About The Creative Academy for Writers
How can we help you on your author journey?
No matter where you are on the continuum from “Am I really a writer?” to “I’m a published author!”, everyone needs a trusted ear to bounce an idea off or support to put butt back in chair when motivation takes a vacation.
That’s what you get in the Creative Academy—experienced author support and a peer cheering team at every stage of your writing to publishing journey.
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 primary goal? Make sure all writers have the supportive community and resources that they need to thrive—in good times and challenging ones—and we believe that everyone’s story deserves to be told.
We feel very strongly that your access to what you need to live your dreams should not depend on your budget.
We have a “pay what you can” policy, which means that everyone gets access to everything for free. After you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll be able to choose to make a contribution to the community in whatever way feels like a good fit for you, in a way that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Members areas and resources
Joining The Creative Academy community is like having a writer’s conference available to you exactly when you need all the things we writers get from being around other writers—from the emotional support to the craft tips to the business advice—it’s all here for you, today and every day. And better than a conference: you can attend all the sessions in your comfiest PJs and nobody will judge 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!
Crafty Happy Hour
Join Eileen live in the zoom room to discuss topics related to the craft of writing. Submit your questions or come to hear what other writers are asking. Members get access to our library of about 100 previous Happy Hour sessions.
Author Strategy Sessions
Need some help with branding, reader relationships, indie publishing, marketing or promotion? All the topics that require you to be strategic, to be a successful author, are covered in live MasterClass sessions with Crystal and Stephanie.
Blue Pencil Feedback
You submit your pages. Eileen and crew give their feedback. Videos are posted by genre in our Members Only library so you can learn from other writers’ examples.
Writers as Readers Bookclub
Each month, we choose a popular book to discuss as a reader with a writer’s frame of reference. We look beyond the story to structure, voice, and all the things that most readers don’t think about. Candid discussions, always respectful, never recorded.
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. Facilitated by Donna.
'Just One Thing' Masterclasses
Once a month, Crystal leads a focussed, virtual workshop in an area related to productivity for writers, and leveling up your author business. These are hands-on, do your homework sessions that will give you the tools and direction to plan your writing and publishing time for the month ahead.
Red Pencil Feedback
You submit your query letter, book blurb or synopsis for feedback from Eileen and other members. They help you put your best foot forward with agents, publishers and readers.
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!
Deals & Coupons
From planning tools (Scapple, Aeon Timeline) to writing tools (Scrivener, ProWritingAid) to indie publishing tools (Reader Links, Ingram Spark) to promo tools (Bookfunnel, Booksweeps) we’ve partnered with some of our favourite tools and services to get our members special discounts.
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 is on the board of the Surrey International Writers’ Conference. She enjoys teaching, helping others not be afraid of technology and working in the world of stories.