Question 1

I'm a [writer, podcaster, cartoonist, filmmaker, speaker, copywriter, visual artist, musician, creative entrepreneur…], and my project is [       ].  Will the Creative Focus Workshop be able to help me?

Accepted Answer

The funny thing about self-generated creative work is that the issues we confront when trying to devote time to it are the same, no matter what the nature of the work actually is.

When I help an illustrator who wants to write a children's book fit that speculative and future-focused work into her current life full of client work, it works exactly the same way as when I help a consultant who wants to make time to write and record a DIY course to offer her audience, but struggles to make time for it alongside her busy onsite training schedule.

The professional podcast producer who wants to launch his own show faces the same struggles as the full-time parent trying to finish her dissertation.

In all of these cases, as in your case, life is already full, with work, relationships, and caretaking. But the ambition to do more, to be more, drives the need to make fundamental change in how you're living.

So yes, whatever your self-generated creative endeavor, the Creative Focus Workshop is for you.

Don’t believe me? We’ve got members working in dozens of creative fields:

Question 2

Didn't you write a book about this? How is the Creative Focus Workshop different?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I did. And, full disclosure: many topics in the CFW are covered in my book, Growing Gills. You CAN learn how to get your projects done on your own, if you're a self-starter and can really stick to a program by yourself.

But you probably recognize there's a big difference between reading a physics textbook, and learning physics from a professor, with classmates, lab sessions, feedback on your problem sets, and study sessions built in.

What the CFW offers that's unique and valuable is that you move through the program with the backing of a committed community of ambitious creators who offer community, accountability, and feedback.

And this is important: STAKES.

If you put this on your calendar and join a group that's actively working together, you're not likely to sit idly by and do nothing.

If you pay for this, you're not likely to let the opportunity pass.

There's so much research behind this idea. We simply don't value things that we get for free like we do when we pay for them.

We don't follow through on things that are difficult (especially emotionally difficult) when left on our own.

Your investment of time and attention (and, yes, money) is what will change things for you.

Students who have been trying to do this stuff on their own for years (and who knew all the big productivity books chapter and verse — we've even taught a fair number of professional project managers!), and who were consistently failing to make it work…have started the CFW and almost immediately started making their work regularly.

Question 3

Do I get support, community, or access to coaching?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Autonomous Creative Collective is a robust, fully-featured membership community full of accomplished, serious creatives, alumni of the Creative Focus Workshop and familiar with the methodology.

We work together to rise together. It's much more than your average Facebook group (starting with: it's NOT on Facebook!), with monthly themes, weekly challenges, virtual coworking, Member Mixers, and more.

Jessica and her assistant coaches are in the community most days, and there are live video group coaching sessions twice a month, open to all CFW members.

Question 4

What is the time commitment per week?

Accepted Answer

That is entirely up to you. The more you put in, the more you get out, but you can do this course at your own pace. You could spend anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours a week on the CFW, and the main difference would be how fast you see results.

Question 5

I have a day job/night job/crammed schedule/I live in the opposite time zone. Will I be able to engage with the program?

Accepted Answer

You can finish this program from anywhere in the world, on your schedule.

You can complete lessons from your couch, kitchen table, or in a cafe. The entire program is online, so as long as you have an internet connection, you can access it. There’s even a robust app for your mobile devices.

There are members all over the world, which means conversations in the Autonomous Creative Collective (and accountability partner meetings) can happen at any time, day or night.

The only elements of the program that are live are the monthly live coaching calls. If you’re unable to attend live, you can post your questions ahead of time and come back on your schedule to get answers in the replays!

Question 6

Do I get lifetime access to the course material?

Accepted Answer

No, your access is included in your course fee for six months.

Why is this the case? Because procrastination is the enemy. It's what we're trying to defeat. And when people join courses with lifetime enrollment, they're a lot less likely to finish!

However, the coursework is only one part of what you get as a member of the Autonomous Creative Collective, and there are so many reasons to stick around. As an alum of the Creative Focus Workshop you'll be invited to remain a member, with full access to the course materials, for as long as you like afterwards, enjoying the support and companionship of our robust community, for a membership fee of $30/month.

Question 7

What are the program dates?

Accepted Answer

The program begins on the day you enroll, and your included access lasts six months. After that, you're invited to remain part of our ongoing support and accountability community (and retain access to your CFW course materials!) for a monthly membership fee of $30.

Question 8

What happens at the end of the 6-month CFW membership?

Accepted Answer

For the six months of the program, you'll have full access to all of the course materials and the incredible Autonomous Creative Collective.

When that three months ends, you will be eligible to enroll in the Autonomous Creative Collective as an ongoing, alumni member at the end of your six month enrollment. You retain access to the Creative Focus Workshop as long as you're a member of the Autonomous Creative Collective!

Question 9

Is it really risk free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We want you to feel safe jumping into the course. If, within 14 days of your enrollment, you don't feel that it's valuable to you, we'll happily refund you.

Question 10

Our warm and welcoming community!

Accepted Answer

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