Alumni Testimonials
Comments from 2012 YWC Participants:
"I arrived at Yale with the worst chapter from from my memoir, 20 problem pages I could hardly bear to look at again. After only two days in the workshop, I'd figured something out and started rewriting. A month later that chapter was accepted for publication by Post Road. I've also got a political essay about the U.S. Army War College that will soon appear in the 2013 for best new California writing. Thanks to the Yale Writers Conference, the best two weeks of my summer." - Teri Carter
"YWC was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. I became a member of a community of talented and committed writers. The faculty and guest lecturers (including agents and editors) were engaging and accessible. And, in a short time span, I grew as a writer and now have work forthcoming in several literary journals." - Dini Karasik
"As a freelance writer, I have attended my fair share of one or two-day workshops, but last summer I decided to jump in and attend the two-week Yale Writers’ Conference. It was one of the best decisions I have made. I expected to learn from the first-rate faculty but I never expected that I would learn so much from the other attendees. As writers, we often work alone without the benefit of our peers, but at Yale the non-competitive exchange of ideas was truly refreshing. Part “brain” camp, part grad school (without the debt!), I left inspired and eager for more." - Nancy DePalma
"I made new friends. I made new work. The Yale Writers Conference was first-class all the way, and it was more fun than it had any right to be." - Sebastian Stockman
"An exhilarating experience that changed the way I write." - Lee Jacobus
"I began the Yale Writers’ Conference knowing that I would acquire the tools to polish my manuscript. I had no idea, however, that over the course of ten days my writing would, ultimately, transform. In my workshop, the classroom metamorphosed into a brain explosive with literary interplay and revolutionary thought and idea–a realm booming with the vibrancy of creative nonfiction." - Orli Robin
"The two weeks at the Yale Writing Conference felt like four years of college: I left there wiser, happier, and fatter—and with army of new, very close friends who were suitemates, workshop peers and leaders, and dining buddies. I won’t forget that summer, sitting at my desk with the leaded windows cast open, more inspired to write than I’d ever been. It all felt like home, and now that I’m away I’m homesick." - Jodi Gerbig
"I listened to impressive speakers; and distinguished faculty carefully regarded my writing. My peers gave me sound advice on laying the foundation for my novel. I even had the opportunity to read my creation aloud I was encouraged and inspired. The conference was only two weeks, but I will take away from it an experience that will stay with me forever." - Sarah N. Smith-Waring
"I used to be very shy in my writing, but the Yale Writers’ conference gave me the courage to step out of my box.
I loved the friends I made during the conference. My classmates and I became very close, and to this day I still keep in contact with them for feedback and support. Even the people outside of my sections were the interesting people to talk to. We were all different ages so the older students gave me a lot of advice in writing and even life. I like to think I gave them “fresh” ideas as a young person too. Yale provided a nurturing environment where I could really immerse myself. The faculty encouraged me to start reaching beyond my original goals; now, not only have I written a play, it’s being produced in May!
Ever since Yale, I have been writing nonstop. It’s a great feeling! I’m extremely grateful for the conference for the opportunity to grow as a writer." - Emeline Allengui