creative writing workshop utah

Department of English

College of humanities, main navigation, creative writing, about the creative writing program.

Our Creative Writing Program is vibrant and highly successful. We are committed on all levels to developing well-rounded practitioners with substantial backgrounds in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, digital writing practices, hybrid and other experimental forms, book arts, and literary history and theory.  Our program hosts a dynamic reading series and opportunities for interaction with visiting authors and scholars.

Undergraduates are introduced to a variety of writing lives through small workshops and intensive focus on their work, while studying the larger ecology of contemporary publishing.  In our graduate program, home to  Quarterly West  and  Western Humanities Review , students intensify and deepen their investigation. We offer a modular MFA in Environmental Humanities, the American West, or Book Arts.  Many graduates in our PhD Program, which  Atlantic Monthly  rated as among the top five in the country, publish widely in literary journals, place books before or soon after completing the program, win national and international awards, oversee and participate in a graduate reading series, and go on to find good academic positions.

Our renowned and aesthetically diverse faculty, whose honors include Guggenheim and NEA fellowships, Pushcart Prizes, the Berlin Prize, and other prestigious recognition of their creative work, scholarship, and teaching, includes Katharine Coles, Lindsey Drager, Michael Mejia, Jacqueline Osherow, Paisley Rekdal, and Rone Shavers.  Additionally, each year the Creative Writing Program brings in a nationally recognized ESRR Distinguished Visiting Writer to teach graduate and undergraduate workshops and seminars for a half semester or longer.

Contact Information

Michael Mejia Director, Creative Writing Program [email protected]

Karli Sam Graduate Advisor [email protected]

Graduate Degrees in Creative Writing

We offer   two graduate degrees   in Creative Writing: An MFA and a PhD that prepares students to pursue careers as teachers of writing.  The creative Writing faculty also sponsors an annual   Guest Writers Series  and the   Utah Symposium in Science and Literature .

Graduate students also comprise the editorial staff of   Quarterly West   and   Western Humanities Review , and host the monthly  Working Dog   readings.

Creative Writing MFA Information

CREATIVE WRITING MFA - Modular Track Information

CREATIVE WRITING PhD Information

English MFA - Creative Writing

The English MFA program in creative writing is small and selective. It gives students the   opportunity to study literature, participate in intensive writing workshops, and work in a close community of writers.   Studies may focus their literature coursework in any area of English or American literature.

Coursework Requirements

English mfa timeline.

Students will take a minimum of nine courses of at least three credit hours each:

• Four creative writing workshops
• English 7450: Narrative Theory and Practice   or   English 7460: Theory and Practice of Poetry (depending on the genre of the thesis)
• Four other courses, including at least two literary history courses

MA Thesis & Thesis Defense

During their residence, MFA students are expected to work closely with members of the creative writing faculty and write book-length thesis of publishable quality —a novel, a collection of stories, or a collection of poems.

A complete draft of the thesis should be submitted to the committee chair at least three weeks before the desired defense date. After the thesis has been approved by the chair, a defense date is scheduled and cleared with the other committee members. When the date and time have been set, the student should inform the Graduate Advisor, who will schedule a room for the defense and post an announcement so that the public may attend.

Click on the link below to download a recommended, two-year timeline for an MFA in English from our department.

   ENGLISH MFA TIMELINE

English MFA - Creative Writing (Modular Track)

The University of Utah Creative Writing Program offers a modular MFA program in poetry, fiction and nonfiction that allows students to take courses in Environmental Humanities, the History of the American West and Book Arts while completing a manuscript in the genre of their choice.

Funding Opportunities

About the modular track.

The modular MFA is the only MFA program in the nation that allows students to create courses of study that would capitalize on these three distinct areas, to use the historical, aesthetic and cultural knowledge gained from these subjects in their own creative writing.   Upon entering the MFA program, students interested in the modular MFA would declare whether they wanted to pursue a single track (MFA with an Environmental Humanities emphasis, for instance) or a multidisciplinary track (MFA with an American West/Environmental Humanities emphasis).

While enrolled in a writing workshop of their choice each semester, students will also take a wide variety of graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses from departments across campus, including History, Communication, Art and Art History, Philosophy and Film, as well as English.   These courses include topics such as Environmental Ethics, Film Directors of the American West, Bookbinding, Digital Arts, Global Environmental History, Videogame Studies, Sound Poetry, Artists’ Books, and Art and Architecture of the American West.   Students are also encouraged to take our hybrid graduate writing workshop called Experimental Forms in which students combine poetry, fiction, nonfiction and new media in diverse and original ways.

Modular MFA Requirements

Our traditional MFA program requires nine graduate courses, plus six hours of thesis research. Of these nine courses, four are creative writing workshops, one is a theory and practice in the genre of the student’s thesis, and at least four courses are in literary history and special topics.

Our modular MFA program requires the same number of courses and hours of thesis research, but allows students in particular modules (or multi-disciplinary modules) to take courses outside English to fulfill their four literary history/special topics requirements.

Approved Modular Courses

Below is a list of possible approved courses regularly offered at the university in each of the three modules that modular MFA students might take. This list is not exhaustive; modular MFA students are encouraged to research their departments of interest to find other graduate and upper-division undergraduate courses that might apply.  Courses not on this list must be pre-approved by both the Director of Graduate Studies and the Director of Creative Writing for the student to receive credit towards her modular MFA degree.

Environmental Humanities

EHUM 6900/005:  Environmental Leadership/Orientation Week 0, Fall1 EHUM 101:  Foundation in Environmental Humanities Fall1 EHUM 6103:  Ecology of Residency (Taft-Nicholson Center - Summer) Fall2 EHUM 6105:  EH Writing Seminar Spring1 EHUM 6804:  Tertulia - Reading/discussion group - Fall1, Spring 1

Other courses of interest

Environmental Humanities encourages students to explore courses offered through the College of Humanities. Courses vary semester to semester, year to year. Courses of interest might include:

COMM 6360:  Environmental Communication COMM 7200:  Environmental Communication EHUM 6850:  Issues in Environmental Humanities - topic varies according to semester ENGL 5980:  Ecoctriticism ENGL 6240:  Literature of the American West ENGL 6810:  Post-humanist Theory & Practice ENGL 7700:  Seminar in American Studies ENGL 7850:  Digital Humanities HIST 6380:  US Environmental History HIST 7670:  Colloquium in Environmental History PHIL 5530:  Environmental Philosophy PHIL 6520:  Advanced Bioethics

American West

ENGL 6200:   Introduction to American Studies ENGL 7700:   Special Topics in American Studies ARCH 6231:   Art and Architecture of the American West HIST 6910:   Special Studies in American History HIST 7620:   Colloquium in the History of the American West HIST 7870:   Colloquium in the American West FILM 7870:   Special Topics in American West Film and Filmmakers

Book Arts / Publishing / New Media

ENGL 7050:   Experimental Forms ENGL 7810:   Publications Workshop: Lit and American Studies ENGL 6680, 7740 or 7720   (whichever number applies):

*Seminar in the Theory and Practice of New Media Writing *New Media and Poetry *Sound Poetry *Critical Studies in Artists’ Books

ARCH 6052:   Digital Media ART 3360:   Letterpress Printing ART 3365:   Bookbinding ART 3630:   Digital Studio ART 4060-065-070:   Nonmajor Letterpress II ART 4075:   Nonmajor bookbinding III ART 4090:   Nonmajor Artist’s Books COMM 6520:   Interactive Narrative COMM 6550:   Digital Imaging COMM 6640:   Comm Tech and Culture COMM 6650:   Videogames Studies COMM 6670:   Activism & New Media COMM 6680:   Computer Mediated Communication COMM 6690:   New Media, Special Topics COMM 7640:   New Media, Special Topics

Students interested in pursuing the Modular MFA have the option of applying or being considered for a number of fellowship opportunities. Students primarily interested in Environmental Humanities will be considered for a half-teaching fellowship that will cover half their tuition expenses and fees. Students interested in the American West and/or Book Arts/New Media studies will be eligible to apply for The Center for American West/ J.W. Marriott Special Collections Fellowships after they have been accepted into the MFA program. These fellowships will require that students work as archivists and transcribers in one of four areas:  Science and Technology in the West, Multimedia Archives of the West, Utah Oral Histories, and Utah Outdoor Recreation Oral Histories.

Students who are selected for one of these fellowships will receive first-year funding for tuition and fees of up to $12,400 with the possibility of the same amount of funding for a second year. Students who receive the Center for American West/J.W. Marriott Special Collections Fellowship will also be given credit for a one-credit independent study course in Archival Research that will be noted on their transcripts.

Publishing internships also may be made available with FC2, Eclipse, University of Utah Press, Red Butte Press/Book Arts, and other local journals and presses. Credit for internships may fall under the heading of ENGL 7810, the publications workshops for Literature and American Studies.

English PhD - Creative Writing

The English PhD with a specialization in Creative Writing is neither a fine arts degree nor simply a traditional literature PhD with a creative dissertation. The program is designed to help the student become a better writer, as well as a writer who knows the history of his or her chosen genre and who is aware of the critical theory relevant to it.

The PhD is generally recognized as a writer's best preparation for a teaching career at the college or university level.   Many colleges cannot afford to hire someone to teach only creative writing; the PhD is strong evidence that the writer can also teach literature courses and that he or she can take a full and active part in the academic community.

Qualifying Examinations

• English PhD Timeline

Students will take ten courses of at least three credits each:

• English 6480: Introduction to Critical Theory
• At least three workshops (one in a genre other than the dissertation is recommended)
• At least three courses in literary history, including one covering literature before 1700 and one covering literature between 1700 and 1900
• English 7450: Narrative Theory and Practice or English 7460: Theory and Practice of Poetry (depending on the genre of the dissertation)
• One or two electives (depending on the number of workshops taken; one of these courses may be taken in a department other than English, with the prior approval of the Director of Graduate Studies)

In creative writing, exams focus on the genre (poetry or prose) of the student’s dissertation. Students will be examined in four fields; lists in each field normally include 25-30 major works or their equivalent. Students must complete all required coursework and satisfy the language requirement before scheduling their qualifying exams. Examination lists will be devised by students in consultation with the members of their committee.

• The genre from its beginnings until the end of the nineteenth century
• The genre from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present
• Topics or themes are devised in consultation with the student’s supervisory committee, especially the committee chair, and might focus on specific literary, generic, or thematic areas (e.g., history of lyric, gothic literature, graphic novels, the literature of war, queer literature, etc.) or a cultural studies field or otherwise interdisciplinary area (e.g., American studies, digital humanities, film studies, race/ethnic studies, religious studies, gender/sexuality studies, art history, etc.).
• This list will focus on theoretical questions relevant to the genre or the dissertation.

English Creative PhD Timeline

Click on the link below to download a recommended, two-year timeline for a Creative Writing PhD in English from our department.

   ENGLISH Creative Writing PhD TIMELINE

• Testimonials
• Writer’s Diagnostic
• Time Management Questionnaire
• Resources by State
• Beta Reading, Critique & Workshops
• Publication Assistance
• Editing & Proofreading
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Utah Resources for Writers

Here you’ll find a collection of resources for writers in Utah, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you’re looking for writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or simply a place to hang out with writers or submit your work, these are some Utah writing organizations you might want to check out:

WriteByNight

For more than a decade, WriteByNight has helped writers in Utah and beyond achieve their literary goals. And we want you to be next! Claim your free consultation  to learn about WBN’s customizable  one-on-one writers’ services , including:

Book Coaching :  If you’re writing a book and want some help along the way.

Manuscript Critique : If you’ve written a book and want a beta read, critique, or writing workshop.

Editing/Proofreading : If you’ve written a book and want someone to polish it for you.

Publication Assistance : If you’ve written a book and want help finding an agent or publisher.

Anne Newman Sutton Weeks Poetry Series

Events throughout the year include readings, signings and workshops.

League of Utah Writers

Members are writers and poets with various interests at all levels of skill and professionalism, meeting in local chapters around the state to write, read and discuss their work.

Quarterly West

A prominent literary magazine offering poetry, fiction, nonfiction and new media.

Redrock Writers Guild

An organization that hosts an annual writing seminar, poetry contests, writing workshops, and more.

Sugar House Review

A popular poetry journal out of Cedar City.

Utah Humanities Book Festival

A month-long festival featuring literary events throughout the state.

Utah State Poetry Society

Offers many readings, discussions and writing workshops in all parts of the state.

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference

An annual conference offering morning and afternoon writing workshops, seminars and discussions.

Help us add to this list, Utahns! Do you know of writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or a Utah literary journal we should be aware of? Let us know here

I love WBN's blog. I learn all sorts of good things about writing and publishing, but most importantly, I've learned that I am not alone out here. Maureen Fisher-Fleming Armstrong, BC, Canada

Client Credits

WBN has helped writers publish with:

Simon & Schuster Little, Brown & Co. St. Martin’s Press Amazon Slate Threepenny Review Huffington Post

WriteByNight, LLC 235 West End Avenue, 6H New York, New York 10023

646.374.8174 [email protected]

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TORREY HOUSE PRESS

Voices for the land.

VOICES FOR THE WEST

Writing workshops & community conversations, february 2025.

Coming soon...information on our third-annual workshop series on the edge of Zion National Park! VOICES FOR THE WEST Writing Workshops will take place in February 2025 in Springdale, Utah. Join us in the heart of redrock country for an inspiring, unforgettable weekend!

The stunning redrock scenery of Springdale, Utah, provides inspiration for poetry, fiction, and nonfiction writers—writers of all levels are welcome. Hone your craft during the day, and enjoy public events and readings with the award-winning instructors in the evenings. Plus, each attendee will gain insider knowledge into the publishing world with Torrey House Press Publisher Kirsten Johanna Allen and Executive Editor Will Neville-Rehbehn.

Each workshop will have a maximum of 15 attendees. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded to attendees on the basis of financial need.

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW!

Join our email list and get updates on Voices for the West Writing Workshops, our books, and what our writers are up to!

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Reflections from last year's workshop:

"Voices for the West exuded excellence in every way and I have enormous gratitude and deep appreciation for an event that was outstanding in every possible way." 

MORE PRAISE FOR VFTW

"I'm returning from the Voices for the West workshop feeling both shifted and grounded. Working, even briefly, with a community of writers committed to both creative practice and issues of place, space, and environment has challenged and invigorated my writing beyond expectations. If your writing engages with environmental advocacy, human relationships with place, and/or land: the structure, focus, and community Voices for the West provides will benefit you and your work—period."

"The best part of attending Voices for the West was being surrounded by a community of writers that use their words to tell the stories of the places they love and want to protect."

"Whether you are a beginner or long-time practitioner, if you like writing you will love this conference."  

"The attendees, the faculty, the Cable Mountain Lodge staff, and the Torrey House Press crew were all such a special part of the weekend. This workshop is perfect for writers who are looking to tap into new (or renewed) inspiration, connections, and perspectives while honing their craft. And every writer who feels a connection to the people and places of the west should attend -- this workshop is steeped in the kind of energy that will call your words home."

"I took a course in fiction to step outside my non-fiction comfort zone. Writing in community alongside the Virgin River was inspiring and expanding, an experience I will carry forward with my words for quite some time.  

"Being in a different part of the country than where I am usually, experiencing the different terrain, seeing how interaction with the land can positively influence my writing, gaining a new appreciation for the land, its history, and what it can show us. I live in the midwest and I usually attend writing workshops elsewhere. It was also great to meet and work with other writers, many of whom are based in the west."

"The best part of attending Voices for the West was the companionship, the wise instruction of the workshop leaders, and just the feeling of being a part of something inspiring and wonderful. Folks should attend at any point in the writing process. This was useful to me at the idea generation phase, and I got so much out of it."

"In the past week, I've approached two manuscripts with renewed energy and focus, drawing on strategies and approaches I learned from my workshop leader and other workshop participants."

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Community Writing Center

• Salt Lake Teens Write

Salt Lake Teens Write & Anthology

The Salt Lake Teens Write (SLTW) program is a series of intensive writing workshops to help middle school aged teens develop their skills and passion for creative writing.

All teens entering grades 7-8 this fall are eligible to participate in this program.

The first cohort will meet for an Teens Write Summer Camp, “School’s Out for Summer,” that runs from July 18-11, 2024, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the CWC. There will be other intensive workshop series throughout the academic year. Participants in each cohort will work together and individually to create amazing works of writing and engage in their creative passions. Teens are welcome to participate in all of the SLTW workshop series offered.

We encourage all teens 11-19 years old in the Salt Lake Valley to submit their poetry, short stories, short memoirs, personal essays, photography, artwork, etc. for publication in our SLTW Anthology.

Meeting Times For SLTW Writing Cohorts

Middle school summer camp.

July 8th - 11th, 10-1 pm

Calling all middle schoolers! Come write and create with us at our second annual Salt Lake Teens Write Summer Camp July 8th - 11th, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Community Writing Center. There will be a new workshop each day, anything from Horror fiction to Pet Memoirs! You will also work to submit writing, artwork, and/or photography for inclusion in our Teens Write Anthology in the fall and become a published author or artist. Free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Cost: Free. Registration is required.

Location: CWC, 210 East 400 South #8

SLTW ANTHOLOGY

Participants in all SLTW cohorts and all teen writers will have the opportunity to submit their work to a SLTW anthology that is published at the end of the year. All of the writing cohorts will come together to collaborate on this anthology publication.

Please check back for updates on the 2024 anthology.

VIEW THE 2022 SLTW ANTHOLOGY "GRAY MATTERS"

Participant Experiences

“Having only had a public education setting for my English instruction so far, it sounded like heaven when our teacher told us about an opportunity to get connected with a personal writing mentor! Working with someone one-on-one has been extremely valuable to me. I love being able to bounce ideas and brainstorm with someone. Going over what I’ve written so far has been so helpful. Right now we are working on flash fiction and short stories, and I am focusing on how to create better imagery and engage the reader more fully. I love the freedom of subject I have here! In school our writing is so restricted and regimented; on our own it’s really difficult to find anyone to help you. I feel like this program has really given me the opportunity to grow so much more than I would have otherwise.” Patti Keene “My Language Arts teacher told me that I should participate in Salt Lake Teens Write because it will help me become a better writer. I learned a lot in this program so far because I have such a great mentor; I learned how to write a scholarship essay and a resume. So far it is a good experience. Writing together is great because I have developed a lot of cool, awesome tools to be creative. The most rewarding thing about this program is working with my mentor and just having the opportunity to learn new writing skills.” Abdikadir Eftin

Featured Works from Salt Lake Teens Write

Lighthouse Eszter Vizhanyo

Meet me at the lighthouse And stand with me at its peak, Where we look one way and see the ocean And another to see the cliffs…

Meet me at the lighthouse: Salt-chewed ship, tattered flag, weary sailors Or high horse carrying wounded traveler…

Meet me at the lighthouse When come a blindness over your eyes, Hands reached out in front of you to find home, When come fog and high tide and screaming wind, You will see its light and make it there, at least…

Meet me at the lighthouse And see the lonely soldier from far away, Staring down with crown of twirling light…

Meet me at the lighthouse, Find solace from the dangerous world Of frothing hills and rolling waves, From where you can look out and see the cliffs, See my path and yours…

Come meet me at the lighthouse And find your way home.

Teapot With Me Kellen Hunnicutt

On the burner with me Feel the fire or defeat Feel your porcelain redden Breath heavy Politely try So desperately To stand out With handmade Stalks of lavender And sunflowers And deep green trees With a shine-gold Edge Still overflowing With liquid so Scorching Over steeping Intended to be still Gravity calls and we Could all cackle And crack to the Floor shatter like Nothing at all

But a scream.

Advice to Self Ilaisa Folau

Don’t waste your time with terrible friends When you know that they won’t get you far Don’t try to be what they want and instead, Try to figure out who you are

Even though things have gone way different than planned And it’s easy to feel alone Everyone is in lockdown and they all understand Especially people at home

When it comes to journey’s end I’ll find my missing peace Then the puzzle will finally mend, A part of life’s great masterpiece

Happiness is not in the past True joy is in the present This is the only thing that lasts Don’t waste it because the time goes fast

Cloud of Nostalgia Calvin Jeppesen

Brooding over things not done, Now’s a simpler day than you know; It feels as though you have not won, Mind set on things long ago. Threw your body on the bike, Cycled streaks of steel, Arrived to pluck strings as you like, But was it ever truly real? The memory that you cling, The possibilities you entertain; Those summer nights you’d sing Were never free from pain. For a wet step through the door Soaring countless states afar; Lands in a place not seen before, One to make sweet memories once more.

View the full Salt Lake Teens Write anthology

Creative Writing

Apply what you learn in the English core to your own creative work, whether poetry, fiction, or essays. Learn how to think in images, argue in metaphor, and create characters that stick to the page. As Virginia Woolf says, “Nothing has really happened until it has been recorded.” As a creative writer, that’s now your job. In workshops, you’ll study and critique published works as well as the latest efforts of developing writers who share the table with you. You’ll also complete a literature course in poetry, nonfiction, the short story, or the novel, with the aim of creating more sophisticated literature yourself.

Coursework:

• ENGL 218: Introduction to Creative Writing. Learn the fundamental writing techniques in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
• ENGL 317R: Writing Creative Nonfiction
• ENGL 318R: Writing Fiction
• ENGL 319R: Writing Poetry
• ENGL 320R: Writing for Children and Adolescents
• ENGL 337R: Studies in Literary Form and Genre
• ENGL 420: Young Adult Literature
• ENGL 417R: Creative Writing Capstone: Nonfiction
• ENGL 418R: Creative Writing Capstone: Fiction
• ENGL 419R: Creative Writing Capstone: Poetry

Writing Chapters

Members are the greatest asset and most important part of the League. Local chapters are independently run and provide a space for education, practice, critique, skill-building, and much more to any and all writers.  Chapter meetings are open to the public and new members are always welcome.  

We have chapters across Utah with several meeting online for those beyond the confines of Utah. Find one nearest you, or the one that best fits your writing needs and personality. Every chapter is different and will fit needs of writers differently. Visit several until you find the right fit if you wish, or choose to be a member of multiple chapters. The possibilities are endless.  

We look forward to seeing you!

Click here to view Chapter Locations Map

Alphabetical chapter list.

We would like to thank Utah State Poetry Society and the St. George Arts Commission for their support. Also made possible through RAP Tax funding.

Redrock Writers depends on the voluntary efforts of Southern Utah writers who participate in our collective learning, write and read their poetry, and help organize and lead our regular activities. We deeply appreciate the contributions of members of UTSPS Dixie Chapter, the Utah State Poetry Society, the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, the Heritage Writers Guild and The League of Utah Writers. We also express appreciation to outstanding poets from across America who participate in blind judging our yearly contest.

Beginning Writer's Workshop

If you have a story that needs to be written, an online writing workshop is a great place to start. This course will help improve your writing skills and discover new ways to stretch your creative muscles.

Requirements

Some of the best works of fiction and nonfiction were crafted in a writer's workshop. This online course will help you write your own creative piece. Like a true writing workshop, you will learn literary techniques, peer review a classmate's work, and receive constructive criticism on your work.

In addition, you will learn how to move your work from the prewriting stage to editing and final revision. You will also learn how to use literary devices, meaningful dialogue, and imagery in your different drafts. By the end of this online workshop, you will have a thoroughly developed creative writing piece. You might even be ready for publication!

Lesson 1 - Preparing to Write

Lesson 2 - brainstorming, lesson 3 - literary devices, lesson 4 - genres, lesson 5 - peer review/workshop, lesson 6 - story, plot, and narrative, lesson 7 - characters and dialogue, lesson 8 - points of view and tense, lesson 9 - descriptive writing, lesson 10 - overcoming writer's block, lesson 11 - editing vs. revision, lesson 12 - getting published.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word is recommended (not included in enrollment).
• QuickTime .
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Carmen Marquez

Carmen Marquez is a seasoned journalist, writer, and writing instructor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers University and teaching certificate from Montclair State University.

Instructor Interaction : The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

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Young Writers

Lighthouse's Young Writers Workshops are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing. There are no grades here, just the stories. We offer workshops at Lighthouse including afterschool and weekend workshops, the Young Authors Collective, and summer camps, as well as youth outreach in schools, at juvenile residential treatment centers, and in collaboration with other arts organizations.

For the latest on workshops and events,  sign up for our Young Writers Program e-newsletter . 

Lighthouse connects kids and teens to words, new friends, and a writing community. We offer workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and many other genres and topics. Our classes are taught by published authors and are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing.

Summer Writing Camps

Lighthouse's Young Writers Camps are led by published and award-winning writers, and each workshop is designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing in young writers aged 8 to 18. Registration for half-day camp and applications for full-day camp will open on January 1, 2019.

School Outreach

The Young Writers Program offers creative writing workshops in public and private schools as well as juvenile residential treatment centers throughout the Denver metro area. Led by working, published writers with a passion for sharing their craft, our outreach workshops provide access to our innovative creative writing programming for young people who cannot come to Lighthouse.

The Young Authors Collective, or YAC, is a group of talented, word-obsessed high school writers dedicated to experimenting with new creative forms, collaborating with other arts organizations, and writing a ton. We meet once a week at Lighthouse to generate new pieces, give friendly feedback, and work towards publication.

Support Young Writers

Our Future Scribes Depend on Your Support. Nearly all of the workshops and projects that will engage 2,300 students this year are free to attend, and for the sessions that do have tuition, such as summer writing camp, financial aid is available for any student who needs it. We want all young people who want to write to be able to do so and for them to be nurtured by the best instructors and mentors available. This only happens with the support of generous donors like you.

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Courses and requirements.

Creative Writing Graduate Specialization

You are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits (including thesis credits) for the Master of Arts or the Master of Science degree.  

• Your Program of Study  must  include   four graduate-level   writing   workshops  (creative writing seminars in the genres of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction).    
• You  must complete either a 6-credit Plan A thesis project (a   creative   work   or collection   of   at   least   50   pages with   a   critical   introduction) or a 3-credit Plan B thesis project (a   creative   work   or collection   of   at   least   25   pages with   a   critical   introduction). Your Supervisory Committee chair will determine which plan is appropriate for your  project.  

Coursework  

All coursework can be completed within the English Department.  However,  you may take one course  outside the department  if it  is relevant to your Program of Study  and you have received permission from both  the DGS and your Supervisory Committee chair  to take it .  

Although   most   of   your   courses   will   be  taken from the curricula of the Creative Writing and Literature, Culture, & Composition specializations,  you may also take courses in the department’s other master’s programs (Folklore & American Studies and Technical Communication). Coursework   may   include   some   online   courses; however,   the   Master’s   in   English   is   an   on-campus   degree   and   may   not   be   completed   by taking only online   classes.  

Creative Writing courses  

One advanced creative writing workshop is offered each fall and spring, the topics rotating  through  the following three genres:    

6 882   Fiction Writing  (taught f2f)  

6 883   Poetry Writing  (taught f2f)  

6 884   Nonfiction Writing  (taught f2f)  

Additional Questions

Please address additional questions to the Director of Graduate Studies for the English department:

Lynne S McNeill

Associate Professor; Director of Graduate Studies (she/her/hers)

(435) 797-0264 Logan (RWST 301B) [email protected]

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Young and Teen Writers Workshops

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The Young and Teen Writers Workshops have served the community for over 38 years. Take a journey into the world of creative writing.

About the Workshops

Our program is one of the oldest workshops for young writers in the nation and remains one of the most affordable options for academic programs. We offer generous need-based financial aid packages.

Students will work on their craft and meet and learn from professional authors and artists. We offer two workshops:

• The Young Writers Workshop accepts applications from creative writers entering 5th through 8th grades. The 2024 YWW will meet on weekday afternoons, July 8-19.
• The Teen Writers Workshop accepts applications from creative writers entering 9th grade through rising college freshmen. The 2024 TWW will meet on weekday afternoons, July 22-August 2.

Past Guest Authors

The very first Young Writers Workshop guest author was the great Clyde Edgerton in 1986!

Our 2023 guest artists include returning authors Frances O’Roark Dowell and David Carter.

In recent years, YWW has featured NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, award-winning songwriter JR Richards; novelists Miriam Polli, Nahid Rachlin, Ben Shaberman, David Carter, Sean DeLauder, Kyle Winkler; poets Dorianne Laux and Al Maginnes; nonfiction author Cat Warren, and voice-over artist Graham Mack.

Previous guests through the years have included Jhon Sanchez (fiction), Eric Roe (fiction writer), Stephanie Van Hassel (poet), Chris Tonelli (poet), Bianca Diaz (poet), Ravi Tewari (poet), Alice Osborn (poet), Ian Finley, (drama), Ed Mooney, Jr. (fiction), Eric Gregory (fiction), Kayla Rutledge (fiction), Sarah Grunder Ruiz (fiction), David Tully (YA novelist), Cari Corbett (comics), Jeremy Whitley (comics), Megan Roberts (fiction), among so many others.

Dr. William K. Lawrence [email protected]