Focus on your Fiction or Non-Fiction writing
During the seven-day on-campus workshop, you will develop your talent while exploring broad issues of craft through intensive workshops, craft talks, generative exercises, and reading published work. There are ten to twelve writers in each workshop. You will have the opportunity to meet individually with your workshop leader and to participate in a group reading. Visiting writers deliver additional readings and craft talks. Because we write to be read, we will offer panels of agents, and editors for discussions and pitch sessions. Participants with book-length manuscripts will be invited by their instructors to participate in pitch sessions following the agent panel.
Woodhall Press, a Connecticut based indie publisher will participate in a special collaboration exclusively for 2025 attendees. Woodhall will open a special submission period for writers to submit book-length manuscripts for possible publication. Editor Christopher Madden joins us on campus.
The bulk of your time will either be spent in the workshop with your instructors and peers—or writing and revising. This year we’re offering an exclusive short story workshop. General fiction workshops will also accept short stories as well as novel excerpts. Divided into fiction and non-fiction groups, you will work closely with your instructors. The schedule features six workshops with time allotted for reflection and revision. Be prepared to write. For a little artistic fun, we will have an ekphrasis writing adventure at Yale’s world-class museums.
[cal] On-campus Writing Workshop: May 31 - June 7, 2025
Six workshop sessions with your instructor include:
- Intensive group writing workshops with the chance for you to showcase your writing and to receive feedback/critique. (You will receive copies of your peers’ work in advance; you are required to submit a manuscript of 4000 words or fewer for critique. And to provide feedback to your fellow writer’s work.)
- The chance to learn constructive criticism techniques that support productive feedback.
- Instruction on technique, revision, and submission, along with other tricks of the trade.
All activities aim to build community and trust among the participants.
The welcome orientation has been scheduled for May 31st, followed by your first workshop, and then an opening night cocktail party. Consult the workshop schedule for a full listing of activities, instructors, and guest writers.