FICTION-WRITING III
Writers participating in this course will learn how to recognize the successful techniques in their fiction - what engages the reader, and how that success is achieved. In-class discussions will focus on analyzing the many choices (point-of-view, tone, characterizing details, pacing, etc.) a writer must make concerning structure, character and language. This course is intended for writers who have extensive writing and workshopping experience. APPLY->

FICTION-WRITING II
In this workshop, writers will learn how to manipulate the tools of fiction-writing (point-of-view, plot, characterizing detail, tone, etc.) to craft complete and unique stories that engage the reader. In-class critiques and exercises, as well as lectures and feedback from the instructor, are used to help students further develop their writing. This course is intended for writers with some writing experience who are looking to learn more about what makes a story ,"a story". APPLY->

FICTION-WRITING I
This workshop will focus on techniques for character development, plot, conflict, dialogue, beginnings, endings and resolutions, the writing process, and storytelling. In-class critiques and exercises, as well as lectures and feedback from the instructor are used to help students establish a firm grounding in all the basics of fiction writing. This course is intended for writers who have never participated in a writing workshop or anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of craft. APPLY->

NOVEL WRITING
This workshop is open to writers who have completed one or more chapters of a novel. Only novel excerpts and the structural choices specific to the craft of writing will be discussed. Writers participating in this course will learn how to recognize the successful techniques in their novel excerpts - what engages the reader, and how that success is achieved. In-class discussions will focus on analyzing the many choices (point-of-view, tone, characterizing details, pacing, etc.) a writer must make concerning structure, character and language. This course is intended for writers who have some experience writing and workshopping.APPLY->

CREATIVE WRITING STUDIO
This process-focused workshop is directed at both newer and experienced writers of fiction and nonfiction seeking motivation, structure, and awareness of their own creative process. Through on-site writing, reading aloud, and group discussion, the class will explore the pragmatics of making fiction and non-fiction (daily routines, goal-setting, etc.) alongside its deeper psychological aspects (accessing elusive subject matter, breaking through blocks and fears, etc.). The instructor will utilize prompts, exercises, and loose assignments to help each student reach the goal of completing a first draft of a story, essay or excerpt over the course of the class, while gaining a clearer understanding of themselves as active writers. APPLY->

POETRY-WRITING
This course focuses on the fundamentals of writing poetry, including form, image, line, sound and story. Class time will be spent discussing published poems and student poems. We will also spend time free-writing for inspiration and to experiment with different forms and ideas. This course is intended for poets at all levels. APPLY->

FLASH FICTION-WRITING WORKSHOP
In this course students will experiment with the very short story, often referred to as Flash Fiction. We will explore the similarities and differences between flash fiction and prose poetry, vignettes, and more traditional length stories. We will discuss the vital elements of craft that make a successful short-short story, such as conflict, language, rhythm, word play, characterization, dialogue, and voice. Each week, after the first session, students will write a flash fiction story of fewer than 3 pages to be critiqued in class. This course is recommended for poets interested in exploring the genre of fiction, novelists and short-story writers interested in focusing on language and brevity, and any writer looking to jump start his or her process with stimulating weekly assignments. APPLY->

NOVEL INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
This class provides an interactive and informative experience for any writer trying to begin, complete or polish a novel manuscript. The class meets every other week for a twenty-week period (total of 10 classes) to provide enough time for writers to produce new material. In addition to workshopping student work, class time will focus on an examination of the novel and techniques for completing a solid draft. In-class writing exercises and prompts will be used to help writers focus their narratives. Writers will have the opportunity to have up to 20 pages of work (a new chapter) discussed in each class. APPLY->

CREATIVE WRITING FOR TEENS (ages 12-18)
In this workshop, young writers will share their own works of poetry, short stories, and creative essays, and explore noteworthy contemporary writers that students will have not encountered in school. We will learn about the college-level writing workshop structure and its benefits. Short writing assignments will be given inside and outside class every week. Students will participate in a peer conference with one of their classmates and a one-on-one conference with the instructor. Students will also receive extensive written feedback from the instructor on each of their writing assignments throughout the course. Open to students of all backgrounds and skill level, ages 12-18. Students are welcome to bring their college application essays to class. Questions and comments can be directed to SackettWorkshopTeens[at]gmail[dot]com. APPLY->

CREATIVE WRITING FOR TEENS (ages 13-18)
Students will produce, share, and edit their own poetry, short stories, and creative essays in a professional workshop setting. The course will include weekly two-hour workshops, one-on-one conferences with the instructor, extensive peer review, and the exploration of noteworthy contemporary writers. The workshop will prepare students for college-level writing and beyond. Open to students of all experiences and skill level, ages 13-18. APPLY->

LITERARY EROTICA
Writers participating in this course will learn how to write eroticawith literary merit. Just like an in-depth fiction writing workshop, this course will emphasize in-class discussions that analyze the many choices (point-of-view, tone, characterizing details, pacing, etc.) a writer must make concerning structure, character and language. In addition, this course will draw from the canon of literary erotica, personal experience, imagery workshops, as well as the notion of taboo and fantasy to help writers find their erotic voice without sacrificing the tenets of quality writing. Assignments will hone in on how to find an authentic erotic voice. This course is intended for writers who have moderate to extensive writing and workshopping experience. By the end of the course, each student will have one piece of erotic writing. This may take various forms: it could be an essay or story ready for submission to erotic anthologies or other media outlets, or it could be a sex scene that's part of a larger work (novelists struggling with how to write a gripping sex scene may be interested in taking this course with this intention) or finally, it can be a piece of writing that allows the student to step out of his or her own comfort zone. By taking risks, writers reap rewards, and for many, writing about sex is risky. This course will help you take that risk. APPLY->

ESSAY WRITING>
In this workshop, students will focus on the essay in all of its formats, but specifically focusing on personal essays and cultural criticism. This class is for all levels of essayists; those who are just curious and seasoned writers. Students will read some of the best contemporary and classic essays and discuss them with the class. In addition to workshopping essays, those enrolled in this workshop will learn how to effectively send out pitches and carve out time as a freelance writer. APPLY->

MFA APPLICATION PREP WORKSHOP
This workshop uses in-class discussion, handouts and instructor advice to help students decide what MFA programs are best for them. Additionally, the course features plenty of advice on the personal essay, recommendation letters, choosing work for manuscripts, and discussion of the pros and cons of various programs. The stories/excerpts students intend on including in their applications will be workshopped, and feedback from the instructor and class participants will help polish application manuscripts. This course is open to story-writers, novelists and nonfiction writers. APPLY->

NONFICTION-WRITING WORKSHOP
Through group discussion of student work, plus that of published authors, writers in this workshop will examine the art and craft of creative nonfiction. The focus will be on learning to understand and use a full range of literary techniques in order to tell a truly compelling nonfiction story. Topics such as the use of dialogue, the creation of scene, attention to style and how to craft structure from true events will be discussed. Participants will also spend time talking about the particular responsibilities that come with writing creative nonfiction. This workshop is open to writers working on memoir, personal essays or in-depth journalism. APPLY->

POST-MFA WRITING WORKSHOP
In this workshop, in-depth class critique and feedback from the workshop mediator and participating writers will help those working to polish short stories (or chapters) for potential publication. This course is intended for writers who have earned an MFA in Creative Writing or those who have extensive writing and workshopping experience. APPLY->

MANUSCRIPT WORKSHOP
An intensive 6-week workshop where students will submit a completed or near completed manuscript of up to 400 double spaced pages--as opposed to a standard workshop, which allows students to submit a combined 50 pages. This class is open to novelists and short story writers. Each week we will read and discuss one manuscript and consider which of the writer's choices are successful, and which need development, on both a macro and micro level. Each writer will receive detailed and thorough feedback from the instructor and their classmates. No more than five writers in each six-week session. APPLY->

ONLINE POETRY MANUSCRIPT WORKSHOP
This intensive six-week online workshop will focus on drafts of full-length poetry collection manuscripts (between 45-65 pages), as opposed to stand-alone poems. Each manuscript will be read and workshopped by the entire class over a one week period, where we will discuss the work on a micro level (including line edits, poem structure, inclusion of individual pieces, etc.), a macro level (poem order, book architecture, narrative or imagistic arc, etc.) and on a poetry-business level (where to send the work, how to best shape the collection toward publication). Students will also receive individualized recommendations of poetry collections that might inspire them thematically. We will collaborate and communicate using an online classroom and weekly online chats, as well as individual writer/instructor conferences via telephone or Skype. This course is highly recommended for those who will be submitting to contests and/or open reading periods this fall. APPLY->

GAY NARRATIVE WORKSHOP
This class provides a safe, interactive and informative experience for writers exploring their stories through the lens of the LGBT perspective. In addition to workshopping student work (fiction, nonfiction and poetry), class time will focus on an examination of our literary ancestry through the discussion of a range of LGBT authors. In-class writing exercises and prompts will be used to help writers focus their narratives. Writers will have the opportunity to have up to 50 pages of work critiqued in class. Handouts will include stories and essays as well as information on grants, fellowships and publishing opportunities for LGBT individuals. APPLY->

WRITING PARENTHOOD WORKSHOP
Writers will examine parenthood—the joys, challenges, anxieties—through narrative. In addition to workshopping student work, the class will read and discuss a variety of texts about mothering, fathering and the meaning of family in contemporary society, literature, film and popular culture. Focused in-class exercises will be used as inspiration and to explore students' personal experiences. Writers will have the opportunity to have up to 50 pages of work critiqued in class. Class materials will include published fiction and essays on parenthood as well as information on grants and publishing opportunities for parents. APPLY->

REVISING YOUR SCREENPLAY
This intensive workshop is for screenwriters who have already completed at least 90 pages of a first draft and who are ready to begin the critical process of rewriting. Class time will be used to give specific feedback, fix structural problems, create memorable characters, sharpen dialogue, strengthen scenes and address any other aspects that stand out. Students should be prepared to make significant changes in structure, plot, and character as required. APPLY->

INTRODUCTION TO NARRATIVE SCREENWRITING
This intensive workshop is for anyone interested in learning to write a character or plot driven story for the big screen. Students arrive having written a five-sentence story that describes a character on a mission, who encounters an obstacle. That story, or another of the student's choosing, will be used in exercises that explore outlining, creating plot and structure, defining characters through actions, evaluating scene structure, and sharpening dialogue. In each class we will share the work, then introduce another basic tenet of screenwriting. APPLY->

COLLEGE ESSAY WORKSHOP
Open to high school juniors and seniors. Six week intensive college admission essay workshop, including brainstorming and researching essay prompts, crafting the ideal admissions essay, and revisions. This course will include extensive one-on-one revisions with the instructor, as well as peer workshop. APPLY->

WHAT DO I HAVE TO SAY? FINDING MATERIAL FOR FICTION
As students of fiction, we study structure and craft, but how do we learn to fill our structures with compelling substance; how do we learn to apply our craft to subject matters that matter, to the stories that are ours? In this class, we’ll explore these questions with an eye toward discovering our own obsessions and finding those stories only we can tell. Through writing exercises, discussions, and readings in a variety of styles, we’ll investigate the differences between autobiography and invention, focusing on the notion that though something may have happened in life, it has not yet happened in language. We’ll also look at the ways our various experiences—those we’ve had in the physical world, in our minds and dreams, and on the page, as readers—might inform and inspire our fiction. This workshop will be devoted to generating new work and ideas, and it is open to writers at all levels. APPLY->

MAKING NONFICTION PERSONAL
In this class, we will pursue the crucial element that some writers are better at embedding into their work than others: personal experience. The subjective need not be excluded in critical, investigative work; in fact, most nonfiction benefits from including elements of the author's emotional and experiential interior. We will broach issues of truth, structure and universality while always emphasizing the journalist's role in the production of artful, intelligent writing. In this course, students will workshop their own nonfiction, discuss selected readings and learn effective approaches to pitching editors. Readings will include work by Joan Didion, David Foster Wallace, Tom Wolfe, John Jeremiah Sullivan, George Plimpton and Nora Ephron. APPLY->