creative writing course in nj

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Unlock Your Creative Potential: Explore a Free Online Animation Course

Are you fascinated by the world of animation? Do you have a passion for storytelling and creating visually captivating characters? If so, then it’s time to unlock your creative potential and explore a free online animation course. In today’s digital age, learning animation has never been easier or more accessible. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these courses offer a wealth of knowledge and resources to help you bring your ideas to life.

Why Choose an Online Animation Course?

With the rise of the internet, online learning has become increasingly popular. The convenience and flexibility it offers make it an ideal choice for those looking to learn new skills or enhance existing ones. When it comes to animation, online courses provide several advantages that traditional classes may not be able to offer.

Firstly, online animation courses allow you to learn at your own pace. This means you can fit your studies around your existing commitments, whether that’s work, family, or other personal pursuits. You have the freedom to choose when and where you want to learn.

Secondly, these courses often provide access to industry professionals who are experts in their field. You’ll have the opportunity to receive guidance and feedback from professionals who have worked on major animated films or television shows. This valuable insight can help refine your skills and take your animations to the next level.

Lastly, online animation courses are often more affordable than traditional classes. With no need for physical classrooms or materials, course providers can pass on these cost savings directly to students. This makes it easier for aspiring animators of all backgrounds and budgets to pursue their passion without breaking the bank.

What Can You Expect from a Free Online Animation Course?

So what exactly can you expect when enrolling in a free online animation course? While each course may vary in its curriculum and approach, there are several key components that most reputable courses will cover.

Firstly, you’ll learn the fundamentals of animation, including principles such as timing, squash and stretch, and anticipation. These principles form the building blocks of animation and will help you create believable and dynamic characters.

Next, you’ll delve into the technical aspects of animation. This may include learning how to use industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate or Autodesk Maya. Through hands-on exercises and project work, you’ll gain practical experience in using these tools to bring your ideas to life on screen.

Furthermore, many courses will also cover storytelling techniques specific to animation. You’ll learn about character development, storyboarding, and creating compelling narratives that engage your audience.

Lastly, some online animation courses may provide opportunities for collaboration with fellow students. This can be invaluable for networking purposes and allows you to receive feedback from peers who share a similar passion for animation.

How to Choose the Right Free Online Animation Course

With so many options available, choosing the right free online animation course can seem overwhelming. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and learning style.

Firstly, research the course provider’s reputation. Look for reviews or testimonials from past students to gauge their satisfaction with the course content and teaching methods.

Secondly, consider the curriculum offered by each course. Ensure that it covers the specific areas of animation that interest you most. For example, if you’re interested in 3D character animation, look for courses that focus on this particular aspect.

Additionally, check if the course provides any certifications or recognition upon completion. While not essential for all learners, having a recognized qualification can boost your credibility in the industry if you’re looking to pursue a career in animation.

Lastly, take advantage of any free trial periods or introductory lessons offered by online course providers. This will give you a taste of what to expect before committing fully to a particular course.

Unlocking Your Creative Potential

By exploring a free online animation course, you have the opportunity to unlock your creative potential and embark on an exciting journey into the world of animation. Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in the industry or simply want to express your creativity through animated storytelling, these courses provide a solid foundation and invaluable guidance. So don’t wait any longer – start your animation adventure today.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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8 Universities in New Jersey offering Creative Writing degrees and courses

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Are you looking for Creative Writing courses? Here you can find course providers offering full-time, part-time, online or distance learning options. Choose the right institution in New Jersey for you or alternatively, try using our course matcher tool to identify the best institution for your study criteria.

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Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden

Rutgers, the state university of new jersey, newark, william paterson university.

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The College of New Jersey

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About The Writers Circle

We believe in the uniqueness of each writer’s voice. our workshops nurture that pure, honest self-expression in each of our students..

​​We welcome the most reluctant child, the teen in need of a welcoming place to explore and express, the adult who feels like a beginner, and the experienced professional looking for a group of insightful peers.

The Writers Circle is more than a place to take a class. It is a community joined by the love of writing.

Weekly Creative Writing Workshops for Children and Adults

TWC’s weekly workshops  inspire, support and encourage writers at every stage and age.

• Our children’s and teen workshops, for first grade through high school, emphasize creativity and imagination as the most productive and enjoyable path to better writing.
• Our adult workshops include beginners classes for newly aspiring writers, multi-genre workshops, and genre-specific classes in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry and more.

All our workshops encourage writers to work on their own projects while offering constructive support and incisive feedback at every stage of the literary process.

Hand-picked Author-Instructors

TWC’s  instructors  are all published authors hand-picked for their ability to encourage and support our students at every age and stage of the writing process. Our children’s instructors light up the room with their energy, ideas, and creative approaches to writing. The instructors in our adult workshops understand the risky, vulnerable experience of writing and know how to make writers comfortable receiving and sharing feedback. Our goal is always to bring each writer to his or her own best level.

Special Summer Programs – for Kids & Teens

Our  Summer Creative Writing Intensives  for teens is a week-long program offered for three weeks every summer. Students study specific literary genres, work with professional author-instructors and special guests, and develop their literary voices and imaginations along with a group of like-minded peers.

Our WordSMASH! summer mini-camps for kids in grades 1-7 are week-long two-hour afternoon programs offered on Mondays-Fridays every summer at Summit, South Orange, and Morristown. Chock-full of writing games, wacky prompts, and time to sink into a favorite book, Our energetic environment lays the foundation for kids to let loose and let the words flow.

Locations in Northern New Jersey

Summit . South Orange . Maplewood . Montclair . Morristown . Each Writers Circle location brings together local authors with aspiring writers to create a vital community to support and encourage your writing.

Now running VIRTUALLY, too!

With the onset of the 2020 pandemic, we moved all our offerings online and discovered writers of all ages from all across the USA and even around the world joining our workshops, summer programs, and special events.  As the “new normal” becomes clearer, we plan to continue offering virtual workshops as well as return to our in-person sessions locally. 

Editorial Services and Custom Classes

TWC’s instructors are also available to work one-on-one through our  book coaching, private consultation and editorial services . We also work with public and private schools, home school organizations and private groups to provide  in-school workshops, after-school enrichment, and professional development for teachers .

​A Community of Like-Minded Writers

Nurturing and supporting the TWC community is an essential part of what we do. Writers develop friendships with others who understand their passion, struggles, and goals. At our  special events , they meet authors and other industry professionals, extending their personal and professional networks. Our on-going  blog   keeps everyone up to date with thoughts on writing craft as well as news of the publishing world. We also support and share the best work of our writers through publication in  The Writers Circle Journal Online .

​​​Tools to Inspire Writers, Near and Far

TWC is working to share its creative approaches with writers beyond our workshops. Our  Story Magic Inspiration Sparking Idea Decks  and Plotfoolery Writing Adventure are just the start of the tools we are developing to inspire writers wherever their creativity takes them.

Connect With TWC

What Students & Parents Are Saying

Twc new jersey locations & online classes, too, find out more:.

The Writers Circle reserves the right to shift any in-person or hybrid program to virtual instruction based on the health and safety recommendations of the CDC, WHO, the State of New Jersey, or other authorities or involved parties.

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Creative Writing

Interested not just in reading literature but also in writing it? Have a poetic ear or an eye for plot and character? Montclair State’s creative writing program offers courses in fiction, poetry, drama, creative nonfiction, screenwriting and memoir, on a variety of levels. The program also features a minor in creative writing, a six-course sequence designed to bring out the best of your abilities through a series of workshops and literature courses.

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• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• English Department

Undergraduate Programs

Minor in creative writing.

The minor in Creative Writing offers students of any major the opportunity to hone their craft in consecutive fiction workshops at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels which will be combined with three corresponding electives.

Apply Now View Catalog

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Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ •

• • Rating 3.73 out of 5   2,149 reviews

Junior: I have loved my time here at Seton Hall! Since my first tour, I felt welcomed and a part of the campus community immediately. The sense of community at SHU is genuinely a game changer- I have met so many people from different majors, states, and even countries! One of my favorite things about Seton Hall is the academics here. Aside from having excellent and strong academic programs, the smaller class sizes and personalized attention have helped me grow and succeed as a student both in class and on campus. I have gotten to know exceptional faculty, and that personalized attention has helped me develop a strong bond with many of my professors! As a big school-spirit person, the events, Christmas tree lighting, and basketball games are so fun! It also is helpful being right outside NYC- a 30-minute train ride for internship opportunities, jobs, and entertainment is hard to beat! ... Read 2,149 reviews

• grade  B+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 77%

Net price $33,177

SAT range 1200-1370

#7 Best Colleges in New Jersey .

Blue checkmark.

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ ,

2149 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says I have loved my time here at Seton Hall! Since my first tour, I felt welcomed and a part of the campus community immediately. The sense of community at SHU is genuinely a game changer- I have met so... .

Read 2149 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 77% ,

Net Price : $33,177 ,

SAT Range : 1200-1370 ,

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ •

• • Rating 3.55 out of 5   1,836 reviews

Senior: When I first came to Rowan University, it was amidst 2020 and the COVID lockdowns. Expectedly, Rowan University didn't handle this well, but what school did? My first year was absolutely atrocious, it genuinely felt as though I was imprisoned. All classes were online, no activities were schedule across campus in hopes of reducing the spread of the illness, and the food was bad. However, I truly got to see what this University had in store once these restrictions were lightened and eventually lifted. The professors are extremely welcoming and conversive, activities galore, and overall it became the college experience that I assume everyone would imagine. The only issue that I see is that commuters may have an issue with the school as parking can be limited at the time. If Rowan University fixed that issue then it would be perfect as in every other way they are always working towards their improvement! ... Read 1,836 reviews

• grade  B Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 84%

Net price $21,425

SAT range 1070-1280

#10 Best Colleges in New Jersey .

GLASSBORO, NJ ,

1836 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says When I first came to Rowan University, it was amidst 2020 and the COVID lockdowns. Expectedly, Rowan University didn't handle this well, but what school did? My first year was absolutely atrocious,... .

Read 1836 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : B ,

Acceptance Rate : 84% ,

Net Price : $21,425 ,

SAT Range : 1070-1280 ,

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus

Madison, NJ •

• • Rating 3.53 out of 5   851 reviews

Senior: FDU is a great University. I had a ton of fun learning and growing as a person. I made friends along the way and faced challenges I never knew I could overcome. However, tuition is by far the most evil. FDU is a private University, and even with a scholarship, life in FDU is costly. Just don’t slack off in College and be sure you can get a return on investment! Good luck! ... Read 851 reviews

• grade  C+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 85%

Net price $15,810

SAT range 1040-1230

MADISON, NJ ,

851 Niche users give it an average review of 3.5 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says FDU is a great University. I had a ton of fun learning and growing as a person. I made friends along the way and faced challenges I never knew I could overcome. However, tuition is by far the most... .

Read 851 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 85% ,

Net Price : $15,810 ,

SAT Range : 1040-1230 ,

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Central Michigan University

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI

• • Rating 3.72 out of 5   2,957

Western New England University

SPRINGFIELD, MA

• • Rating 3.67 out of 5   815

Minnesota State College Southeast

• • Rating 3.95 out of 5   121

Centenary University

Hackettstown, NJ •

• • Rating 3.44 out of 5   322 reviews

Freshman: My first year attending this college has been quite the unique experience. I found myself enjoying waking up every weekday in my dorm room and getting ready for the classes, which offer me wonderful knowledge for my major in Equine Studies. I feel like I belong here, which isn't something I can usually say! I hope to enjoy the next 3 school years here! ... Read 322 reviews

• grade  C Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 98%

Net price $24,476

SAT range 990-1170

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ ,

322 Niche users give it an average review of 3.4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says My first year attending this college has been quite the unique experience. I found myself enjoying waking up every weekday in my dorm room and getting ready for the classes, which offer me wonderful... .

Read 322 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : C ,

Acceptance Rate : 98% ,

Net Price : $24,476 ,

SAT Range : 990-1170 ,

Bloomfield College

Bloomfield, NJ •

• • Rating 3.33 out of 5   498 reviews

Senior: My experience at Bloomfield College has its ups and down but overall it has been an amazing experience, I’ve had numerous opportunities to get involved on campus, the number of resources that are available for students have been amazing, I’ve gotten help with my tuition not only for financial aid but also from programs such at Trio SSS, McNair Scholar Program and if you are in EOF you can also get assistance with fund from them. Bloomfield provides tutoring services at the tip of your fingers for whatever subject you require. They also provide plenty of on-campus jobs in every department on campus, as a student, you can have more than one job on campus but you are allowed only one work-study job. This is beneficial because if your class schedule does not aline with a outside job then the on campus job will. Overall this is a pretty good school, you will make the best of it. The school also make it their point to make sure the students feel included by planning programs. ... Read 498 reviews

Net price $21,585

SAT range 780-970

BLOOMFIELD, NJ ,

498 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.

Featured Review: Senior says My experience at Bloomfield College has its ups and down but overall it has been an amazing experience, I’ve had numerous opportunities to get involved on campus, the number of resources that are... .

Read 498 reviews.

Net Price : $21,585 ,

SAT Range : 780-970 ,

Warren County Community College

Washington, NJ •

• • Rating 3.88 out of 5   82 reviews

Freshman: I am in the prerequisites class for nursing and just completed semester 1. So far it has been a great experience. ... Read 82 reviews

Acceptance rate 100%

Net price $3,857

SAT range —

WASHINGTON, NJ ,

82 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I am in the prerequisites class for nursing and just completed semester 1. So far it has been a great experience. .

Read 82 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 100% ,

Net Price : $3,857 ,

• Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

La Sierra University

RIVERSIDE, CA

• • Rating 3.54 out of 5   759

Dominican University of California

SAN RAFAEL, CA

• • Rating 3.52 out of 5   844

Washington University in St. Louis

SAINT LOUIS, MO

• • Rating 4.1 out of 5   1,559

Showing results 1 through 6 of 6

Creative Writing Courses

Introductory Creative Writing Courses are open to all; no application required. Advanced classes require departmental permission to enroll. Please see the Creative Writing Course Enrollment Information page for specific guidelines for each course.

Introductory Poetry

Cwr 202 · spring 2024.

Multiple sections offered

Instructors: Ilya Kaminsky · Kathleen Ossip · Lynn Melnick · Michael Dickman · Patricia Smith

Practice in the original composition of poetry supplemented by the reading and analysis of standard works. Criticism by practicing writers and talented peers encourages the student’s growth as both creator and reader of literature.

Introductory Fiction

Cwr 204 · spring 2024.

Instructors: Ed Park · Idra Novey · Jack Livings · Jenny McPhee · Lynn Steger Strong · Morgan Jerkins · Megha Majumdar

The curriculum allows the student to develop writing skills, provides an introduction to the possibilities of contemporary literature and offers a perspective on the place of literature among the liberal arts. Criticism by practicing writers and talented peers encourages the student's growth as both creator and reader of literature.

Literary Translation

Cwr 206 / com 315 / tra 206 · spring 2024.

C01 · Mondays, 1:30-4:20 PM

Instructors: Ilya Kaminsky

Students will choose, early in the semester, one author to focus on in fiction, poetry, or drama, with the goal of arriving at a 20-25 page sample of the author's work. All work will be translated into English and discussed in a workshop format.

Creative Nonfiction: The Act of Immersion: Reporting Deeply on the Lives of Others

Jrn 240 / cwr 240 · spring 2024.

S01 — Andrea Elliott · Thursdays, 1:30-4:20 PM

Instructors: Staff

The most powerful journalism transports readers into foreign terrain with depth, nuance and intimate knowledge, allowing them to steep in the worlds of other people. This is the product of immersive reporting, a high-wire act of journalism that is as challenging as it is rewarding. In this course, we will explore both the virtues and limits of immersion, tackling questions about the purpose, ethics and practice of deep reportage. Students will learn first-hand how to immerse, building skills in observation, interviewing tactics, and story structure, while producing a final work of narrative nonfiction.

Advanced Poetry

Cwr 302 · spring 2024.

Instructors: Katie Farris · Kathleen Ossip

Advanced practice in the original composition of poetry for discussion in regularly scheduled workshop meetings. The curriculum allows the student to develop writing skills, provides an introduction to the possibilities of contemporary literature and offers perspective on the places of literature among the liberal arts.

Advanced Fiction

Cwr 304 · spring 2024.

Instructors: A.M. Homes · Jack Livings

Advanced practice in the original composition of fiction for discussion in regularly scheduled workshop meetings. The curriculum allows the student to develop writing skills, provides an introduction to the possibilities of contemporary literature and offers perspective on the place of literature among the liberal arts.

Playwriting II: Intermediate Playwriting

Thr 305 / cwr 309 · spring 2024.

S01 · Thursdays, 1:30 - 4:20 PM

Instructors: Lloyd Suh

A continuation of work begun in Introductory Playwriting, in this class, students will complete either one full-length play or two long one-acts (40-60 pages) to the end of gaining a firmer understanding of characterization, dialogue, structure, and the playwriting process. In addition to questions of craft, an emphasis will be placed on the formation of healthy creative habits and the sharpening of critical and analytical skills through reading and responding to work of both fellow students and contemporary playwrights of note.

Advanced Literary Translation

Cwr 306 / tra 314 / com 356 · spring 2024.

Writing from Life

Cwr 310 · spring 2024.

C01 · Mondays, 1:30-3:20 PM

Instructors: Zoe K. Heller

What motivates us to write about our own lives? What is the relationship between the ‘I’ who experiences and the ‘I’ who writes? What are our moral obligations to the people we write about? In this workshop, we will consider different approaches to writing about the people, places and events that have formed us.

Short Screenwriting: A Visual-Temporal Approach

Cwr 347 / vis 340 · spring 2024.

C01 · Wednesdays, 1:30-4:20 PM

Instructors: Moon Molson

This course will introduce students to the foundational principles and techniques of screenwriting, taking into account the practical considerations of film production. Questions of thematic cohesiveness, plot construction, logical cause and effect, character behavior, dialogue, genre consistency and pace will be explored as students gain confidence in the form by completing a number of short screenplays. The course will illustrate and analyze the power of visual storytelling to communicate a story to an audience, and will guide students to create texts that serve as "blueprints" for emotionally powerful and immersive visual experiences.

Introduction to Screenwriting: Writing for a Global Audience

Cwr 349 / vis 349 · spring 2024.

C01 · Wednesdays, 2:30-4:20 PM

Instructors: Christina Lazaridi

This class will use fairytales, films, games and new media to illustrate universal script principles while creating a rich interdisciplinary lens to explore the innovative intersection of narrative screenwriting, science and technology.

Advanced Screenwriting: Writing for Television

Cwr 405 / vis 405 · spring 2024.

C01 · Thursdays, 1:30-4:20 PM

Instructors: Susanna Styron

This advanced screenwriting workshop will introduce students to the fundamental elements of developing and writing a TV series. Students will develop critical thinking skills by watching television pilots, reading pilot episodes, and engaging in in-depth discussion about story, character, structure, tone, dialogue, and other aspects of visual storytelling.

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Creative Writing

In this class students will explore various approaches to writing poetry, short stories, and songs. They will use their memories and imaginations. Students will use literary devices to enrich their writing voices, as they create simple plotlines, complex characters, and song lyrics. Certain assignments will incorporate choices around style: self-expression, persuasive, or narrative. Students will learn how characters can exemplify their opinions or beliefs or do the opposite. Students are expected to love reading and writing and enjoy sharing their thoughts and ideas in front of a group. The class instructor will present a variety of poems, stories, and songs to serve as models for deepening our understanding of writing forms.

THE INSTRUCTOR

Creative Writing Creative Writer – Author, Songwriter, and Singer Mimi Cross received a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College, where she became editor of the college literary arts magazine, and a Master of Arts from New York University. She has performed widely, worked briefly in the music industry, and is an Arts educator. Mimi Cross is…

EXPLORE OUR SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

Weekday workshops.

Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, JCW brings together writers of mixed genres and styles for alternating workshops and prompts meetings. 

During workshops, writers read and review submitted works, including short stories, excerpts, scripts, poems, and more. We provide positive and constructive feedback on these pieces in a supportive and social environment. Writers are eligible to submit pieces to workshop after attending one previous workshop. Pieces must be submitted at least three days in advance.

Weekday Prompts

Tuesday prompt nights feature three focused writing prompts. These are designed around a specific writing subject, such as character development or plot. The goal of Tuesday prompts is to learn new techniques, develop your writing skills, and, most of all, to get words on the page.

Thursday prompts follows a similar format, but uses calls for submissions as the creative launching pads. Actual submission encouraged! Bring a notebook and pen or a laptop, and your imagination.

Jersey Plums Poetry Group

The Jersey Plums meet on Saturday mornings for workshops and skillbuilding. 

Poetry workshops feature critiques of two poems submitted ahead of time. The workshops often end with one 10-15 minute writing prompt.

The Plums also meet for regular skill sessions. In these sessions, we present an instructional segment on an aspect of poetry, and then complete a series of exercises exploring that feature. Prior skill sessions have focused on topics such as sound and rhythm, form, voice, and language.

Nonfiction Workshop

Every second and fourth Monday of the month, JCW hosts a nonfiction workshop. During this workshop, we critique members’ essays, op-eds, memoirs, creative nonfiction, and book proposals. We discuss two or three works each night, which writers submit in advance. Participants must register on Meetup in advance of the workshop in order to receive the discussion guidelines, which are designed specifically for nonfiction critique.See events page on Meetup for additional details.

The Full Story

The Jersey City Writers Full Story workshop is one of our most unique programs. Full Story meetings involve a two-hour discussion and critique of a single writer’s complete book-length manuscript. The writer must submit their manuscript a month in advance, so that readers can take their time to read the piece from start to finish. 

The meetings are divided into two parts. The first part is much like a book club, with the writer acting as a fly on the wall, listening to the group discuss their book. The second part includes the writer in the discussion, giving them the opportunity to answer questions about their work and ask any questions of their own. 

If you’re interested in submitting to The Full Story, please email [email protected].

Crash Courses

JCW Crash Courses allow writers to follow the path of a manuscript. These special workshops examine each step in the process of writing a novel or other lengthy piece. We start with the first spark of an idea. Then we move through building plot and character, drafting and editing, revision, and, finally, seeking publication. Come to a specific workshop for the guidance you’re searching for, or come to all of them and see your book through from start to finish.

The works of local writers come to life at our quarterly reading events. On the first Friday of each quarter, artists, performers, and writers come together across Jersey City for JC Fridays. During this time, JCW hosts reading events centered on a single theme or genre. A few weeks before each event, JCW announces a call for submissions with guidelines. A panel of judges reads the submitted works and selects top pieces. Performers then read the selected pieces at a gathering of food, wine, art, and local fellowship.

Other Events

JCW is always looking for new ways to inspire and expand our reach in the community. We occasionally hold special events outside our regular programming. Previous events have included holiday parties, writers’ retreats, NaNoWriMo mixers and marathons, a poetry festival in partnership with the Jersey City Literary Arts Council, a residency at Hudson County Community College, and more. Keep an eye on the JCW calendar for these special events!

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