All times listed are Eastern Time (ET)

IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL workshops

~~Want to give a class or special event as a gift?~~

Gift Cards available here.

If you’ve ever suspected that there might be a writer lurking under the skin, or perhaps harbored a secret notebook of half-started stories, this is the class for you. In this workshop you'll find your way first by releasing the writer within through creative prompts to get the words flowing, and then by discovering the elements of all good stories, including character, conflict, action, setting and more. For anyone who longs to write but doesn't know where to start, and for writers who have dabbled but lost their way. WARNING: this workshop just might seduce you into a life-long love affair with writing.

Do you keep a journal? Daily? Weekly? Or just want to start? A strong creative practice grows out of an ability to open your mind, direct your attention, and use the raw material the world provides in a way that only you can. This summer, we will turn to the essays and journaling prompts in The Book of Alchemy to help writers--and creatives of every kind--tap into their unique vision, establish a daily writing practice, and find inspiration in unexpected places. Join us! You will be so glad you did. *Writers must purchase The Book of Alchemy before the class begins.*

Every person has a story. What is yours? Memoir writing is the process of adapting your true-life experiences in a way that reads like fiction. Whether your writing goal is personal, in essay form, or an entire book, this class will give you the tools you need to develop and strengthen your writing process. Through prompts, supportive round-table discussions, and constructive critique, we will explore how to structure stories, develop the skills that bring them to life, and show how to enhance your writing.

The idea of beginning a novel is both exhilarating and intimidating. This class deconstructs the craft basics of plot and structure, description, character, dialogue, creating conflict, and more, and helps you learn how to tell the story that's burning within. Whether you're still contemplating what to write about, or have already begun your first draft, this is an excellent choice for any writer confronting the challenge of a long work.

Starting a mystery can feel both thrilling and daunting, but you don’t have to face the blank page alone. Beginning Your Mystery blends lectures and prompts for anyone who dreams of writing crime fiction. We’ll explore the genre’s essential tools—from plot and character to clues and red herrings—so you can create the suspects, sleuths, and suspense that make mysteries come to life. For true beginners, this brief course will help you shape the novel you long to write.

The Adult Writers Circle is the perfect place to develop on-going writing projects in a creative, supportive, workshop-style environment. Work in any form or genre and receive constructive critique, encouragement, and inspiration to move your writing toward completion. Dig deep into craft issues like plot, structure, point-of-view, character development, pacing, and voice, all with a focus on your unique projects. Plus, learn about the ever-changing publishing landscape from an instructor who’s been in the thick of it. Geared for writers with on-going projects at every stage, from first concept to final draft.

Lorrie Moore, in a The Paris Review interview, said: "A story is a kind of biopsy of human life [...] both local, specific, small, and deep, in a penetrating, layered, and revealing way." In this class, we'll write engaging short stories or pieces of flash fiction, build short form structures and improve voice, characterization, dialogue, setting, mood and more. In addition, every week we’ll read a published short work drawn from short story collections, magazines, and literary journals. These works serve as a springboard for craft discussion, as well as giving writers the opportunity to become familiar with potential markets for publishing their own work. You'll share your own work and receive gentle, constructive critique from fellow students and the instructor.

To write poetry is to articulate the world around you. To find new and more precise ways to describe what it means to be alive. Poetry Craft Workshop is a course designed to not only generate new poems, but to sharpen poetic craft with an eye toward publication and/or creating a strong, cohesive body of work. This workshop-heavy course is perfect for writers looking for a supportive and constructive environment in which to challenge themselves—to write, revise and workshop the poems they’ve always dreamed of creating.

This class is geared for the writer who is deep in a first draft or has already embarked on revision. Critique of work in progress is ongoing in a constructive, supportive environment . Note: This class is by invitation or submission only. Limited to six seats per section. Please email or call for more information. If you are a first-time writer, we recommend taking Beginning Your Novel and Continuing Your Novel before considering this workshop.

This three-week intensive will concentrate on focused revision of your opening pages. In supportive workshop sessions, we will identify and strengthen your work’s inciting incident, sharpen character introductions and plant seeds to keep the reader riveted through to the final page. Open to novels, memoirs and short stories.

This special Writers Circle for memoirists provides a supportive environment where writers work freely on developing memoir in the form of short essays, poetry, or a book-length narrative. Issues of art and craft are addressed through round-table discussion and gentle, constructive critique. Writers learn to trust one another for feedback and guidance as they polish their work, moving toward completion. Perfect for memoirists who want to take their writing to the next level.

*This class will return at a later date. Join our email list to be notified when registration opens*

From the most adorable picture book to the most intense Young Adult novel, literature for younger readers fires the imagination and opens the world for its audience. In this hands-on workshop, writers will learn how to craft compelling stories and characters for all age ranges. Works in progress will be constructively critiqued in a supportive environment. In-class writing prompts will keep the creative spirit nimble. And real world advice on the publishing industry will help your completed manuscript stand out in a crowd.

*This class will return at a later date. Join our email list to be notified when registration opens*

Now that you've begun your novel, the work is far from over. Novel writing is like a marathon - you have to be in it for the long haul. This class will include "off the page exercises" to help solidify description, dialogue, character, plot, and more. Note: This class is by invitation or submission only. Limited to eight seats per section. Please contact us for more information. If you are new to writing novels, we recommend developing your work in Beginning Your Novel or an Adult Writers Circle before considering this workshop.

*This class will return at a later date. Join our email list to be notified when registration opens*

Program Cancellation Policy: Workshops or events that do not reach their minimum registration are at risk of cancellation.  Often registrations occur at the last minute. The Writers Circle does its best to wait as long as possible before cancelling any program.  Registered students are notified by email approximately 5 days prior to the scheduled program start date if their program is under-registered.  Cancellation is announced by email approximately 2 days prior to the scheduled program start date and registered students will be provided with opportunities for alternate programs, credits, or refunds.  The best way to ensure that a program runs is to register at least one week prior to the scheduled start of any workshop or event. 

TWC POLICIES: Freedom of Expression | Inclement Weather | Program Cancellation | Makeups | Trial Classes & Drop-ins | Refunds/Withdrawal

 

*The Writers Circle reserves the right to shift any in-person or hybrid program to virtual instruction based on the health and safety recommendations of the CDC, WHO, the State of New Jersey, or other authorities or involved parties.