January to December 2026
In a world obsessed with digital tools and influencer culture, Analog offers something quietly radical: the discipline to learn the craft quickly and the structure to actually finish.
We call it a Finishing School for a reason. “Workshop” is a soft concept — it suggests something optional, meandering, and nice. Analog is none of those things. This is a program for writers who want rigor: fast-paced sessions, real accountability, and measurable progress. You won’t sit quietly listening to a sage on the stage. You won’t collect polite praise or feedback sandwiches. You’ll write, revise, and finish. Every week.
This isn’t a space for dabblers or dreamers. It’s for writers who want to turn intent into output — who understand that mastery isn’t about waiting for inspiration, but building the habits that make it inevitable.
What Makes Analog Different
Craft Through Doing. You’ll write every week.
Accountability with Integrity. Set monthly and yearly goals. Meet them, or forfeit your spot.
A Finished Work. Every graduate completes one publishable piece — full stop.
Mentorship by a Practitioner. Led by an educator and working writer with experience across multiple mediums.
Industry Access. Learn directly from leading authors, editors, agents, and producers.
Lifelong Community. Graduates join the Finishing School network for life — a growing community of writers committed to disciplined craft and creative integrity.
This isn’t about talking about writing. It’s not about learning about writing. It’s about writing — finishing what you start, and building the muscle memory that makes it repeatable.
Topics
Over twelve months, you’ll draft, revise, and complete one major work — a novel, long-form article, screenplay, narrative podcast, poem, whatever — supported by high standards, close mentorship, and a community that takes writing as seriously as you do. Along the way, you’ll tackle critical topics in storytelling, writing, and creativity:
Setting goals and finishing them
Building sustainable writing routines
Journaling and creative observation
Choosing the right medium for your story
Developing voice and taste
Managing time and attention
How to think about AI
Outlining, drafting, editing, and revision
Writing for audio and screen
Publishing pathways: traditional, hybrid, and self
Structure
Every Wednesday Evening (Eastern Time)
7:00 – 8:30 PM: Optional Group Writing Time
Quiet, focused writing together — accountability through presence.
8:30 – 10:00 PM: The Finishing Session
Short lectures, guided exercises, peer feedback, and monthly goal check-ins. You’ll occasionally hear from industry experts — authors, editors, agents, and journalists — who’ll offer practical insights on the craft and business of writing. Expect to write every week and show your work.
All meetings take place online, with an optional in-person gathering at the end of the year.
Yes, we know — calling it Analog and meeting on Zoom is a bit of a contradiction. But until we can all gather around a single oak table in Tuscany, this is the next best thing: a space to write with intention, free from noise and distraction.
For those who want a shorter time commitment, we will offer a limited number of 6-month slots.
Instructor
Ravi Gupta (full bio here) has spent his career at the intersection of storytelling, leadership, and craft — building things that persuade, inspire, and last. His experience spans politics, publishing, and the creative arts:
Author of Garbage Town (March 2025) and the forthcoming The Invisible List (Penguin Random House, Fall 2026)
Two-time Webby Award–winning narrative podcast producer and host
Published writer with dozens of longform essays in national outlets
CAA-represented screenwriter developing projects for film and television
Former Speechwriter for Ambassador Susan Rice at the United Nations
Founder of the largest campaign communications school in the Democratic Party, training hundreds of leaders in storytelling and persuasion
Through every form he’s worked in, Ravi has seen one pattern repeat: great work comes from stillness, repetition, and resolve.
Tuition
Enrollment in Analog is a commitment to serious craft and accountability — but also to honesty about life’s demands.
Tuition is $400 per month (equivalent to $100 per three-hour session).
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for writers who demonstrate both financial hardship and a strong commitment to the work. Applicants may include a short explanation of need during the admissions process.
Membership is billed monthly. We ask that you enter with the intent to see the year through — but if life changes, you may step away at any time, with no further financial obligation. We’d rather you leave with integrity than stay half-heartedly.
All members are held to the same standards and complete the same program.
Applications Open
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open.
Decisions will be made on a rolling basis, but the final deadline is December 10th at 5 PM ET. It’s possible that all spots could fill before that deadline.
This is your year to write with intention — to finish the work that matters and to join a community of peers who will hold you to your highest standard.
Apply here.
FAQ
What if I have no writing experience?
Experience isn’t required — but commitment is. In your application, share a compelling case for why you’ll thrive in this program. We care more about your discipline and drive than your résumé.
What’s the cost?
Tuition is $100 per session or $400 per month. A limited number of partial scholars are available for writers with a compelling need and demonstrated commitment to the work.
Can I focus on professional writing?
Very likely, depending on the context. And we will work with you to ensure your employer or business is properly invoiced for reimbursement and for your tax records.
Are kids allowed to participate?
Writers under 18 may participate with the consent of a parent or guardian.
What if I can’t make every session?
Members may miss up to one session per month (one in four). Beyond that, you’ll be removed from the program. Accountability is part of the learning.
What if I can’t make the first 90 minutes — the writing group session?
That portion is fully optional. The core workshop runs from 8:30–10:00 PM ET.
What if I try it but don’t like it?
Membership is billed monthly. You can step away at any time, with no obligation to pay for the remainder of the year.
How many people will be in the program?
We’re keeping the cohort intentionally small — fewer participants than a typical college seminar. We’d rather be selective and focused than large and loose.