About NYC Level 1 Courses

This introductory Writers Studio workshop introduces fiction writers and poets to the philosophy on which The Writers Studio was founded in 1987 by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Philip Schultz. Persona writing, a method of borrowing the voice and temperament of accomplished writers, offers writers the imaginative distance and perspective they need to overcome their negative inclinations, their fear of self-exposure and endless doubt. This method also helps writers try on different voices, or personas, to develop narrative and lyric voices to be used as a tool for unlocking one’s most intimate and private stories and turning even their most difficult subject matter into inspiration for writing fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction.

Weekly exercises based on short pieces of published work are turned into assignments designed to introduce students to various literary styles and approaches and broaden their sense of what is possible in their own work. As the student’s understanding of technique deepens so does the clarity and emotional power of the writing. Teachers provide weekly critiques of each student’s work, a degree of attention nearly unheard of elsewhere.

NYC Level 1 classes are held in person at the Village Community School at 272 W. 10th Street. A virtual NYC Level 1 class is offered for those who would prefer this option.

I think it’s very true that you can only hear a small percentage of the criticism others are giving you. Remaining silent helps you hear it. When I go back to my desk, this approach helps me quiet some of my own voices in order to write. It’s about learning to listen to the helpful voices that really matters.
ELIZABETH ENGLAND
winner of the 2001 Grand Prize Fiction Award from Inkwell Literary Magazine, former Writers Studio student

Available NYC Courses