Writing Programs for you
The adult version of a summer writing camp takes many forms and is available year-round. There are writing groups, local and online, that can inspire your writing and offer you feedback on your work. There are also award and grant programs that can give you a purpose for cleaning up that draft you’ve been working on. There are also academic programs (like George Mason U.’s MFA Program, of which I am an alum) and low residency programs that offer degrees. There are writing fellowships and retreats that offer you the chance to concentrate fully on your writing and to talk about writing with other writers.
I am trying to compile a list of those opportunities, as well as the children’s creative writing camps. My week as a VCCA fellow prompted me to share and encourage taking part in a writing experience that meets your needs and your dreams. Please email me with your additions to this list.
Awards and Grants:
Here is an Awards and Grants link to Poets and Writers, an iconic magazine that offers so much information to writers of all stages.
New Pages guide to writing contests
The New York Times offers some interesting writing contests
Remember: Nothing Ventured, nothing gained!
Writing Groups
More local writing groups:
- The Writer's Center: Located nearby in Bethesda, MD, this major literary hub offers hundreds of workshops, craft classes, co-working opportunities, and readings both in-person and virtually. [1]
- The Inner Loop: A vibrant Washington, D.C.–based literary community offering monthly reading series, writer's retreats, and writer resources. [1]
- DC Writers Room: A dedicated physical co-working and community space in D.C. built specifically for local writers needing a quiet environment. [1]
- Capitol Hill Writers Group: A local network connecting freelance and creative writers for peer support and industry networking. [1, 2]
- Public Libraries: Check local schedules at nearby public library systems (such as Fairfax County Public Library or D.C. Public Library systems like the MLK Memorial Library), which frequently host local writing circles and write-ins. [1]
Online Writing groups:
- Scribophile: One of the largest critique and beta-reader workshop communities online for exchanging feedback.
- Inked Voices: An online platform built for forming structured critique groups, accountability pods, and live pro workshops.
- Poets & Writers Groups: A searchable directory hosted by Poets & Writers listing active online and regional critique circles.
- Meetup Groups: Search Meetup for regional virtual or in-person writing sprints like Shut Up & Write! or genre-specific meetups
- Ride by the Rails. https://wbtr.org/
Residencies and Fellowships:
Writing the Rails: The Amtrak Residency for Writers
VCCA Fellowships at Mt. San Angelo (Amherst, VA)
TMWW Summer Residential Workshops
Hopefully this gives you a small taste for what’s out there for writers. I have given you what is familiar to me; there are plenty more you can find. Be sure to read the offerings carefully; there are fees charged and usually some specifics for who will benefit the most from a particular workshop or writing group. Check the dates for application submission and when the sessions are held. Don’t be dismayed if you are not accepted-every year is different.
If anyone would be interested in an NVWP writing group, that would be so great. I’m happy to facilitate and join a writing groups of TCs. Next month I’ll send out a newsletter that will enable you to express an interest in participating in a writing group.