The Rebel MFA Way is the place to find accessible, affordable, and actionable ways to study storytelling, fiction writing, and healing.
This Substack is crafted especially for:
Writers who want to break out of the traditional MFA educational mold or traditional publishing models and look at writing through unorthodox and unique lenses to understand storytelling and study craft in a new way
Writers who want to see how trauma is being represented in storytelling
Writers who want to understand how they can heal through storytelling
What you get by subscribing to Rebel MFA Way
Personal Essays, Deep-Dives, Trigger Warning Essays, and more
Community Podcast Episodes
Invitation to Join Community Podcast Episodes
What you get by subscribing to Rebel MFA Way as a Sanctuary Member:
An organized and digital handbook for easy access to inspiration and creativity
Access to previous and upcoming Seminars, Masterclasses, and Workshops
Access to the 4 weekly calls
A Monday morning coffee date
3 Silent Writing Sessions
Serialized Fiction Chapters with Narration
Oracle of Bones: A Guided Oracle Experience
Input on upcoming content creation projects — I love collaborating with my members!
Coming Soon!
Connecting with Writing Spirit Guides Workshop Replay
Myth to Medicine: Storytelling for Personal Development
Why Subscribe?
If, like me, you’re a rebel at heart and have FEELINGS about the traditional routes to becoming a “writer,” then you’re in the right place. The Rebel MFA ethos is simple:
We prioritize real-life experience and experiential work over conventional MFA-style courses or degrees to understand the craft of writing from different lenses.
We empower writers who want to grow in their craft holistically rather than reinforce the product-over-process values associated with this industry.
We explore, excavate, and become curious archeologists of our experiences to enhance our writing and use it to heal from our unhelpful narratives.
We discuss and explore non-traditional paths to getting our work into the hands of others if that feels like the right direction.
We support and empower each other in the communities we show up in because the relationships and guidance we exchange with others make us feel like what we’re doing matters.
The Rebel Behind It All
Hi, I’m Jade!
I’m the author of over 20 books; the creator of the Writing Fiction to Heal™️ method; a trauma and storytelling coach; a trauma survivor; a writing workshops teacher and facilitator; a virtual community leader; and a mentor who’s helped other writers find and write the story only they were meant to tell.
My nonfiction book, Forged in Fire: Writing Fiction to Heal was published in March 2023 and was number #1 new release in several categories. You can learn more about it here.
I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from The University of Iowa, have been certified at the highest level as a Trauma Recovery Coach, received my certification in Journal to the Self® facilitation work, as well as in Transformative Language Arts.
I live in Minnesota with my husband and our small domestic zoo (2 dogs, 6 cats, and a whole bunch of birds). And yes, I do answer to the name: Crazy Cat Lady.
Please note that while I have extensive experience working both personally and professionally in the realm of mental health and advocacy, I am not a licensed therapist or psychologist. The insights and perspectives shared within this publication are based on my personal experiences and professional work as a mental health advocate. They are not meant to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek the guidance of a licensed professional or trusted individual in your community.