2017 Summer Intensive Recap

We have something to say!
Passionate young writers at The Writers Circle’s
2017 Summer Creative Writing Intensives

Getting to Know You
We start every week in a circle writing our own 8-word memoirs.

then let our neighbors introduce us – if they can read our handwriting!

In class (which sometimes means out of the classrooms!)
Short Stories, Creative Nonfiction, Screenwriting, Novel Writing, Sci-fi/Fantasy, plain-old Fiction, and Poetry… taking students through a jam-packed, four-day sprint of developing ideas, writing scenes, dialogue, plot, imagery and more.

There were those heads-down moments when you could hear a pin drop.
Our hour-long “Free-Write” gives everyone a chance to dig deep. It’s the quietest hour in any summer program in the world, as well as one of the most valuable parts of the day.

But who says writers always have to be serious and quiet?
First, the pre-Frisbee huddle…

GAME ON!

And for those who prefer more sedate forms of silliness….

A few cool inspirational adventures…
Each Wednesday, we ventured off campus to an idea-sparking location where we set off to explore.
Then we reconvened to share our site-inspired creations.

At Ellis Island, there was a lot of intense writing, some wacky rehearsal-time, and presentations in the shadow of New York City and Lady Liberty.

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, individual inspiration filled us all to overflowing.

At the Edison National Historic Park, we observed how mad scientists and inventors really can change the world.

Our guest speakers opened our minds and challenged us to raise our voices and our pens!


Alex Cameron of Tor/Forge gave us an overview of how publishing works.	Freelance writer Steph Auteri challenged us to use our voices to advocate about issues we care about.	Anna Davies took us on a tour of the modern magazine world.

Another favorite – Teen Critique Tuesday!
We empower students to help and learn from one other and freely express themselves, always in an effort to find the best in each other’s writing. And on Thursdays, Abbie hosted her own special critique group – because, as an amazing writer herself, we like to let her out of the office!

Sharing our work with a wider audience…
OK, let’s face it: most of us don’t really like reading in front of an audience, but rehearsals can be fun!

But we got it all together for the real thing!

All of this couldn’t have happened without our sensational staff…

OUR INCOMPARABLE INSTRUCTORS


Chris Kapp	Lisa Romeo	Paul Witcover	Jenn Walkup

Laurie Albanese	Cat Doty	Adam Watstein	Rachel Cary

OUR AMAZING INTERNS


Rebecca	Jaris	Thea	Imogen

Payton	Olivia	Casey	Loretta

	Bhoop	Adam

Our Phenomenal Program Coordinator
Abbie Davidson

(This is practically the only photo of Abbie because she was almost always on paparazzi duty! At least we caught her in a lovely moment of calm reflection!)

OUR (virtually) TIRELESS DIRECTORS

who also taught fiction and novel-writing workshops!


Judith Lindbergh	Michelle Cameron

2017 Group Photos

Week ONE at Ellis Island

Week TWO at Drew University

Week THREE at the Edison National Historic Park

Be sure to read some of these young writers’ work at
The Writers Circle Journal Online.

Please join us next summer!

For more information, join our email list,
contact us or call (973) 900-0415.

Be sure to read these young writers' work at The Writers Circle Journal Online Journal

FROM STUDENTS

"Great mix between writing time and teaching time, as well as guided writing."

"Never thought I could enjoy writing fiction until this workshop!”

“The most valuable part of the Intensive was getting feedback from both experienced instructors and young writers.”

"I loved the prompts and the class had a really casual, creative atmosphere."

"The morning warm-up helped me stretch myself as a writer."

"The most valuable part was hearing others’ work. It allowed me to reflect on my own”

"I really liked how I could share my writing with a group that cared about writing and valued good writing, despite how weird or deep it might be."

"I loved the Wednesday special event. I loved everything that I learned and the inspiration that it gave my group to write."

“The vibe of this place… made me a better writer.”

“I never really wrote poetry before but this made me want to keep writing.”

“I learned that it doesn’t matter how long a writing piece is, it matters how much time you put into it.”

"I was able to grow by learning from all the other writers around me."

"I love how we’re taught the basics, the foundation!"

"The most valuable part was free-write because I could really focus on my work."

Poetry was "Absolutely amazing - an awesome mix between constructive/critical commentary.”

“I loved Wednesday’s event to the Met. I loved finding different stories in different paintings and art.”

"The atmosphere is the best part. The people are amazing."

"Sci-fi/Fantasy was awesome. Paul treated us like real writers. He taught us about how to build a world and use tools that Speculative Fiction gives us.”

"I came up with great pieces!"

"It was SO inspiring to be part of a talented group. It pushed me to be better.”

"I don't see how you can improve. Perfect!!"

FROM PARENTS

"It gave my daughter the precious gift of stimulating her young brain during a hectic, activity-filled summer with not much academic concentration."

The Intensive is perfect the way it is."

"A: good blend of academic; creativity; letting off steam with frisbee; guest speakers and off campus trips."

"The most valuable part was being surrounded by other talented writers who gave her new perspectives and helpful critique."

"Cat Doty gave many helpful pointers to strengthen her poetry, and was supportive of her wish to get her poetry published."

"The trip to the Metropolitan Museum was excellent and inspiring."

All this awesomeness happened at Brothers College, Drew University, Madison, NJ

Check out memories from 2016:

Summer 2016

Yes, we'll be back at Drew next summer!

JOIN US!

For more information, join our email list, contact us or call (973) 900-0415.

2017 Summer Intensive Recap