repeat this course on an ongoing basis.

Of A Certain Age

PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
(usually) 5MEETINGS IN 5 WEEKS

PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR

  • As we roll and fumble through life, we gain wisdom and perspective.  We break and heal, conquer and let go, learn and unlearn. We fall down seven times and stand up eight, and we become more secure with who we are. We stand in awe, shake in rage, roar with laughter… and eventually we get replacement knees and go to bed early.

    This is a class built to explore the grace, gravity, and humor of your own journey. Writing prompts and samples of published works will serve as a springboard, and you will have time to write, read your writing (if you wish), and share in discussions without editing or critiquing.

    Open to all writing levels, including first-timers.
    Open to all ages because every age is a “certain” one, filled with experiences to contribute, and we can all learn from one another.

    Exercise prompts and formats are continually rotated and added to, so that you can repeat this course on an ongoing basis.

Intuitive Writing 2

PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES

PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR

  • For those who have taken Intuitive Writing 1, Intuitive 2 and 3 are continuations of “the deep end of the pool” where Intuitive 1 ends. Iterations 2 and 3 are the same levels of practice, just using different prompts so that the material isn’t exacting repetition. If you need any clarification, email me at tammy@constellations-writing.com.

    With Intuitive 1 skills already in your knowledge bank, you are free to jump back into the deep end of the pool and enjoy more swimming.

    We will do some refresher exercises to get you back into the swing of things after some time away. Then we’ll mix in some tweaks to exercises you know, some new exercises, and your own ever-evolving life experiences. Put them all together and you will keep your practice fresh.

Intuitive Writing 3

PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES

PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR

  • For those who have taken Intuitive Writing 1, Intuitive 2 and 3 are continuations of “the deep end of the pool” where Intuitive 1 ends. Iterations 2 and 3 are the same levels of practice, just using different prompts so that the material isn’t exacting repetition. If you need any clarification, email me at tammy@constellations-writing.com.

    With Intuitive 1 skills already in your knowledge bank, you are free to jump back into the deep end of the pool and enjoy more swimming.

    We will do some refresher exercises to get you back into the swing of things after some time away. Then we’ll mix in some tweaks to exercises you know, some new exercises, and your own ever-evolving life experiences. Put them all together and you will keep your practice fresh.

Happy to Be Sassy

PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES

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  • You are kind and lovely and a joy to all. With all this goodness and generosity you are giving, where do you put your snark?

    Here you have it, a safe space to be playful and have innocent fun on the page. Let loose, blow off some steam, and capture some of the rejuvenation you need to keep on keepin’ on in polite society.

    Plan to laugh and take nothing seriously. Plan on memes. Plan on FUN!

    Open to all writing levels, whether first timers or experienced sages.

    Exercise prompts and formats are continually rotated and added to, so that you can repeat this course on an ongoing basis.

Letter Writing

PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES

PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR

  • LETTER WRITING: The Overlooked Art of Personal Connection.

    Every day we “fire off” emails and “shoot” texts, all at a fast pace and while multitasking. It is increasingly rare to sit quietly, connect with our thoughts and feelings for someone, and let our pen speak to them personally.

    Rather than telling you directly how to write a letter, we will explore a variety of examples and do some writing exercises that help us understand there is no “how to.” Letters are personal creations and are as unique as you are.

    Shannon Niemeyer, friend and student, will be the lead in this co-hosted event. Shannon is a collector of… well, everything… including old postcards and stationery, and the lasting ways that personal letters express and honor relationships.

    We will talk about types of personal letters: postcards, family holiday newsletters, notes of appreciation and love, and sometimes the things we don’t know how to say verbally in person.

    The goal is to help you find what ignites meaning for you, and how you would like to gift someone else through the magic of your own handwriting.

    What to bring:
    — A notebook and pen for writing exercises.
    — A letter you have saved for its meaning to you, if you have one you want to share as an example.
    — Your own cards or stationery, or you can select something from Shannon’s vintage collection (leave her a couple bucks in cash as a materials fee if you wish).

Holiday Decompression

PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
(usually) A SINGLE-MEETING WORKSHOP
at the close of a holiday weekend

PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR

  • Whether holidays are chaotic or quiet for you, whether peaceful or stressful, they are generally “too” something for us.

    Writing is a perfect way to unwind from the overload, take a step back, and give yourself a couple of hours in a different headspace.

    Join us for a “reset” as you transition out of a holiday mindset and back into your regular home and work routines.

    Open to all writing levels, whether first timers or experienced sages.

    Exercise prompts and formats are continually rotated and added to, so that you can repeat this course on an ongoing basis.