What are students saying about The Writers Studio?

I still can't believe my luck stumbling upon such a vibrant community of smart, like-minded, engaged writers.

-TAMAR SCHREIBMAN, NYC writer

In addition to the book, one of the most worthwhile benefits of my Writers Studio experience has been the ongoing friendship and writing support of a writer in Scotland and a writer in Florida. My experience with The Writers Studio shows that writers—wherever they live— can benefit from the New York studio training and be part of an international community of writers. The teacher's comments on the first exercise helped me tremendously with rewrites. They alone were worth the cost of the class!”

-LIBBY JACOBS, former online student, author of Wolf Note (Rager Media 2005)

Classmates, I wanted to express my gratitude for your comments over the semester. What a treasure chest of honest, sensitive, thoughtful feedback. As nervous as I was, as confused as I was, as frustrated as I was many times, I was equally relieved to encounter your voices. In equal measure, I am grateful for your works, for experiencing your inspirations, struggles, accomplishments, beauty and views of the world. I have been so impressed, and at times awestruck, by the caliber of effort from everyone.”

-DREW WALLACE, online student

“What really stood out to me was how lucky I am to have you as an instructor--and to have such a supportive group as the one we've had this term! You always emphasize and try to build on what people are doing right, whether in their exercises or in their comments in class--but at the same time know how much to press to move someone forward. Thank you!”

-A Student in the Advanced Poetry Class

“The teacher's generosity, support, kindness, praise, direction, suggestions, and hard work have given me a love of writing and helped me to find my unique voice.”

-SHIRLEY SULLIVAN, online tutorial student

“Having let my creative writing chops atrophy over the years because of the demands of making it as a scientist has not done much to feed my real needs. I must say this class has provided more stimulation, support and interesting exchange than I could have possibly hoped for.”

-DON ROBIN, online student

“I want to tell you how much I am enjoying your class. I have been stretched, pulled and prodded and feel as though I have many more tools in my arsenal and a much broader base from which to operate. I have especially enjoyed the teacher's succinct comments and criticism and have taken much of it to heart. I also want to complement you and the school on the selection of work for the exercises. Every one has been a gem. I find myself reading, and even watching movies with a completely different ear and eye and that is thanks to you. I am grateful.”

-ANNIE SMITH, online student

“An 11 year hiatus from writing because of children was long enough-the exercises and all of my peers have made this workshop something I really look forward to every week! The benefits gained from sharing my work with others are invaluable. Prior to this I never shared any of my writing-it takes courage and patience to be critiqued. The teacher and all the other students in the class are the perfect critics.”

-DIANE JOHNSON, online student

“Just a note to thank all at The Writers Studio, managers and fellow students. I am overjoyed after finding out yesterday that I received two honorable mentions for short stories I submitted to a literary contest here in Canada and both will be published in the Canadian Writer's Journal. Both stories began as exercises for classes at the Writer's Studio. I feel more driven than ever to carry on. The guidance, encouragement and an almost one-on-one support we get from the teacher, the feeling that even we beginners are indeed writers, is precious and appreciated. And on top of that is the friendship and lively interaction happening with my fellow students. Their work, so diversified and talented, is bested only by their observant critiques.”

-PAMELA SHERWOOD SHELTON, online student

“I've been so, so happy with my tutorial. It has been an extraordinary creative experience, bringing enlightenment, encouragement and a marked change to my work. Perhaps the greatest gift has been renewed faith; in myself, as a writer.”

-NYC Tutorial student

“I'm wrapping up Level II with Joel and have thoroughly enjoyed and improved as a writer through the experience. My past experiences with online classes were terrible, but Joel and this group have changed my mind about the potential for learning through online communication completely.”

-HOLLY JONES, online student

“I just wanted to tell you I love the class so far. My classmates are such great writers with unique perspectives. The setting is right out of a dream - the old table surrounded by the dusty bookcases, and of course just the incredible peace in the place. I adore the command you have of our classroom. It is strong, and it really makes me feel like our work is important. The first exercise was already a breakthrough for me. My husband says he's never seen me write like this before, or as excited about writing before.”

-TERESA SHEN SWINGLER, Tucson student

“The workshop has definitely given a structure to my writing. It has also made my writing life more challenging when I'm stuck for ideas, in that it provides a wonderful springboard or launch pad. Most of my short stories have begun as Writers Studio exercises.”

-ELIZABETH ENGLAND winner of the 2001 Grand Prize Fiction Award from Inkwell Magazine, while an NYC student

“I wanted to find something more long-term than a two-year academic program. The workshop has grown from being a place where I brought in work every week to becoming a group of people who know something about my writing process and the things I'm struggling with.”

-LESLIE FINDLEN, NYC student

“My tutorial sessions with Joel Hinman were some of the most enlightening hours I've spent working on my writing. I've taken workshops before, but never has the critique of my work made so much sense. Because of the original way he put things, I was finally able to get my head around what I needed to do to improve my stories. Without his help, I never could have written what I ended up writing. And I am so proud of what I ended up with.”

-STEFANI ZELLMER, NYC student

“Eleanor's class has provided me with a whole new approach to my writing. Her insightful and supportive feedback has helped me understand how to strengthen individual poems, but even more importantly, she is helping me understand how to become a better poet. I strongly recommend her classes to anyone who is serious about becoming a better writer.”

-ELLEN SULLINS, Tucson student

“Eleanor has a unique gift as a teacher: she is able to respond to what I might see as flaws in my writing and turn them into opportunities to learn and grow in the creative process.”

 -SAGE BERGSTROM, Tucson student

My Level I class is incredible. I am amazed, not just in what has emerged in my own writing, but also in my classmates. And how much sharper all of our writing has become.”

-REBECCA COONEY, NYC student

I want to let you know how very much I have enjoyed being a part of this class. The constructive critiques were so helpful, and everyone was so supportive. I absolutely loved the experience; it made me feel like maybe I can do this writing thing.

-TRISH STACK, Online level I student and educator

I wanted to thank you for one of the most constructive, kind, encouraging, and supportive classes I have yet to experience in my writing world. I learned so much from the critiques, not only of my own work but also from reading everyone's pieces and listening to you explore with each of us how we might move forward and make breakthroughs, however small, in our writing.

-NANCY PHILIPP, Tucson Level I student

I am so impressed by the way that The Writers Studio treats its students. I've really enjoyed the workshop, and know that I have found the right place to grow my craft.

-PAULA SWORD ORR, Level II student

I am so impressed with your teaching model and the quality of your staff that I will probably remain a student for many years to come. Nice work!

-GLENN GILCHRIST, Level II student

"Of all the workshops I've taken, the caliber of the other students is the highest, and the challenge for me is the greatest."

-DENISE BATTS, Level I student

“I've tried a number of writing groups and a few of those one-week writing conferences and nothing compares to what this class taught me about fiction writing. Your critiques were incredibly helpful, too. Thanks again.”

-PAT MALAY, Lynn Schmeidler’s Online Level I Class

"I want you to know that your wisdom and support mean a great deal to me. Your commitment, not only to the writing process and craft, but to your students shines out like a lighthouse. Your dedication to everyone's story finding the right technique so it can sparkle in the world inspires me to learn more and try harder. Thank you from me and all the stories I want to share with the world.

-SHIRLEY DUNN PERRY, Poetry student

I LOVED THESE TWO SESSIONS --in no small part because of what you brought to each chat, each new assignment--how you delved into the technique of each of the varied narrators we've studied over the two sessions... My experience with the Writer's Studio has been wonderful--an amazing learning experience that truly went way beyond my wildest expectation of what an on-line writing class could be. It has left me with such a wonderful sense of writer camaraderie, such good feeling and good sharing, that I know I will sorely miss.

-ANNE BRENTAN on Online Level I

“THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ONE OF THE BEST CREATIVE WRITING CLASSES I've ever taken-- I could not recommend it more highly. The focus on technique is invaluable and our instructor is such a constructive and supportive teacher."

-ANN LEES, Poet, Online Class.

I have been stretched, pulled and prodded, and feel I have many more tools in my arsenal and a much broader base from which to operate. I have especially enjoyed the teacher’s succinct comments and criticism and have taken much of it to heart. I find myself reading, and even watching movies with a completely different ear and eye and that is thanks to The Writers Studio.

-ANNIE SMITH, online student

The teacher's generosity, support, kindness, praise, direction, suggestions, and hard work have given me a love of writing and helped me to find my unique voice.

-SHIRLEY SULLIVAN, student in the NY workshops

I AM THOROUGHLY ENJOYING THE CLASS. My instructor and fellow students are so intelligent and creative. It is a pleasure and honor to work with them and share our pieces. The online format is surprisingly wonderful. Although I do hope to meet a few of them at least one day and put a voice to their words.

-MARGOT LAEDLEIN, Online Level I student

I had an amazing experience in my level I class with Abby. Not only were the exercises stimulating, Abby was a tremendously talented and thoughtful instructor. Her critiques struck the right balance of being sensitive and constructive, as well as insightful. She facilitated the meetings in an intuitive, non-threatening, fun manner. Abby helped to bring out the best in us. The method itself is brilliant as well and has noticeably influenced my writing (as well as helped me "unblock" myself). I definitely plan on taking another class. 

-SARAH BERKLEY, San Francisco level I student

I am so grateful for this school - for its methodology, for its vision, for its support. Thank you!!

-REBECCA COONEY, student in the NY workshops

I have learned more in your class in the last few weeks than I have in any class I have taken in the past. And at 54, that is a lot of classes.

-KATHLEEN SPECK, student in the NY workshops