Classes - Cate Berry

Writing Workshops with Cate

Join author Cate Berry as she leads small, generative writing workshops for young people. Each week, we explore a new theme and craft element. Community and trust are the highest priority. Students continue workshop on a month-to-month basis, re-enrollment is not mandatory. Workshop is in person in a beautiful Austin tree house studio.

Cost: $220/4 classes

Rolling enrollment. Contact to add a group!

Current class: 9th/11th graders: Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 PM [ONE SPOT OPEN]

NEW HIGH SCHOOL CLASS: Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 [SIX SPOTS OPEN]

NEW CLASS 5TH/6TH GRADE: Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 PM [Note: this may be tweaked/adjusted according to the group]

Private Mentorships and Critiques:

[As of 9/2022 Cate is booked with private mentorships and critiques]

Come study with me privately! This is my favorite way to work with students. I’d love to talk with you about your goals, passions and challenges on your writing journey so far. Each student will discuss and develop an individualized monthly plan of study with a three month commitment. Hard working and dedicated students wishing to take their work to the next level are encouraged apply. Email me directly for pricing.

Each month will include [this is a general guideline, can be adjusted for each student]:

Rigorous reading and analysis of picture books with comments and feedback

Daily exercises based on the individuals needs per Cate’s assessment

3-4 new or revised Picture Books for critique

Individual student study TBD after first consultation

Monthly phone call

Individual Critiques:

If you’re looking for help on a particular manuscript, I offer individual one time critiques for $150-$200 depending on length and follow up. I adore helping others with their stories at any stage of the process. Email me directly through my contact page for the fastest response.

Testimonials

Humor Classes:

It’s no joke when I say Cate Berry’s humorous picture book class changed my writing life. With lessons combining classic craft techniques, current industry trends, professional comedy writing tricks, and insightful manuscript critiques, Cate taught us the first critical steps in building picture books that will tickle the funny bones of child and adult readers alike. Any future class she teaches, count me in! —Angele McQuade, author

If you write humorous stories, but struggle to find that right word, I recommend checking out Cate Berry’s class. She’ll help you understand how humor works and to discover your funny voice—the one uniquely yours. Plus, Cate’s lessons can help spark a ton of new work. In the six weeks of her course—thanks to Cate’s recommended readings, presentations, and writing prompts—I found my humor writing groove and produced four (count ’em—FOUR!!) solid new drafts! —Carrie Karnes Fannin

Private Mentorships:

Cate draws from her vast MFA knowledge of craft, as well as the business of publishing. She uses a variety of learning tools and techniques which teach Mentees all aspects of the pb manuscript process. Working with Cate has allowed me to deliver submission-ready work to my agent, recognize how to fix my own work, unleash my creative juices and make my manuscrips sing! Cate is a delight and she truly loves working with and teaching mentees. —Kris Kuykendall, private mentee

In my three-month private mentorship, Cate helped improve my foundations by teaching me how to deeply analyze published picture books, develop a regular writing routine and show me places in my manuscripts where I could go deeper emotionally to make the stories stronger. Cate offered guidance about the querying trenches and publishing in general. I found Cate to be knowledgeable, compassionate, and fun. Her teaching background is a great asset to mentoring. However, what meant most to me about our time together was her support and encouragement. Having someone in my corner to cheer me on continues to inspire me on this difficult publishing journey. —Jennifer Raudenbush, Writing with the Stars Mentee

Individual Critiques:

I’ve gotten critiques from several other mentors and teachers, but Cate’s sense of humor, her knowledge of current kid lit titles, and her enthusiasm for helping her students make her a superstar. Her critiques are thorough and well thought out, helping move me closer to a polished manuscript and keeping me energized about my story and the revision process. I highly recommend working with her! —Susan Taylor Johnson

Writing Classes/Presentations:

Writing Workshops with Cate

Private Mentorships and Critiques:

Testimonials