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.
Writing Alone Together
CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
6 MEETINGS IN 6 MONTHS
The last Sunday of each month,
January – June 2025
6:30 – roughly 8:00/8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom
$40 for the full 6 month series
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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, we let writing slide, then wish we hadn’t. This is a perfect low-impact way to schedule time for your own practice.
This is a NO PROMPTS & NO DIRECTION 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…
1) Take a few minutes to chat about our process and step into our writing minds.
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 a short break at your leisure).
3) Wrap up with time to read an excerpt of your writing if you wish, and share encouraging feedback. End time will be 8:00/8:30, determined by discussion energy. -
Because your writing here is self-directed, the cost is only $40 for all six meetings in six months, regardless of:
– how early or late in the series you enroll,
– how many sessions you attend,
– the risk that we may need to cancel a session (see below).Our calendar, hopefully with no interruption:
– January 26
– February 23
– March 30
– April 27
– May 25 (Memorial Day weekend)
– June 29There may be a random month 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!
Embracing the Darkness
THIS MULTI-WEEK CLASS HAS FILLED.
IN FACT, TWO OF THEM FILLED.
SORRY, THERE IS NO FURTHER WAITLIST AVAILABLE.
5 MEETINGS IN 5 WEEKS
Tuesdays, January 21 - February 18, 2025
–OR–
Thursdays, January 23 – February 20, 2025
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom
This class is hosted by Minneapolis Community Education.
The button here will direct you to their website for enrollment through the school district. The link will be updated from the general program page to the specific class page when it becomes available in early January.
$65
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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 course 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, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share supportive feedback, 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.
Embracing the Darkness
OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
SINGLE SESSION WORKSHOP
SINGLE SESSION
Friday, January 31, 2025
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom.
$20
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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 course 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, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share supportive feedback, 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.
Anything but Football
OPEN FOR FREE REGISTRATION
SINGLE SESSION
Sunday, February 9, 2025
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom.
NO COST TO REGISTER! CHEERS!
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Do you want to escape Super Bowl Sunday? Come write instead! We will follow a Better Together Lite format (full description below) for lots of writing time and freedom of approach.
Now hold onto your helmets, players... in honor of the special distaste I harbor for football personally, I'm gonna "be the change I wish to see in this world." No power fever and no $5,000 ticket prices here. Here we are all equals and this game is free.
Pop this course in your cart and check out at no charge, to get yourself on the Zoom code list.
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A COPY OF THE BETTER TOGETHER LITE COURSE DESCRIPTION:
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 shadows. Anything goes.
We write a bit, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share discussion and supportive feedback, but do not edit or critique.
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.
Accessible Poetry
OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
SINGLE SESSION
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom.
$20
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This course does not care if you know a sonnet from a villanelle, Thoreau from Poe, or traditional poetry from a hole in the ground.
Instead, we are here to play with accessible things. Working with everyday language and themes, we will explore examples of contemporary published poets, do some brainstorming, and puzzle our thoughts into some plug-n-play formats that utilize restriction to create growth. We will move with loose expectations and no self-criticism, only freedom to enjoy the process and see what comes.
As with any form of writing, poetry doesn't have subject limitations. You are free to write from truth or fiction, heartfelt reflection or playful humor, beauty or harshness.
We write a bit, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share supportive feedback, 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.
Sprinting Marathon
OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
SINGLE SESSION
Sunday, February 16, 2025
6:30-8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom.
$20
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What are writing sprints? You receive a random word or phrase as a prompt, and you have only 2 or 3 minutes to write anything that comes to mind. Then here comes the next random prompt and you dive into that one.
Sprints allow you to fill your page with raw writing that is richly and wildly creative in its spontaneity.
They help you loosen up, find your own fringe ideas and connections, and generate material you can then transfer to more thoughtful writing.
They also help quiet your Inner Critic. The quick pace squeezes out the overthinking, second guessing, and judgment your Inner Critic depends on.
This workshop is a blitz of open prompts, not formatted exercises. There are pauses for stretching your hand and sharing your writing (if you wish) — but the primary focus is to write with abandon.
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.
Writing Happy Hour
OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
SINGLE SESSION
Friday, February 28, 2025
6:00-7:3:30 pm CT
MEETS IN PERSON
at Utepils Brewery in Minneapolis
$15
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Who gathers to write, class style, at a taproom? We do!
Writing together in person 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.
Bring your pen and notebook to Utepils and enjoy hands-on exercises that can’t be done over Zoom, plus free-writing prompts as time allows.
Note that our writing time is 6:00-7:30, which is a bit earlier than our usual. And we will write for 1.5 hours instead of 2, so we have time to socialize, too. Writers not only make good classmates, they also make good friends!
Lots of non-alcohol drink options are available, and there is a food truck on site most days (usually 4:00-8:00).
Invite a friend to enroll, too! This format’s open play vibe is a great opportunity for someone to experience your writing world for themselves.
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 Happy Hour on an ongoing basis.
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Utepils Brewing
(pronounced “OOT-eh-pills”)225 Thomas Ave North
Minneapolis 55405Utepils is centrally located at the “zero” mark between north and south Minneapolis on Glenwood Ave. It is 2 miles west of Target Field downtown, midway between I-94 and Hwy 100 (1.5 miles in either direction).
From Glenwood Ave, you'll see the crumbling silo-thingees of the old Glenwood-Inglewood water plant. Turn south onto Thomas Ave and navigate parking in the low-lying parking lot (often full), in one of the connected side lots, or along Thomas or Inglewood Aves. All parking is free.
They also have an "open food" policy, so bring snacks if you want. They only ask that you bring your own napkins and utensils, and clean up after yourself.
For all the news that’s fit to print about Utepils, vist their website: www.utepilsbrewing.com
Better Together
CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
4 MEETINGS IN 4 WEEKS
Sundays, March 2 - 23, 2025
6:30 - 8:30 pm CT
Meets via Zoom
This class is hosted by Minneapolis Community Education.
The button here will direct you to their website for enrollment through the school district. The link will be updated from the general program page to the specific class page when it becomes available in early January.
$55
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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 fiction, reflective “I” pieces, essays, 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 have discussions to share ideas and resources, and along the way we learn from pieces by published authors.
We write a bit, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share supportive feedback, 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.
Bedtime Stories
CURRENTLY OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT
SINGLE SESSION
Saturday, March 29, 2025
8:00-10:00 pm CT
Meets via Zoom
This class is hosted by Minneapolis Community Education.
The button here will direct you to their website for enrollment through the school district. The link will be updated from the general program page to the specific class page when it becomes available in early January.
$25
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Cozy up in your flannel jammies, heat yourself a warm drink, and come as you are.
We will gather late and close out a Saturday night together with writing creativity and camaraderie.
Prompts will be open-ended and flexible enough to write in any genre or format you enjoy. You can unwind with some self-reflection, giggle with humor, create fairy tales to ease into sweet dreams, or purge some darkness onto your paper to displace potential nightmares.
We write a bit, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share supportive feedback, 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.
Intuitive Writing 1
PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
6 MEETINGS IN 6 WEEKS
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR
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Open to students who are new to the I.W. process, as well as those who would enjoy a refresher.
Weekly materials cover theneuroscience 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.
Intuitive Writing 2
PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR
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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
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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.
Better Together Lite
PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR
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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 are free to write fiction, reflective “I” pieces, essays, poetry, humor, 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.
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.
The Ramble Fantastic
PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR
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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.
Constellations Sampler
PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
6 MEETINGS IN 6 WEEKS
Weeks 1-5 meet online via Zoom,
Week 6 meets in person in Minneapolis.
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR
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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 - Accessible Poetry
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.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.
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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Weeks 1-5 meet online via Zoom.
Week 6 meets in person. We sometimes meet in public, sometimes at Tammy’s house in Minneapolis. Location specifics will always be posted when the class is scheduled and enrollment is available.
Finding Your Footing
PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
6 MEETINGS IN 6 WEEKS
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR
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We hear it all the time. “I’d like to try a writing class, but I’m nervous. Everyone else knows what they’re doing, it’s intimidating.” We also hear, "I used to enjoy writing, but it's been so long, I worry I can't do it anymore." Also common is, "I write privately for only myself, and classes are for people who want to be published."
Do you identify with any of this? Whether you’ve taken zero classes, or a handful of them and still feel like a novice, or have been away from your practice long enough to feel you need a restart, this is a safe space to explore with people who get you.
Some of us write for artistic expression and fun, some for personal reflection and stress relief, some to be published in the future. Others have never written but think, “I’d like to learn to play that instrument.”
Whatever your genre, it’s ok to arrive here uncertain. You will leave with a new confidence. And you’ll have a good time along the way, because creativity is buckets of fun, never work.
We are here to relax, be inspired, and share positive feedback and support; we do no critiquing.
Of A Certain Age
PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR
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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.
Recess in the Real World
PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
SINGLE SESSION
••• IN PERSON •••
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR
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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 are open ended enough for you to write in any format you want, whether reflective “I” pieces, fiction, poetry, humor, or anything else.
Bring your pen and notebook, and something to drink, the same as you would to any other classroom.
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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Locations and timing vary according to season and space availabilities.
Happy to Be Sassy
PAST/FUTURE OFFERING
NUMBER OF WEEKS VARIES
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST
IN PUTTING THIS ON OUR CALENDAR
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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!
We write a bit, then read our writing a bit (if you wish). We share supportive feedback and good natured laughs, 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.
A PRE-HALLOWEEN SPECIAL EVENT
“A Fright to Remember”
A COLLABORATION WITH TAMMY & ROBIN SAUERWEIN
WE HAD A GREAT TIME!
TAMMY & ROBIN WOULD BE HAPPY TO JOIN FORCES AGAIN.
PLEASE CONTACT US TO EXPRESS INTEREST IN PUTTING ANOTHER SEASONAL WORKSHOP ON OUR CALENDAR.
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From our Halloween event:
This will be an evening full of surprises as we unearth both the light and dark of the Halloween season. Join us to play and see what "falls" for you.
Robin and Tammy, both MCE instructors, are teaming up to co-lead this in person event.
Open to all writing levels, whether newbies or seasoned writers.
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Our location host was fabulous, and we encourage you to support their business:
The Coffee Shop Northeast
2852 Johnson St NE
Minneapolis 55418
https://thecoffeeshopne.wordpress.comTheir sister business is a restaurant and bar:
Relish
700 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis 55414
relishmpls.com