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The Center for Fiction’s Writing Workshops explore a wide range of forms and subjects: fiction and nonfiction, memoir and translation, prose and poetry, history and social justice, and more.

Whether online or in person, we strive to make our classes the most inviting and rewarding available, offering an intimate environment to study with award-winning, world-class writers. Each class is specially designed by the instructor, so whether you’re a fledgling writer or an MFA graduate polishing your novel, you’ll find a perfect fit here.

Gain skill and confidence in your work, as well as key professional insights, under the guidance of award-winning authors and industry insiders.

Members of The Center for Fiction receive early access to writing workshops, as well as 10% off enrollment.

Recent Instructors

Jami Attenberg

Jami Attenberg has written about food, travel, books, relationships, and urban life for the New York Times magazine , the New Yorker, the Wall Street Journal, the Sunday Times (London), the Guardian , and others. She is a New York Times bestselling author of seven books of fiction, including The Middlesteins and All Grown Up , and, most recently, a memoir, I Came All This Way to Meet You . Her work has been published in sixteen languages. She is also the founder of the annual #1000WordsofSummer project, and maintains the popular Craft Talk newsletter year-round. She lives in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Lily Andrews

Lily Andrews is a writer from Minnesota, but she lives in New York. She is studying to be a high school teacher and enjoys reading children’s literature. While she doesn’t know yet whether she will ever be a memoirist, her work has been published or is forthcoming in Ghost City Review , Sonora Review , Ignatian magazine, and Rio Grande Review . She holds an MFA in Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and runs a post-abortion healing workshop called Hear Me Roar.

Stefan Merrill Block

Stefan Merrill Block grew up in Plano, Texas. His first book, The Story of Forgetting , was an international bestseller and the winner of Best First Fiction at the Rome International Festival of Literature, The Ovid Prize from the Romanian Writer’s Union, the 2008 Merck Serono Literature Prize and the 2009 Fiction Award from The Writers’ League of Texas. The Story of Forgetting was also a finalist for the debut fiction awards from IndieBound, Salon du Livre, and The Center for Fiction. Stefan’s stories and essays have appeared in the New York Times , the New Yorker Page-Turner, the Guardian , NPR ’s Radiolab , GRANTA , the Los Angeles Times , and many other publications. Stefan’s most recent novel, Oliver Loving , was released in 2018 by Macmillan/Flatiron Books, and is being developed for television by Participant Media. He lives in Brooklyn.

Conor Bracken

Conor Bracken is the author of The Enemy of My Enemy is Me (Diode Editions, 2021), as well as the translator of Mohammed Khaïr-Eddine’s Scorpionic Sun (CSU Poetry Center, 2019) and Jean D’Amérique’s No Way in the Skin Without This Bloody Embrace (Ugly Duckling Presse, 2022), a finalist for the 2023 PEN Award for Poetry in Translation. His work has received support from the Community of Writers, Bread Loaf, the Frost Place, Inprint, Cornell’s Institute for Comparative Modernities, and the Sewanee Writers’ Conference, and has appeared (or will soon) in places like BOMB, Image, jubilat, New England Review, the New Yorker, Ploughshares, Sixth Finch , and West Branch . He teaches writing at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond is the author of the children’s picture book Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky , illustrated by Caldecott Honor Artist Daniel Minter. Named among the best books of 2022 by NPR, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Kirkus Reviews , and The Center for the Study of Multicultural Literature, Blue  was honored with the 2023 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award® recognizing excellence in the writing of non-fiction for children, and it was nominated for an NAACP Image Award.

Brew-Hammond also wrote the young adult novel Powder Necklace , which Publishers Weekly called “a winning debut”, and she edited Relations: An Anthology of African and Diaspora Voices , of which Kirkus Reviews said in a starred review: “This smart, generous collection is a true gift.” Every month, Brew-Hammond co-leads a writing fellowship whose mission is to write light into darkness. You can keep up with Nana on Instagram at @nanaekuawriter , Twitter at @nanaekua , and Facebook at @nanaekuawriter .

Joanna Cantor

Joanna Cantor holds an MFA from Brooklyn College and a BA from Colorado College. Her debut novel, Alternative Remedies for Loss , was an Amazon Best Book of the Month for May 2018 and received coverage in Vanity Fair, Real Simple, Nylon , and elsewhere. Her writing has appeared in Literary Hub, Electric Literature, Departures, Fodor’s Travel, Greatist , and Willamette Week . Joanna was a recipient of a Vermont Studio Center Fellowship. She previously taught fiction writing at Catapult and is also a yoga teacher. She lives in Brooklyn. You can keep up with Joanna on Instagram at @joannacantor and on Twitter at @jojannna.

Elysha Chang

Elysha Chang is a writer and educator based in Brooklyn. Before moving to New York, she taught Asian American Literature and Creative Writing at Villanova University, University of Pennsylvania and Blue Stoop Philadelphia. Her debut novel, A Quitter’s Paradise , is about American immigrant inheritance and was published in 2023. She holds a master of fine arts from Columbia University and has received fellowships from The Center for Fiction and Kundiman.

Caroline Christopoulos

Caroline Christopoulos is a publicist with Gold Leaf Literary Services, a publicity firm that works exclusively with writers/authors. She also works part-time at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, NC, where she has been a bookseller for twenty-two years and buyer for eighteen. She worked on the steering committee of the Asheville Grown Business Alliance and continues to be on the programming committee for the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival. In addition to bringing authors and their works the attention they deserve, her focus includes strengthening community and promoting local business. She and her husband live in Asheville and New York City with their daughter and their dog, Tiny Cakes.

Sarah Cypher

Sarah Cypher is a freelance book editor and author of The Skin and Its Girl (Ballantine, April 2023). She holds an MFA from the Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College, where she was a Rona Jaffe Graduate Creative Writing Fellow in Fiction, and a BA from Carnegie Mellon University. Her writing has appeared in the Washington Post, Lit Hub , Electric Literature , New Ohio Review, North American Review, Crab Orchard Review , and others, and she has been a resident at the Headlands Center for the Arts and Vermont Studio Center. She grew up in a Lebanese Christian family near Pittsburgh and lives in Washington, D.C., with her wife. You can keep up with Sarah on Instagram at @sarahcypher and on Twitter at @threepenny .

Kavita Das came to writing ten years ago after working for social change and social justice for fifteen years. She writes about culture, race, gender, and their intersections. Nominated for a Pushcart Prize, Kavita’s work has been published in WIRED, CNN, Teen Vogue, Catapult, Fast Company, Tin House, Longreads, the Atlantic, the Washington Post , Los Angeles Review of Books, Kenyon Review, NBC News Asian America, Guernica, Electric Literature , Colorlines, the Rumpus , and elsewhere. Kavita’s second book Craft and Conscience: How to Write About Social Issues (Beacon Press, October 2022) is inspired by the Writing with Conscience class she created and teaches. Her first book, Poignant Song: The Life and Music of Lakshmi Shankar , was published by Harper Collins India in 2019. In the real world, she lives in New York with her husband, toddler, and hound. And in the virtual world, she can be found on Twitter: @kavitamix and Instagram: @kavitadas and at kavitadas.com .

Omer Friedlander

Omer Friedlander was born in Jerusalem in 1994 and grew up in Tel-Aviv. He is the author of the short story collection The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land , winner of the Association of Jewish Libraries Fiction Award and a finalist for the Wingate Prize. The book was chosen as a Sophie Brody Medal Honor Book and longlisted for the Story Prize. Omer has a BA in English Literature from the University of Cambridge and an MFA from Boston University, where he was supported by the Saul Bellow Fellowship. He was a Starworks Fellow in Fiction at New York University. His collection has been translated into several languages, including Turkish, Dutch, and Italian. His writing has been supported by the Bread Loaf Fellowship and Vermont Studio Center Fellowship. He is currently teaching Creative Writing at the MFA program at Columbia University.

Miciah Bay Gault

Miciah Bay Gault is the author of the novel Goodnight Stranger (Park Row, 2019), which was nominated for a Shirley Jackson award, longlisted for The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize , and selected for Poets & Writers’ First Fiction roundup.

Miciah is a Breadloaf fellow and a Vermont Arts Council creation grant recipient. Her short fiction and essays have appeared in Tin House, the Sun, Agni, the Southern Review, the Harvard Review, the New York Times ‘ Modern Love’ column, and other places. She teaches in the MFA in Writing program at Vermont College of Fine Arts and is coordinator of the Vermont Book Award.

David Gordon

David Gordon was born in New York City. He attended Sarah Lawrence College, holds an MA in English and Comparative Literature and an MFA in Writing, both from Columbia University. He is the author of seven published novels and a book of stories.His first novel, The Serialist , won the VCU/Cabell First Novel Award and was a finalist for an Edgar Award. It also won three major literary awards in Japan—Kono Mystery ga Sugoi, Mystery ga Yomitai and Mystery Best 10—becoming the first novel ever to do so—and was made into a feature film. In addition to Japanese, his novels has been translated into Chinese, Korean, French, German, Turkish, Russian and Polish. His most recent book, The Pigeon , is number five in the Joe the Bouncer series. A new novel, a neo-noir called, Behind Sunset , is forthcoming from Mysterious Press, as well as a video game co-written with Hampton Fancher, ( Bladerunner ). His work has appeared in Harpers , Paris Review , the New York Times magazine, the  New York Times Book Review , Fence , Brazenhead Review , Maggot Brain , LitHub , Electric Literature , and others.

Jakob Guanzon

Jakob Guanzon is the author of Abundance , which was longlisted for both the National Book Award and the Aspen Words Literary Prize in 2021, and has been translated into multiple languages. His shorter works have appeared in BOMB , the New York Times , and elsewhere. He holds an MFA from Columbia University, and has since taught as part of the Zell Visiting Writers Series at the University of Michigan. He lives in Harlem.

Lucinda Halpern

Lucinda Halpern is a literary agent with nearly 20 years’ experience in both the publicity and agency sides of publishing. Before founding Lucinda Literary, she worked in the Publicity division of HarperCollins, where she assisted on the media campaign for Freakonomics among other New York Times bestsellers. She later took a management role in Sales and Marketing at Scholastic before becoming a marketing consultant for Gretchen Rubin ( The Happiness Project ) and others, and then launching her career as an agent. She has worked with such publishers as HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, and Hachette, and currently represents authors writing in the categories of business, health, lifestyle, popular science, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and upmarket fiction.

Lauren Harr

Lauren Harr is a publicist with Gold Leaf Literary Services and has worked in the book world for twenty years—as a bookseller in Asheville, NC and Albuquerque, NM, an assistant at literary nonprofits in Santa Fe, an intern at Graywolf Press, and a marketing assistant and publicist at Coffee House Press. She spent eight years at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe where her passions were connecting readers and books and assisting the events program. She lives in Asheville with her husband and daughter and holds an MFA from Spalding University’s School of Creative and Professional Writing.

Debra Jo Immergut

Debra Jo Immergut is the author of the novels You Again , named a New York Times Best of the Year and shortlisted for the 2021 Gotham Book Prize, and The Captives , a 2019 Edgar Award finalist and published in over a dozen countries. She has also published a collection of short fiction, Private Property . Her essays and stories have appeared in American Short Fiction, Narrative, the New York Times, PANK, Hobart , and elsewhere. A recipient of Michener and MacDowell fellowships, she has an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in western Massachusetts.

Yahdon Israel

Yahdon Israel, a Senior Editor at Simon & Schuster and founder of Literaryswag, a cultural movement that intersects literature and fashion to make books accessible. He has written for the New Inquiry , LitHub , Poets & Writers , Vanity Fair , and the Atlantic . He teaches Creative Writing at the MFA Program at City College, previously served on the Board of the National Book Critics Circle, and founded the Literaryswag Book Club, a Brooklyn-based subscription service and book club that meets every last Wednesday of the month.

Seth Kaufman

Seth Kaufman is a ghostwriter and novelist. He is the author or co-author of five book proposals purchased by publishers, including autobiographies of basketball legend Rick Pitino, video game designer John Romero, and his own collection of music essays. He has collaborated on bestselling memoirs, biographies, current affairs, political and sports books. His work, under his byline or a clients’ byline, has been published by the Wall Street Journal , the New Yorker online, LitHub , Publishers Weekly , and many other national publications. His satirical work, The King of Pain , was called “one of 2012’s most enjoyable novels” by the New York Times . And Bleacher Report scribe Mike Freeman called Eat My Schwartz , the autobiography Kaufman co-authored (and also wrote the proposal for), “easily, one of the most unique and well-done books about NFL life I’ve ever read.”

Josh Krigman

Josh Krigman (he/him) is a writer, teacher, and facilitator in New York City. He has taught creative writing at Hunter College, the United Nations International School, 826NYC, The Writer’s Rock, and for National Geographic Expeditions. He has been awarded residencies from Vermont Studio Center, and his work has appeared in The Summerset Review, Akashic Books, Necessary Fiction , and elsewhere. He received his MFA in fiction from Hunter College. Through Little Nights , he hosts interdisciplinary events designed to make art-making more accessible to new audiences. He is also the co-founder and New York host of Club Motte , an international storytelling series that hosts live events in New York, Oakland, and Berlin.

Danielle Lazarin

Danielle Lazarin is the author of the short story collection Back Talk . Her fiction and essays can be found in the Southern Review , Colorado Review , Literary Hub , Glimmer Train , the Cut , Electric Literature’s Recommended Reading, and elsewhere. Her work has been honored by the New York Foundation for the Arts, the Glimmer Train Family Matters Award, the Millay Colony for the Arts, The Freya Project, and the Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize. She lives and teaches in her native New York, where she is at work on a novel and a story collection.

Alcy Leyva is a Bronx-born multi-genre writer whose first two books in the Shades of Hell series, And Then There Were Crows and And Then There Were Dragons . His newest book, the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life , was released October 10th, 2023 by Green Writers Press. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in Creative Writing for the University of Birmingham and currently lives (and works) in New York.

Theresa Lin

Theresa Lin received her MFA in Fiction from Columbia University, where she was awarded the De Alba Fellowship by Writing Program faculty for an excerpt of her novel manuscript. She is represented by Janklow and Nesbit and lectures at The Cooper Union. She has previously taught at Fordham, Rutgers, and Columbia and her writing has been featured in the LA Review of Books , Off Assignment , Racquet , Oh Reader , Storm Cellar , Truthout , Smart Set , and Random Sample Review , among others.

Bruna Dantas Lobato

Bruna Dantas Lobato is a Brazilian writer and literary translator based in St. Louis. Her fiction has appeared in the New Yorker , A Public Space, the Common , and other publications, and has been recognized with fellowships from Yaddo, A Public Space, NYU, and Disquiet International. Her literary translations include Caio Fernando Abreu’s Moldy Strawberries (Archipelago Books), Stênio Gardel’s The Words that Remain (New Vessel Press), and Giovana Madalosso’s Tokyo Suite (Europa Editions). Other translations from Lobato have appeared in Vogue, Bookforum, BOMB, the Kenyon Review, Harvard Review, the Brooklyn Rail , and the American Scholar , among others. You can keep up with Bruna on Twitter at @bdantaslobato and Instagram @bdantaslobato .

Melissa Lozada-Oliva

Melissa Lozada-Oliva is the author of peluda , Dreaming of You and Candelaria . Her work has been featured in the Poetry Project, Harper’s Bazaar, NPR , Vogue, Vulture , and BBC Mundo. She received her MFA from New York University in 2020.

Jessie McCarty

Jessie McCarty (they/them) is an interdisciplinary writer and cataloger specializing in Irish, Southern, and LBGTQ+ folklore through new media and poetry. They are the author of The Bovine Huff , a research chapbook on The Shreveport Yellow Fever Mound in Shreveport, Louisiana and Ireland/Eire’s Tain Bo Cuailnge. The Bovine Huff was awarded the 3rd Best Poetry Book of 2022 in the Chicago Reader . In August 2023, McCarty co-authored the poetry collection Our Fairy Diary with multi-media artist Sarah Haines. This artbook of letters, written between Chicago and Shreveport, functioned as a study in fairy rings as a limited edition of 50. As of September 2023, Our Fairy Diary is sold out.

David McLoghlin

David McLoghlin is a prize-winning poet and writer of memoir and personal essay. His books are Waiting For Saint Brendan and Other Poems and Santiago Sketches . His third book, Crash Centre , will be published in May 2024 by Salmon Poetry. Apart from a major bursary (grant) for memoir from Ireland’s Arts Council, and a personal essay published in the anthology Others Will Enter the Gates: Immigrant Poets on Poetry, Influences, and Writing in America (Black Lawrence Press), he has published personal essays, short stories and memoir extracts in The Stinging Fly , Poetry Ireland Review and other journals. An essay on being mentored by poet Sharon Olds is forthcoming in This Glistening Verb (University of Michigan Press) as part of their “Under Discussion” series. He is currently at work on a book about his grandfather, the golf architect, Eddie Hackett, widely considered “the Father of Irish Golf Design.” In October 2023 he played one of his grandfather’s designs, Connemara Golf Links, and is writing an immersion piece for Golfer’s Journal in the USA. He has previously taught memoir for The Center for Fiction, and teaches creative writing in Ireland with The American College, Dublin, Poetry as Commemoration and Writers in Schools. While living in New York between 2010 and 2020 he was Resident Writer at Hunts Point Alliance for Children in the South Bronx, and an NYU Teaching Fellow at Coler Specialty Hospital; and a Patrick and Katherine Kavanagh Fellowship Recipient (2023).

Leia Menlove

Leia Menlove’s writings have been published in Guernica , Fiction Magazine (CUNY), Narratively , the Harvard Review , the Evergreen Review , Catapult , Joyland , and others. She was a featured artist of The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum Series, “Conversations with Contemporary Artists,” discussing her fabulist erotic work, How to Train Your Virgin . HTYV was released by Badlands and ArtBook in 2015, and was covered in BOMB , T magazine, Vogue , MSNBC’s Chrystal Ball Show , Hyperallergic , Sluttist , and many other forums. She is editing her first novel and beginning work on her second.

Kate Milliken

Kate Milliken is the author of If I’d Known You Were Coming , winner of the 2013 John Simmons Award for Short Fiction, and the novel, Kept Animals , which was long listed for the 2020 First Novel Award. Her work has been supported by the Tin House Writers Workshop, the Ragdale Foundation, and the Vermont Studio Center among others. When not at work on her next book, Kate is a freelance editor and writing coach.

Ruth Mukwana

Ruth Mukwana is a fiction writer. Her work has appeared in several magazines including Bomb , Solstice , and Consequence . Her short story, “ Taboo ” was a runner-up in the Black Warriors Review 2017 fiction contest. She’s the Co-Fiction Editor of Solstice Magazine . She is the Creator and Host of SAHA, Stories and Humanitarian Action, a Podcast that investigates whether fiction can raise awareness on the causes and consequences of humanitarian crises. Her works in progress are a collection of short stories and a novel that follows Queen, a middle-aged woman working for the UN, as she’s forced to confront a past, she wants to forget, and her quest for justice. Told through multiple points of view, the novel interrogates trauma and memory, and resilience and forgiveness. She’s a graduate of the Bennington Writing Seminars (MFA), a 2022 Bennington Alumni Fellow and a 2020 Center for Fiction/Susan Kamil NYC Emerging Fellow, and a former humanitarian worker with the United Nations. She lives in New York with her daughter.

As a fiction writer with an MFA from Bennington College and a humanitarian worker whose work and writing deals with social justice issues, she is passionate about writing for social justice and has a deep familiarity with both the research and questions of craft. Therefore, she offers a wide perspective and comparative approach.

Alison Mills Newman

Alison Mills Newman is a former child star from the ’60s, a singer/songwriter and recording artist with Taj Mahal, and has opened for Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, Weather Report with Joe Zavinul and Wayne Shorter, screenwriter, poet and award winning independent filmmaker and author of Maggie Three and the highly acclaimed Francisco .

Zeynep Özakat

Zeynep Özakat was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. Her writing has appeared in Glimmer Train Stories , where she won the Fiction Open Contest, in Black Warrior Review, Michigan Quarterly Review , and Gulf Coast Online . She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University, where she received The Shirley Jackson Prize in Fiction, The Leonard Brown Prize in Poetry, and a Graduate Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Work. She has received scholarships and support from The Disquiet Conference in Lisbon, The Bread Loaf Environmental Writing Conference, The Juniper Summer Writing Institute, and The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, where she was a 2021-2022 Writing Fellow.

Soraya Palmer

Soraya Palmer is the author of The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts . She is a Flatbush-born-and-raised writer and licensed social worker. Her novel was named one of Today’s “38 Best New Books to Read in 2023,” one of the “Buzziest Debut Novels of the New Year” by Goodreads , one of the “Best and Most Anticipated Books of 2023” by Elle magazine, and one of “The Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2023” by Ms. magazine. Her writing has appeared in Electric Literature , Hazlitt , Ploughshares, and elsewhere. She has been awarded a residency at Blue Mountain Center and graduated from the Virginia Tech MFA program. She lives in Brooklyn with her cat, Nicholas.

Daniel Saldaña París

Daniel Saldaña París is the author of three novels— Among Strange Victims , Ramifications , and The Dance and the Wildfire —and a collection of personal essays, Planes Flying Over a Monster . His work has been translated into several languages, and he has been included in Bogota39, a list of the Best Latin American Writers Under 40.

The recipient of fellowships and residencies from the Banff Center for the Arts, the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires, Art Omi, and MacDowell, he has been awarded the Eccles Center & Hay Festival Writers Award in the U.K., and his latest novel was a finalist for the Herralde Prize in Spain. He was a 2022-2023 fellow at the NYPL’s Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers, and has contributed to publications such as the Guardian , BOMB, Guernica, Aperture, Music & Literature, LitHub, Publisher’s Weekly , and KCRW’s UnFictional , among many others. You can keep up with Daniel on Instagram at @dsparis .

Dawn Raffel

Dawn Raffel is the author of six books, most recently Boundless as the Sky , a hybrid collection incorporating fiction, image, and early 20th Century history, amid the rise of both fascism and technology. The title novella, set at the 1933 Chicago World’s fair, is told through multiple perspectives, including “ordinary” people and sideshow performers whose voices have been lost to history books. Her previous book, The Strange Case of Dr. Couney , is historical narrative nonfiction based on deep archival research. Other books include a nationally bestselling memoir, The Secret Life of Objects , two story collections and a novel. She has taught creative writing at International Literary Seminars (previously Summer Literary Seminars) in Kenya, Russia, Lithuania, and Canada. You can keep up with Dawn by following her on Instagram at @dawnraffel , or on Twitter at @dawnraffel .

Juliana Roth

Juliana Roth was selected as a VIDA Fellow with the Sundress Academy for the Arts for her fiction and is currently seeking a home for her novel and collection of short stories. Her writing appears in the Breakwater Review, Los Angeles Review of Books, Irish Pages , and Entropy as well as being produced as independent films that she directs. Her web series, The University , was nominated by the International Academy of Web Television for Best Drama Writing. Currently, she teaches writing at NYU and writes the newsletter Drawing Animals featuring essays, interviews, doodles, and podcast episodes celebrating our interconnection with nonhuman animal life. She also holds a 200-hour yoga teacher certification and is a current Emerging Writer Fellow at The Center for Fiction. She formerly lived out of a backpack in the La Sal Mountains and as a volunteer on an organic farm in Maine.

Buku Sarkar

Buku Sarkar is a fiction writer and photographer based in New York. Her first book has just been published in 2023, a collection of short stories titled Not Quite A Disaster After All . She has written for various magazines including NYRB , ZYZZYVA , NYTimes , Sewanee Review , Threepenny Review , and received the best short story of the year award from Sewannee Review . Her photography, has been shown at ICP, Art Basel Miami to name a few.

Alanna Schubach

Alanna Schubach is the author of The Nobodies (Blackstone, 2022). Her short fiction has appeared in Shenandoah , the Sewanee Review , the Massachusetts Review , Electric Literature , and more. She was an Emerging Writer Fellow with The Center for Fiction and a Fellow in Fiction with the New York Foundation for the Arts. She earned an M.F.A. in fiction from Sarah Lawrence College.

Amy Silverberg

Amy Silverberg is a writer and comedian based in Los Angeles. Her short fiction has appeared in Best American Short Stories , the Paris Review , Granta , TriQuarterly , the Los Angeles Review of Books , and elsewhere. Her debut novel First Time, Long Time is forthcoming from Grand Central Publishing/Hachette. She also writes television, most recently The Movie Show on the SYFY Channel. She holds a Ph.D. in Literature & Creative Writing from The University of Southern California, where she currently teaches.

Javier Sinay

Javier Sinay is a writer and journalist. His books include Camino al Este , Cuba Stone (in collaboration), Los crimes de Moisés Ville (published by Restless Books as The Murders of Moises Ville in 2022), and Sangre joven , which won the Premio Rodolfo Walsh de la Semana Negra de Gijón, España. In 2015 he won the Premio de la Fundación Gabo/FNPI for his chronicle “Fast. Furious. Dead.,” published in Rolling Stone . His work has appeared in the newspapers La Nación and Clarín , in Buenos Aires, and on the website RED/ACCIÓN. He was also a South America correspondent for El Universal (Mexico) and the editor of Rolling Stone (Argentina). He has collaborated with Gatopardo (Mexico), Label Negra (Peru), Letras Libres (Mexico) and Reportagen (Switzerland). He lives in Buenos Aires.

Eraldo Souza dos Santos

A 2022 LARB Publishing Fellow, Eraldo Souza dos Santos is a Brazilian writer currently based between Paris and São Paulo. His first novel, to be published in 2024, is an autobiography of his illiterate mother and a meditation on the lived experience of Blackness and enslavement in modern Brazil. At the age of seven, his mother was sold into slavery by her white foster sister. It was 1968—eighty years after the abolition of slavery in Brazil and four years into the anti-communist coup d’état, during the month in which the military overruled the Constitution by decree. By weaving in extensive archival research and interviews, the novel narrates their journey to Minas Gerais—where she was born—and Bahia—the Blackest state in Brazil, where she was enslaved on a farm for three years—to investigate why the family that enslaved her has never been brought to justice. It also narrates his grandmother’s journey to search for her missing daughter. In March 2023, he offered a masterclass based on his novel at the prestigious UEA Creative Writing Course. You can keep up with Eraldo on Twitter at @esdsantos .

Mathangi Subramanian

Mathangi Subramanian is a neurodiverse South Asian American novelist and essayist. Her middle grade book Dear Mrs. Naidu won the South Asia Book award, and her novel A People’s History of Heaven was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award and was longlisted for the PEN/Faulkner prize and The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. Her picture book A Butterfly Smile was inducted into the Nobel Museum by economics laureate Dr. Esther Duflo. She is a guest artist at Denver School of the arts and affiliate faculty at the Regis Mile High MFA program. She holds a doctorate in education from Columbia University Teachers College.

Jenna Tang is a Taiwanese writer and translator who translates between Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, and English. She is a board member and chair of the Equity Advocates Committee at the American Literary Translators Association (ALTA). Her translations and essays are published in McSweeney’s , Latin American Literature Today , World Literature Today , Catapult , AAWW , Words Without Borders , the Paris Review , and elsewhere. Her book in translation, Lin Yi-Han’s novel, Fang Si-Chi’s First Love Paradise (HarperVia), will be out in May 2024.

Hannah Tinti

Hannah Tinti is the author of the bestselling novel The Good Thief , which won The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize , and the story collection Animal Crackers , a runner-up for the PEN/Hemingway Award. Her latest novel, The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley , is a national bestseller and is in development for television. She teaches creative writing at New York University’s MFA program and co-founded the Sirenland Writers Conference. Tinti is also the co-founder and executive editor of One Story magazine, which won the AWP Small Press Publisher Award, CLMP’s Firecracker Award, a 2020 Whiting Prize, and the PEN/Magid Award for Excellence in Editing.

María Alejandra Barrios Vélez

María Alejandra Barrios Vélez is a writer born in Barranquilla, Colombia. She was the 2020 SmokeLong Flash Fiction Fellow, and her stories have been published in Shenandoah Literary , Vol. 1 Brooklyn , El Malpensante , Fractured Lit , SmokeLong Quarterly , The Offing , and more. Her work has been supported by organizations such as Vermont Studio Center, Kweli, Caldera Arts, and the New Orleans Writers’ Residency.

Her debut novel, The Waves Take You Home , will be published March 19, 2024.

Sofia Warren

Sofia Warren is a cartoonist and writer based in Brooklyn. Her first book, Radical: My Year with a Socialist Senator , was named one of the top graphic novels of 2022 by Forbes , and was a 2023 Finalist for the Pop Culture Classroom Excellence in Graphic Literature award. Sofia has been a contributing cartoonist at the New Yorker since 2017, and her work has also been published in MoMA Magazine, Catapult, Narrative Magazine , and the books Send Help! and Notes from the Bathroom Line . She is a visiting professor at Wesleyan University. You can keep up with Sofia on Instagram at @sofiawarrenart .

Eleanor Whitney

Eleanor Whitney is a writer, editor, and content marketer. She is the author of Riot Woman , a collection of feminist essays examining the impact of the Riot Grrrl movement, and Quit Your Day Job , a business guide and an accompanying workbook for creative people. Microcosm will publish her fourth book, Spread the Word: Promote Your Book, Find Your Readers, and Build a Literary Community in the fall of 2023.

Throughout her career, Eleanor has worked to build communities, education programs, and marketing content strategies at museums, art organizations, and tech startups, including the Brooklyn Museum and the New York Foundation for the Arts. She holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Queens College, a Master’s in Public Administration from Baruch College, and BA in cultural studies from Eugene Lang College. She has taught writing at both Queens College and Eugene Lang College and in community workshops around the country. Hailing from Maine, she divides her time between Brooklyn and the Mojave desert. You can keep up with Eleanor on Instagram at @killerfemme and on Twitter at @killerfemme.

Joe Wilkins

Joe Wilkins was born and raised on the Big Dry of eastern Montana and now lives with his family in the foothills of the Coast Range of Oregon. He is the author of a novel, Fall Back Down When I Die , praised as “remarkable and unforgettable” in a starred review at Booklist . A finalist for the The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award, Fall Back Down When I Die won the High Plains Book Award. Wilkins is also the author of a memoir, The Mountain and the Fathers , and four collections of poetry, including Thieve and When We Were Birds , winner of the Oregon Book Award. His second novel, The Entire Sky , is slated for publication in July 2024 with Little, Brown. Wilkins directs the creative writing program at Linfield University and is a member of the low-residency MFA faculty at Eastern Oregon University.

Diane Zinna

Diane Zinna is the author of the novel The All-Night Sun (Random House, 2020) and Letting Grief Speak: Writing Portals for Life After Loss , a craft book on the art of telling our hardest stories, forthcoming from Columbia University Press in 2024. She has led a free grief writing class called Grief Writing Sundays since the start of the pandemic.

Courtney Zoffness

Courtney Zoffness is the author of the critically acclaimed memoir-in-essays Spilt Milk , named a best debut of 2021 by BookPage and Refinery29 and a “must-read” by Publishers Weekly . She won the Sunday Times Short Story Award and received fellowships from The Center for Fiction and MacDowell. Her writing has appeared in the Paris Review Daily , the New York Times , Guernica , the Believer , and other venues. She’s an Associate Professor of English at Drew University, where she directs the creative writing program. You can keep up with Courtney on Instagram at @czoffness, and Twitter at @czoffrun .

We kindly ask those attending in-person workshops to review our Health & Safety Protocols before visiting The Center for Fiction. For refunds, please refer to our Refund Policy .

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The Writer’s Center offers hundreds of writing workshops, hosts dozens of free events, and fosters a community of writers, virtually and in-person.

Workshops & Free Events Calendar

Events search and views navigation, event views navigation, calendar of events, 6 events, 28, novel year with dr. mathangi subramanian.

Application deadline extended to August 31! Finish your novel in just one year! Do you have a book-length work of fiction that can't seem to find the time to finish? […]

Personal Essays from Start to Finish: 10 Essays in 5 Months!

Inspiration, accountability, and the tools you need to get your essays out into the world! Join us for five months of craft lessons, workshops, editor visits, and personal editorial feedback! […]

Novel Year with Diane Zinna

Complete your novel and prepare for publication! Novel Year is an intensive, advanced workshop geared toward writers with either a draft of a novel ready for revision or a novel […]

Intermediate Novel: The 8 Cs of Novel Writing

Are you serious about writing a novel but struggling? This intermediate course will examine the eight fundamental elements of the novel to help you find the strengths and weaknesses of your work-in-progress. From Concept to Conclusion, we will study the key components of a novel, with generative and evaluative exercises along the way. Written lessons, curated online resources, and targeted exercises (along with instructor and peer feedback) will help guide you as you continue to draft your novel. (Note: This course is a good follow-up to Tammy Greenwood’s Intro to the Novel workshop.)

Getting Your Poetry Published

Expand the audience for your poetry! This intensive one-day workshop will offer all poets—whether they have yet to submit their first poem to a literary journal or are ready to […]

Creative Courage and Self-Care for Writers

Learn how to navigate all phases of the creative process without burning out. As writers, it’s vital that we nurture our creativity through self-care so we can work with our […]

4 events, 29

4 events, 30, 4 events, 1, 4 events, 2, 5 events, 3, creating novel characters.

When writing a novel, we must know our primary characters inside and out. We need to understand their desires, motivations, and frustrations, their histories and their futures. This workshop will focus on the development of authentic characters. Participants will examine character as both autonomous and residing within the context of the other novelistic elements, and we will examine the challenge of creating and integrating these various elements into a cohesive and credible whole. Participants will explore the main character(s) in their novels-in-progress.

6 events, 4

From idea to script: a beginner’s guide to screenwriting.

Discover how to translate your passion for screenwriting into actionable skills. Every week students will build on the foundations of story, structure, character arcs, the do's and don'ts, industry standards, and the technical side of writing a script until they have a completed short screenplay that will be workshopped during the last weeks of class. We'll start with one page scripts, build to a three-page script, and finally five to ten page scripts for the final workshop. Please come to class with a few ideas you'd like to use to create a final script.

6 events, 5

6 events, 6, 8 events, 7, how to write a stand-up comedy act.

How do comedians come up with ideas? It all starts with finding the funny in your life and turning it into material. Learn how to recognize a premise, extract the humor and hone it into a stand-up act or funny story. We study comedians and styles and work on your unique voice in a fun and supportive class. This is for people who want to go out and try performing or just want to learn how to polish up their writing with wit and humor. No preparation or experience necessary.

Women Writers Mixer

Women writers of DC! Join us for an informal gathering at The Writer’s Center! It’ll be a chance to talk shop, network, and hang out with other writers. Please bring […]

11 events, 8

Crafting fiction: element by element.

By working through basic craft elements of fiction, participants will build a strong foundation for their writing--be it stories or novels. This 7-week workshop will explore craft elements one at a time and ask participants to practice them through in-class exercises. Reading published fiction will also help us understand how writers regularly employ these elements. You'll also begin to put the elements together as you start a story. You'll leave the workshop with the tools you need to write wonderful, authentic fiction.

The Muddle in the Middle

This quick-take session focuses on ways to get yourself unstuck when a story’s middle gets thorny, or you lose your way. A relaxed, informative 90 minutes chockful of information from a multi-published author who often has to fight her way out of the middle of a manuscript…and onward to a completed novel. Loads of tips and tricks for you to take away!

Tips for Revision from the Pros!

In this hands-on, active learning workshop, you will learn some of the various ways writers reshape, rethink, and "re-vision" their pieces. We’ll learn about and try out deep cutting, shifting style or point of view, switching up or mixing genres, and more! By the end of class, you’ll have a variety of revision techniques to try out so that you can choose the approach (or approaches) that will inspire you to take your writing forward.

Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center

Prose, poetry, and spoken word Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center! All writers are welcome to come and share 4-5 minutes of their latest work. Sign-up starts at 6:45pm, and […]

10 events, 9

Second-generation immigrant writers mixer.

Join us at The Writer’s Center for an informal gathering with other second-generation immigrant writers. It's the perfect opportunity to network and share stories. Please bring a drink or an […]

Virtual Craft Chat with Novelist Lisa Ko

The Writer’s Center presents a FREE virtual chat about the craft of fiction! We’re joined by National Book Award finalist Lisa Ko to discuss her new novel, Memory Piece. Lisa […]

8 events, 10

10 events, 11, how to create a compelling voice.

Agents say it all the time. What sells a manuscript? A standout voice. Acquire the tools you need for developing a compelling voice of your own through the study of entertaining published examples, a clear explanation and writing exercises designed to ignite your unique way of expressing yourself. You will enjoy a sense of excitement in this inspiring and instructive workshop as you successfully translate the voice in your head to the page.

Latine Open Mic @ The Writer’s Center

Bilingual Open Mic for Latine writers! All Latine writers are welcome to come and share 4-5 minutes of their latest work in English, Spanish, or spanglish. Limited space (sign up […]

8 events, 12

8 events, 13, 8 events, 14, 11 events, 15, writing about mental illness.

Whether you have experienced mental illness personally or have a loved one with mental illness, writing about it can help you process the challenges and inner conflicts while creating powerful narratives that reduce stigma and stereotypes. In the spirit of healing through storytelling, participants will write about how mental illness has directly or indirectly affected their lives. You will learn creative ways to practice self-discovery through writing and turn personal experience into art, and you will come away with two rough drafts in whatever genre you choose. For inspiration, we will read pieces by Elyn Saks, Bassey Ikpi, Mariah Hornbacher, and more. Please note, this is not a replacement for therapy. It’s an opportunity to explore a difficult topic through a creative lens.

The Power of Structure: Fixing your Table of Contents

Join us for an immersive workshop where we'll guide you through the art of creating a compelling table of contents. In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to organize your ideas effectively, create a roadmap for your readers, and ensure your manuscript flows seamlessly from start to finish. Whether you're working on a novel, a thesis, or any other project, mastering the table of contents is key to captivating your audience. Don't miss this opportunity to refine your craft and take your writing to new heights.

How to Write a Key Scene

A key scene is an essential building block in any work of fiction. In this session, you'll learn tips and strategies for making the scene you see in your head come alive on the page so that your reader is compelled to keep turning the pages, rather than turn out the light. Writing exercises will give class members a hands-on feel for how to add texture, dynamism, and drama to a story. The session also provides practical, hands-on guidance about the rewriting process. An added benefit: giving and receiving critical feedback. You’ll come away from the class with the creative muscle memory to write and revise with confidence.

9 events, 16

9 events, 17, 11 events, 18, writers listening.

One of life’s great joys is finding time to listen -- whether to the scattered wonders of conversation or to the many voices of the non-human world: birdsongs, wild wind, river’s sweep. In this two-hour workshop we will identify sources for the listener’s delight, and share ways to grow them into poems, songs, and stories. No experience necessary.

Your First (or Next) Novel

Writing a novel takes commitment, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. Learn how to generate a handful of plots to choose from, methods for effectively planning your story, and simple hacks for fine tuning your basic fiction skills. Participants will initiate a flexible writing plan that will keep their writing flowing. This is a great half-day session for the beginning long-form fiction writer, or for the more experienced author in need of a quick strategy brush-up.

9 events, 19

10 events, 20, crafting short stories.

In this workshop, participants will examine the qualities of good writing and good storytelling. After a recap on the constituent elements of short fiction, we will take a fresh look at contemporary and classic stories alike. Each week, writers will craft a new piece and offer feedback to fellow participants. By the course's end, writers will have workshopped several stories each and revised them with an eye toward publication.

11 events, 21

Ronald collins in conversation with carolyn finney.

Ronald Collins’s mind-opening book, Tragedy on Trial: The Infamous Story of the Emmett Till Murder Trial, is a long-overdue and indispensable account of the 1955 murder trial. This amazing book […]

11 events, 22

10 events, 23, opening art reception for ekphrasis by jeffrey berg.

The Writer's Center welcomes artist Jeffrey Berg for an opening reception for Ekphrasis, a collection of color pencil drawings and mixed media on paper. The exhibition will be on view […]

10 events, 24

Plotting your novel.

Whether you are an organized planner or a writer who flies by the seat of their pants, a novel still needs structure. In this workshop, participants will study the architecture of a novel and devise plans for plotting their novels. Using the three-act structure as a map, we will explore the basic components of a novel's plot.

9 events, 25

9 events, 26, 9 events, 27, 9 events, 28, 9 events, 29, facing your writing fears.

Not only is writing a lonely process, it can be downright scary. And, when it comes to mustering the courage to share our work with others, fear can turn to terror. In this session we'll look at understanding what frightens us -- and how to get beyond those fears.

11 events, 30

Book marketing on a budget.

You’ve written – or are writing your book – now fight for it! In this workshop we’ll focus on over two dozen book marketing tips, with a close eye on budgets. From book launches, social media, blogging and podcasting, to writing press releases, creating Amazon Author’s pages, and connecting with publicists, we’ll fill your head, and notebook with ideas; over 30 of them! If you think writing a book is exciting, wait until you feel the thrill of professionally promoting it!

Micro Memoirs

Join us to explore the elements of memoir in small manageable bites. We'll read and discuss Micro Memoirs, also called Flash Memoir, (50-250 words) to inspire your own writing and enhance your storytelling skills. Each week, with provided prompts, you’ll write about a variety of incidents, stories, or memories while building specific craft skills (image, metaphor, point of view, rhetorical strategies to address memory “gaps,” and more). In each class there will also be time for students to read their work out loud, to receive specific appreciations. Using a writer-focused workshop process, we’ll replace opinions and invasive "fix-its" with specific answers to their questions to best serve the writer and support them in revision. This class is perfect for poets and prose writers who want to write about their lives or family histories, get out of their writing ruts, and enhance their skills with feedback and revision.

Virtual Craft Chat with Poet Amanda Shaw in Conversation with Majda Gama

The Inner Loop and The Writer’s Center present a FREE virtual chat about the craft of poetry! We’re joined by Amanda Shaw to discuss her debut collection, It Will Have […]

10 events, 31

14 events, 1, writing compelling historical fiction.

Setting your fictional characters in the real time and place your story occurs makes it a vivid read that will draw readers in and keep them turning pages. The first three workshops will teach participants how to access the broad spectrum of information available in person and online in the unique research institutions that exist in the DC area, including the National Archives; the Library of Congress; Federal Records Centers; Federal agencies' Public Information Offices; Federal and state courts; libraries specializing in Washingtoniana; foreign embassies; and more. During the last two workshops, every student will present their proposed research plan and critique the plans of their classmates, to ensure that their research will focus on the most helpful institutions and the most valuable topics.

Evoking Reader Empathy

Even when a story is skillfully written, it may not be enough to make the reader care. The key lies in the emotional impact your story has on readers — inviting them to not only invest in your characters, but to embark on an emotional journey of their own. We’ll discuss how to avoid cliché and heavy-handed moralizing; determine the most effective balance of internal thought, scene, and underlying tension; and discover how to let an object or image (your father’s watch, a specific place, work of art, etc.) carry the emotional weight of your story. Reading examples and short exercises will give participants the opportunity to experiment with creating empathy on the page.

Creating Backstory & Flashbacks

Every character has a hidden history from before your story starts. Learn how to masterfully weave in details and experiences that enrich your characters and create believable motivation. Novelists, short story authors, and creative nonfiction writers will all benefit from these twin skills. You’ll see your writing grow in sophistication and depth.

American Identity Through a Literary Lens

The Writer’s Center presents an informative and inspiring symposium addressing the subject of American identity in literature and popular culture, offering free creative writing workshops followed by a panel discussion. […]

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Discover more about what we offer in the categories below.

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Make The Writer’s Center the venue for your next meeting or event in Bethesda, Maryland! From off-site business meetings to theater productions, we have a space that’s right for you.

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How We Support Writers

Writing classes. Free events for writers. New friends and networking. Every year, The Writer’s Center delivers hundreds of ways to connect more deeply with the literary life. Our writers hone their writing craft, master editing and revision, share their work, and get published. Most importantly, we bring likeminded writers together into a fun and welcoming community.

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Curated Conversation(s): a Latinx Poetry Show

Curated Conversation(s) is a virtual discussion series. Season 1 features debut Latinx poets, and Season 2 pairs Latinx poets from the United Kingdom and United States.

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Are you a writer who identifies as disabled? Join us for an informal gathering at The Writer’s Center to hang out and talk writing! Please bring a drink or an appetizer that serves six. You’re welcome to bring a friend, too. FREE & open to all DMV writers who identify as disabled. RSVP at writer.org!

Are you a writer who identifies as disabled? Join us for an informal gathering at The Writer’s Center to hang out and talk writing! Please bring a drink or an appetizer that serves six. You’re welcome to bring a friend, too. FREE & open to all DMV writers who identify as disabled. RSVP at writer.org! ...

We`re hiring! The Writer`s Center is looking for an outgoing, friendly, and organized writer to join our team as a part-time Customer Service Associate & Social Media Coordinator. This position staffs the front desk on weekends and weekday evenings (as required), as well as some special events. Social media duties can be performed remotely. Please go to writer.org/employment for more information and email [email protected] with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

We`re hiring! The Writer`s Center is looking for an outgoing, friendly, and organized writer to join our team as a part-time Customer Service Associate & Social Media Coordinator. This position staffs the front desk on weekends and weekday evenings (as required), as well as some special events. Social media duties can be performed remotely. Please go to writer.org/employment for more information and email [email protected] with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you! ...

Thank you to our Compass Fellows past and present for joining us at The Writer’s Center tonight! And congratulations again to @latesummerstar for being selected as our 2024 Compass Fellow! Learn more about our fellowship and how to apply at the link in our bio.

Thank you to our Compass Fellows past and present for joining us at The Writer’s Center tonight! And congratulations again to @latesummerstar for being selected as our 2024 Compass Fellow! Learn more about our fellowship and how to apply at the link in our bio. ...

Announcing our 2024 Compass Fellowship winner, Malik Thompson! Malik is a Black queer man from Washington, DC. His work is featured, or forthcoming, in Cobra Milk, Sundog Lit, Diode, MQR Mixtape, Oroboro, Poet Lore, and other places. He has received support from Lambda Literary, Obsidian Foundation, Brooklyn Poets, Cave Canem, and other organizations. He can be found on Instagram via the handle @latesummerstar. If you’re a writer or an aspiring writer looking for where to go next, The Writer’s Center Compass Fellowship is a great place to start! Our renewed fellowship program will introduce a new writer each year to our writing family, to help guide them along the next steps on their path, with $1000 in credits toward any TWC workshops within a two-year period, a $300 cash stipend, and opportunities to be published in The Writer’s Center Magazine and featured in TWC events. Learn more on our website!

Announcing our 2024 Compass Fellowship winner, Malik Thompson! Malik is a Black queer man from Washington, DC. His work is featured, or forthcoming, in Cobra Milk, Sundog Lit, Diode, MQR Mixtape, Oroboro, Poet Lore, and other places. He has received support from Lambda Literary, Obsidian Foundation, Brooklyn Poets, Cave Canem, and other organizations. He can be found on Instagram via the handle @latesummerstar. If you’re a writer or an aspiring writer looking for where to go next, The Writer’s Center Compass Fellowship is a great place to start! Our renewed fellowship program will introduce a new writer each year to our writing family, to help guide them along the next steps on their path, with $1000 in credits toward any TWC workshops within a two-year period, a $300 cash stipend, and opportunities to be published in The Writer’s Center Magazine and featured in TWC events. Learn more on our website! ...

Creative Writing

One of the nation's most prestigious open-enrollment creative writing programs..

Whether you're looking to improve your writing for personal fulfillment, want to be published, or are preparing to apply to an MFA program, the Writers' Program can help you achieve your goals. You will find a supportive community of instructors, academic counselors and fellow students to help you on your journey.

We offer a wide range of open-enrollment courses, all of which may be taken individually. A guide on where to get started is provided below.

We also offer a fully customizable 21-unit Certificate in Creative Writing  where you can develop professional creative writing skills in the genre of your choice.

What do you want to create?

See All Courses

Creative Writing Certificate

Develop your skills in the genre of your choice, including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and more.

This customizable program culminates in a capstone project where you will make significant progress on a polished collection of work.

Taught by a prestigious roster of instructors who are published writers and active professionals, courses can be taken onsite, online, or a combination of both.

Annual Writers Studio

4-day in-person, intensive workshops in Creative Writing & Screenwriting.

Perfect for both aspiring and experienced writers looking for new inspiration.

August 1-4, 2024 Registration opens Monday, February 5

Writers' Program Consultations

If you have a completed draft of a manuscript and need feedback for your work, you may consider a one-on-one consultation with a Writers’ Program instructor.

Consultations give you a full cover-to-cover read of your work, a written evaluation, and a follow-up conversation in person, via phone, or web chat.

Expect more from your education.

MFA, fiction writer, author of the story collection Once Removed (UGA Press) and winner of the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction. 

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Writers' Program Network of Writers (WP NOW)

Stay immersed in the Writers' Program community. Our optional membership program offers exclusive access to a range of discounts and benefits, including members-only networking, professional development opportunities, and course discounts. 

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My UCLA Extension coursework, teachers, and colleagues have shaped my writing life, fueled the creation of my novel, and provided continual inspiration.

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Learn how we can help your organization meet its professional development goals and corporate training needs.

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Support our many efforts to reach communities in need.

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Memoir Foundations with Suzanne Scanlon

This class is open to writers of all levels. Whether you have a story you want to tell but don’t know where to start, or a book in progress, this class will get you writing, rewriting, and finding (new) ways in.

Book-Length Revision 2024 with Julia Fine

We’ll look at strategies for making revision less daunting, discuss structural logistics, and try different revision techniques with the goal of finding the right path for each project.

Magic as Emotional Translation with Hajrije Kolimja

What can magic offer in narratives that strict realism cannot? In this class, we’ll be looking at the utility of magic in fiction writing—particularly investigating how it helps us translate experiences of extreme emotion and the multiplicitous identities of which they are a part.

SINGLE SESSION

All the Feels: Writing for Emotional Impact with Kat Falls

In this workshop, we'll explore the vital role evoking emotion plays in storytelling and how to craft stories that resonate long after the reader closes the book.

Prompt-a-Palooza with Denise Santomauro

Start a new story or deepen your current project with a fun morning of prompts!

Thanks for the Memories: How to Write Flashbacks with Frances de Pontes Peebles

In this class, we will get curious about flashbacks. When should flashbacks be inserted and why? How much memory is necessary? How can we write flashbacks that propel a story rather than paralyze it?

MASTER CLASSES

Master Class: Follow the Desire: Writing Gripping Fiction with R.O. Kwon

In this class, we'll look at others' desire-filled writing and dream up some of our own. How do we follow what our characters want, and, pulled along, find a world?

PJ Seminar: Too Hot to Cut: How to Write Sex Scenes with Purpose with Isle McElroy

In this class, we will deepen our understanding of how sex scenes work to develop character, heighten tension, and advance plot in fiction. Students will also complete short craft exercises.

Master Class: Even More True: Writing Dialogue with Emma Copley Eisenberg

In this class, we will look at both the truth-telling possibilities of dialogue and how, on the level of mechanics and craft, these possibilities can be achieved.

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Stories Matter. Tell Yours Today

Upcoming classes.

Writing Humor with Suzanne Roberts

We will discuss elements of humor, the benefits and the pitfalls of using humor in different situations, and the case for taking humor more seriously in our writing.

Writers Room: 10-Pack

StoryStudio’s Writers Room service offers members use of our studio space for writing on Tuesdays and Fridays, by reservation. Our hope is that our space can provide concentration and inspiration away…

Writers Room: 1 Visit

StoryStudio’s Writers Room service offers members use of our studio space for writing on Tuesdays and Fridays, by reservation. Our hope is that our space can provide concentration and inspiration…

View All Classes »

StoryBall Fundraiser 2024: Literary Noir The Stories Matter Foundation Board of Directors invites you to our annual fundraiser, StoryBall. The theme for 2024 will be Literary Noir, hosted at Revolution…

“I finished my MFA in 2022 and, though it was a phenomenal program, I had two major holes in my education: novel writing and the publishing process. I attended Pub Crawl last year and a novel course this year and have learned so much from you all. I truly can’t believe the quality of teaching StoryStudio is sharing with the world (and so affordably) and wanted to say THANK YOU!” – Adrienne G.

StoryStudio Chicago

We offer classes for writers to hone their craft, express their creativity, and communicate with confidence.

Stories Matter Foundation

StoryStudio is part of this 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit and community of storytellers. We aim to change worlds using the power of story.

Our Community

One of our main goals is building a community where writers and literary folks can come together to learn, share, and grow in the creative arts.

Read a bit from our blog…

20 stories: (#1) ericka carmona-vega.

Ultimately, StoryStudio Chicago’s teachings and empowering methods of inquiry led me to finish my first novel of the Rise series.

20 Stories: (#10) Rowan Beaird

The first time I went to StoryStudio was for a write-in. I loved that the space felt like an apartment—the creak of the wood floors, the ambient bubbling of a kettle, deep couches, warm lights. Though it attracts talented, accomplished writers, there’s nothing intimidating about the space, and that sense of warmth and community is…

20 Stories: (#11) Jasmine Sawers

While writing itself is a deeply solitary endeavor, I came to realize that the support of other writers during the writing process was invaluable and, indeed, exactly what I had been missing since finishing my MFA.

Turn Your Words into Art

For 25 years, we have helped writers bring their voices to the page..

The classes I took at the Salon were my first exposure to workshop critique and participating in the creative process with other students. I felt as the sessions progressed, I read work (mine and others’) more critically, saw areas for growth and clarity, and identified how to better help my peers by asking questions. Sam Jacobs

Upcoming Classes

Jumpstart your poetry with visual art: a poetry lab.

6:30pm - 9:00pm

Screenwriting 101: Writing a Short Film

Playing with poetic forms, write now: salon saturdays.

10:30am - 12:00pm

Free Your Creativity: Using Constraints to Generate New Writing

Writing salon news.

Congratulations to our 2023 Jane Underwood Poetry Prize winner, Angel Bista! Check out her winning poem, “ Notes on the War, from My Mother .” The contest finalists are Fay Dillof, Julia B. Levine, and Melissa McKinstry.

We’ve just published our summer class calendar. Check out all of the classes here !

Let’s find you a class.

Generative Writing

Publishing & Professional Development

Children’s & Young Adult Audience

Screenwriting & Playwriting

Featured events.

There are no upcoming events at this time

The Writing Salon has a wonderful feeling for me of home and security, a place where I can bond with people while learning and perfecting my craft. I’m very grateful to you all for providing all this in one package! Maria Sanchez

Supporting Your Writing

“The Writing Salon has offered creative writing classes in the Bay Area since 1999…”

“along with empowerment, the writing salon also provides constructive guidance in the craft and art of writing.”, “whether you’re an aspiring novelist who needs the structure of fixed deadlines or just a dabbler looking to broaden your creative horizons, the writing salon has something for you…”, read our news & reviews, “everyone looked as if they were having the best time, all flickering in candlelight…”.

Announcing the 2019 Jane Underwood Poetry Prize Winner

The 2019 Jane Underwood Poetry Prize winner is John Sibley Williams for his poem “Armistice.” The finalists are Heather Campbell, Sharon Coleman, and Grace Li.

Read the Winning Poem

Announcing the 2020 jane underwood poetry prize.

The Jane Underwood Poetry Prize was established to celebrate and memorialize Jane Underwood, the founder and long-time director of The Writing Salon. Open to all poets, the prize is awarded for a single poem. This year’s final judge is David Hernandez. The submission deadline is December 1, 2020.

Learn More about the Prize

Announcing the black writers matter scholarship.

This fall we will offer three Black writers of promise a credit of $300 toward a Winter 2021 class of their choice. We welcome applications from Black writers over the age of 18 who reside in the Bay Area. The deadline to submit is November 15.

Announcing the Covid-19 Scholarship Recipients

The Scholarship recipients are Rachel Hurwitz, Joseph Kim, Lydia Kim, Victoria Turner, and Joe Vigil. Each recipient will receive a $150 credit toward a fall Writing Salon class of their choice.

The Writing Salon is a place of non-judgment, a place for mutual encouragement and dialogue, a place where ideas spark and I become inspired. Laura Koehn

I’ve finished the first draft of a novel . . . A significant accomplishment that would not have happened without the Writing Salon. Brian Byrne

I learned that I do not have to be published to find value in my own writing. That literature has an enormous value to modern society and to the individual producing it. Roger Mills

For 20 years, we have helped writers bring their voices to the page.

The Writing Salon, founded in 1999, is a creative writing school for adults. We believe that creativity empowers, heals, and transforms; that a love for language and story binds people together as a community of independent voices; that the study of the craft of writing should be open to everyone; and that critique of our own and others’ writing can be, at once, constructive and compassionate.

Visit us at our San Francisco and Berkeley classrooms.

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San Francisco Location:   2042 Balboa St., San Francisco, CA 94121 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm

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Literary Arts

The Multnomah Arts enter offers a variety of writing classes for adults and youth year-round. Our program consists of a variety of genres and topics, allowing students to build skills as they create a body of work. Students take one-day workshops or ten-week classes to explore their written voice. Quarterly public readings of student and faculty work bring our community together to celebrate the written word.

Literary Arts Coordinator: Patrick Browne

Core Writing Classes

MEMOIR Anyone can write a memoir. We all have stories-young and old, rich and poor, famous and not so. Participants will use prompts and other exercises to trigger and unlock their memories in order to zero in on those moments that are both rich and significant. Draw inspiration and craft secrets from other authors and address and put aside the inner critic, so that you may engage your creative process in a safe and encouraging environment.

FICTION Do you have a story to tell? Have you dreamt up characters who you want to know more about? Do you want to use your imagination to create fictional worlds? Whether you have great ideas for stories but no idea how to start, or drafts of stories that don’t feel quite finished, this class is for you. Together we’ll explore how character, language, and narrative structure work in each other’s writing as well as in published works.

CREATIVE NONFICTION The blank page’s potential can intimidate some writers into silence. Bring an empty notebook and be guided through the writing process from its messiest beginnings to a completed story. This genre includes memoir, essay, narrative journalism, interviews, and all other true stories.

POETRY Poetry as a means of expression, exploration, and experience is available to everyone. Take time in class to write poems in response to prompts, prompts, and more prompts, leaning into your imagination and following the impulses of your right brain. Read and respond to one another’s work in this supportive setting, suggesting and sharing revisions.

Past Offerings

The Writer Within

Writing Our Lives as Story

Reading & Writing About Oregon

Poetry Collage

So, You Want to Write a Novel

Writing the Ten-Minute Play

Revision: Getting Beyond I Like It

Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography

Writing Through Loss

Reading & Writing About Nature

Getting Your Work Out There

Being Your Own Publisher

Writing Characters into life

Interviewing for Personal Histories

Writing from Art

Reading Your Work Out Loud

WRITING CLASSES FOR YOUTH

Writing Creative Stories

Writing Poetry

Young Artists Book Camp

Literary Arts Post

The Literary Arts Post was a collaboration with artists: Jerry Harris, woodwork; Greg Wilbur, metalworks; Christine Colasurdo, calligraphy; Nicole Rawlins, copper etching; and Tracy Wolf-Paquin, glass. Poet Kim Stafford contributed the inscription. Thanks to everyone, including the Multnomah Arts Center Association, for this wonderful addition to our community. Visit the Literary Arts Pole monthly to be inspired by new works from MAC faculty, students, and community members.

Writing Classes Near Me

Find & compare hands-on Writing courses near you or live online. We’ve chosen over 200 of the best Writing courses from the top training providers to help you find the perfect fit.

Top Writing Courses

Nyc career centers business writing bootcamp sponsored.

In the digital era, being a strong writer is more important than ever. This 18-hour hands-on bootcamp is designed to help individuals write professional and engaging documents to reach the target audience successfully. The bootcamp consists of three sections: Grammar Essentials, Effective Business Writing, and Advanced Business Writing. Grammar Essentials will help students gain mastery over English grammar as well as avoiding common errors and misspellings. The two business writing courses aim to provide students with the fundamental and advanced skills needed to craft professional emails and other documents. This course also offers a free retake within six months of completion to allow students to review any concepts and walk away with a much stronger grasp of the material.

• Live Online
• Free Retake

NYC Career Centers Grammar Essentials

This 7-hour hands-on Grammar Essentials course is designed for individuals who need to brush up on their grammar to improve their business writing skills. This course covers all the fundamentals in proper English grammar, including parts of speech (nouns, verbs, etc.), identifying rules, proper punctuation, how to identify and correct run-on sentences, improving word choice, and how to write and edit effectively. This course also offers a free retake within six months of completion to allow students to review any concepts and walk away with a much stronger grasp of the material.

• Weekdays, Evenings, or Weekends

NYC Career Centers Effective Business Writing

In the digital era, being a strong writer is more important than ever. This 7-hour hands-on Business Writing course is designed to help business professionals write more professional and more engaging documents, emails, and social media posts that drive more business. The course reviews several business writing best practices, including organizing content and crafting great sentences, writing emails and other electronic forms of communication, how to write common business documents, and how to write both business letters and proposals. This course also offers a free retake within six months of completion to allow students to review any concepts and walk away with a much stronger grasp of the material.

NYC Career Centers Advanced Business Writing

In the digital era, being a strong writer is more important than ever. This 7-hour hands-on Advanced Business Writing course is designed to help individuals craft more professional and more engaging documents to reach your target audience successfully. The course teaches students how to focus the content of a document so that it resonates with the intended audience, how to plan for a successful writing project, and how to incorporate a variety of persuasive techniques to win trust with your audience. This course also offers a free retake within six months of completion to allow students to review any concepts and walk away with a much stronger grasp of the material.

• Intermediate

NYIM Training Grammar Essentials

In this course, participants will learn how to improve and sharpen their writing skills to achieve strong and effective writing that is clear, powerful, and professional. Students will review the core elements of effective writing, from determining the goal, analyzing the audience, and organizing their thoughts through. The course will cover various types of business communications, including email, announcements, proposals, executive summaries, and more. Tuition includes hands-on training, a free retake, and a course manual. The course offers flexible scheduling and is available online or in NYC.

NYIM Training Effective Business Writing

In this course, participants will learn how to improve and sharpen their writing skills to achieve strong and effective writing that is clear, powerful, and professional. Students will review the core elements of effective writing, from determining the goal, analyzing the audience, and organizing their thoughts through writing strong sentences and solid business communications. Topics will cover various types of business communications, including email, announcements, proposals, executive summaries, and more. Tuition includes hands-on training, a free retake, and a course manual. The course offers flexible scheduling and is available online or in NYC.

NYIM Training Advanced Business Writing

In this advanced writing course, participants with a solid grasp of effective business writing will learn how to prepare complex business documents and master their use of informative and persuasive techniques to bring their writing to the next level. They will learn to outline and format an array of different business documents, including schedules, project plans, contracts, and other multi-page business documents. Tuition includes hands-on training, a free retake, and a course manual. The course offers flexible scheduling and is available online or in NYC. Business writing proficiency equivalent to an intermediate level is required, including knowledge of basic grammar and essential business writing skills such as writing topic sentences, emails, or policy announcements.

NYIM Training Business Writing Bootcamp

In this comprehensive 3-day bootcamp, students will learn the core concepts of powerful business writing from basic grammar skills to preparing complex multi-page business documents. With a focus on writing that is clear, concise, powerful, and professional, students will begin with a practical review of grammar fundamentals and move through fundamentals of business writing. These include determining the writing goal, defining and targeting the audience, and organizing the data. Participants will gain practical advice and strategies for editing, co-writing, and collaboration, leaving students ready to tackle any writing project with new confidence. Tuition includes hands-on training, a free retake, and a course manual. The course offers flexible scheduling and is available online or in NYC.

Training Connection Business Writing with Positive Impact

This course is designed to provide professionals with crucial business writing skills to boost readability and maintain a positive impact. Participants will learn how to recognize different reading styles, employ principles of persuasion in their writing, and understand the importance of word choice in conveying a clear message. Effective email communication and handling negative news without harming the organization's image are significant components of this course.

• Los Angeles
• See provider

AcademyX Business Writing

In this business writing course, participants will learn techniques to organize information and write persuasively in a business setting. Students will learn to error-proof their writing, write professional emails, communicate to the point, adjust to the audience, and write persuasively.

• San Francisco

Gotham Writers Workshop Fiction Writing Intensive

This course offers participants an opportunity to develop their fiction writing skills. Throughout the class, writers will learn techniques for creating compelling characters, shaping effective plotlines, and developing unique settings and storylines. Participants can explore different fiction writing genres during the class and receive feedback from a professional instructor.

The Brick No Wrong Way to Begin A Play

This course will help budding playwrights jump-start their creativity with various prompts and exercises. Through this workshop, participants can find their unique voice as a writer, learning the basics of playwriting, including plot structure, character development, and craftsmanship. This course is perfect for anyone ready to take their creativity to the next level.

• 4 Weeks, 3 hr/wk

Quality & Productivity Solutions, Inc Advanced Writing Skills

This advanced writing skills course prepares you to take your business writing skills to the next level. You will learn the techniques to craft effective reports, persuasive messages, and presentations to ensure effective communication. Additionally, you will learn the fundamentals for mastering grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.

Gotham Writers Workshop Fiction Writing Level 1: 10 Week Workshop

This creative writing course provides an introduction to the art of fiction writing. Participants will develop their storytelling skills by exploring writing exercises, creative prompts, and practical techniques, leading to a stronger understanding of plot, character, and structure. It is the perfect course for aspiring fiction writers looking to hone their craft.

• 10 Weeks, 3 hr/wk

The Writers Studio Workshop in Fiction and Poetry (Level 1)

This one-day workshop is for those who want to explore fiction and poetry writing basics. Participation in discussions and exercises will help participants benefit from friendly feedback to hone their craft. With this workshop, participants will gain an understanding of the elements of creative writing, as well as hands-on practice to get them started.

• 8 Weeks, 2 hr/wk

showing 15 of 203 courses

Writing Topics

Business writing.

Business writing classes teach you to effectively communicate in a professional setting, with an emphasis on writing clear and concise emails, memos, reports, and other business-related documents.

Screenwriting

Screenwriting classes teach you the fundamentals of storytelling, character development, and dialogue to craft compelling scripts for film and television.

Creative Writing

Creative writing classes give you the opportunity to develop your writing skills, explore your creativity, and learn techniques and styles to craft compelling and expressive pieces of writing.

Grammar classes teach you the rules and principles of grammar to improve your writing skills and enhance your overall language proficiency.

Comedy Writing

Comedy writing classes teach you the principles and techniques needed to write humorous and comedic content, focusing on developing your skills in crafting jokes, humorous stories, sketches, and scripts.

Writing Courses by School

Here are some of the top schools offering Writing training, including Gotham Writers Workshop (38 courses), Writing Pad (24 courses), and The Writers Studio (12 courses).

NYC Career Centers

Career Centers offers intensive business courses and corporate training in the heart of New York City and remotely online. They offer courses in Microsoft Excel, finance & accounting, data analytics, Microsoft Office, and design.

Career Centers’s Top Writing Courses

Business writing bootcamp, grammar essentials, effective business writing, advanced business writing, nyim training.

NYIM Training offers results-oriented business courses and corporate training online and in New York. With hands-on courses and certifications in data analytics, design, programming, office productivity, and finance, its extensive offering provides flexible training solutions for professionals and businesses.

NYIM’s Top Writing Courses

Training connection.

Training Connection focuses on providing incoming students with computer and business skills training in Chicago and Los Angeles. They provide face-to-face instructor learning and an interactive working environment. They offer courses that dive deep into Adobe, Microsoft Office, Web Design, Web Development, and Business Skills.

Training Connection’s Top Writing Courses

Business writing with positive impact.

Located across California, Academy X offers training programs in Adobe, Microsoft, Google, and for students looking to learn the basics of web development. Courses are both in-person and online with flexible options for group work or one-on-one training.

AcademyX’s Top Writing Courses

Gotham writers workshop.

Gotham Writers Workshop is a New York-based school offering a range of creative writing classes suited for all levels. Courses are offered in a variety of formats, such as online and in-person classes, workshops, and seminars covering genres such as fiction, poetry, and more. With its expert instructors and extensive library of resources, Gotham Writers Workshop is an ideal environment for budding writers to hone their craft.

Gotham Writers Workshop’s Top Writing Courses

Fiction writing intensive, fiction writing level 1: 10 week workshop, memoir writing level 1: 10-week workshop.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the memoir-writing process, with a focus on developing an engaging voice, narrative, and structure. Participants will be guided through the creation of personal essays or memoir pieces, alongside constructive critiques from peers. The course will also cover the nuances of publication, allowing individuals to better grasp opportunities and demands in the writing industry.

• 6 Weeks, 3 hr/wk

This comprehensive workshop is designed for individuals who wish to enhance their writing skills. Participants will develop writing techniques and methods through a series of exercises and assignments, with valuable feedback and constructive critique provided throughout the session. Emphasizing creativity and inspiration facilitates overcoming writer’s block to produce compelling content.

The Brick is a theater and art school in New York City that offers courses in such disciplines as stage acting, commercial acting, voice-over, playwriting, and singing. The school's curriculum is designed to educate and give students the skills necessary to build a successful career in a creative field and give them the confidence to tackle any creative pursuit both in public and in private. The experienced instructors at The Brick are also committed to helping students develop artistically and professionally, being involved at almost every step to help students succeed.

The Brick’s Top Writing Courses

No wrong way to begin a play, quality & productivity solutions, inc.

Quality & Productivity Solutions, Inc. is an educational institution dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve better results through improved efficiency and quality. Their course offerings range from foundational topics such as employee motivation, problem-solving, and team building to program-specific topics like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ISO Certification. They also provide tailored solutions to companies looking for customized courses focused on their specific needs.

Quality & Productivity Solutions, Inc’s Top Writing Courses

Advanced writing skills, the writers studio.

The Writers Studio is a renowned school in New York dedicated to creative writing. From individual courses to 12-week programs, they offer classes in fiction, memoir, personal narrative, poetry, and more. Through their unique approach, students are taught the skills needed to become better writers and discover their true writing style.

The Writers Studio’s Top Writing Courses

Workshop in fiction and poetry (level 1), online art speaks to art.

• 6 Weeks, 2 hr/wk

This online class will provide participants with a range of writing skills and techniques to provide meaningful insights into fine art from a curator's perspective. Through a series of lectures, activities, and tasks, learners will gain an understanding of the contemporary and classical art world and ways to articulate the nuances of art. Participants will gain an appreciation for the written commentary within the art world.

Online Essays and the Persona Narrator

This online course explores the art of essay writing from the perspective of developing and crafting a narrative persona. It covers techniques such as creating essential voices for writing powerful personal essays. Participants will gain greater insight into using techniques to connect their stories to others.

Online Level 1 Intro to Fiction and Poetry

This course offers an introductory exploration of fiction and poetry writing for those who want to expand their creative writing skill sets. Through a combination of hands-on activities and interactive discussion, participants will learn the basics of developing plots, building characters, connecting narrative elements, and exploring poetic techniques and forms. They will also work toward defining their writing style and enriching their understanding of the literary landscape.

Sonic Training

Sonic Training offers on-site and online training in web design, graphic design, programming, database, Microsoft, and business skills. Located all across the U.S. students have the option to study on-site with various classroom rentals and training offices. Sonic Training also offers customized training for corporate or group learning with on-site classes, follow-up support, and guaranteed local instructors.

Sonic Training’s Top Writing Courses

This 1-day course teaches effective business writing. Students will learn how to write informative, persuasive, and effective communications. The course begins with an overview of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. By the end of the workshop, students will know how to create letters, proposals, and reports that are written clearly and targeted for the correct audience. This program includes free repeats within six months and courseware you can keep for reference later.

92nd Street Y

92Y is a world-class cultural and community center in New York City. Founded in 1874, it is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and offers a wide range of classes and programs in the arts, entertainment, and conversation. With over 4,000 classes and programs each year taught by some of the most talented professionals in the world, 92Y is a great place to learn new skills, meet new people, and explore your interests. It is a non-profit organization committed to enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.

92nd Street Y’s Top Writing Courses

Humor-writing: an online workshop.

• 4 Weeks, 2 hr/wk

Humor Writing with Elissa Bassist is an online course which helps refine your comedy-writing skills and develop a standup act. Guided by award-winning writer Elissa Bassist, participants learn to take a humorous approach to personal experiences and get tips on writing for comedy publications. Aspiring comedians also receive feedback on their standup material.

Poetry with Wo Chan

This online course offers an in-depth exploration of poetry under the guidance of the experienced instructor, Wo Chan. Participants will benefit from intimate class settings, and the opportunity to investigate various styles of writing and performance. The course will emphasize the importance of authentic self-expression and creativity in crafting unique poetic compositions.

showing 10 of 54 schools

Writing Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Upskill or reskill your workforce with our industry-leading corporate and onsite Writing training programs. Conduct the training onsite at your location or live online from anywhere. You can also purchase vouchers for our public enrollment Writing courses.

Writing Training Map & Top Locations

Find the perfect in-person Writing class near you by searching for your address, city, or zip code. You can also browse the best live online Writing courses and learn from the convenience of your home or office with real-time, instructor-led training.

131 Courses Available Live Online

41 courses available in nyc, 18 courses available in los angeles, 5 courses available in chicago, learn more about writing courses.

For registration assistance and a list of partners and affiliate schools, see the Partners Page . Neither Classes Near Me (“CNM”) nor Noble Desktop is affiliated with any schools other than those listed on the Partners Page. The information provided on CNM for all schools is intended to provide information so that you may compare schools and determine which best suits your needs. The information provided is not updated regularly, so you should go to the schools website directly to verify their continued offerings. Neither CNM nor Noble Desktop can assist with registration for non-partner schools.

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Classes at a Glance

Online  classes meet over Zoom; you can take them from anywhere.

In  In-person  classes, everyone will meet at our physical center.

Hybrid  classes are where it's your choice whether to attend In-Person or through Zoom each class meeting. We have installed an excellent hybrid system to ensure both In-Person and Zoom students have the same great experience. The instructor will host the class in a physical Muse classroom.

All Class Times listed are Eastern Time

Art for Writers

Camps (summer).

• Creative Writing Camp for Adults – June Edition with Tim Seibles, Cynthia Davis (20 out of 20 seats open) - In-Person
• Creative Writing Summer Camp: Middle School School (ages 11-13) with Jessica Grace Kelley (4 out of 12 seats open) - In-Person
• Creative Writing Summer Camp: Elementary School (ages 8-10) with (7 out of 10 seats open) - In-Person

Comics/Graphic Novels

• Fiction 1: Learning to Write Fiction (Mornings) with Helen Peluso (7 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Fiction 1: Learning to Write Fiction (Evenings) with Helen Peluso (6 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• The Fiction Studio Wednesday Mornings with Michael Krentz (6 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• The Fiction Studio (Monday Evenings) with Michael Khandelwal (closed) - Hybrid
• Horror Writing Fundamentals with Holly Day (12 out of 12 seats open) - Online
• Fiction Exploration with Nathan Kelley (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• The Advanced Fiction Workshop with Billy Hallal (5 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Speculative Fiction Studio with Cassandra Clarke (7 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• (De) Composition Workshop: Remixing Dead Drafts with Timothy Norton (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• The Ego's Journey Into A Novel Formula with Karrie Loomis (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Fiction 3: Deeper into Voice & Revision (Mornings) with Abi Putnam (6 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Young Adult Fiction Workshop with Amanda Marie Gipson (7 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• Fiction 3: Deeper into Voice & Revision (Evenings) with Abi Putnam (4 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Horror Workshop with Holly Day (8 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• The Flash Fiction Short Workshop with Abi Putnam (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Fiction 2: Deeper into Character & Story (Mornings) with Helen Peluso (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Fiction 2: Deeper into Character & Story (Evenings) with Helen Peluso (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid

Food Writing

General & multi-genre.

• Start Writing, Keep Writing... Write Now! with Alison Schoew (7 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• The Generative Workshop with Timothy Norton (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Prose Revision Workshop with Timothy Norton (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid

Military/Family & Caregivers

Nonfiction & memoir.

• Introduction to the Personal Essay with Natalie Serianni (7 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• Creative Nonfiction and Memoir 1: The Art of Writing True Stories with Shawn Girvan (7 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Creative Nonfiction and Memoir 1: The Art of Writing True Stories with James Beardsley (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Nonfiction in a Flash with Cristina Foss (7 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• The Memoir Studio with Libby Kurz (5 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• Writing the Lyric Essay: How to Braid Poetry with Prose. with Jocelyn Heath (7 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• Memoir Exploration with Bridget Dolan (8 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• Essay Exploration with Cristina Foss (7 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• Nonlinear Nonfiction with Amanda Marie Gipson (12 out of 12 seats open) - Online
• Creative Nonfiction and Memoir 2: Diving into Style and Forms (Mornings) with Shawn Girvan (7 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Creative Nonfiction and Memoir 2: Diving into Style and Forms (Evenings) with James Beardsley (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• The Morning Memoir Workshop with Lisa Cooper (6 out of 8 seats open) - Online

Playwriting

• The Online Poetry Workshop with Suzanne Rhodes (3 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• Poetry 1: Learning to Write Poetry (Mornings) with Isabel Hoin (6 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Poetry 1: Learning to Write Poetry (Evenings) with Bridget Dolan (7 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Queer Poetics with Rocko Foltz (12 out of 12 seats open) - Online
• Poetry as Time Travel with Luisa A. Igloria (7 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Words We Can Hear: Sound in Writing with Rocko Foltz (11 out of 12 seats open) - Online
• The Monday Night Poetry Studio with Noah Renn (6 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• The Poetry Studio (Tuesday Evening) with Michael Khandelwal (5 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Speculative Poetry Seminar with Cassandra Clarke (9 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• Writing "The Thing" with Isabel Hoin (7 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Poetry Exploration with Bridget Dolan (7 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Poetry 2: Exploring Poetic Forms (Mornings) with Isabel Hoin (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Poetry 2: Exploring Poetic Forms (Evenings) with Bridget Dolan (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid

Screenwriting

• The Screenwriting Studio with Diane Fine (7 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Screenwriting 2: Getting Your Script on Its Feet  with Diane Fine (7 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Screenwriting 1: The Fundamentals of Script & Story with Matt Friedman (8 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid

Songwriting

Storytelling, writers craft.

• Speculative Fiction Seminar with Cassandra Clarke (11 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• World-building at a glance with Sarah Philpott (11 out of 12 seats open) - Online
• Conquering the Blank Page with Carrie Nelson (12 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• Blueprints for Outlining & Revising A Novel with Meredith Byrd (11 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• The Hero's Journey Falls in Love: Structuring A Romance Novel with Meredith Byrd (11 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid

Writers Knowledge

Writers life & creativity.

• Sound Bath Meditation: Enhance Your Creativity with Karrie Loomis (8 out of 16 seats open) - In-Person
• It’s Complicated: Writing Love, Gender, and Sexuality with Jocelyn Heath (12 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• Let It “Out”: Starting Points for New LGBTQ Writers with Jocelyn Heath (12 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• Experiments in Form: A Creative Laboratory with Jennifer Clements (12 out of 12 seats open) - Online
• Experiments in Form 2: Extra Creative Lab Time with Jennifer Clements (12 out of 12 seats open) - Online
• Metaphysical Secrets with Fran Ward (12 out of 12 seats open) - Online
• Press F To Pay Respects: Modern Multimedia Storytelling in Video Games with Caitie Van Dore (12 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• Remind Me, What Was Your Name?: The Role of the Player in Game Narratives with Caitie Van Dore (12 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• Meditations in Writing & Creativity with Karrie Loomis (12 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• The Story of Your Dreams: with Karrie Loomis (11 out of 12 seats open) - Hybrid
• Bringing Dreams to Your Story with Mari Fitz-Wynn (8 out of 8 seats open) - Online
• The Mindful Journal with Lisa Cooper (5 out of 8 seats open) - Online

Writers Prof. Development

Youth & teens.

• 2024 Summer Fellowship Class with Jeffrey Hecker, Jessica Grace Kelley (3 out of 8 seats open) - Hybrid
• Writing For Games with Rebecca Tigner (10 out of 10 seats open) - In-Person
• Creative Writing for Middle School Youth with (8 out of 12 seats open) - In-Person
• Creative Writing for High School Teens (Hybrid) with Jessica Grace Kelley (closed) - Hybrid
• Young Writers Workshop with Jessica Grace Kelley (5 out of 6 seats open) - In-Person

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Austin Bat Cave

We Believe in the Power of Words

adult classes

Austin Bat Cave offers adult writing classes for writers of all skill levels. Because we want our programming to be available to writers of all backgrounds and income-levels, we are pleased to offer participants support through scholarships and payment plans.

As an organization, ABC is working to ensure that our writing classes, events, and media are equitable and accessible for all. Unless otherwise noted, virtual classes are conducted in English. Currently, we provide students with closed captioning and recorded workshop sessions.* If you need other accommodations that will help us create a healthy mental, physical, and inclusive space, please let us know at registration.

*ABC is committed to student privacy. Recorded sessions will not be made public or available for purchase, with the exception of our SSSF seminars. To encourage open, honest discussion and create an environment of support, instructors of classes with highly-personal, intimate subject matter may decide to record only a portion of class.

The fees from ABC’s adult writing workshops subsidize our free writing programs for kids and pay our adult workshop instructors .

General Info

• ABC will host both virtual and in-person classes. We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the region and will shift in-person classes to virtual if necessary. Please note the class format before registering.
• Class times are listed in Central Time (CT).
• All classes are non-refundable but are transferable to another person or to another class of equal or lesser value.
• The fees from ABC’s adult writing workshops subsidize our free writing programs for kids and pay our adult workshop instructors. A major factor in determining tuition rates is the instructor’s time and preparation outside of the classroom. Classes that provide students with highly-personalized feedback, such as long-term workshops, will generally be priced higher than courses that meet only once. If you have the means, we encourage you to consider donating to Austin Bat Cave and help arts education and literacy continue to thrive during these challenging times.

Financial Assistance

Most adult classes feature a sliding scale to allow a wider range of participation. A limited number of seats in each class might be reserved for scholarships.  Scholarships cover 100 precent of tuition-fees, and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

We especially encourage BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ writers to apply, though all are welcome. We do not ask for financial information or outside documents.

You may request a scholarship by emailing [email protected]

Special Offers

• ABC Virtual Literary Salon: Take advantage of this free archive of reflections and writing prompts from authors in our amazing creative community including Karen Russell, Lara Prescott, and more!  

Current Classes

In Person Horror Writing Workshop for Adults with Richard Santos

January 23rd, January 30th, February 6th, February 13th,

$ 65.00

Class Details

Recorded Sessions

Recorded Session

Summer Series

The Surreal Seminar with Sarah Rose Etter

Instant Download

$ 10.00

On Place: Regional Writing & Home Narrative in Fiction with Kristen Arnett

Suffering the Consequences: Building Exciting Plot through Consequential Action with Manuel Gonzales

Flash Fiction with Hilary Leichter

I’ll Build Me A World with Rion Amilcar Scott

Serial Poetics with Ted Dodson

Writing Comedic Personal Essays with Sophia Benoit

class Reviews

“The instructor was well prepared and I felt supported as a participant. I enjoyed the writing times she built in. Jenny was a wonderful instructor and did such a wonderful job curating a space that felt safe and connected over Zoom.” – The Personal Essay, Revamped with Jenny Tinghui Zhang

“Shannon is an exceptional instructor. It is clear that she puts so much thought and care in class preparation. She has an incredible teaching style that is warm, engaging, and supportive as well as incredibly challenging. She also did an incredible job leading discussions, which can be hard in in-person classes, but takes on an even more difficult dimension for online classes. The class exceeded my expectations in every possible way.” – Stories that Sing with Shannon Perri

“I found Rachel to be a very skilled teacher—she paced the class well, was well-prepared for each meeting, including having read the students’ submissions, fostered lively and free discussion, and offered specific and valuable feedback. She also handled the transition to on-line for the last two class meetings very well. I think she’s terrific!” – Start Your Novel with Rachel Heng

“I was terrified of writing poetry until I took this class. Now I’m writing poems. That’s in large part because Susan was so kind and nurturing. I know I still have a lot to learn, but now this seems like a journey I’m capable of making.” – You Are A Poet. with Susan Niz

“I left class feeling more inspired than I have been in quite a while.” – LA Seidenberger, Dear Diary with Bridget Brewer

“ABC’s Summer Festival was a remarkable and creative response to the limits imposed by the pandemic. I have admired so many of the writers for quite some time and the opportunity to listen to them and engage with them in a workshop setting has been thrilling. The course cost was very modest considering the amount of thought and preparation that went into all of the programs. Rion Amilcar Scott‘s workshop was very engaging and offered unexpected perspective on world building and far more. ”

“Sophia Benoit’s comedic personal essay class was a wonderful and genuinely insightful lens into the process of a very funny and talented writer. It contained so much that will continue to help me develop my writing practice and it helped a large group of people feel a sense of community through creative vulnerability.” – Nick Bachan

“You guys are a hidden gem! Such an excellent value. . . I could have paid twice this and still felt I had gotten my money’s worth. More of this, please!!!” – Crystal Ockenfuss

“It was amazing! Better than I knew an online seminar could be.”

“The community that was so quickly created in this workshop was so needed, for me anyway, right now. Being among like-minded writers and being able to engage and even share our work gave a fantastic flow to the entire seminar.”

Past Workshop Leaders

Karen Russell

Naomi Shihab Nye

Kristen Arnett

Rion Amilcar Scott

Natalia Sylvester

Hilary Leichter

Manuel Gonzales

Lara Prescott

Rachel Heng

Jenny Tinghui Zhang

Sarah Rose Etter

Michael Chang

Emma Copley Eisenberg

Zaina Arafat

Roohi Choudhry

Leticia Urieta

Owen Egerton

Shannon Perri

Gillian Kümm

Sean Petrie

Lauren Francis-Sharma

Willie Fitzgerald

Liz Garton Scanlon

Robin Bissett

Bridget Brewer

Support Austin Bat Cave

[email protected]

PO Box 4762 Austin, TX, 78765

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What are the 5 best creative writing classes?

Congratulations! Deciding to learn how to creative write is often the hardest step of all. Now it's time for a choice that's almost just as difficult: picking which creative writing class you want to take in a market that's getting more crowded by the day.  

That’s why we built this directory of the best creative writing courses — so that you can more easily filter through all of the selections out there. But in case you don't have time to dive into them all, here are five of the best creative writing classes for you to take a look at. 

1. Reedsy Learning

💲 Cost: Free 👨‍🏫 Type: Email lessons

If you’re struggling to find time for creative writing classes, Reedsy Learning is for you. These bite-sized lessons are emailed to you once a day for ten days and can be read in five minutes or less. But don’t let their compact size fool you — each lesson is packed with practical tips, links to additional resources, and enough exercises to keep your skills sharp. There are also courses on editing, marketing, and publishing for when you’re ready to take your creative writing to the next level.

2. Gotham Writers’ Workshop

💲 Cost: $165 - $409 (plus registration fees) 👨‍🏫 Type: Video lectures, live Zoom classes, assignments, critique

The largest adult-education writing school in the US, Gotham Writers has been helping budding authors hone their skills since the 1990s. Based in New York City, they offer in-person classes as well as a variety of online options for students all over the globe. With self-paced courses, live Zoom lectures, write-ins, and several free events per term, Gotham Writers emulates the university feel wherever possible.

💲 Cost: $0 - $109 👨‍🏫 Type: Lectures (videos, slides, and text)

Founded in 2010, Udemy is a massive online open course (MOOC) platform, created to provide an alternative to in-person, university learning. Their primary audience is made up of professionals and students — some of their courses even offer credit toward technical certifications. Their creative writing courses are broad and geared mainly toward beginners, through there are some intermediate courses that get into specific niches.

💲 Cost: $0 - $998 👨‍🏫 Type: Video lectures, online assignments

Another MOOC, edX was started as a collaboration between Harvard and MIT, but these days boasts classes from a wide variety of respected universities. Like Udemy, some of their courses also offer college credits. edX’s courses are weekly, consisting of short videos, interactive learning exercises, and online discussion groups. Their writing courses cover everything from novels to stand-up comedy to digital content. There are also related courses in journalism, composition, and grammar, among other specializations.

5. Coursera

💲 Cost: Free (Creative Writing Specialization) 👨‍🏫 Type: Video lectures, online assignments

One last MOOC for our list, this time founded by several Computer Science professors from Stanford University. But don’t let its history fool you — Coursera offers humanities classes as much as science and technology. In addition to general courses, Coursera also offers specializations, a series of courses that work together much like what you’d find in a university.

I have a long list of creative writing courses. Now what?

If you've narrowed down a list of writing classes in English you like, then it's time to commit to one of them. But how do you know which is the right fit for your needs and lifestyle?

Before committing to one of them, we recommend considering some of these questions.

• What skill levels does the writing course cover?
• What’s the price of the writing course? Does it match your budget?
• How long does the writing course run for?
• Who is the instructor of the course? Can you verify their credentials?
• Is the writing course remote or in-person?

More creative writing resources

Whether you’re a new or established author, there are always evergreen resources out there to how to get a headstart on creative writing! 

Free online materials

• Creative Writing Prompts (resource)
• Book Title Generator (resource)
• Character Name Generator (resource)
• Plot Generator (resource)
• How to Write a Novel (blog post)
• How to Write a Book Proposal (blog post)
• How to Edit a Book (blog post)

Recommended books

• For writers in the UK:  Writers' & Artists' Yearbook  
• For writers in the US:  Writer’s Market 2020

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