Writing Institute
Engage with other young writers in a workshop atmosphere at Washington University, ranked the sixth best American college for writers. Explore the many facets of professional and creative writing, including fiction, poetry, literary journalism, memoir, advertising copy, business communication, and promotional prose. You'll discover the thriving St. Louis literary scene, meet both professional and creative writers, and explore various writing-related professions. There is limited space available in this Institute, so submit your application early. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Program Dates
June 30-July 13, 2013
Workshop
You will spend your mornings in daily workshop. Expect to discuss published work; write your own work during short, in-class writing exercises; and share your work with classmates. Workshop will provide you with the unique opportunity to hear your classmates' reactions to your poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, and to share your own valuable opinions regarding others' writing. It might sound daunting, but workshop at the Writing Institute is always conducted in a relaxed, friendly environment. If you've never experienced workshop, you'll quickly discover that it's an immeasurably valuable process, helping you to think of your work from new perspectives and become a better, more thoughtful writer and critic. Example Workshop Writing Exercise: Hot Words, Live Verse: Tension and Surprise in Crafting Poetry
Craft Talks & Field Trips
After an hour break for lunch, you'll spend the afternoon attending a craft talk or taking a writing-related field trip. Craft talks are given by various individuals from Washington University and the St. Louis literary community. The field trips will take you to places such as the ecclectic independent bookstore Subterranean Books, the bustling news room of the Riverfront Times, the creative offices of St. Louis Magazine, and the Washington University Department of Special Collections.
Independent Writing Sessions 
The day will end with solo writing time. Before the Writing Institute begins, you'll be given a series of writing prompts that involve Washington University's campus. The solo writing time is meant to get your creative brain jumping while encouraging you to think outside the box. Solo writing time will begin immediately after the craft lecture or field trip ends and lasts one hour.
Literary Journal Submission & Open Mic
You will submit a final piece of writing for our institute literary journal, a copy of which will be presented to you at our open mic event. During the open mic event, you are invited to share your final writing piece with your fellow students and other invited guests.
Meet the Instructor
Eileen G'Sell received a Masters in English and Film at the University of Rochester in 2004 and, in 2006, a Masters of Fine Arts in poetry writing from Washington University. Her work has been published in such journals as The Boston Review, Ninth Letter, Harp & Altar, Sonora Review, and Conduit. In 2012 she was awarded the American Literary Review's national prize for poetry. In addition to teaching film, composition, literature, and creative writing at Washington University, she is cofounder of The Hinge, an art gallery and event space in St. Louis city. Eileen lives in the Central West End with her dog Holden.