Frequently Asked Questions

I love the word tumbleweed and the image of tumbleweeds flying across the landscape. Like escaped toddlers, I can imagine them jiggling, wiggling, and possibly even giggling as they break and run free. The vision amuses me.

Do you ever collect words that bring you joy? I have a much-loved picture book, The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds, about a boy named Jerome who is delighted by words. Certain words catch Jerome’s attention, so he collects and admires these treasures. I’m like Jerome, and tumbleweed is one of the words that caught my attention many, many moons ago.

Another reason I chose the word is because we writers can often be a bit clumsy and wild with our ideas and words before we get rolling (often even afterwards). Just like a tumbleweed.

Classes are fun and engaging, and I hope the thought of joining in every week delights you.

We play with ideas and words. You learn ways to brighten your writing to make your sentences more interesting.

Be curious and open. A positive attitude is a joy. Instead of thinking, “I’m not good at this,” tell yourself, “I am not good at this YET, but I'm learning.” 

Treat other people the way you would like to be treated. If someone is talking, it is polite not to interrupt. It’s also a good idea not to be a distracting influence when everyone is meant to be writing. Be supportive, friendly, and encouraging to fellow writers.

All classes are scheduled on Central European Standard Time (CET).

Writing is hard. Good writing requires clear, logical thinking and arranging those thoughts as a united whole on paper. Many students don’t know where to begin. Some are paralyzed with fear at the mere mention of a writing assignment. Yet the older we get, the more we write: letters to loved ones, responses to bureaucrats, emails, journals, posts, tweets, reports, applications, and more.

Being a confident and adept writer is a superpower. It helps you communicate your thoughts and feelings. You can sway others with your words. You can create magical new worlds. An orphaned wizard flying recklessly on his broom trying to catch an elusive winged ball. Or maybe a powerful, golden ring that is capable of ruling elves, dwarves, and men.

There are also academic reasons. Students learn to deconstruct texts, extract important bits of information, and convey meaning - skills required for exams and essay writing. By breaking up the work into manageable chunks: brainstorming, researching, note-taking, organizing, outlining, drafting, and editing, students are better able to avoid being overwhelmed when writing longer papers. Understanding the writing process helps students better manage their time and work load in school.

Learning to write well and with confidence doesn’t need to elude children or adults. Just like any other craft, writing improves with practice, persistence, and guidance.

Reluctant writers; enthusiastic writers who write and write and write, but often without a destination in mind; students who wish they had more confidence; children, teens, and adults who want to overcome their fear of writing; students who want to be better prepared for school; writers who want to rule the world.

No. Instead, I keep track of student progress and make detailed notes of skills each student needs to work on. I help students master new skills and give guidance when there is a stumbling block.

I always toyed with the idea of becoming a teacher. I was curious and enjoyed learning. I especially loved helping people. But when I got to university, there were so many thrilling new subjects being offered. In the end, I chose anthropology and politics. Instead of teaching, I decided being a spy for the Canadian government would be my endgame.

Leaving school and starting real life seemed marvelous. During my downtime from infiltrating criminal networks and preventing international catastrophes, I could finally read all the books piled precariously high all over my room.

Things didn’t exactly turn out as I imagined. In my senior year, I attended a recruitment class for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). I was alarmed to learn that most spy work seemed to involve writing reports and sharing those reports with colleagues. There was no mention of any James Bond related activity.

As my enthusiasm for CSIS dwindled, I became unsure of what I would do when I grew up. After finishing my studies, I backpacked through Europe hoping to come back with some insight. However, I returned without a plan and concluded the best idea would be to find work that inspired. Since I had gained valuable teaching experience during my summer breaks, my first position was as an employment counsellor for a government program that helped the unemployed find work. I taught classes and coached my students in resume writing and interview skills. This seemed like a fine way to spend time while I devised a new endgame and read books.

But I kept finding wonderful teaching opportunities. I taught English, environmental studies, health and wellness, politics, and more. I gave classes to children, teens, university students, and professionals. I worked with students in Canada, the United States, Thailand, and the Netherlands - in schools and universities.

Then I had children. My world shifted. Now I chased dandelion seeds, played hide-and-go-seek, sang with wild abandon, investigated pretend mysteries dressed as Sherlock Holmes, and read picture books that took us on imaginary adventures. When our eldest was four years old, my husband and I decided to homeschool, and it was epic. We spent our days discussing, pondering, debating, reading, imagining, discovering, and creating. I had found my endgame.

Suddenly, my children were almost grown. But I wanted to stay on this journey. I created Tumbleweed Writers to continue to discuss, ponder, debate, read, imagine, discover, and create with a new generation of readers, writers, and thinkers.

The lovely Jamie Erwin. I found her work on Etsy when I was looking for images for Tumbleweeds Writers. Her illustration of the bookshelves reminded me of my own library: eclectic, messy, absorbing. I thought, “I could be friends with this person.” It turns out her painting was a mix of her own bookshelf and her grandmother's bookshelf, which likely means I could be friends with her grandmother too.

Jamie has a major in art history and a minor in studio art. She is fascinated with learning about new art techniques, researching art books, and documenting art work in museums.

As fellow book nerds, we collaborated on the different images to celebrate reading, writing, and learning. She was an absolute delight to work with. You can buy Jamie’s gorgeous artwork at her studio, Southern Easel, or on Etsy. She creates paintings, watercolours, art prints, stickers, and digital downloads. Custom designs are her passion. My office is decorated with her pretty images. I imagine other book dragons might like to do the same.

Please get in touch! My name is Rippy Dusseldorp Saran. The best way to reach me is by email at info@tumbleweedwriters.com or you can visit my contact page for more options.

I would love to meet you before you sign up for the class to make sure we’re all a good fit. After our meeting, you can transfer the tuition payment to reserve your student’s spot in class.