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Former Paris Workshop Student turned Paris and Dublin Instructor

by Writing Workshops Staff

2 weeks ago


Former Paris Workshop Student turned Paris and Dublin Instructor

by Writing Workshops Staff

2 weeks ago


We love featuring former students who have gone on to publishing success.
Ethan Joella was a student at Writing Workshops Paris in 2019 and returned to lead the workshop in Paris in 2022 and our Dublin Workshop in 2024!

Ethan's novels with Scribner include A LITTLE HOPE, selected for a Read with Jenna Book Club pick on the Today Show, A QUIET LIFE, and THE SAME BRIGHT STARS. 

From Student to Bestselling Author: How a Paris Writing Workshop Changed Ethan Joella's Life

In the summer of 2019, Ethan Joella found himself in the City of Light, hoping that the echoes of literary giants would ignite his own creativity. Little did he know, this journey would not only transform his writing but also set him on a path to becoming a celebrated author and mentor.

The Parisian Spark

Ethan enrolled in the Writing Workshops Paris program with instructors Brandon Hobson and Diana Spechler, a week-long immersive experience that promised to hone his craft amidst the backdrop of Paris. Surrounded by fellow writers and guided by seasoned instructors, he delved deep into storytelling, character development, and the nuances that turn good prose into unforgettable narratives.

The impact of the workshop was immediate. His work resonated not just with him but with readers and publishers alike. His debut novel, A Little Hope, captured the complexities of love and loss, earning a spot as a Read with Jenna Book Club pick on the Today Show. The acclaim didn't stop there; he followed up with the poignant A Quiet Life and the inspiring The Same Bright Stars.

Giving Back to the Community

Ethan's journey came full circle when he returned to Paris in 2022, not as a student but as our fiction workshop leader. 

His passion for mentoring led him to the Dublin Workshop in 2024, where he continued to inspire writers with his experiences and insights as our fiction instructor. Ethan's story is a testament to the power of community and the transformative impact of dedicating oneself to the craft of writing.

Your Story Begins Here

If you've ever felt the pull of storytelling or dreamed of writing in one of the world's most inspiring cities, now is your chance.

Our Writing Workshops Paris program is now accepting applications. Under the guidance of acclaimed instructors like Ramona Ausubel, Marie-Helene Bertino, and Halimah Marcus, you'll engage in intensive workshops, craft seminars, and one-on-one sessions designed to elevate your writing.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant literary scene of Paris, forge lifelong connections, and perhaps, like Ethan, embark on a journey that could change your life.

Don't Let This Opportunity Pass

Applications close soon, and spaces are limited to ensure a personalized experience. Whether you're a novelist, a nonfiction writer, or a poet, this workshop offers a unique environment to develop your craft and find your voice.

Begin your own transformation. Apply now at the link in our bio and take the first step toward becoming the writer you've always wanted to be.

The next great story could be yours. Will you seize the moment?

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