Tuition for Writing Workshops New Orleans February 21-26, 2027
Tuition for Writing Workshops New Orleans February 21-26, 2027
New Orleans was made for storytellers.
WORKSHOP FACULTY
Fiction Workshop Instructor Amber Sparks is the author of the novel, Happy People Don’t Live Here, and a forthcoming short story collection, Did Parents in the Middle Ages Love Their Children? (both from Liveright/W.W. Norton), and four collections of short fiction, including And I Do Not Forgive You: Revenges and other Stories and The Unfinished World. Her fiction and essays have appeared in American Short Fiction, the Paris Review, Slate, Tin House, Granta, The Cut, and elsewhere. Amber has been an instructor on our retreats to Dublin and Iceland, and we are thrilled that she will be working with you in New Orleans!
Fiction Instructor Ethan Joella is the author of the novels A Little Hope (Scribner, 2021), which was a Read with Jenna Bonus Selection, A Quiet Life (Scribner, 2022), The Same Bright Stars (Scribner, 2024), and The Top of the World (Scribner, 2026). His books have been featured in The New York Times, People, and Good Housekeeping. Ethan teaches English and psychology at the University of Delaware and specializes in community writing workshops. He lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with his family. Ethan has been an instructor on our retreats to Paris, Dublin, and Tuscany, and we are thrilled that he will be working with you in New Orleans!
Nonfiction Instructor Mira Ptacin is the author of the award-winning memoir Poor Your Soul (Soho Press, 2016), which was named a best book of the year by KirkusBooks, where it received a rare “starred” review. She’s also the author of the genre-blending book of feminist history, memoir, and ethnography, The In-Betweens: The Spiritualists, Mediums, and Legends of Camp Etna (Liveright-W.W. Norton, 2019), which the New York Times lauded as the best book to read during a pandemic. Mira’s writing frequently appears in The New York Times, The New York Times Book Review, Harper's, Literary Hub, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Longreads, The Atavist, Guernica, Elle Magazine, New York Magazine, Tin House, Vice, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Poets & Writers, and more. She received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, where she was editor-at-large of their literary magazine, LUMINA. Mira lives on Peaks Island, Maine, and is currently working on her next book. Mira has been an instructor on our retreats to Paris and Dublin, and we are thrilled that she will be working with you in New Orleans!
Lodging at The Pontchartrain Hotel
Constructed in 1927 on the historic St. Charles Avenue, the iconic Pontchartrain Hotel has been beautifully reimagined into a luxurious boutique destination with its Roaring Twenties grandeur and original architectural elements still shining through. In this storied hotel, timeless Southern elegance meets modern-day comfort.
Class Size
Schedule Overview
Included Optional Evening Activities
Tuition
Tuition is $2,995 if you stay at the Pontchartrain Hotel, or $1,795 if you provide your own lodging. Tuition includes the following:
- Lodging in your own room at the Pontchartrain Hotel for 6 days, 5 nights (unless you choose the non-lodging option).
- 4-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers, led by program faculty.
- Critical feedback on writing submissions.
- Daily craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars.
- One-on-one conference with faculty.
- Walking tour of the Garden District on Monday.
- Riverboat cruise on the Steamboat Nanchez on Wednesday.
- Please Note: Food and drinks are not included in the tuition cost.
Application & General FAQ
How much does it cost?
Tuition is $2,995 if you stay at the Pontchartrain Hotel, or $1,795 if you provide your own lodging. If your application is accepted, full tuition is due within 10 days. Upon acceptance, you will have the option to pay your tuition in full or opt for a payment plan by selecting Affirm at checkout.
Can I bring my partner or a guest?
If you would like to bring your partner or a guest along for the trip (and share a room), the cost is $695 for the New Orleans Workshop.
What is your refund policy for the workshop in New Orleans?
Given the intimate nature of our destination workshops and our own, non-refundable deposit schedule as organizers, our refund policy is as follows:
90+ days before your trip, tuition payment minus a $900 deposit is fully refundable.
60+ days before your trip: 50% of your tuition is refundable.
30+ days before your: 25% of your tuition is refundable.
Less than 30 days before your trip: no refunds can be offered.
What does tuition include?
- Lodging in your own room at the Pontchartrain Hotel for 6 days, 5 nights (unless you choose the non-lodging option).
- 4-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers, led by program faculty.
- Critical feedback on writing submissions.
- Daily craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars.
- One-on-one conference with faculty.
- Walking tour of the Garden District on Monday.
- Riverboat cruise on the Steamboat Nanchez on Wednesday.
- Please Note: Food and drinks are not included in the tuition cost.
Manuscript Submissions
Ahead of our arrival in New Orleans, students will submit manuscripts according to their genre:
Fiction and Nonfiction Writers will submit two separate pieces of up to 5,000 words each (10,000 words total). One manuscript will be critiqued in the group workshop and include letters of critique from your peers and instructor; your second manuscript will be discussed in a one-on-one conference with your instructor in New Orleans.
Are Payment Plans Available?
Yes. Accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.
Are Scholarships Available?
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to offer scholarships for this workshop. However, we do have payment plans available.
Instructor Substitution Policy
In the event of an instructor's emergency, sickness, or unavailability, Writing Workshops reserves the right to provide a substitute instructor of equivalent caliber to teach the course. If a substitute is provided, the course will proceed as scheduled, and standard refund policies apply.
Where is the hotel and workshop venue?
Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 6 days, 5 nights at the Hotel Pontchartrain. The 4-star hotel sits in the heart of literary New Orleans.
I have a question not answered here.
Please contact us and we’ll reply promptly.
Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions
WritingWorkshops.com 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana (February 2027)
Safe, Respectful & Inclusive Environment
WritingWorkshops.com is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants at the 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana. Inappropriate behavior—whether written, verbal, or physical—is strictly prohibited. Such behavior may include (but is not limited to) abuse, threats, derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures, or actions; any form of harassment, racism, sexism; or any other targeted conduct that violates local, national, or international laws or that causes harm to another participant. This applies to interactions before, during, and after the workshop, whether in-person in New Orleans, at associated events, through the WritingWorkshops.com website or social media channels, during any online component, or by any other method of communication. WritingWorkshops.com reserves the right to take appropriate action—up to and including revoking admission without refund—against any individual(s) or group(s) that violate this Code of Conduct.
Health & Safety Guidelines
All attendees are expected to follow relevant public health guidelines, including those related to COVID-19 or other pandemic-level communicable illnesses. This may include social distancing, frequent hand washing, and refraining from attending sessions if feeling unwell. Should you observe or experience a violation of these guidelines or any other part of this Code of Conduct, please contact WritingWorkshops.com immediately.Reporting to WritingWorkshops.com does not replace notifying local law enforcement of suspected legal violations.In case of an emergency, dial 911 immediately.For non-emergencies, local law enforcement contact information will be provided in workshop materials.
Photo, Video & Audio Recording Release
By participating in the WritingWorkshops.com 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana, you waive all rights to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with the use, exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of any photos, videos, or audio recordings taken of you during the workshop. You also waive any right to inspect or approve these materials. By registering, you acknowledge that you have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release.
Assumption of Risk & Waiver of Liability
By paying your tuition and attending the 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and assume all risks associated with the workshop, including, but not limited to, injuries, illnesses, damages, theft, or loss of life. WritingWorkshops.com, its organizers, affiliates, and agents ("Organizers") are not responsible for any injuries, death, or damages—physical or emotional—that may occur during or as a result of your participation. You hereby release, waive, and discharge the Organizers from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, or causes of action arising from or relating to your participation. By paying your tuition, you explicitly agree to these terms.
Indemnification
By registering for and participating in the 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana, you agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless WritingWorkshops.com, its organizers, affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to your conduct during the workshop, your violation of these Terms and Conditions, or your violation of any rights of another participant or third party.
Property Damage
Participants are responsible for any damage they cause to The Pontchartrain Hotel, workshop venues, or any other property associated with the 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana. WritingWorkshops.com reserves the right to seek reimbursement from participants for any costs incurred as a result of such damage.
Intellectual Property & Workshop Submissions
All written work shared by participants during the workshop remains the sole intellectual property of its author. By participating, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, publish, or claim ownership of any work shared by fellow participants in any workshop session, one-on-one conference, or associated activity. WritingWorkshops.com will not reproduce or distribute participant work without the express written consent of the author.
Medical Information & Special Needs
Participants are responsible for disclosing in advance any medical conditions, disabilities, dietary restrictions, or other needs that may require accommodation during the workshop. WritingWorkshops.com will make reasonable efforts to accommodate disclosed needs but is not responsible for providing medical care or treatment. In the event of a medical emergency, participants consent to emergency medical services being contacted on their behalf. Participants are encouraged to carry any necessary medications and to ensure they have adequate travel and health insurance for the duration of the program.
Travel Documentation & Requirements
Attendees are responsible for ensuring they possess the appropriate documentation required for travel to New Orleans, Louisiana. No passport or visa is required for U.S. citizens. International attendees are responsible for ensuring they hold a valid passport and any visa or travel authorization required for entry into the United States. Please verify current U.S. entry requirements with the appropriate embassy or consulate before travel.
Instructor Substitution Policy
In the event of an instructor's emergency, sickness, or unavailability, Writing Workshops reserves the right to provide a substitute instructor of equivalent caliber to teach the course. If a substitute is provided, the course will proceed as scheduled, and standard refund policies apply.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Force Majeure / Extraordinary Circumstances
If government authorities prohibit the gathering of groups at the workshop venue during the scheduled February 2027 dates, or if The Pontchartrain Hotel closes for those dates and no comparable location in New Orleans can be secured, WritingWorkshops.com will offer a full refund of the workshop program fees. WritingWorkshops.com will not reimburse any airline tickets, hotel reservations made independently, or other trip-related expenses incurred by participants.
Workshop Proceeding as Scheduled
If the 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana, proceeds on the scheduled dates in February 2027, program fees will be refunded according to the following schedule:90+ days before the workshop: tuition payment minus a $900 deposit is fully refundable60+ days before the workshop: 50% of tuition is refundable30+ days before the workshop: 25% of tuition is refundableLess than 30 days before the workshop: no refunds can be offeredRegardless of attendance, no refunds will be provided once the workshop has commenced.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any and all disputes, claims, or controversies arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, your registration, or your participation in the 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in the State of Texas. By registering for this workshop, you expressly consent to the personal jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Texas and waive any objection to venue in Texas courts. In the event of any dispute, the parties agree to attempt resolution through good-faith mediation before initiating formal legal proceedings. Each party shall bear its own attorneys' fees and costs unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Agreement to Terms
By registering for and participating in the WritingWorkshops.com 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions. Your registration and payment of tuition constitute a binding agreement to uphold this Code of Conduct and all associated policies.
For questions or additional information, please contact WritingWorkshops.com. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to creating a welcoming, inspiring, and productive workshop for everyone.