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Why Writers Choose WritingWorkshops.com
by Writing Workshops Staff
2 months ago
Why Writers Choose WritingWorkshops.com
We exist because we believe every serious writer deserves world-class instruction, meaningful community, and a clear path forward — regardless of where they live or whether they have a graduate degree.
Your Writing Matters
You're a writer with something important to say. Whether you're working on your first draft or your fifth manuscript, you know there's a story inside you that deserves to be told — and told well.
But here's what you're up against:
You're facing real challenges. The visceral, electric current that makes readers feel something is missing. You wonder if your voice is strong enough, if your ideas are original enough, if you're good enough.
You feel isolated. Writing is a solitary act, but it doesn't have to be a lonely journey. You crave feedback from writers who understand the struggle. You need readers who can see what your work could become. You want mentors who've walked this path before.
You deserve better. Every writer deserves access to world-class instruction, meaningful community, and a clear path to publication — not just those who can afford expensive MFA programs or live near major literary hubs.
We Understand Because We've Been There
At WritingWorkshops.com, we know what it's like to stare at a rejection letter, to wonder if you're wasting your time, to feel disconnected from the literary world.
That's why we've built something different.
Our instructors aren't just successful authors — they're National Book Award finalists, Pulitzer nominees, New York Times bestsellers, and contributors to The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and the Best American series. But more importantly, they remember what it was like to be where you are now.
Our students prove what's possible. They've signed with agents, published books, been selected for the TODAY book club, Read with Jenna, won prestigious fellowships and literary awards, and earned spots in top MFA programs. But they all started with the same questions you have today.
Your Clear Path Forward
Step 1: Choose Your Starting Point
- Take an Online Workshop to develop specific craft skills — in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, humor writing, publishing, and more.
- Join our IndieMFA for comprehensive, mentorship-driven training without the debt.
- Apply for a Destination Retreat to immerse yourself completely in Paris, Dublin, Tuscany, Iceland, or other inspiring locations.
- We also offer classes in Europe-friendly time zones for international writers.
Step 2: Join Your Literary Community
- Work in small, intentional groups with writers as serious as you are.
- Get detailed feedback from award-winning authors.
- Build relationships that last beyond the classroom.
Step 3: Take Your Writing Public
- Learn to submit your work with purpose.
- Leverage the community you build with us.
- Use the skills and connections you've developed to pursue publication with confidence.
Start Today or Stay Stuck
If you do nothing, another year will pass. That manuscript will remain unfinished. Those stories will stay untold. You'll wonder what might have been if you'd invested in your craft and found your people.
But when you join us, you become part of a thriving community of serious writers. You develop the skills to write stories that resonate. You gain the confidence that comes from working with mentors who believe in your potential. You move from isolation to connection, from uncertainty to clarity, from aspiring to accomplished.
Take the First Step
Ready to commit? Browse our upcoming workshops and enroll in the one that speaks to your current needs. Payment plans are available.
Not quite ready? Read what our students say about their transformation. See for yourself why The Writer's Chronicle called us a great alternative to traditional MFA programs.
Your story matters. Your voice matters. And you matter to us.
Join the community of writers who refuse to write in isolation.
Organizations that Vouch for Us
We're proud to be recognized by and affiliated with some of the most respected names in the literary world, including Electric Literature (official education partner), Poets & Writers Magazine, The Writer's Chronicle, AWP (Association of Writers & Writing Programs), Literary Hub, Granta, Winning Writers, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
What Our Students Say
As an independent and artist-run organization since 2016, we're honored that over 30,000 writers have allowed us to be part of their writing journey. Here are a few of their stories. Read more testimonials here, or see what our alumni are publishing.
"I've taken a number of Mira Ptacin's workshops, and even had the fabulous good luck to study with her in Paris last year. I continue to be blown away by her effervescence, creativity, and the absolute joy she brings to each workshop. Her prompts are thoughtful and imaginative, and her insights are invaluable. Plus, she is simply the warmest, most encouraging and talented writer and teacher I have ever known. You will walk away from her class with renewed enthusiasm and love for the craft of writing."
"My mentorship with Chloe Caldwell was truly my greatest workshopping experience yet. As a professional copywriter, essay writing has become a passion project I do on the side, and hadn't much considered publishing until Chloe gave me the confidence to pitch to my dream publication — and they took it! Run! Don't walk! to sign up for her next mentorship."
"With Erica's mentorship, I am now attending the MFA program of my choice and have published several of my poems. She saw potential where I did not, and she pushed me out of my comfort zone by encouraging me to write creative nonfiction. I fell in love with creative nonfiction because of her. I am a much stronger, more confident writer since working with Erica."
"I took Power and Politics in Speculative Fiction with Ploi Pirapokin and it was a life changing experience. My writing skills definitely increased, my understanding and execution of craft is more refined, and it was rigorous — I felt like I was in an MFA class. I'd definitely take more workshops with Writing Workshops and with Ploi Pirapokin, especially."
"Elissa Bassist's How to Write a Tragicomic Memoir class was SO, SO GOOD! By far, my favorite ever of the many I have taken with Catapult, GrubStreet, Porch, CFF, and WritingWorkshops.com. I learned a lot and was furiously taking down notes. What marvelous advice and stories."
"Kelly Luce's Short Story Writing Boot Camp far exceeded my expectations. Kelly's top-of-the-line feedback was the most valuable feature of the program — a remarkable blend of developmental editing and line editing. And it's targeted for maximum results."
"Joan Kwon Glass's 'New Woman Warrior Poetry' workshop was a transformative experience. She's a warm, welcoming teacher who dives into the heart of poems, and every student seemed to come alive in the discussions. Joan's imaginative prompts were fantastic — I'm still using them. Plus, her individual feedback was smart, unusually detailed and insightful. I recommend Joan's workshop to poets at any stage of their writing career."
"Chaya Bhuvaneswar's short story collection class was a turning point in my writing. She helped me tighten and improve individual stories, but she also introduced me to thinking about how stories work together, how anchor stories can make or break a collection. She brought in remarkable authors and agents too. The class atmosphere was warm and supportive. I'm still in touch with my fellow writers to this day."
"Writing Workshops Paris was an unforgettable, dare I say, 'life-changing' experience for me. I was astounded by the quality of instruction, the expertise of the staff, and the talent of my fellow participants. I learned so much during the workshop and made memories that will influence my writing for years to come." —Emily N.
"Best experience I've had as a writer. I received genuinely transformative feedback, knowledge, and social support around my writing and novel. The adventures, authors, experiences, feedback, people, places and workshops were gratifyingly high quality. It felt safe being an amateur. I received transformative feedback on my current WIP which has greatly shifted the ways I write." —Enrique E.
"Katie Reilly's Writing Through Parenthood class was fantastic. Between the wealth of resources, Katie's expertise and experience, the readings and encouragement on ways to grow and develop my writing, I can't recommend this class enough. I've taken a lot of classes through Writing Workshops, and this was one of the best."
"Courtney Kocak's Starting a Newsletter seminar exceeded my expectations. Courtney provided concrete advice and information — and it was so nice to have someone talk about writing in a more practical, functional, and business-oriented way. The class was truly useful."
"The 3-Week Query Course with literary agent Christopher Hermelin is well worth the time and money. Nothing can compare with a professional agent providing up-to-date information on what is expected from queries right now. By the end, you will be light years ahead of where you started."
"I've been quite impressed with the quality of the instruction. These fantastic workshops feel like an MFA I can do at my own pace, and they feed a hunger in my writing soul. You've found an evangelist in me — I've been telling all of my writer pals about your program and how much of a difference it's making in this writer's life."
"You asked if I would take another workshop. Of course. I can't figure out how to stop taking them. They're just damn good."
And if you're looking for a class in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, screenwriting, writing for children, or publishing, we've got you covered.
WritingWorkshops.com is an independent creative writing school founded in 2016 in Dallas, Texas, and the official education partner of Electric Literature. We offer online workshops, one-on-one mentorships, IndieMFA programs, and destination writing retreats in Paris, Dublin, Iceland, Tuscany, and beyond. Our instructors are published authors with credits in The New York Times, The Atlantic, McSweeney's, The New Yorker, and New York Times bestselling authors published by major publishing houses. Over 30,000 writers have taken classes with us since our founding, and our alumni have gone on to publish in prestigious venues, sign with literary agents, and earn spots in top MFA programs.
