The course follows a structured schedule designed to cater to average demand, offering a solid foundation in authorship basics. However, it is important to clarify that this is not primarily a copywriting course, although it often leads to proficient copywriting skills as well. This course is primarily centered around authenticity, the discovery of one's unique style, and honing the skill of self-expression through written communication.
On the other hand, the mentorship program offers a more personalized approach. You can approach me with any specific requests. We'll initiate a conversation, get to know each other (as it's essential that we are a good fit), and then I'll take a few days to tailor a customized learning path for you. For instance, I once worked with a student who had 20 years of teaching experience and sought to diversify their writing. Over time, we tend to fall into certain writing patterns, almost as if we're using templates. This issue is not covered in the course curriculum, but it's something we address during mentorship.
In essence, Vera's course is designed for a group of 15-20 people to participate simultaneously, maintaining a sense of heartfelt and profound engagement. Conversely, mentorship is an individualized process spanning a month, where we closely collaborate with the student to achieve their unique goals as an author and creator.
The course isn't solely geared towards crafting commercial content for target audiences or marketplaces. Instead, my students learn to express themselves through writing, akin to a form of therapeutic self-expression using pen, paper, or a keyboard.
When I receive feedback from course participants, many report a boost in confidence, feeling reassured that they are not ordinary adults and that they have a meaningful voice.
This project is a personal endeavor, so I can only work closely with a fortunate group of 10-15 individuals. During the previous session, I experimented by splitting participants into two groups: those who received feedback from me and those who did not. Additionally, we maintain a chat where we form a community of authors, engaging in discussions about lessons and each other's written work. This chat serves as the primary platform for in-depth feedback from those who go through the program without my direct input.
It's a fact that around 70% of individuals who enroll in online courses drop out halfway through. As the course creator, it can be disheartening, but I recognize that the responsibility is shared between us and the learners. My responsibility is to provide value, and it's the responsibility of the learners to make the most of that value. Unfortunately, there are individuals who do not fully engage with the course, regardless of the assignments, chats, and reminders. As adults, they come to me voluntarily, and I cannot control their commitment over the course of a month.
Learning from others and applying knowledge through practice are two distinct experiences. Mastery of a skill, including writing, requires practice. This principle applies broadly, not just to writing. For instance, if you're learning to craft clay pots, you can read countless books about pottery, but your initial attempts at the potter's wheel may result in a series of mishaps. Assignments help track progress, which people often fail to recognize in themselves. Completing assignments provides a tangible sense of growth and accomplishment.
Initially, I studied the prices of similar courses offered by others. However, I've also had more experienced individuals express interest in my unique approach and request mentorship. In such cases, determining the fee becomes a consideration. My guiding principle is to align with my audience and their expectations. I base my pricing on what I personally find comfortable, ensuring that the value I provide matches the cost to maintain fairness and transparency.
Psychological hang-ups often manifest as self-doubt or fear of negative consequences. For instance, you might have a small number of blog subscribers and fear that showcasing your work might drive them away. Alternatively, you may become passionate about writing or creating content but face the harsh reality of thinking, 'Who would be interested in this? It's all been done before.' Insecurity can also arise when you receive praise from others but fear making a mistake, like a typo or missing a comma, especially if knowledgeable individuals like your university professor of philology are among your subscribers. In my course, I provide practical knowledge in composition, artistic techniques, and the rhythm of writing. However, the course's true value lies in identifying and overcoming these psychological hang-ups, allowing you to unleash your full creative potential.