Sustain your voice and narrative energy through a full draft
Develop self-editing techniques to help you complete a thorough revision
Learn about the publication market for creative nonfiction
Make progress toward your writing goals
About this course:
Designed for serious writers who seek to refine their creative nonfiction manuscripts--including memoirs and personal essay collections--into polished works, this intensive workshop helps you polish your writing and find your narrative's energy and unique voice. You also develop and perfect self-editing techniques as well as explore the current market. The course goal is to have two new chapters or two new short essays ready to submit to publishers, ideas of where to submit work, and a deeper understanding of this artistic form.
Prerequisites
WRITING X 421.2 Creative Nonfiction II or comparable workshop experience.
Admission to this course is by application only and the selection process is competitive. It is recommended that students take intermediate-level courses prior to submitting their work. When this course is open for enrollment, click "See Details" for application guidelines and quarterly application deadlines.
Winter 2026 Schedule
Date & Time
Details
Format
-
Wednesday 6:30PM - 9:30PM PT
Future Offering (Opens November 03, 2025 12:00:00 AM)
Enrollment limited to 12 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. $100 non-refundable. Enrollment discounts limited to WP NOW members; no other discounts apply.
Admission to this course is by application only. The priority application deadline for applications is Monday, December 8 at 9am (PT). Applications submitted after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
Submission guidelines:
Submit one document (double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins on all sides) containing:
a 10-page writing sample;
a synopsis of up to one page if the writing sample is an excerpt from a longer work (i.e. personal essay collection or memoir);
a personal statement of one paragraph outlining what the student hopes to gain from the class;
and a list of previous courses completed in the Writers’ Program or other programs, with instructors (when known).
To apply:
Log in with your existing student account and then “add to cart”, or click “add to cart” and follow the prompts to create a new or returning student account. Then, follow the remaining instructions below:
Click “Start” on the first Application page.
On the 2nd Application page, click “Start” on the bottom left side of the page.
After that, you will be asked to upload a writing sample, per the guidelines below.
Once you finish the steps, click "Submit Application."
Please note that there are no pre-approvals. All students must submit the above requirements in order to be eligible for an advanced creative writing course.
NOTE: Despite being asked to enter payment information, YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED for this course unless you choose to enroll if/when you receive a notice of acceptance for the course.
Selection notices will likely be distributed via email 1-2 weeks before the class is scheduled to start.
This course is held via video teleconference. Instructors use Zoom to offer live class meetings at the designated class meeting time. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.
Refund Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to December 31, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
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