That depends! If you register now, you will have access to the orientation/introductory chapters right away. Four days later, the first 'official' chapter will open, but this part isn't live, so you can begin whenever you're ready. The LIVE sessions are the first Sunday of every month, and you'll find all the details about those inside the program. (The live sessions are also recorded, in case you can't attend.) If you registered for the January 2021 option, you will receive the introductory chapters on 3 January 2021, but the program won't officially begin until 10 January 2021.
If you register for the program here, you will receive LIFETIME ACCESS to these materials and be free to go at your own pace. In that case, the 12-week timeline will only refer to the weekly unveiling of chapters (every Sunday for the next 13 weeks -- we take 1 week off in the middle -- one new chapter becomes available). You can also return to the materials whenever you wish and for as long as you like, so there is no such thing as 'falling behind.'
It varies. Each chapter's videos, readings, texts and writing tasks might take 30-60 minutes to review, but everything is broken down into small pieces to give you the option of sitting down for 10-20 minutes at a time OR becoming inspired by an exercise that has you writing for an hour or more. Entirely up to you.
I am not taking on any new clients at the moment and even my waiting list is full. But if you would like to work together, or if you dream of doing a retreat in France or Mexico (someday!), priority will be given to people who have gone through this program, so this is the best place to start. And I say that with my whole heart.
One of the goals of this program is to teach you how to become your own best editor. This is an essential part of developing your voice and craft, and an often neglected aspect of the writing process. While I do not offer private consultations as part of the program, our community forum is an exceptionally beautiful space, closely moderated and overseen by two experienced writers following strict guidelines and parameters. If you prefer to work with a professional, you will have the option of submitting a short piece or excerpt of a longer work to one of our associate editors at a deeply discounted rate exclusive to the students of this program. Many students also connect with a writing partner within the community, so opportunities for illuminating and inspiring feedback abound.
I am a great believer in miracles. Truly I am. And that is what you would need to write a book in 12 weeks. So, unless you are already sitting with a nearly completed manuscript (or you have a direct line to the Miracles Department of the universe), the answer is probably no. But this program WILL give you the essential tools, the perspective and understanding, the clarity, direction, guidance, motivation, energy, accountability AND the critical elements of the craft that you will need to write memoir well. And you will, over time, write a much better book because of it. :)
