Online Classes Q & A
Do I need writing experience to take this class?
Not at all. All you need to participate in a Firefly web class is a hunger to write and an open mind.
Do I need to share my writing with other people?
Never. You will have plenty of opportunities to share, and we’ll gently encourage it, but you won’t ever be pushed to or put on the spot.
Why do I need a “decent Internet connection”?
Since we’ll be “streaming” the class (broadcasting video live from Firefly Headquarters), you’ll need a fairly good Internet connection or the reception might be choppy. Dial-up Internet or weak wireless signals don’t always work well for streaming.
If you’re unsure, you can run a speed test on your computer using this website. Google recommends a minimum upload and download speed of 1 mbps and 2 mbps respectively. If you’re getting lower readings, see if there’s something downloading in the background.
You can also “clear the cookies” on your computer to make it faster. We know that sounds weird, but it’s a real thing. We made a video explaining how which you’ll get when you sign up.
Why do you use Facebook?
We know, we know. We all love to hate Facebook and it does have some real disadvantages, like the fact that not everyone has a Facebook account and those who do don’t all love it. We’ve spent a LOT of time investigating other ways to run these classes and right now, Facebook simply has the most to offer. It gives you everything we want you to have and it’s free for you to use. We like that you don’t need to create a new account, download new software, or learn a new system. We also like that it works in real-time, so we can have a live discussion on a Facebook wall without having to hit refresh every couple seconds. For now, it’s the best tool we can find.
If the ads bother you and you use Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome, consider installing AdBlocker Plus. It’s a free little add-on that takes 2 seconds to install and it makes ALL the ads you see online disappear. We love it.
I don’t have a Facebook account.
A Facebook account is an important part of these classes. It’s possible to follow along without it, but we feel the experience won’t be as rich. The good news is that it’s easy and free to set one up. Consider making a temporary one under a pen name. You can disable your account as soon as the class is over, no harm done.
Isn’t Facebook public? I don’t want people to see my writing.
We will be using a “Secret” Facebook page for this class, which means that other people won’t be able to see that our meeting place even exists. No one can enter without being invited and it will only show up on the newsfeeds of people in the class.
Of course, like everything in the world, there’s no such thing as 100% secure. Facebook is the most secure option we can find and we choose to trust it. We ask you to make your own conscious choice.
I’m not in Eastern Standard Time.
It’s great that you noticed that! All workshops will be in Eastern Standard time, home of Toronto, Montreal, New York City, and many other great places. If you’re outside of that time zone, you’ll have to figure out when that is for you. Here’s a time zone converter to figure that out.
How do I pay?
The easiest way to pay is on PayPal. When you click the “Sign Up” link, it will take you to a PayPal payment page. If you’re in Canada, you can also pay via email money transfer or a good old fashioned cheque. Drop Bree a line if you want to set that up.
Is there tax on the fees?
For Canadian residents, provincial HST rates apply.
What if I sign up and I change my mind?
No problem. We’ll refund your class fee, minus an administration deposit of $75 up until 24 hours after the first day of class. That means that you can change your mind in advance, or after one class. After that, all payments are final. You can read a full list of our financial policies here.
Can I pay in currencies other than Canadian?
Yes, definitely, but you need to use PayPal. It converts the price automatically. Very handy.
What are your financial policies?
So we get real mail as part of the class?
You bet! It wouldn’t be Firefly if there wasn’t a hands-on element. Don’t ask us what will be in the envelopes though—we love surprises. They are a little different for each class, so you can keep signing up and getting new stuff.
Are the classes a “safe space” for LGBTT voices, people of colour and others?
Oh yes. We do everything we can to make sure that our classes celebrate and welcome all voices. If you have specific concerns, or you encounter anything that makes you uncomfortable, we’d love to talk it over and adjust as needed.
Do people take these classes more than once?
They often do! A lot of people will choose to repeat these classes to go deeper with them. The “Coming Home to Writing” class is a little different every season, so it’s designed to be repeated.
Who will be teaching the class?
Unless otherwise stated, your class will be run by Chris Kay Fraser.
Do you have testimonials I can read?
For sure! There are some at the bottom of each class description. Here are a few of our favourites:
 | Chris has a radiance that transcends the physical. In a recent on-line class, her passion for her students' progress coursed through the cyber lines so that we felt her support, her caring, her allowing us to explore deeply. Clearly she LOVES writing and loves to share the experience with her students. I found myself acknowledging that love which made me a better writer and transformed me as a person. Chris offers (and is) what this world needs more of- genuine, sincere love of creativity. Open yourself to her calm, soothing voice and your creativity will soar. Cassel Miles ~ Concierge The Fairmont Royal York |
 | Showing your writing to other people can be quite intimidating, and I feel like Chris not only makes her classes a safe haven, but a creative playground as well. Her enthusiasm is infectious and soon you will realize, “There is no way to do this wrong.” Firefly Creative Writing is where I’ve met my creative and kindred match. ~ Amy Artist, writer |
 | Taking an online course with Firefly is what gave me the push to pursue my writing dreams. I have been writing consistently since the course ended and I couldn't be happier with the results. I actually FEEL like a writer now. ~ Shorey Andrews Blogger |