Crafttrack
Back in 2017, a group of working journalists got tired of seeing people struggle with the same writing issues we'd already solved through years of trial and error. We figured we could save folks some time.
Now we run flexible online sessions where you can learn to write clearly under pressure. Some people prefer working through problems in groups. Others want individual feedback. Both work.
Three journalists ran weekend workshops in Lanoraie. We covered basic news structure and interview techniques. People kept asking when the next session would be.
Commuting didn't make sense for most people. We shifted to video sessions and found the format worked better for detailed editing feedback anyway.
Some students had specific beats they were covering. We started offering one-on-one sessions alongside group workshops to address specialized needs.
We focus on skills that matter when you're working on deadline or trying to make complicated information clear. No theory for theory's sake.
Weekly video workshops where 6-8 people work through real writing problems together. You'll review actual pieces, get multiple perspectives on structure issues, and see how different approaches handle the same challenge.
Sessions run 90 minutes. You bring a draft or a story idea that's giving you trouble. Everyone contributes feedback based on what they've learned works.
One-on-one sessions where we dig into whatever writing issue you're facing. Could be interview techniques for a particular beat, developing a clearer voice for opinion pieces, or tightening your editing process.
You schedule 60-minute blocks when you need them. We work directly on your material with detailed line edits and structural suggestions specific to your goals.
Between sessions, you can submit drafts for written review. We mark up your work with specific notes on what's unclear, where the structure breaks down, and which sections need tightening.
Turnaround is usually 48 hours. You get the marked document back with concrete suggestions, not general encouragement.
You track improvement through your submitted work. We keep samples from your first submissions and compare them to later drafts so you can see what's changed in your writing.
Every four weeks, you get a summary of patterns we've noticed in your work — recurring issues that need attention and areas where you've made clear progress.
We're journalists who moved into teaching after spending years covering various beats. We know what it takes to write under pressure because we still do it.
Lead Instructor, News Writing
Spent twelve years covering municipal politics and investigative pieces for regional papers. Moved into education in 2018 after realizing I was explaining the same reporting techniques to newer journalists over and over.
I focus on structure under deadline pressure and getting quotes that actually advance the story. Most sessions involve tearing apart leads until they work.
Senior Instructor, Feature Writing
Worked as a magazine writer and editor for fifteen years before joining this program. Specialized in long-form profiles and explanatory journalism about technical subjects.
I teach narrative structure and how to make complex information accessible without dumbing it down. My sessions tend to focus on pacing and knowing when to cut.
Group sessions start every month. Individual coaching slots are available within a week of inquiry. Both options include draft review between sessions.