About The Creative Academy for Writers

How can we help you on your author journey?

Whether you’re whispering “Am I really a writer?” or celebrating “I just published my book!”, you belong here.

Every writer needs:

  • A place to ask questions

  • People who get it

  • Encouragement when motivation wobbles

  • Craft tips, marketing ideas, and business insights

  • Accountability and gentle nudges to keep going

That’s what we do — together.

In the Creative Academy, you’ll find experienced authors cheering you on and a compassionate, collaborative community to walk beside you at every stage.

Nice things writers say about being a member

“Writing Sprints with The Creative Academy have been an engine of my writing practice, that have helped me write the first draft of a novel I LOVE in just under four months.”  ~Shalon Sims

“Crystal is a real force of nature. She is like nineteen writers wrapped together and shaped into the apotheosis of what a great writer should be. Her office hours are the reason I get more things done, faster and with better results.”  ~ Michele Amitrani

“The Creative Academy writing sprints have been the best thing for my writing career. I show up, sit down, and put words to the page. There is no waiting for inspiration, no procrastination (e.g., “maybe I’ll wash the cat first”). The other amazing thing about the writing sprints is I never feel alone as a writer. The last year has been my most productive ever!”  ~Jenny Lang

“The Creative Academy’s Mastermind sessions keep me sane in the insane world of being a writer and spending most of my time alone creating imaginary worlds and imaginary people. These sessions are so helpful in fostering a safe and supportive space to connect with other creatives and to discuss the unique issues we share.”  ~Natasha Pow

“It’s hard to say where I’ve found the most value because there is so much here: writing craft mentorship with the talented Eileen Cook; tools, techniques and best practices for your entire publishing journey with the multi-talented and uber-organized Crystal Hunt; motivation and coaching for every bump in the road with the inspiring and insightful Donna Barker. I love this group!”  ~ MaryAnn Clark

Our doors are open. Come on in. ✨

Our mission is simple: to make sure every writer has the support, community, and resources they need to thrive — in the joyful seasons and the challenging ones. We believe every story matters, including yours.

Access shouldn’t depend on your budget

We feel strongly that your ability to grow as a writer shouldn’t be limited by your finances.

That’s why we operate on a Pay What You Can model.

You get full access from day one — writing rooms, workshops, community, encouragement, and guidance.
Then, when you’ve had a chance to settle in, you can choose to contribute in whatever way feels right for you — financially or otherwise — in a way that suits your life and your budget.

Presence first. Payment only if and when it fits.
Because community is built by showing up, not by transactions.

Members areas and resources

Joining the Creative Academy is like having a writer’s conference at your fingertips whenever you need it:

  • Daily writing rooms

  • Craft workshops

  • Publishing + marketing guidance

  • Supportive peers and mentors

  • Tools, resources, and inspiration

And unlike a conference, you can show up in your cozy socks, with coffee in hand, and zero judgment.

This is your creative home — warm, welcoming, and waiting for you.

Members Only Community

Ask any question, anytime in our online community and get answers from peers who are a step or two ahead of you.

Celebrate Your Success

Celebrate your writing successes with people who understand how big a deal it is to finish your scrappy rough draft, or to hit ‘Send’ on your first agent query, or to final in a contest… Share your excitement, your relief, and yeah, book links, too!

Workshop Wednesdays

Join us for Workshop Wednesdays. Members also get access to our library of over 100 previous sessions.

Quarterly Online Planning Retreats

Attend our quarterly, half-day, ’12 Week Year’ planning retreat and leave with the tools and mindset to make working on your book or building your author business a priority in your life. Also get access to previous retreats in our library.

Writing Sprints

Our virtual writing room is a space where writers come together to write and edit. It’s always open (yes, ALWAYS) and we have scheduled sprints throughout the week.

Free Resources

Get to know us by downloading our free worksheets and templates for writers and by watching a few of the conversations we’ve had with authors and industry professionals. 

Motivation & Accountability Mastermind

Troubleshoot writing challenges & set weekly goals in a small group of writers who know what you’re going through. Never recorded so everyone feels comfortable. 

Convos with Publishing Pros

Conversations with authors and publishing professionals on topic areas from motivation to craft to indie publishing to author websites. Like a writer’s summit with free, lifetime access!

Our Founders

Donna Barker is a career, technical ghost-writer and workshop presenter. At age forty she decided she’d like to be a published author and after ten years of arguing with her inner critic, she achieved that goal.

Now she works with other writers to pick up the pace on their own paths to publication and to finish the books they’ve been thinking, dreaming and talking about for years.

Eileen Cook is a multi-published author with her novels appearing in eight different languages and several have been optioned for film and TV.

She is a writing instructor/mentor and is a popular conference speaker.

Eileen enjoys spending time with her imaginary friends and helping other writers reach their writing goals.

Crystal Hunt is a health psychologist, and the author of 30+ books for readers of all ages in various genres including: children’s books, and non-fiction books on writing, publishing and health and wellness. She also writes contemporary romance as CJ Hunt.

She’s a frequent conference presenter and loves living life at the intersection of stories and technology.

Stephanie Candiago is a publishing consultant who offers support services for authors. She works with writers at all stages of their journey, offering help with everything from file organization through to marketing and promotion.

Stephanie loves helping writers get excited about all things publishing while they share their words with the world.