Writing Workshops & Courses

Contact

The Writing Institute

E-mail

914.323.6170

Whether this is your first writing class or you’re finishing your next book, The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College helps writers grow and connect with a community of passionate writers. 

Our classes and workshops range from generative experiences to revision focused workshops, including one day craft intensives and seminars on publishing. Virtual writing workshops and in person classes at our Bronxville, NY campus are available. 

All writers welcome!

Questions about which class is best for you? Contact the Writing Institute at writinginstitute@sarahlawrence.edu. We're here to help. 

Upcoming Classes

Samantha

Applying to Writing Residencies

There's no gift quite like the gift of time and space to write. Writing residencies provide writers with community, studio space, lodging, meals and other support, but how do you get there? Join Samantha Steiner for this in depth seminar on writing residencies, how to find them, how to apply and how to make the most of a residency experience. 

Saturday, February 11, 2023

10:00am to 12:30pm EST on Zoom

More Info
Kathy

Tap The Senses, Write the Scene

On Zoom! Kathy Curto returns with this beloved generative writing workshop, perfect to writers looking to jumpstart something new. It’s the smell of Play-Doh for some of us. For others, the feel of velvet or the sound of Sinatra, Miles Davis or Nirvana. In this class, using timed writing exercises and short readings, we’ll honor the senses by opening our writing lives up to what they can offer. Sold out!

February 13 to March 20, 2023 (No class Feb. 20th)

Mondays, 10:00am to 12:00pm EST On Zoom

More Info
Malinda

Craft Seminar Series: Taking Shape - The Revision Process

Introducing our new craft seminar series! Join bestselling author Malinda Lo for this webinar on novel revision, including tips-and-tricks to help you manage your revision and examples of how to develop authority on a sentence level through multiple drafts. This seminar includes writing exercises and a Q&A with the author. Limited scholarships available. 

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

6:00pm to 8:30pm EST on Zoom

More Info
Barbara

Intermediate 2.0: Novel & Memoir Workshop

There is an “in between” stage for most book writers. You’re not quite done, but you know your book—its heart, its plot, and what you think its ending will be. In Intermediate 2.0, join novelist Barbara Josselsohn to take a leap forward, finishing the course with an in-depth critique of your book plan and  synopsis, as well as feedback on 50 full pages of your book. Sold out!

Thursdays, February 16 to April 20, 2023

10:00am to 12:00pm EST on Zoom 

More Info
Terri

Motherhood in Memoir

Selfhood and motherhood are two halves that make up the whole of many women. Join memoirist Terri Linton for this five-week nonfiction class to examine works by writers that center motherhood as we explore the realities, revelations, and reckonings of our own motherhood journeys. Through generative writing prompts and workshopping of segments of works in progress, writers will receive feedback on ways in which writers can begin or further develop drafts. Two spots left!

March 30 to April 27, 2023

Thursdays, 11:00am to 1:00pm EST on Zoom 

More Info
Elaine

Writing from Observation, Looking at Art

Join art writer and poet Elaine Sexton for this experimental workshop that curates an experience around fine art and the craft of writing. This two part workshop takes students on a guided tour of New York City visual art galleries, followed by a curated conversation and writing prompts to understand how we respond to art not only as writers but as human beings. 

Saturday, April 23 & Sunday, April 24, 2023

10:00am to 1:00pm EST, in Manhattan and On Campus

More Info

Spring Session One: January and February

Registration closes one week before start date. Please see safety guidelines for on campus classes on class registration page. Spring 2023 class registration is on our new registration platform: please create a profile in order to register. Questions? Email writinginstitute@sarahlawrence.edu or call 914 323 6170. 

 

Spring Session Two: March through April

Registration closes one week before start date. Please see safety guidelines for on campus classes on class registration page. Spring 2023 class registration is on our new registration platform: please create a profile in order to register. Questions? Email writinginstitute@sarahlawrence.edu or call 914 323 6170. 

Upcoming Readings & Events

  • Join us on February 23rd at 5:00pm EST on Zoom for our first Community Reading of the year! RSVP here to come cheer on your fellow writers and hear featured reader Tyler Mills. All are welcome!
  • Seattle, here we come! The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College will be at AWP 2023 from March 8 to March 11 in Seattle, WA. Come say hello at Table 640 at the Bookfair. 

To keep up to date on what's happening at The Writing Institute, sign up for our newsletter and watch this space for more information.

What Are Asynchronous Classes?

Our online asynchronous classes give students the flexibility to complete coursework on their own schedule. Each course offers discussion prompts, writing prompts, craft discussions, and opportunities to receive feedback on your work, as well as a once-a-week live virtual meeting with the instructor.

Does The Writing Institute Offer One-on-One Instruction?

We do not currently offer one-on-one instruction through The Writing Institute. However, our classes are small and offer individualized attention. Please reach out to us for course recommendations based on your specific needs at writinginstitute@sarahlawrence.edu.

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

Please read carefully to review our refund and course voucher policies. 


Canceling a registration before a course starts:
Students who withdraw from a course 14 days prior to the start of class will receive a full course voucher; if a credit card refund is preferred please email writinginstitute@sarahlawrence.edu. There is a $50 administrative fee for refunds. Please note that there are no refunds or vouchers for one day intensives, yearlong classes or Advanced classes where space is limited. 

Students who drop out of a course 72 hours or more prior to the first class will receive a course voucher minus the $50 administrative fee. towards a future course of the same tuition. No refunds are available 72 hours or less before a class begins.

Canceling a course registration after attending the first session:
Students who drop out of a course after the first class will be refunded 50% of their tuition. Requests for partial refunds must be received in writing at writinginstitute@sarahlawrence.edu. 

Canceling a course registration after attending two or more sessions:
There will be no refunds after the second class. There will be some inevitable exceptions to this rule based on extenuating circumstances, at the discretion of the director of The Writing Institute.

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