How do I apply for the 2010 Summer Writers Institute or the Young Writers Institute?
Admissions and tuition information and application forms will be available on this site soon. We have a rolling admissions policy. You will hear about your admission as a decision is made.

How old or young must I be to qualify for the Young Writers Institute?
Enrollment is strictly limited to students who are entering their high-school junior year or senior year in the fall of 2010.

Where is the Summer Writers Institute and who runs it?
The Institutes are held at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA; and they are part of the Washington University Summer School.  A well-published writer heads each individual workshop. Click here for Faculty biographies.

Does the Writers Institute earn me college credit?
You can attend the Institute and earn 3 college credits, or you may attend the Institute on a noncredit basis. Youth in the Young Writers Institute must take the Institute for credit. Click here for details.

What happens in the Summer Writers Institute?
During the first week of the Institute, workshop groups led by our instructors discuss the writings that were submitted by the participants along with their application. During the second week, the group focuses on new writing or revisions.

The format of each workshop is a group discussion and critique of works-in-progress. In addition to peer feedback, participants have individual conferences with faculty members.

Workshops occur in the morning sessions (9:30-12:00), but that time may also include in-class writing exercises, discussion about any assigned readings, or general discussions about questions or topics related to writing. After a lunch break, participants may attend talks by guests who are professional writers or editors. Topics may range from writing short stories about unlovable characters to tips on getting published. Speakers may also present writing exercises or strategies to try, and will be happy to answer your questions.

"The format of each workshop is a group discussion and critique of works-in-progress." What does that exactly mean?

It means that you and your workshop group discuss, evaluate, and make suggestions for the improvement of each other's work. These discussions are led and moderated by your instructor, who is a professional writer and an experienced workshop leader. Your workshop group meets each morning during the Institute. The workshops are:

• Fiction: For writers whose prose fiction will be of interest to a general audience.
• Creative Nonfiction: Open to writers of memoirs, essays, personal essays, travel writing, nature writing, biography, and other types of fact-based narrative such as first-person reportage.
• Poetry: Open to poets of all styles and skill levels.
• Young Writers Institute: Open to high-school juniors and seniors interested in writing poetry or creative prose.

What is a "workshop" exactly?

It's an organized group of writers who serve as a "test audience" for each other's writing. For example, if you have written a short story, and you're not really happy with it, but can't quite put your finger on what is wrong, you may "put the story up for workshop." Each participant, plus your instructor, will read (usually at home in the evening) a photocopy of your story and prepare oral and written comments that are aired during the workshop discussion the next day.

Is that "discussion" the same as a "critique"?

Yes.

Are people allowed to be critical?

They are allowed to give their opinions. But they must do so fairly and honestly. "Fairly" means that the discussion focuses on the story, not the author, and acknowledges the story's strengths as well as its weaknesses. "Fairly" also means that workshop members must have reasons for holding their opinions, can cite examples to back up their opinions, and -- here's the best part -- that they have suggestions for improving the work in question. "Honestly" means that they won't mislead you by saying your story or poem is fabulous when they really think it could be better. That would be doing you -- and your work, and the whole art of writing -- a disservice.

Sounds like the writer has to have a thick skin.

Although it may sting a little to hear that your story or poem or essay perhaps needs more work -- maybe a LOT more work -- you can take heart. Your writing is being taken seriously by people who know what it is like to be a writer. Their suggestions may help your piece to become a finished, satisfying, and publishable work.

Do I have to follow everyone's suggestions?

No. What you do with the feedback is up to you.

Why should I listen to comments from anybody who isn't a professional writer?

Your workshop leader, a professional writer, will indeed give you useful and detailed commentary. He or she will also meet with you individually in conference. Feedback from your fellow workshop participants is a bonus -- an invaluable preview of how a diverse reading audience will respond to your work.

What is a "work in progress"?

A piece of writing you haven't yet completed to your satisfaction.

Why would I want anyone to see my work while it's in progress?

To find out if it communicates what you intended, how readers respond to it, and elicit suggestions for improving it or broadening its appeal.

Does my application guarantee acceptance?

No. Applications and writing samples are reviewed before applicants are admitted. Admission is on a space-available basis.

How can I apply?

Application forms will be available soon.

Contact the Summer Writers Institute or Young Writers Institute at (314) 935-6720, or email swi@artsci.wustl.edu.