Summer Writers Institute: FAQ
How do I apply for the 2008 Summer Writers Institute or the Young Writers Institute?
Click here for admissions and tuition information.
How old 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 2008.
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. Michael Nye is the Institute's director.
What happens in the Summer Writers Institute?
During the first week of the Institute, workshop groups led by our instructors discuss the writing that was submitted along with the participant's application to the Institute. 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 assigned by the instructor, discussion about any assigned reading, 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 are 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: Open to writers of literary fiction, short stories and novels, romance, science fiction, mysteries, and fantasy. There are separate workshops for beginners/explorers of fiction, and for advanced fiction writers.
- Creative Nonfiction: Open to writers of memoirs, personal essays, travel writing, nature writing, and biography.
- 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 have reasons for holding their opinions, can cite examples to back up their opinions, and -- here's the best part -- 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 of art.
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. 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.
Contact the Summer Writers Institute or Young Writers Institute.
