Witchcraft Classes Starting Up On Patreon

For those who are looking for a little magical study in their lives, the first of my live witchcraft classes is on Wednesday evening. This is available to my patrons who give $25 per month. That amount is right in line with what I would charge for a class at your local pagan store or in person. We'll be holding the class online, using video conference via Zoom. (If you can't join us online, the video can be viewed later.)

Our first class will focus on Yule with a Q&A to follow. The awesome part is that you get to suggest topics for future classes! There is a limit to the number of folks who can sign up for this so if you're interested, pledge at the $25 level on my Patreon page! 

 

 https://www.patreon.com/deborahblake

Registration Open for Crystals & Gemstones Class

This is it, folks...the last class on my witchcraft and writing loop. Sniffle. I may do one somewhere down the line, but for now, I'm giving them up to concentrate on my writing career.

So many of you requested the Crystals & Gemstones Magick class, I decided to go ahead and give that anyway. It will be next month, September 23rd-26th at the Workshop Blog -- the class is posted daily to an online Yahoo loop, and I pop in and out to answer questions and respond to comments. It isn't time zone sensitive, so you can take it no matter where you live. Go here to register Workshop Registration Page and you will be sent an invitation to the loop right before the class starts.

While you're registering for the crystals class (towards the bottom of the page), you might want to also register for Heather Long's final class, "Pre-Writing," which is a fabulous tool for authors. That class runs at the end of this month, from the 26th-30th. Heather helped me start and run the online loop (which would never have happened otherwise, since I am simply not that tech savvy), so I'd love to send her out with a big thank you from everyone who has taken classes there.

If you missed it, you can still take the ongoing year-long Sabbats class. All of the information from the Sabbats already posted is still available, and we will be adding new info for Mabon, Samhain, and Yule.

I hope to see you at my last class, but either way, stay tuned for bigger and better things here!

New Sabbats Class YAY!

We're going to be posting the information for the first of the Sabbats for the new year-long Sabbats class in a few days!

This class is something new Heather and I are trying over at the Witchcraft & Writing Workshops loop. Instead of a class that runs for 3 to 5 days (like most of the ones we give), it is going to be ongoing for the entire year. The class will consist of a post for each Pagan holiday, starting with Imbolc (which falls on February 2nd). Each class post will consist of general information about the holiday, as well as a ritual, and maybe even a recipe or two. There are eight Sabbats, so there will be eight posts in the class, but I will be available to answer questions about the holidays both leading up to the days and afterwards. The information for the earlier holidays will still be accessible until after the last one is posted in December, for Yule.

All this for only $40! How cool is that? You can register here: Sabbats class registration

You can also join in at any point in the year, if you don't have the time or money to do so now, although of course it will be too late to celebrate some of the holidays if you join in later. Still, they do come around every year :-)

I hope you all are as excited about this idea as we are! It's an experiment, so if there isn't much enthusiasm for it, we just won't do it again next year. But I hope you'll join us...I think it's going to be fun!

New Year! New Classes! New Schedule!

New Year! New Classes! New Schedule!

Happy New Year all! After much discussion and consultation with students, the fabulous Heather Long and I have hammered out the workshop class schedule and while it is still subject to change, we have also opened registration on the first two classes of the year.

The first: Celebrating the Wheel of the Year is based on the special request for a year long class that looks at the 8 major sabbats. This class has a one time registration fee, but once you are registered, you will receive updates around the major sabbats, including information, rituals and more. This class will include some info from my books, a ritual for each holiday, and extras like decorating suggestions and more. There will only be one post per holiday, but you can ask questions both before and after the sabbat.

The second class kicks off in February - a week long class combining Witchcraft 101 and 102. This is a great class for beginners, curiosity seekers, writers looking for research material and will have more in depth information for practitioners and more!

Registration and more info are available on the workshop blog here: Witchcraft and Writing Loop 

 Coming up later in the year will be other classes, including a few new ones by popular request. Here is the tentative schedule:

January – Exploring the Wheel of the Year – Ongoing class with updates for each major Sabbat (8 total) – Begins with Imbolc (February 2)

February - Witchcraft 101/102

March – Witchcraft 201

April – Spells & Spellcasting

May – Herbal Magick & Kitchen Alchemy

June– World Building for the Paranormal Author

July – No Class

August – Pre-Writing Workshop

September – Crystals & Gemstone Magick

October – TBA

November – No Class

December – No Class

 

 We had a great time with the classes we gave last year, and I hope you'll join us this year and spare your questions, knowledge, and enthusiasm! And I'd REALLY appreciate it if you'll spread the word to your witchy and writing friends, and anyone else you think might be interested. The more popular the classes are, the more likely it is that we'll continue with them in the future.

 

If you are planning to take a class, which one are you looking forward to the most? If you took one last year, which was your favorite?

Witchcraft/Writing Poll & BOOK GIVEAWAY

As many of you know, this year (after much nudging...ahem...encouragement) from fans, readers, and other interested folks, I started a new endeavor, my Witchcraft & Writing Class Loop . With the help of my Tech goddess and occasional guest-teacher Heather Long , I began giving classes on witchcraft and writing. I think it went pretty well! Lots of people seemed to enjoy the classes we offered, and I had a good time giving them.

It is time consuming, however, so we're trying to narrow down our offerings for the coming year, so we give only the classes people are most interested in taking. I've put a poll up here, and I would really really really appreciate it if anyone who might want to take a class in 2013 would take a minute to let me know which ones they want the most. And spread the word to anyone you know who might be interested.

You can vote for as many different classes as you want, and the poll will be up until December 8th. You'll note that some of the classes are mostly about witchcraft (although many of those can be useful for anyone writing a witchy character) and a few are aimed specifically at writers. The ones that Heather teaches have her name next to them, otherwise you can assume I'll be giving the class.

To reward y'all for helping me out with this, I'll be giving away a signed copy of the new Everyday Witch Book of Rituals to one person who comments (you can just say you took the poll, or you can tell me which class you would most like to take). If you aren't interested in taking a class, you can spread the word on Twitter, Facebook, or anywhere else you lurk online, and tell me you've done that, and you can still be in the contest. Or click on the link to the new book and go click "like." That's always helpful too.

And thanks so  much for all your support and encouragement in this new endeavor--I really appreciate it!

Win a Free Witchcraft or Writing Class! WITCHCRAFT 102

As most of you know, I started a new endeavor this year, with the help of author pal Heather Long. (She has a new book out this week--go check it out! No, really. I'll wait. Brave are the Lonely )

You're back? Wow--that was fast!

Anyway, I've been giving classes on a new workshop loop, which can be found here:http://witchywritingwithdeborahblake.blogspot.com/

The classes are primarily about Witchcraft, and aimed at those interested in finding out more about the practice & spirituality of the Witch, whether for their own personal needs or because they are writers with witchy characters. So far we've given the first two: "Intro to Witchcraft Basics" and "Spells & Spellcasting" -- and I couldn't be more pleased with the way the classes have been going. Lots of fabulous students and amazing amounts of participation and enthusiasm. *glows*

The next class up is Witchcraft 102, and runs March 26-28. Like most of the classes on the loop, it costs $15. Registration is open, and the class is already starting to fill up. (Yay!) Heather will be teaching a really cool "Witch Archetypes" class in April, and then there will be other classes later in the year, including some that focus more on writing than witchcraft.

I'm so excited about how well this is going, I've decided to GIVE AWAY A CLASS TO ONE LUCKY WINNER. Anyone who registers for this month's class by MARCH 15th will be entered to win a free place in any other class I give this year. That includes the 1 or 2 that will be longer, and therefore more expensive. (And if you've already registered, don't worry--you'll be entered automatically.) 

"But what if I can't/don't want to take the March class, Deborah?"
No problem. Post about the class and this contest in any two places online: Facebook, Twitter, your own blog, whatever, then come back here and leave a link to show me you've done it. You'll be entered too. Easy peasy. Good luck to all who enter!

Here's what we'll be covering in the March 102 class:

Class Outline

Day One: Finding the Path

Which Wicca? A discussion of some different traditions and types of Wicca/Witchcraft

 Making a personal connection with Deity—A discussion of Goddess and God

Choosing the path that’s right for you—Some things to try

Day Two: Walking the Path

Focus, Intent & Belief—the three pillars of practice

Ground & Center—when to do it, how to do it

Visualization—why it’s important, how to do it

Creating a daily practice—Some things to try

Day Three: Expanding the Path

Creating a daily practice

Practicing with others—ritual etiquette

Expanding your awareness through ritual, meditation, and more—Some things to try

Nag, Nag, Nag...a Few Gentle Reminders

I've decided to make Tuesdays "Nag My Readers Day." No? How about "Blatant Self-Promo Day"? Otherwise known as "Remind me not to go to Deborah's blog on Tuesdays Day" (cough). Don't worry too much though--I'll probably have forgotten the plan by next Tuesday.

Today, I just wanted to remind you that my paranormal romance ebook is still available at Amazon for the low, low price of $2.99 -- tell all your friends. And maybe the mailman, your manicurist, and strangers you accost on the streets. Really, I'm not proud. (And the sales so far have been...kind of disappointing, so a few new ones would REALLY cheer this author up.)
http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Ever-Way-You-ebook/dp/B006HWZPGO
You can also find the book in Nook form here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/witch-ever-way-you-can-deborah-blake/1108034353?ean=2940013854659

More importantly, registration for the upcoming "Spells & Spell Casting" class over at the new workshop loop closes at 6 PM this coming Sunday, so if you are interesting in taking part in the class--suitable for both witches and authors writing witch characters--you only have a few days left to sign up here:
http://witchywritingwithdeborahblake.blogspot.com/

I will now return you to your regularly scheduled programming...er...Tuesday. Hope it is a great one!

Workshop #2 Spells and Spell Casting

As many of you know, I have started giving witchcraft (and a few writing) classes on my new workshop loop. The first class, Intro to Modern Witchcraft, premiered last month and was a huge success. Many of the folks who took that one immediately signed up for the next one, which means I must be doing something right :-)

The next class up is "Spells and Spell Casting," and it is aimed at those who want to know how to write and cast spells, cast them better, or learn the basics so that a character can cast them. (For the writers in the gang.)

Here is the info, and a link to sign up, should you be interested. I hope to see you there!

Witchcraft Workshop #2

Spells & Spell Casting

For: Those with a basic knowledge of the practice of Witchcraft who wish to learn how to write and cast spells; authors who want to accurately portray spell casting in their books
Time: 3 days

Cost: $15

Date: February 27-29
Optional Texts: EVERYDAY WITCH A TO Z SPELLBOOK

Class Outline

Day One: Spells—The Witch’s Power Tool

• What is a spell?
• What are the rules of spell casting? Can you really turn someone into a newt?
• To cast, or not to cast, that is the question…
• Why create your own spell?

Day Two: Pre-Casting Preparation

• Setting a goal
• Choose your “ingredients”
• Writing the spell
• A note for authors

Day Three: Casting the Perfect Spell

• Focus, Will & Belief
• Creating safe and sacred space
• Casting the spell
• After casting—be silent

Q & A Day Four

As always, the classes will be given on a special workshop loop available only to those who have signed up. It doesn't matter which time zone (or even country) you live in, since I will post the lessons in the morning each day, then come back periodically to answer questions and respond to comments. Any extra questions can be asked the day after the last lesson is posted. The book listed is the one of mine that will be most useful both before and after the class, but you don't need to have it to take the workshop.

Here is the link to sign up, should you wish to: http://witchywritingwithdeborahblake.blogspot.com/

New Witchcraft Workshop Loop--A Happy Report

As many of you know, I just started a new online workshop loop (with the invaluable help of author/Pagan pal Heather Long, who is much better at the techy stuff than I am). The goal was to provide a variety of Witchcraft classes--from intro to advanced, and everything in between--and a sprinkling of writing classes, many of which are aimed at the paranormal author. [That is to say, an author who writes paranormal-themed books, not an author who IS paranormal. Although those folks are free to come, too. Snicker.]

We just finished up the first class, an "Intro to Modern Witchcraft" basic. And I am happy to say that it was a HUGE success, far exceeding my expectations. We had 36 participants (including one who was given a scholarship due to circumstances--so if you ever REALLY want to take a class, and can't afford it, feel free to contact me and explain why--I'll probably give away one freebie either by contest or gift for each class). There was a tremendous amount of participation, with the "students" often offering information to each other, which I love. Everyone seemed to get what they were looking for, which isn't always the case. And a number of the folks who took this class are already signing up for the next one, on Spell Casting, which is very encouraging.

Heather and I are still looking at how we are going to run the loop on a long-term basis. We will probably give workshops 9 out of 12 months (we're both too busy in July, November, and December) and most of the classes will be led by me, with the occasional "guest lecturer" like Heather herself, and maybe some other Witches or authors. Some classes (like the "Intro" one) will probably be given once every year, while other will be one-off offerings.[Even when there is a guest teacher, I will still be around, adding my 2 cents and helping with questions when I can.]

So--a big thank you to all who took part this time around. You really know how to make an author and a Witch happy.

And if you didn't manage to attend this time, let me know if there is a class--or a guest teacher--you would particularly like to see in the future.

Blessings,
Deborah

New! My Own Witchy & Writing Workshop Loop

As many of you know, I have been giving online writing classes for the last few years, usually on loops run by RWA chapters such as the Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Chapter or the Low Country RWA. I've also done quite a few on Savvy Authors (and will be giving my only regular online writing class there in April). My most popular classes have been "Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author" and "Beyond Fangs: Creating New & Interesting Paranormal Characters."

I think I see a trend here...

But lots of the folks who follow me aren't writers, and there have been numerous requests for me to give classes about Witchcraft, too. *Bows in the general direction of the internet* So, with the help of the wonderful Heather Long (another great author and fellow-traveler at many a blog and loop), I have finally started my own workshop loop, "Deborah Blake Witchcraft and Workshops."

This loop will be dedicated to short workshops (usually 3-5 days in length, since the regular online classes run 2 1/2 to 3 weeks, and take way too much time away from my writing) on the topics of Witchcraft and writing. Most of the classes will be given by me, but there may be the occasional guest teacher as well. We'll be starting out with the requested basic Witchcraft classes, and if those are successful and there is enough demand, I'll add in some advanced Witchcraft, and maybe an abbreviated version of my writing classes as well.

There's even a blog for the workshop here http://witchywritingwithdeborahblake.blogspot.com/ which will give you the latest info, as well as links to sign up and pay for the classes, if you are interested in taking them. Most classes will cost $15. I might even occasionally run a contest to give away a spot, if y'all are nice...

The first class will be held January 23rd-25th (there will always be an additional day after the class when I am available for questions, as well). It is a basic "Intro to Witchcraft" workshop, suitable for anyone who wants to learn about modern Witchcraft. [Note: It really is an intro class, so if you've been practicing for a while, this class probably covers things you know already. Although you're always welcome to come visit anyway!]

If you want to decide if the Pagan path might suit you, need to know the basics for a Witchy character you are writing, or just want to learn about modern Witchcraft, this class is for you. I hope to see you there! Just go to the link above to sign up.

I'd also like to know what other classes people might want me to give in the future. February's class is "The Basics of Spell Casting," but after that, I'm open to suggestions. So tell me--what do you want to learn about that I might be able to teach?

Giving Online Witchcraft Classes?

I got an interesting question yesterday (from one of my readers, through Facebook)--she asked if I ever gave online Witchcraft classes.

And the answer was, no, I don't. In fact, it never occurred to me to do so, even though I often get people asking me Witchcraft-related questions, and I have been giving very successful and popular online writing classes for years. And wrote all those books and articles about it, of course.

Huh.

So here is my question for YOU: does anyone want me to give online Witchcraft classes? And if I did, which would you be most interested in--

1. Intro to Witchcraft (Wicca/Witchcraft 101 -- very basic explanations of what it is all about)


2. "Following the Path" (Somewhat more advanced -- "what do I do next?" "how do I practice on an ongoing basis?" kind of things)


3. Basic Spellcasting


4. All of the above

And also, what do you think would be a reasonable price to pay for such a class, if you wanted to take one? (Keeping in mind that the time and energy it takes to create and put it on requires some kind of payment, or I can't affort to take the time to do it.)

1. $5


2. $7.50


3. $10


4. $15

Last question--if you were going to take these classes, would you prefer them to be

1. 1 day only


2. 3 days


3. 5 days

I appreciate any input you can give me, as I ponder this idea. Thanks!