Center offerings: Frequently Asked Questions
Why enroll in an online writing session with the Center for Creative Writing?
Because not only will we help you become a stronger writer, we will guide you to better awareness of your unique creative process so you will keep writing.
Read about the Center and what sets us apart from other organizations offering online writing courses, including:
- a focus on the moment of creative inspiration, and on how to cultivate creativity in our lives,
- reverence for the creative process as much as for the created product,
- and our philosophy of meeting writers where they are in their writing lives.
Plus, your registration fee gets you so much more than just six weeks of writing mentorship. Registrants gain immediate and indefinite access to our password-protected platform, where we engage in conversation around writing, offer weekly prompts, and invite anyone to post drafts and ask for feedback at any time, at no extra cost. Center writers are invited to monthly Zoom gatherings led by Center teachers, who give an informal presentation on a writing topic or technique, along with a prompt so we can "write together" (i.e., turn cameras off, write for a bit, then reconvene as a group for reflection and optional sharing).
Enjoy these benefits and more by becoming a Center writer.
Who would benefit from a writing session with the Center for Creative Writing?
We welcome writers from all backgrounds and levels of experience, from aspiring and practicing to established writers. Some of our offerings are very much geared toward aspiring writers, while others will have the most value for writers with more practice. See individual course descriptions for more insight into a course’s suitability for you, or contact us for a complimentary consultation.
Inclusivity Statement: The Center for Creative Writing is committed to welcoming writers of all levels and backgrounds into our community. We do not practice or tolerate discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, class, spiritual practice, ability, or age. Our online writing sessions and mentorship are for everyone, though we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who is acting in a discriminatory, abusive, or threatening way to another student or teacher. Due to their close personal nature and atmosphere, we might offer certain writing retreats only to people who identify as women, or only to people who identify as men.
What do you mean by "aspiring writers" and "practicing writers"?
We define aspiring writers as those who want to write, or want to return to writing after a long time away. Practicing writers have a little more experience with receiving feedback or working with other writers in a one-on-one or group setting. The most experienced practicing writers are perhaps even working and/or published writers who seek inspiration and guidance to jump-start existing practices and develop larger works-in-progress.
What is the format and time commitment for an online writing session?
We mentor writers year-round in six-week sessions. In the first five weeks, you will generate new and original writing and possibly respond to readings and exercises provided by your mentor. In the sixth week, you will choose one of those five pieces of writing to revise according to the feedback from your mentor. Writers enrolled in generative sessions can expect to spend one to three hours preparing weekly submissions. Writers who are working on manuscript development or self-publication will likely spend more time on their writing projects, but have more flexibility around scheduling and deadlines (TBD with mentors at the start of the session).
When do writers and writing mentors meet?
There are no required meeting times for most session work. You can write according to your own schedule and submit your writing weekly at your convenience, any time prior to the deadline of midnight EST on Sundays.
What computer skills and programs do I need?
For successful completion of a writing session, you need:
- An email account
- The ability to click links, download/view PDF documents, view videos on YouTube, and other simple internet functions.
- A basic familiarity with Office software (i.e., Microsoft Word).
The Center for Creative Writing mentors host our writing sessions on Wet Ink, a platform specifically designed for writers to share work and receive feedback. Upon registration, you will receive an invitation to create a free profile on Wet Ink. Doing so is as quick and easy as creating any social media profile. Once you are set up on Wet Ink, your mentor will add you to the virtual session space she's created just for you, and you will begin receiving emails through the platform. It is very easy to use, but should you ever have questions, your mentor is available by regular email to help. Wet Ink also has a very responsive and knowledgeable customer support team.
Besides my registration fee, do I have to purchase anything?
No. Your registration fee covers instruction, access to the Wet Ink platform, a subscription to Center Your Writing on Substack, and invitations to our free monthly community Zooms.
How do I interact with my mentor? With other community members?
Most writing session communication will take place via email and within the Wet Ink platform, where you can also engage with other Center writers through public posts and private messaging. Some mentors use conference calls to hold feedback sessions.
How is my writing evaluated?
With care and compassion. Our mentors are committed to encouraging the creative efforts of our writers by focusing on the strengths of the writing and making thoughtfully-worded suggestions for improvement. We will not criticize your writing. Center mentorship is about process as much as product. If you want to write, we want to help—by providing an inspired, supportive community within which to develop self-confidence while exploring your style and direction.
Can I continue if I like my mentor?
Yes! You can take as many generative sessions as you wish. For returning writers, we offer a discount, too. If and when you're ready to explore another offering—a virtual retreat, a manuscript development session, or a self-publishing session—contact us to discuss your options.
What is your policy on withdrawals, deferrals, or refunds?
Out of respect for our mentors and the format of our sessions, we do not encourage deferrals or withdraws unless in the event of major illness or emergency. We hope all members of our writing community will recognize that registering for an online writing session is a commitment, most importantly to their own writing.
Still, we know illnesses and emergencies happen. If a writer registers for a writing session and has to withdraw, we offer the option to defer registration for up to six months, as long as notice of withdrawal is given before the week one submission deadline (midnight on the first Sunday of the six-week session).
If a writer must withdraw after the completion of week one, instead of full credit for a future session, the writer has the option of making a one-time submission of up to 10 pages of a new or existing writing project for evaluation by their previous mentor within six months of the start date of the session for which they originally registered. Through this policy, we hope all registrants will be able to benefit from our course content and the attention of our teachers, even in the event of illness or emergency.
If a writer registers for a virtual retreat, a manuscript development session, or a self-publishing session and is then unable to participate due to extreme illness or emergency, we will offer a credit or deferral in the amount of the registration fee, to be used within six months of the date of the original registration.
By completing registration for any online writing session, you are agreeing to these terms. Please contact us with any questions about our policies.