What is an environmental story?

We gave that question its own page.

Do you work with poets? Filmmakers? Dancers? Artists? Or any other kind of storyteller?

Not at this time. Maybe in the future!? Currently we work with scholars who are seeking to improve their storytelling in fiction and nonfiction. We may use podcasts, audio, cartoons, and other forms of storytelling in our studios to show the breadth of the art, but we don’t have instructors (yet) to teach all these forms.

What if I’m a writer?

Yay! So are we! But there are many other fellowships, conferences, and workshops focused on writers and writing; Our studios are for scholars only. That said, we are considering, in the very near future, running a one or two-day studio where our scholars can teach writers the best research practices.

What if I’m an unaffiliated scholar or my university has no money for such faculty development?

We can help you justify our value to your department or institution, just say the word. Alternatively, we can work with small groups that you gather on your own, however, the fees will be your responsibility. Another solution is we have a team of folks who work with authors individually, and we can connect you with them as well. Again, the fees would be your responsibility.

What does it cost?

We charge all costs to your organization, group, class, professor, institution, etc. If you are an unaffiliated individual, you could 1) gather a like-minded group of unaffiliated individuals and seek financial and/or organizational support from outside sources or pool your money and/or 2) together, we could come up with a budget and plan for your unaffiliated group to make it accessible and affordable. Keep in mind that travel and housing for instructor(s) is the responsibility of the contracting party. We are working on pricing tiers now, but you can take a look at what those tiers will generally encompass on our studios page.

Can my organization choose speakers/instructors from your list of supporters?

Generally, no. You can request instructors or speakers, but the decisions are based on our supporter’s availability, area of expertise, the needs of the cohort, and your budget. If you want to book one of our collaborators for a separate event, visit their individual websites.

Do I need a manuscript?

You will need to have an in-progress text (manuscript, essay, article, book, etc.) in the English language. TESS is not generally a generative studio, except perhaps in our day-long studio, so come with your ideas, but also come with words on a page.

Do I need references?

No, because 1) we want to make this accessible and painless 2) you will likely be chosen by your organization to participate. The best reference is good writing, a relevant project, and your willingness to be open-minded and generous with yourself and with your cohort.

What plans do you have for future iterations of TESS?

The answer lies in your hands. We hope to expand our reach into every educational institution in the world! Too ambitious? We believe stories are part of the solution to planetary demise. Don’t believe us? Email Kerri Arsenault, TESS co-founder and director, if you want to discuss our global ideas or have ideas of your own.

Have another question?

Fill out this form and we will respond as soon as possible and perhaps post your query here (without your identity, of course).