Creative Writing Classes in Seattle

The Writer's Workshop

• Founded by non-fiction writer Nick O'Connell in 1993, the philosophy of The Writer's Workshop is to allow students to learn the craft of writing---by writing, and finding the motivations to excel. O'Connell explains that teachers at the workshops "provide the context in which to progress, but you must provide the impetus to make that happen" (Reference 2).

  Several structures of classes are available to students including in-person evening classes over the course of several weeks and online classes that focus on the novel, travel, nature or fiction and allow the student to work at their own pace. Some courses extend beyond far beyond the Seattle area with one 2010 travel writing class offered in Provence, France. Students register online or by phone with payment required up front. In 2010, class prices average approximately $500 per course.

  The Writer's Workshop
  201 Newell St.
  Seattle, WA 98109
  206-284-7121
  thewritersworkshop.net

University of Washington Professional and Continuing Education

• Creative writing courses through the University of Washington (UW) continuing education program include classes in short-story writing, composition, beginning verse, proofreading and editing. Certificate courses in literary fiction, memoir, nonfiction and popular fiction, screenwriting and writing for children are also available.

  Classes are available online or in a classroom setting at UW or in downtown Seattle. The school offers an evening degree program for several departments, including English, for students seeking a bachelor's degree.

  University of Washington
  Professional and Continuing Education
  Registration Services
  206-543-2310
  [email protected]
  pce.uw.edu

Bent: A Writing Institute

• Bent's mission statement reads: "To promote and encourage written and spoken word among LGBTIQ people and our communities." Founded in 2000 by writer and poet Tara Hardy, Bent opens up space for the gay and lesbian writing community to work, perform and receive support in a non-judgmental environment (Reference 4).

  Traditional writing classes on poetry, memoir and fiction are interspersed between courses in performance and spoken work. This nonprofit program provides classes at a relatively low fee for two-hour classes taking place over the course of one month.

  Bent: A Writing Institute
  1620 18th Ave. Suite 10
  Seattle, WA 98122
  206-860-3035
  [email protected]
  bentwriting.com