Writing Workshops New Orleans February 2027
Applications for our February 2027 Workshops are Open!
Workshop Dates:
February 21-26, 2027
Though our admissions process is competitive and the quality of writing high, all interested writers are encouraged to apply.
2027 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
2027 Schedule Detail
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.
Testimonials For Our Destination Retreats
"The combination of high-caliber writers and exciting locations is what drew me in. I had no idea just how life changing my time in Dublin would be. I came home with lasting friendships, meaningful memories and thoughtful suggestions to improve my work in progress. I'd recommend these workshops to any writer." -Carol D.
"When I applied for Writing Workshops Dublin, I was hoping for an inspirational experience to revitalize my writing. The workshop completely exceeded my expectations, not only because of the transformative feedback I received in the workshop but also because of the friendships I came away with. While rigorous and intensive, the week was also relaxing and full of fun, exactly what I needed to come back to my writing with energy. Thank you for such a wonderful experience! " - Alexa D.
"As someone new to writing non-fiction, I found the Dublin Workshop to be extremely helpful. Not only did I get thorough and helpful feedback on my own work, but the general group discussions on writing and publishing were very informative. Dublin also provided a perfect literary backdrop for the workshop, and the schedule - with a combination of workshop time, one-on-one time with the instructor, free time, and excursions - was perfect. I will definitely do another workshop in the future!" -Dana Z.
"Writing Workshops Dublin is wonderful in every way. Blake and Mike thought through the details of workshops, craft talks, one-on-ones, tours followed by dinners, the hotel’s location, and probably more that happened behind the scenes. They are gracious, generous, and funny! The workshop facilitators, Stuart and Diana, are personable and generous with their knowledge and experience. The other writers are now friends and writing buddies. I left Dublin full of happy memories and with a stronger vision for my novel-in-progress. Thank you for an outstanding week!" -Jenn G.
"Writing Workshops Dublin was far and beyond the best workshop I've attended in a very long time. The city of Dublin was the perfect place to home in on my current projects with a group of talented, dedicated writers. The workshop instructors were the best I've worked with. I will never forget what I gained during that short week, and will keep in touch with so many of the people I met. Thank you for an incredible experience!" -Anne H.
"I arrived in Dublin for the Writing Workshop a little uncertain about how it was going to work. It was my first time in a nonfiction workshop, and I only knew one other person. The experience exceeded my expectations: the meticulous planning and organization, the participants, and particularly, the instructors. Diana Spechler (my nonfiction workshop instructor) was a joy: straight-forward, knowledgeable, supportive and accessible. I left with a solid sense of how to approach my nonfiction work, but more importantly, I greatly appreciated Diana's support of my work in general. I would recommend the Writing Workshop in Dublin to anyone who wants to combine a week of exploration, history, new friends, and terrific instruction ." -Joanna S.
"The Dublin Workshop more than delivered on its promise. Great, insightful discussions in the workshops, an invaluable one-on-one opportunity with a world-class novelist, and a new circle of talented and supportive writing partners." -Rita M.
"The workshop exceeded my expectations. The communication was excellent leading up to it, and Writing Workshops was on top of every detail. The nonfiction workshops was incredibly instructive and helpful, and I feel I learned a lot. The hotel was in a wonderful section of Paris, and the evening activities brought us closer as a group. The whole experience was life-changing (without sounding overly dramatic) and gratifying." -Ethan J.
"I am a published novelist, critic and journalist and taking a nonfiction workshop was really out of my comfort zone. I knew I'd learn something and become a better writer because of it, but I honestly didn't think I'd do anything with creative nonfiction beyond this week. Thanks to Chloe and my wonderful, encouraging cohort, I have changed my mind and am going to pursue creative nonfiction alongside my other writing endeavors. And of course, Paris is a positively dreamy place to write, walk, eat, drink and get inspired!" -Lauren W.
"Hands down the best workshop feedback I’ve ever received. I felt so lucky to be a part of this workshop and really enjoy the friendships I forged." - Ben H.
"Writing Workshops in Paris was so amazing! Getting to spend all week working on essays and then by evening exploring the city on foot or bicycle?! Iconic! Loved getting to meet fellow writers, work with established literary stars, and the reading on the Seine was the perfect farewell! Highly recommend to anyone who is looking to write and explore Paris!" -Emily V.
"Writing Workshops Paris absolutely made my summer! Both the staff and the participants were lovely, and all of the workshops, seminars, and optional activities were well-planned and well-executed.It was the perfect Parisian vacation, but with a slew of great suggestions on how to improve my writing for publication, and the added take away of what I feel will be lifelong friends and professional connections. I cannot overstate how much fun I had, and I'm returning home inspired and eager to apply all of the feedback I received to my work". - Becky R.
"Writing Workshops Paris was the ultimate vehicle for me to realize my dream of finally seeing Paris, while re-igniting my passion for writing and connecting me with such a wonderful new writing community!" -Dhana M.
"For me, as a yet-unpublished writer, it was a great introduction to the world of workshopping. I felt comfortable sharing my stories with this helpful, diverse and dedicated group. And even though I'm daunted by the amount of work I have ahead of me, I'm inspired to start combining my stories into a memoir--something I hadn't considered before." -Sue P.
"Immersion into the artistic Parisian culture with a small community of like-minded aspiring writers was nothing short of inspirational. How wonderful it was to escape the ordinary, explore the extraordinary, and revel in the craft of writing --for the sheer joy of it--in the heart of beautiful Paris." -Estee C.
"This workshop exceeded my expectations. The classroom critiques and instructor one-on-ones were extremely helpful, the people were wonderful, and the atmosphere was inviting. It was an experience I'm so glad I didn't miss." - Carissa C.
"WWP was the first workshop I attended. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on my book-in-progress from both Diana and my new writing community! Merci, merci." -Christina K.
"Writing Workshops Paris was my first professional workshop,and it won't be my last! Aside from the magic of being in Paris, which cannot be understated, the amazing people I met were the best part of the week. I left with unexpected friendships that I will have for life,and a fresh motivation to finish my novel. My approach to my writing has been invigorated and my motivation renewed, and I feel connected to this amazing community of writers in a way I never expected. What an amazing week of inspiration and history, great writing and incredible people. Thank you so much for a life-changing week!" -Kerrin S.
"Chloe, I want to thank you again for such a wonderful workshop. I really appreciated the time and skillset you brought as a facilitator and am very grateful for your feedback on my work, as well as recommended resources.." -Brenna K.
"The Paris workshop was inspirational. The setting was liberating as a writer, and leadership was always in good humor, organized and helpful. The feedback has given me a good direction for my work." -Janice H.
"An unforgettable time at the Paris Writing Workshop. Wonderful facilitators, knowledgable instructors. The information was so helpful to my writing. Plus, there was the unexpected joy of bonding with fellow writers. Blake and Mike did an outstanding job. My only complaint was it was too short!" -Leslie R.
"Coming to Iceland for the Workshop helped me achieve an important breakthrough in a project I've been trying to finish. The beauty of the location, the support of the writing cohort, and the quality of the instruction made all the difference!" -Lori F.
"Writing Workshops Iceland allowed me to reconnect with myself as a writer and to be in community with others who naturally understand my love for my craft. I learned. I had fun. I grew as a writer and a person. It was a perfect experience. I can't wait for the next trip!" -Bowie R.
"If you've ever thought about taking time to focus on your writing and building your writing community, don't hesitate to consider one of these writing workshops. The community we built over the week in Iceland was incredible. I'm calling this a 'trip of a lifetime' because it truly was an unforgettable experience. I will cherish this week for years to come. I cannot wait to participate in another workshop in the future. Thank you to Mike and Blake for creating such a unique and rewarding experience." Christine G.
"Writing Workshops is the perfect balance of inspirational travel and classroom camaraderie—a wonderful option for any writer with a sense of adventure who is looking to explore their work in a group setting." Isaac F.
"The Iceland Writing Workshop is a unique opportunity to hone your craft in the company of other dedicated authors, while immersed in the beauty of this intriguing island." - Jennifer C.
"I gained encouragement, inspiration, and plenty of wonderful memories during my time in Iceland!" Brenna H.
Program Staff
Blake Kimzey is the Founder & Executive Director of WritingWorkshops.com. His collection of short tales, Families Among Us (Black Lawrence Press), received advanced praise from Roxane Gay, Ramona Ausubel, & Matt Bell. His work has been adapted for broadcast on NPR and published by Tin House, McSweeney's, Short Fiction, Longform, VICE, and over 70 other literary journals. Blake is a graduate of the MFA Program at UC Irvine and received a generous Emerging Writer Grant from the Elizabeth George Foundation. He also co-wrote, with Kyle Minor, a dramatic WWII movie about the war-time actions of Polish underground hero Jan Karski, set for production in 2026. A movie adaptation of his short story “A Family Among Us," originally published by Roxane Gay, is currently in development. Blake has been awarded fellowships from The Community of Writers and the Vermont Studio Center and a generous grant from Americans for the Arts Foundation. He has taught in the Creative Writing Programs at SMU, UT-Dallas and UC-Irvine.
Operations Director Mike Franz was General Manager and Tour Guide at Fat Tire Bike Tours, Paris, for seven years. His tours were featured on Rick Steves-Paris, The Independent-UK, and the television show 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Mike taught government, economics, and public speaking for ten years at Headwaters High School in Austin, Texas, where he won teacher-of-the-year award after his first year of teaching.
Application & General FAQ
What is the application deadline?
Applications for our February 2027 New Orleans Workshops are now open and will close on July 12th. Due to volume, early applications are encouraged.
What will my application include?
- Brief bio informing us of your involvement in the writing and literary community, as well as any prior or forthcoming publications (500 words max).
- Purpose statement explaining why you would like to participate in Writing Workshops New Orleans. You can also discuss current manuscripts or writing projects that you might choose to workshop. (500 words max.)
- Writing sample excerpt. This does not have to be published work, though that is acceptable, nor does it have to be a piece you plan to workshop. Complete works under the word count are not required; excerpts are acceptable. (writing sample should be no more than 5000 words max.)
- Early applications are encouraged.
When will I know if I've been accepted to the workshop?
We cap workshop participation at 10 writers per genre cohort each week. Our goal is to provide an intimate, rigorous workshop environment so that participants can come to New Orleans and find meaningful connections and excellent feedback on their work. Due to the volume of applications and competitive acceptance, writers are encouraged to apply early. We employ a reading committee of professional writers and editors, and applicants will be notified after the application window closes.
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 ConditionsWritingWorkshops.com 2027 Writing Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana (February 2027)
Safe, Respectful & Inclusive EnvironmentWritingWorkshops.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 GuidelinesAll 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 ReleaseBy 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 LiabilityBy 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.
IndemnificationBy 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 DamageParticipants 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 SubmissionsAll 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 NeedsParticipants 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 & RequirementsAttendees 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 PolicyIn 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 CircumstancesIf 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 ScheduledIf 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 JurisdictionThese 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 TermsBy 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.